Telugu star Pawan Kalyan has set a record by selling his next release, Johnny, for over Rs 210 million, the highest price ever in the history of Telugu cinema.

Johnny has surpassed the previous record of Balakrishna's Chennakesavareddy, which was sold for Rs 195 million.

Chiranjeevi's kid brother turns director with this 'love story laced with action,' starring himself and Renu Desai in the lead. Everyone, including Chiranjeevi, praised its mind-blowing action sequences.

Produced by his brother-in-law Allu Aravind, the film has generated enormous hype in the industry. Johnny is Kalyan's first release in two years.

His last release Kushee grossed Rs Rs 27 crores (Rs 270 million), and distributors have bought his new film for astronomical sums. They hope to cover a big chunk of their investments in the opening week itself by releasing the maximum number of prints.

Trade sources reveal Johnny was sold at Rs 7.5 crores (Rs 75 million) in the Nizam region and Rs 4.5 crores (Rs 45 million) in Rayalaseema; the remaining Rs 9 crores (Rs 90 million) came from the rest of Andhra Pradesh.

With its audio selling like hot cakes, the much-awaited film slated for release April 25 is expected to rewrite collection records as it will be released in over 260 theatres all over Andhra Pradesh.

"It is definitely a gamble," agrees a buyer. It remains to be seen whether it will pay off or not. 

Kalyan and Aravind were among the three popular stars arrested Tuesday by the Hyderabad police when they staged a dharna in front of the Deccan Chronicle offices. They were later released on bail.