Celebs Take Stock Of Tollywood In 2023

Celebs take stock of Tollywood in 2023. With over 50 flops, including big-budget productions, Tollywood is grappling with a challenging phase in 2023, denting the aspirations of Telugu producers. Despite top actors commanding hefty sums ranging from Rs 15 to 60 crores, actresses securing more than Rs 4 crores per film, and some directors crossing the Rs 25 crore mark, the industry faces a perilous situation.

The influx of new producers and NRIs unfamiliar with the intricacies of filmmaking has pushed the industry to the brink. These stakeholders, unaware of the business nuances, have disrupted the market by lavishly compensating actors and actresses, contributing to the downfall. C Kalyan, a veteran producer, laments the transformation of producers into mere financiers, attributing the crisis to their lack of understanding of filmmaking dynamics.

In the past, producers maintained control over budgets, crafting significant films within the range of Rs 30 to 40 crores. However, the current scenario witnesses budgets soaring above Rs 100 crores, even touching Rs 150 crores, leaving producers struggling to recoup their investments. Some established producers have ceased operations as Hindi distributors offer lower payments for Telugu movies.

The repercussions of this crisis are severe, with producers facing health issues due to stress, selling properties to release films, and incurring massive losses despite producing hits. While stars and technicians flourish with luxurious lifestyles, many producers find themselves at the mercy of unforgiving financiers.

Acknowledging the downward trend, producer Lagadapati Sridhar advocates a shift in approach among new producers, urging them to learn from industry veterans about cost-cutting and efficient spending. Drawing on his own experience, he emphasizes the importance of script selection, prudent budgeting, and active involvement in filmmaking processes.

Highlighting the influence of NRIs in the industry, Sridhar cautions against misguided investments and urges comprehensive control over filmmaking decisions. He underscores the role of digital platforms as a new threat, attributing the rising number of flops to poor and repetitive content. Sridhar calls for a change in mindset among big stars, encouraging them to explore novel themes as seen in Tamil and Malayalam cinema. He emphasizes the need for enriched creativity to compete with other language films on OTT platforms, as theatrical turnouts witness a decline.