Ep -66| Would You Invest ₹1 Crore in Media?| From Eega to Baahubali| Role of Karan Johar|TV Serials, Films, or OTT| Trends or Passion?| How to Build a Pan-India Hit| Shobu Yarlagadda on RawTalks P 66

In this telugu podcast with Shobu Garu, the mastermind behind *Baahubali* and co-founder of Arka Media, we dive deep into the complex world of TV serials, movie production, and the rise of OTT platforms. Drawing from his vast experience, Shobu Garu offers invaluable lessons on understanding audience behavior, managing production challenges, and making strategic investments. This conversation unveils the realities of working in the entertainment industry while also providing a glimpse into the nuances of startup investments.

Shobu Garu begins by shedding light on the TV serial industry, explaining how producers capture and retain audience interest. He elaborates on how they monitor market trends, determine which characters are resonating with viewers, and adjust scripts based on TRP (Television Rating Points). He mentions that TRP, tracked by multinational agencies, is crucial for channels to assess a show’s success. While TV remains a passive medium, Shobu Garu explores the possibility of responsive, interactive shows becoming popular in the future, though he notes that audiences are still comfortable with conventional passive storytelling for now.

The conversation takes a deeper dive into the making of *Baahubali*. Shobu Garu recalls how the film initially received negative reviews on the first day, but the perception gradually shifted as more people watched it. He explains that fan-based audiences come with specific expectations, which can lead to early criticism. However, the involvement of Karan Johar in promoting *Baahubali* across North India played a pivotal role in establishing its pan-India appeal. Reflecting on a past project, *Eega*, Shobu Garu points out that while it struggled in Hindi theaters, it performed exceptionally well on TV, showing how different platforms affect audience reception.

Budget management is another key aspect that Shobu Garu touches upon. With over 5,000 people working on the *Baahubali* crew, controlling costs was a daunting task. Despite the challenges, the team decided to increase the budget for the sequel to meet public expectations. Shobu Garu emphasizes that a bold vision sometimes requires financial flexibility. He also explains how the team resolved disagreements over budget decisions, ensuring the creative vision remained intact.

The discussion then shifts to the complexities of large-scale movie releases. Releasing *Baahubali* across 8,000 screens was a groundbreaking move, and Shobu Garu provides insights into the logistics involved, including managing regional taxes and distribution strategies. He explains how postponing the sequel’s release was a strategic decision that allowed the hype to build, ultimately contributing to the film’s massive success.

Beyond filmmaking, Shobu Garu delves into his investment strategies. He shares his approach to startup investments, explaining that he evaluates businesses across different stages—seed funding, pre-evaluation, and post-launch. Media-based startups, he believes, hold significant potential, and if given ₹1 crore, Shobu Garu mentions he would likely invest in a media venture. He also discusses the qualities he looks for in founders, valuing passion, adaptability, and long-term commitment over age or experience.

Towards the end of the conversation, Shobu Garu offers practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. He cautions against blindly following trends without understanding the depth of a business. Success, he says, requires consistency, persistence, and a genuine passion for the craft. Shobu Garu warns that constantly shifting focus can be a red flag, and instead, one should work steadily toward achieving well-defined goals.

Whether you're an aspiring filmmaker, a media enthusiast, or someone interested in startups, Shobu Garu’s insights offer practical knowledge and inspiration.