Tollywood veteran actor Nagarjuna has been away from success track for some time. He pinned many hopes on Wild Dog and the film released yesterday. Karthi’s recent offering Sulthan too released in a decent number of screens in Telugu states yesterday. Both these films opened on a below-average note and the response too was disappointing. The footfalls never increased for the day and both these films remained low on Friday. Both Wild Dog and Sulthan will end up as disasters at the Tollywood box-office. Pawan Kalyan’s Vakeel Saab will hit the screens next Friday.
Pan Indian projects: Coronavirus playing a spoiler sport
Rana Daggubati’s recent offering Aranya released in Telugu and Tamil languages but the Hindi version is kept on hold due to the wave of coronavirus in the northern states and Maharashtra. Several Bollywood analysts say that the summer releases would be pushed but things are still going better in the Telugu states. But there are tensed situations across Tollywood as there are several pan-Indian films hitting the screens soon.
Prabhas’ Radhe Shyam and KGF: Chapter 2 are the upcoming pan-Indian projects heading for July release. The situations should turn normal at any cost to have a smooth release for these films in all the Indian languages. The makers are tensed as the cases are increasing all over the country. Several Telugu films like RRR, Pushpa, Liger will have a pan-Indian release this year. Tollywood alone is heading for a huge bet this year after 2020 is completely wasted. Hope these pan-Indian projects end up as money spinners and pave paths for many such new attempts.
Sankranthi 2022: One more big fight for Tollywood
Tollywood is the only film industry in the country that is completely open and the release chart of films for the year 2021 is announced and is almost full. RRR is locked for Dasara release and soon a bunch of films announced their release dates in summer and post-summer. The release chart is completely packed till October while some of the films are yet to announce their release dates for September. Mahesh Babu’s Sarkaru Vaari Paata is announced for Sankranthi 2022 release.
As per the update coming, Prabhas’ upcoming action thriller Salaar directed by Prashanth Neel too is getting ready for release during the Sankranthi season. There are talks that NTR and Trivikram film too may join the race and enough clarity will be attained once NTR will be done with the shoot of RRR. Chiranjeevi is also gearing up to shoot for Lucifer remake and the film releases later this year. Chiranjeevi will also complete the shoot of Vedhalam remake in the direction of Meher Ramesh. This project too is expected to hit the screens for Sankranthi next year. As per the current updates, Sankranthi 2022 will have one of the biggest fights in Telugu cinema.
Summer mad rush 2021 increases
Megastar Chiranjeevi, Pawan Kalyan, Nani, Naga Chaitanya, Akhil Akkineni, Nithiin, Gopichand and others are all set to test their luck in summer with their upcoming projects in summer. They are confident that the overseas market will reopen in summer and most of the actors are gearing up to release their films. Sharwanand, Sai Dharam Tej and Naga Shaurya joined the race with their respective movies.
Sharwanand’s upcoming movie Sreekaram is announced for March 11th release. Sai Dharam Tej’s next film Republic will hit the screens on April 30th. Naga Shaurya’s sports drama Lakshya too is gearing up for release on April 30th. Some other films are all set to test their luck during this summer and the rush of releases is increasing every single day. As per the trade circles, February and March too would be packed with releases every week as there are a lot of films that are awaiting for theatrical release.
Producers Council to take a call on Dubbed Releases?
Krack producer Tagore Madhu approached the Producer’s Council over the recent theatres issue for his film in Sankranthi season. The film’s Nizam distributor Warangal Srinu alleged that Dil Raju and Sirish ignored Krack and lent their support for other films. An urgent meeting was planned last evening and Krack will get more number of screens from today. But this doesn’t make any difference argued some of the producers and filmmakers as the holiday season came to an end and the film is now running in decent number of screens. We have an industry where openings and first week numbers are very crucial for any film.
There is a debate going on about the dubbing movies getting a major number of screens during the holiday season which is turning out to be a dent for the revenues of Telugu movies. A couple of years ago, there was a huge debate when Rajinikanth’s Petta was announced for Sankranthi 2019 release. Neither the Film Chamber of Commerce or the Producers Council came to a firm stand about the release of the dubbed films during any holiday season. Some of the filmmakers strongly argue that the situations are not the same in Tamil Nadu and they give top priority for Tamil films after which the screens are shared for the films of neighboring languages.
If Vijay’s Master release was pushed in AP and Telangana, all the three Telugu releases Krack, RED and Alludu Adhurs would have minted more money and generated more revenues which is direct or indirect help for Telugu cinema. They would have shared the screens allocated for Master. The active producers and other filmmakers are raising the issue after a conflict arises and it is left in the backseat without finding the best solution. Hope a proper resolution will be locked at the earliest before such issues create tremors in Telugu cinema and among the filmmakers. The governing bodies should form a council to stage a hunt for the right solution. Else, more number of producers and distributors would head for a fight which will not be a great sign for Telugu cinema,
February and March crucial for Tollywood
Tollywood is left delighted with the response from the audience for the Sankranthi releases. The audience rushed to theatres to watch the films and all the films except Alludu Adhurs will end up in profits for the makers and the distributors. Most of the biggies are slated for summer release this year. With the theatres shut for eight months, the exhibitors are back to business and are delighted with the response in this season.
But February and March are quite crucial for the exhibition sector as the theatres should continue to screen films. To revive the business and return back to the good olden days, there should be ample number of films that should release during February and March. The exhibitors should settle financially well to prepare for the big summer 2021 season. Some of the renowned films should have their release during the season so that the theatres would screen films and generate revenues.
To bet big in summer, the exhibitors should stay in business in the next two months. Some of the filmmakers who wanted to head for a digital release are now making their minds for a theatrical release for their films. Uppena, Zombie Reddy are hitting the screens in February. A bunch of small films too will test their luck as they would get ample number of screens in the season.
Police, the favourite comeback role of Tollywood heroes
Ravi Teja’s recent movie Krack is running towards becoming a blockbuster. As Ravi Teja tasted success after several flops, with the role of police officer, many movie analysts as well as audiences are wondering whether police officer role is the favourite role for Tollywood heroes when they want to comeback into track from the streak of flops. Details as below.
Police roles and comeback movies:
Pawan Kalyan, started a series of flop movies with Johnny in 2003. He faced flop after a flop for almost a decade until Gabbar Singh released in 2012, the movie in which he played police officer, lifted him out of those flops. Even though there were some average movies during that decade, it was Gabbar Singh that have him a genuine break.
The same goes with Mahesh Babu, who faced series of flops between 2006 and 2012 and he didn’t have a hit after Pokiri as he started series of flops with Sainikudu. It was Dookudu, in which he played the role of police officer , that brought him his past glory again.
Even Jr NTR also has tasted the similar experience. In his own words, he faced flops for one ‘Pushkaram’ I.e 12 years after Simhadri. It is ‘Temper’ movie in which he played as police officer, pulled him out of the flops. Most recently Ravi Teja also tasted success after four long years of failures with Krack movie, in which he too played police role.
But it is not always true:
As there are several examples like this in Tollywood, there’s an opinion among the makers as well Tollywood heroes that, police role is perfect r pole for comebacks. However, it is only partially true. There are several movies in which heroes played as police officers and yet faced another failure. For example, Pawan Kalyan’s much hyped Puli movie failed to pull him out of the flops. Even Ravi Teja’s flop movie “Touch Chesi Choodu” also has him in police officer role. Several other heroes like Rajasekhar etc have played roles of police officers in movies like Kalki and yet couldn’t end the streak of flops.
So, the key is:
The key seems to be right mix of entertainment and mass elements. Gabbar Singh, Temper, Dookudu and Krack have ample entertainment which was missing in movies like Puli and touch chesi choodu. As the police officer role has ample scope for action and mass elevations, if it is properly mixed with right dose of entertainment, the movie is bound to entertain wide range of audience provided it has some decent story line.
Indian cinema looking towards Tollywood
After the attack of the coronavirus pandemic, the entire film industry is shut. The shootings across the country resumed from October last year but none of the actors and filmmakers risked out for theatrical releases and most of them headed for a digital release. Tollywood is the only film industry that is now completely open and has a series of films lined up for release. Bollywood is still entirely shut and the exhibitors are screening the dubbing films from Telugu and Tamil to run the screens.
After the super success of Solo Brathuke So Better, Ravi Teja’s Krack created a splash across Telugu states. The film received positive response and the footfalls have been remarkable. Ram’s RED, Bellamkonda Sreenivas’ Alludu Adhurs are the straight Telugu films that will release during the season. The Tollywood audience are also getting ready to welcome Vijay’s upcoming movie Master and the advance sales are very good. Bollywood filmmakers are looking towards Tollywood and they are amazed with the footfalls, response the Telugu films are receiving. With the happenings in Tollywood, several other industries are expected to reopen soon.
Tamil film industry is opening with Vijay’s Master and Simbu’s Eeswaran too is gearing up for Sankranthi release.
Tollywood 2021: Six sequels to wait for
After their current projects ending up as blockbusters and money-spinners, several filmmakers and actors love to cash the craze by working on the sequels. The success rate for the sequels is quite low as the expectations are huge. Tollywood entered into 2021 and here are six sequels that the Tollywood audience are eagerly waiting for:
KGF: Chapter 2: KGF: Chapter 1 is a sensation across the country and the sequel for the film is currently on. The shoot of KGF: Chapter 2 is wrapped up and the film is aimed for summer release in all the Indian languages. KGF: Chapter 2 features Yash, Srinidhi Shetty, Sanjay Dutt and Raveena Tandon in the lead roles. Prashanth Neel is the director and Hombale Films are the producers.
F3: Victory Venkatesh and Varun Tej are back to thrill the audience with their comic timing with F3. Successful director Anil Ravipudi is directing F3 and the film is aimed for summer release. The film is carrying huge expectations and Anil Ravipudi already hinted that the film will have a double dose of entertainment in the sequel. Dil Raju is the producer.
Goodachari 2: Adivi Sesh is one actor who delivered consistent hits with thrillers in the recent years. After the super success of Goodachari, the sequel for the film is on and is titled Goodachari 2. Rahul Pakala will direct the sequel which will be made on a big-budget and will be shot extensively in various countries. Adivi Sesh joins the sets of Goodachari 2 after he is done with the shoot of Major.
HIT: The Second Case: Natural Star Nani produced a content-based interesting film HIT and the film raked decent money at the box-office. The sequel for the film is on and it would be directed by Sailesh Kolanu. Adivi Sesh will replace Vishwak Sen in the sequel which will roll this year. Nani’s Wallposter Cinema will produce the sequel too which is aimed for Christmas 2021 release.
Karthikeya 2: Nikhil tasted a super hit with Karthikeya and after years, the sequel for Karthikeya is launched. The film would be made on a massive budget and will be extensively shot abroad. Chandu Mondeti is the director and People Media Factory are on board to bankroll the sequel. Nikhil plays the role of a medico in the sequel too and Anupama Parameshwaran is on the board as the leading lady.
D and D: After 13 years, the sequel for D is announced and it is titled D and D. Srinu Vaitla who is struggling for success will helm the project and Manchu Vishnu will reprise the role and he would produce the comic entertainer on 24 Frames Factory banner. The project starts rolling very soon and will release this year. Srinu Vaitla took ample time to work on the script and he is super confident on his comeback with D and D.
Will Tollywood revive its glory in 2021?
2020 was a jolt to everyone. Several industries faced a severe crisis in 2020 and the aviation industry, hospitality, and entertainment industry were among the worst impacted. Tollywood too lost huge in 2020 with several releases slated for 2020 release postponed to 2021.
Much awaited ‘Mega’ movies of 2021:
Now, Tollywood has pinned high hopes on 2021 as the movies that were originally planned for 2020 as well as the movies that are planned for 2021 are releasing this year. Chiranjeevi’s Acharya was originally planned for Dussera 2020 but halted due to lockdown caused by the pandemic. Makers are planning to release it during summer 2021. Pawan’s Vakeel Sab also may hit the screens at the same time. Pawan also signed a couple of more films and gave call-sheets for each film not exceeding 30 days. But how many of them will be released in 2021 itself is still a question. Allu Arjun’s Pushpa also getting ready for 2021.
Mass movies of 2021:
Bala Krishna-Boyapati movies are always a feast to the mass audience and mass audiences are keenly waiting for the hattrick movie in this combo after Simha and Legend. Besides, several mass movies in the pipeline. Mahesh Babu did the class and message-oriented movies in recent times but his latest movie ‘Sarkari vaari paata’ is expected to have a double dose of mass ingredients. Mass maharaja Ravi Teja, who is not in form recently, is joining the bandwagon with ‘Krack’ this year.
Other highly anticipated movies:
Nagarjuna’s wild dog also resumed shooting in October-November and Nagarjuna also gave break to Bigg boss hosting for a week. The internal reports are highly positive on the wild dog movie. Apart from these, Prabhas’s pan-India movie ‘Radhe Shyam’ is also much awaited.
RRR:
Rajampouli’s RRR is one film that is awaited by movie lovers across the country but the ‘Darshakadheera’ is in no haste to announce the release date and so no one is sure whether the movie will finally release in 2021 or will be pushed to 2022.
Overall:
With the news of the vaccine is almost ready, and theaters getting opened, Tollywood is hoping to recover this year all that is lost in 2020. However, some concerns are still there. People are not confident about theater owners making their premises fully safe and hygenic. The increased cost due to pandemic is frightening the makers. In this backdrop, everyone is keenly waiting to know the answer to the question – whether Tollywood will revive its glory this year?
Tollywood 2020: A year utterly wasted
2020 started with a bang in Tollywood and the biggies Sarileru Neekevvaru, Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo proved the stamina of Telugu films. The movies raked record money and ended up as huge money-spinners. All the actors and filmmakers are completely delighted with the performance of these films and predicted 2020 to be an exceptional year for Telugu cinema. Though a series of flops released post Sankranthi, Bheeshma and HIT made remarkable money in February. The theatres are shut since March and the shoots of all the films are put on hold.
2020 is completely wasted for Tollywood and the producers are left in huge financial stress because of the heaped up interests and delayed film releases. Despite of several attempts, most of the actors and actresses never reduced their paycheques. The exhibition industry is completely shattered and it takes years for them to return back to the track. Though some of the filmmakers are heading to release their films, there would be no support from the distributors for the next few months. Most of the risk lands completely on the producers.
On the whole, 2020 is a year that is utterly disappointing and wasted in the calendar of Telugu cinema.
Sankranthi 2021: An Acid Test for Telugu Cinema
Sai Dharam Tej’s Solo Brathuke So Better was the first film to have a theatrical release after the coronavirus attack. The film reported top-class openings and it had a decent weekend across the Telugu states. The audience rushed to watch the film in theatres which brought enough boost to the Telugu cinema. A bunch of films are now gearing up for release during Sankranthi 2021. The Centre is currently focused on the second wave of coronavirus and there are talks that the vaccine distribution too will start next month.
If the Sankranthi films fare well, all the films that have completed shoot will head for release in February and March instead of waiting till summer. Else the theatres will have to be shut again till summer which would be quite tough for the exhibition industry. There are speculations that Centre would grant 75 percent occupancy for theatres in January and it will reach 100 percent by February. If the audience rushes to theatres during Sankranthi, a heap of films will gear up for release in the upcoming months instead of waiting for the summer season.
Rana Daggubati’s Aranya, Nani’s Tuck Jagadish, Naga Chaitanya’s Love Story, Nithiin’s Rang De, Sharwanand’s Sreekaram, Akhil’s Most Eligible Bachelor, Vaishnav Tej’s Uppena and others completed shoot and are waiting for comfortable release dates. As of now, the release dates of these films will be decided on the performance of Sankranthi releases and upon the Centre’s decision to lift 50 percent occupancy. Else, most of these films would head for a summer release.
Tollywood comes in to support Solo Brathuke So Better
Solo Brathuke So Better happens to be the first film to release after the pandemic arrived. The film’s performance is quite crucial for Tollywood as it sure turns out to be the first step to release other pending projects awaiting a release. Right from Megastar Chiranjeevi to Mahesh Babu and Ram, everyone took their official social media pages to wish the film. Every star urged the audience to return back to the theatres to watch Solo Brathuke So Better.
The advance sales for the film too have been satisfactory and Solo Brathuke So Better is expected to take a decent start tomorrow. The film’s performance completely depends on the word of mouth. 50 percent occupancy is sure a barrier but the film is getting a wide release and the holiday season would be an additional advantage. Directed by Subbu, Solo Brathuke So Better features Sai Dharam Tej and Nabha Natesh in the lead roles. BVSN Prasad produced this youthful entertainer.
Tollywood producers to bear the VPF Charges
The film industry is completely shattered because of the coronavirus pandemic. The exhibition industry is shut and the theatre owners are finding it tough to reopen the theatres. Without the support from the producers and the digital service providers, it is completely impossible to screen films, expressed the exhibitors. Several meetings are conducted and all the issues are recently resolved. There would be no Virtual Print Fee (VPF) charges for the films that would release in December. This is sure a relief for the exhibitors and the producers.
For all the films releasing between January and March 2021, the producers will bear 40 percent of the VPF charges. The Producers Council is in talks to slash down the charges of VPF in the coming months. As of now, all the issues are solved and the theatres across Andhra Pradesh, Telangana will start screening movies from December 25th. Sai Tej’s Solo Brathuke So Better is hitting the screens next weekend.
Tollywood: All is not well between Producers and Exhibitors
The governments of both the Telugu states granted permission to reopen the theatres but the process doesn’t seem to be a smooth sail. There are several issues to be discussed before reopening the theatres after the attack of coronavirus pandemic. The government granted 50 percent occupancy rule which may not turn out to be profitable for everyone. Most of the filmmakers decided to wait for some more time to release their films.
All is not well between the producers and the exhibitors. Though a series of meetings took place recently, some of the issues are yet to be resolved. The exhibitors are not ready to share the VPF charges with the producers which range between Rs 2-5 per ticket. The VPF charges are collected by the theatres and the producers are demanding half of the share from the charges. A resolution is pending even after several sets of discussions.
Sai Dharam Tej’s Solo Brathuke So Better is announced for December 25th release. Hope the issues are resolved before the film hits the screens. There are talks that the single screens are expected to start screening films from December 18th if the demands are met.
Digital deals: A Challenge for Tollywood Filmmakers
After the theatres are shut because of the coronavirus pandemic, the OTT platforms offered staggering deals and released several films of stars on their digital platforms. The digital platforms have changed plans and are strict with their new stands. They are completely against acquiring the streaming rights of small budget films and those that do not feature stars. Amazon and Netflix have been paying the amounts in three installments for the filmmakers.
Some of them delayed the process of paying and the dates of the deals are finalized by the digital platforms. These OTT players are also against closing the deals and they are offering payments through pay per view process. They are also not ready to close the deal without watching the movies. With several new rules imposed, the Tollywood filmmakers are finding it tough to close the digital deals of their upcoming movies. The single screens across Telugu states are expected to resume their operations from next weekend.
Tollywood distributors come up with a special request
There is no clarity on the Sankranthi releases though the permissions to reopen the theatres are given. Vakeel Saab, RED, Krack and Uppena are in the race as of now. With 50 percent occupancy, the filmmakers are hesitant to release these films for Sankranthi and there are a lot of speculations about the same. Several distributors are now mounting pressure on the producers to release these films to save the film industry. It has been over eight months since the theatres are shut and they are in deep financial crisis. Missing the Sankranthi festival season would double their stress.
The distributors are requesting the filmmakers to release the films at any cost for Sankranthi even if the 100 percent occupancy is not given. There is a chance to hike the ticket prices and the theatres can screen extra shows so that they can rake money during the season argued a top distributor. It would make no difference if there is a cap to increase the prices and for 50 percent occupancy, the theatre rents would remain low. Hence screening big films during the festival season would help the film industry and especially the exhibition industry. The producers are expected to take the final call soon.
Tollywood: Digital Stuff to release in theatres
The theatres across the Telugu states are all set to entertain the audience from December 11th. The multiplexes are open from today and will screen old films along with the Hollywood movie Tenet. Sai Dharam Tej’s Solo Brathuke So Better is the only new film that is announced for December release. This year after the closure of theatres, movies like V, Penguin, Orey Bujjiga, Miss India, Bhanumathi Ramakrishna, Krishna and his Leela and other films released on digital platforms.
Now, most of these films will also have a theatrical release. All the streaming platforms which are holding the rights decided to release the films in theatres to mint money. Raj Tarun’s Orey Bujjiga is announced for January 1st 2021 release. Nani’s V will soon release in theatres and the date would be announced soon. A chart of new release dates is expected next week. Tollywood is now focused on the footfalls in December to announce the list of Sankranthi releases.
KCR announces free water supply, GST reimbursement to small budget movies
Ahead of the GHMC elections, Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao announced a slew of sops to a cross-section of the society, including the cinema industry.
In a first in the country, the Telangana government announced that water will be supplied free to households in Hyderabad from next December. The Chief Minister announced that no water tariff will be levied on the household consumers from next December 1.
Releasing the election manifesto for the GHMC elections at the party headquarters in Telangana Bhavan, Chandrasekhar Rao said, “Our government will supply free water from December to households that consume less than 20,000 litres a month. We will also supply free power supply to laundries, salons, and dhobi ghats across the State from December.
In a big relief to the entertainment industry, the Chief Minister announced that the government will reimburse the State GST for small budget films up to Rs 10 crore. He also announced that theatres can increase the number of shows per day and make ticket pricing flexible in view of the losses incurred by the industry. Further, the Telangana government has also decided to waive off the minimum demand charge of HD and LT categories of industries, cinema theatres, and commercial firms for the six month period of lockdown. The Telangana government also waived off motor vehicle tax that is likely to benefit 3.37 lakh vehicle owners.
Tollywood tensed about Sankranthi Releases
After a break of almost seven months, the shoots of Telugu films resumed. The Centre also granted permission to reopen the theatres with 50% occupancy. Most of the producers are confident that normalcy returns by January and the audience would return back to theatres to watch movies. The Telangana government is yet to give its nod to reopen the theatres in the state. There are talks that the theatres may reopen in December across the Telugu states. But most of the filmmakers are now tensed if the theatres would reopen in December and if the Sankranthi releases would rake money.
If the 50% occupancy continues to be implemented in January, it would be a huge dent for the revenues. Films like Vakeel Saab, Krack and RED are in the race currently. With 50% occupancy in January, the filmmakers will rethink about releasing their films. As of now, there is no clarity about the situations and the filmmakers are working to complete the work and they would be ready with their films. Telugu film celebrities are expected to meet Telangana Chief Minister KCR soon and discuss about the reopening of theatres.
