Samantha Turns a Safe Bet

Filmmakers believe that this actress has a strong market in Telugu and Tamil, though she hasn't delivered a hit here.

Samantha may not have single big release or hit to her credit in K-Town but she seems to be sought-after by filmmakers here. The actress started off her career in K-Town with small films like Baana Kathaadi and Moscowin Kaveri and with Neethane Enn Ponnvasantham, has attempted to move into the big league. The actress is currently working on this trilingual with Jiiva, Nani and Aditya Roy Kapur (for Tamil, Telugu and Hindi respectively). So what makes her so saleable? An industry insider says, "Samantha's last film in Telugu with Mahesh Babu, Dookudu, was a superhit. She has a strong market in Telugu and now with her signing on big films here, filmmakers think she is the best bet for movies that will be released in both markets."

As far as her remuneration goes, Samantha is reportedly currently charging 75 lakh in Tollywood per flick. Says a source, "Samantha is probably taking home a lesser salary in K-Town as she is yet to deliver a hit as the leading lady. Plus, she has worked with only smaller actors before. NEP will be a test of sorts for her." The actress is seen as more affordable than the two other popular Tollywood girls, Ileana and Anushka, in the south. Moreover, as everyone knows, both these actresses are also extremely choosy about their projects and don't sign on a flick easily -especially in Kollywood.