Latest news with #VivekAthreya
India Today
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- India Today
3 hits in 6 months: Why is Telugu cinema struggling at the box office?
The past decade marked an unprecedented rise for Telugu cinema. From being a regional force, the industry transitioned into a global player, thanks largely to the colossal success of films like 'Baahubali', 'RRR', 'Pushpa', 'Salaar', and 'Kalki 2898 AD' in 2024. Telugu films, once known mostly through dubbed titles like 'Meri Jung: One Man Army' and 'Main Hoon Lucky the Racer,' are now enjoying a special status across India and even beneath this global popularity lies a deeper concern: a shrinking connection with its core audience in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. In a recent statement, Telangana Film Chamber of Commerce Secretary Sridhar revealed that out of over 40 films that were released this year, only three managed to succeed at the box office and deliver actual sobering statistic reveals a widening gap between perception and ground reality. Three successful films in six months is not just a number, it's a warning bell. It raises a pressing question: is Telugu cinema truly leading the pan-India wave, or is it caught in the illusion of its own success? And more importantly, what's causing this diminishing local demand and dwindling audience engagement?Burden of pan-India: Bigger isn't always better The term 'pan-India' symbolises grandeur, massive scale, budgets, multilingual releases, and wide-reaching promotions. While this approach has undeniably expanded Telugu cinema's footprint in the global market, it has also turned into a creative and financial every blockbuster like 'Baahubali' or 'RRR' there are several other films like 'Liger', 'Saaho', 'Adipurush', 'Radhe Shyam', 'Guntur Kaaram', 'Game Changer', and 'Godfather' that fell short of expectations. These high-stakes ventures, often green-lit with inflated budgets and overestimated expectations, lacked the storytelling depth or content strength to justify their scale. This isn't just about isolated failures, it's about an industry pattern. The number of underwhelming and delayed pan-India projects now outweighs the few that actually succeed, creating a lopsided ecosystem. This mindset has trickled down to mid-budget projects as well. Films such as 'The Family Star', 'Double iSmart', 'Eagle', and 'Mr Bachchan' which, pre-pandemic, would have been made on modest budgets and would be pitched as simple entertainers, are now stretched into inflated productions in an attempt to chase the pan-India director Vivek Athreya aptly observed in an interview with Gulte, 'Sometimes we are compelled to write something big even if it's not organic.' That single line cuts to the heart of the crisis. When scale becomes a compulsion rather than a creative necessity, storytelling takes a backseat. The result? Bloated narratives, inflated budgets, and unmet expectations. This relentless push for grandeur is crowding the rooted, content-rich cinema that once defined the soul of Telugu in content-driven cinemaadvertisementBefore the Covid-19 pandemic, Telugu cinema balanced its star-driven spectacles with unique, content-first films. In 2018 , the industry showcased its range with star vehicles like 'Rangasthalam', 'Bharat Ane Nenu', and 'Aravinda Sametha Veera Raghava', while also producing critically acclaimed smaller films like 'C/o Kancharapalem', 'Mahanati', 'Brochevarevarura', 'Goodachari', 'RX100', and 'Chi La Sow'. These films demonstrated genre experimentation, creative storytelling, and audience in the current scenario, such diversity is fading. In 2024, even star-led films like 'Pushpa 2: The Rule', 'Kalki 2898 AD', 'Devara', and 'Guntur Kaaram' have received mixed or negative feedback irrespective of their box office performance. While content-led films like 'Hanu-Man', 'Gaami', 'Tillu Square', 'Saripodhaa Sanivaaram', and 'Lucky Bhaskar' stood out, they were too few in number. The root of the issue lies in how theatrical releases are increasingly polarised, either mounted as massive pan-India spectacles or pushed directly to OTT platforms. In this race for scale, mid-budget films that are content-driven cinema are being squeezed out, with little room left for stories that don't fit the pan-India mould but still deserve a theatrical in waiting: Why new-age voices are falling silentOne of Telugu cinema's biggest strengths during its rise was its fresh crop of directors. Filmmakers like Gowtam Tinnanuri ('Jersey'), Prasanth Varma ('Awe', 'Hanu-Man'), Nag Ashwin ('Mahanati'), Vivek Athreya ('Brochevarevarura', 'Saripodhaa Sanivaaram'), and Buchi Babu Sana ('Uppena') redefined the scope of Telugu many of these voices are now notably absent from the scene. Tinnanuri, who last made 'Jersey' in 2019, will only return in 2025 with 'Kingdom' and 'Magic'. Buchi Babu Sana's 'Peddi' with Ram Charan is expected in 2026, almost six years after his debut. Sujeeth, who followed up 'Run Raja Run' with 'Saaho', will finally return with 'OG' after a long hiatus. Others like Rahul Sankrityan ('Shyam Singha Roy'), Srikanth Odela ('Dasara'), and Venkatesh Maha ('C/o Kancharapalem') are either in production limbo or have no confirmed upcoming projects. The problem isn't lack of talent, it's a system that increasingly demands scale over missing magic of music and mass elementsMusic has long been a driving force in Telugu cinema, often acting as a bridge between the film and its audience even before its release. A single chartbuster could set the tone and pull audiences into theatres. This year's 'Thandel' is a prime example. Its song 'Bujji Thalli' became a viral sensation, fuelling the film's pre-release buzz and playing a crucial role in its reach. Hit numbers like 'Pilla Ra' from 'RX100', 'Inkem Inkem' from 'Geetha Govindam', 'Nee Kallu Neeli Samudram' from 'Uppena', or the blockbuster soundtrack of 'Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo' - these albums that not only topped charts but also significantly boosted box office However, that magic seems to be fading. Albums from major films like 'Pushpa 2', 'Kalki 2898AD' and 'Guntur Kaaram' received lukewarm responses from the masses when the films were released, failing to capture the same energy. 'Devara' has been an exception with its promising music, but such examples are becoming increasingly rare. While a few songs like 'Nijame Ne Cheputunna' from 'Ooru Peru Bhairavakona', 'Anuvanuvu' from 'Om Bheem Bush', and select tracks from 'Saripodhaa Sanivaaram' have found traction and they remain outliers in an otherwise uninspired musical dip in musical quality points to a larger concern. It's not just about forgettable songs, it reflects a deeper loss of emotional texture. Telugu cinema once thrived on a mix of rousing music, emotional beats, comedic interludes, and mass heroism. With many recent films leaning heavily into action-driven narratives, that signature blend is missing, resulting in a cinematic experience that feels monotonous, emotionally hollow, and easily of toxic fandom and online warA less discussed but increasingly damaging factor is the toxic fan culture. The competitive, sometimes hostile, atmosphere on social media has blurred the lines between fandom and Jagannadh's 2008 film 'Neninthe' depicted this phenomenon. In a scene, a superstar laments how making films for fans can backfire. Today, we see this play out online daily, where flops are masked as hits through trending hashtags, paid views and promotions, rival films are subjected to negative PR, and objective criticism is drowned out by fan culture stifles creativity. Directors and writers are forced to cater to fan service over originality. Instead of healthy rivalry, there is hostility that discourages experimentation and fuels herd volumes and postponementsAnother pressing concern is the shrinking number of theatrical releases and the growing trend of constant postponements. In earlier years, the Telugu film calendar maintained a healthy rhythm, balancing big-budget spectacles with mid-sized commercial and experimental films. Today, however, fewer films are being produced, with the majority of resources being concentrated on a handful of high-stakes ventures. The frequent delays of these projects are now disrupting the industry's entire release 2025 is a case in point. What should have been a lucrative season for Telugu cinema turned out to be underwhelming due to poor planning and multiple postponements. One of the most significant delays was that of Pawan Kalyan's 'Hari Hara Veera Mallu', an ambitious project that was originally slated for a summer release. Its postponement had a domino effect, leading to scheduling chaos and forcing other films to either rush production or pull out of the season altogether. This incident underlines how fragile and disorganised the release calendar has become. Beyond missed windows, this trend limits opportunities for emerging actors, technicians, and storytellers, who now find fewer entry points into the industry. It also piles immense pressure on the few films that do release, especially those with massive budgets to perform exceptionally. The result is a film culture that is becoming narrower, less inclusive, and increasingly Telugu cinema recalibrate its course?There's no doubt that Telugu cinema's achievements are laudable. It has given Indian cinema some of its biggest hits and the most innovative filmmakers. The Telugu industry thrived when other films were struggling, including Hollywood. But the current cracks, be it in storytelling, directorial momentum, musical resonance, or cultural connect cannot be the industry doesn't introspect and course-correct, it risks going the Bollywood way: chasing scale while losing soul. The solution lies in striking a balance, allowing space for both massive entertainers and meaningful stories, and empowering directors to tell those stories without excessive in storytelling, reviving musical identity, supporting mid-budget cinema, and dismantling toxic fan culture can bring back the variety and vibrancy that once defined Telugu cinema. The global stage is wide open, but to stay there, the roots must grow stronger.
Time of India
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Nani's 'The Paradise' faces production delays; March 2026 release likely to be postponed: Reports
Picture Credit: X Tollywood star Nani's much-awaited pan-India period action drama, 'The Paradise', directed by Vivek Athreya was launched early this summer. The intense first glimpse video features Nani as a rebel leader. With fans excited to see the star in his new avatar on the big screen, rumours are rife that the film may just be delayed. According to a 123Telugu report, the shooting of the film is getting delayed due to multiple logistical problems. A major reason for the delay is due to the construction of elaborate sets, crucial to the film. These sets, reportedly massive in scale, are said to be central to several key portions of the story. The delay in its completion has paused the filming schedule. This has led to speculations about the film's release date. As of now, 'The Paradise' is officially slated to hit the big screens on March 27, 2026, a date that clashes with Ram Charan's much-awaited project, 'Peddi,' which is also scheduled for a global release on the same day. However, with the current pace of progress, it seems that 'The Paradise' may not make its March 2026 deadline. It is suggested that the makers are internally considering a possible postponement, with May 2026 emerging as a likely window for the film's release. The makers are yet to issue an official confirmation regarding the change in release date. 'The Paradise' also features Sonali Kulkarni. The music of the film is composed by Anirudh Ravichander. The film's teaser hints at the story of a tribe, metaphorically described as "crows", struggling for recognition in a society that discriminates against them.
India Today
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
Rajinikanth to team up with director Vivek Athreya for his next: Report
Amid a growing wave of bilingual projects bridging the Telugu and Tamil industries, such as KV Anudeep teaming up with Sivakarthikeyan for 'Prince' and Venky Atluri collaborating with Dhanush for 'Vaathi' and now another film with Suriya, director Vivek Athreya is reportedly set to join hands with Superstar an official announcement is yet to be made, strong speculation on social media suggests that Athreya's next film could feature superstar Rajnikanth. The project is expected to be backed by Mythri Movie Makers, the banner that recently produced 'Good Bad Ugly' with Tamil actor Ajith Kumar, which proved to be a box office Athreya is regarded as one of Telugu cinema's most promising new-age filmmakers. Known for the quirky cult hit Brochevarevarura and the romantic comedy Ante Sundaraniki, Athreya more recently directed Saripodhaa Sanivaaram, a commercial action drama starring Nani, SJ Suryah and Priyanka Mohan. The film received critical acclaim and reportedly grossed close to Rs 100 crore at the box indicate that Vivek Athreya has already initiated discussions with Rajinikanth, and if all goes well, a collaboration could be on the cards. However, no official confirmation has been Rajinikanth is currently juggling two major projects. After wrapping up Coolie, his much-anticipated gangster drama directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj and slated for release on 14 August, he has now begun shooting for Jailer 2 with director Nelson Dilipkumar. The shoot is currently underway in Kozhikode, the promo for Coolie: Coolie boasts a star-studded ensemble including Nagarjuna, Upendra, Soubin Shahir, Sathyaraj, Shruti Haasan, and Reba Monica John, along with a special song featuring Pooja Hegde and a cameo appearance by Aamir Khan.
Time of India
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Five Nani films to watch on OTT if you can't get over his swag in HIT The Third Case
Nani is in the limelight because of his latest film HIT The Third Case, which hit the screens on May 1. The film features the popular actor in the role of a cop and has set the box office on fire despite receiving mixed reviews. Its total collection stands at around Rs 101 crore globally so far. Here are five Nani films you can check out on OTT platforms such as Netflix and Amazon Prime Video if you fell in love with his work in HIT The Third Case. Saripodhaa Sanivaaram (Netflix, 2024) The popular star experimented with his reel image when he played the role of a vigilante in Vivek Athreya's action drama Saripodhaa Sanivaaram and left fans spellbound with his work. The film, which centered on the clash between the protagonist and a corrupt cop, collected Rs 100 crore globally and emerged as a blockbuster. Dasara (Netflix, 2023) Nani was seen in a rustic avatar in this romantic action drama that centred on the events that take place when three childhood friends lock horns with the son of their village's head. The Srikanth Odela-directed flick features Keerthy Suresh as the leading lady and was one of the most talked about releases of her career. Shyam Singha Roy (Netflix, 2021) Nani was at his intense best in this well-received reincarnation saga that featured him in two distinct roles– an aspiring filmmaker and a legendary writer. The film earned Rs 65 crore against a budget of Rs 50 crore to emerge as a commercial success. Jersey (Zee5, 2019) Jersey, directed by Gowtham Tinnauri, is a sports drama that revolves around a father who tries to revive his career as a cricketer in order to make his son proud. Nani did full justice to the challenging part and channeled his character's vulnerabilities with effortless ease. Jersey, which was shot on a budget of Rs 25 crore, earned Rs 48 crore at the box office and emerged as a commercial success. Eega (Amazon Prime Video, 2012) The SS Rajamouli-directed fantasy drama revolved around the events that unfold when the protagonist (Nani) is reincarnated as a fly after being murdered by a manipulative foe (Sudeep). The 'Natural Star' played the role of an innocent simpleton with utmost sincerity and left an impact on the audience despite limited screen time. For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment.
