Tollywood 2022: First Half Review

Prelude

Tollywood entered into 2022 with a lot of hopes after Balakrishna's Akhanda and Allu Arjun's Pushpa powered the industry to new heights breathing a fresh lease of life after the second wave of coronavirus and the controversy over the ticket rates in Andhra Pradesh. Here is how Tollywood traveled in the first six months of 2022 and faced the crests and troughs. 

>January

Movie lovers expected the Sankranti season a sensation with the top stars clashing at the box office for supremacy. However, the makers of the films like RRR, Radhe Shaym,Sarkaru Vaari Paata, and Bheemla Nayak were forced to defer their film releases as the theatres' ticket rates issue remained unresolved though the makers excused citing the increase in covid cases across the country. This resulted in the release of a flurry of small films in January. 

The year started with Ram Gopal Varma's Asha Encounter, Varun Sandesh's Induvadana, Adi Sai Kumar's Atithi Devo Bhava, Rana's 1945, Nagarjuna's Bangarraju, Kalyan Dhev's Super Machi, Half Stories, American Dreams, Keerthy Suresh's Goodluck Sakhi, Uniki, Varma Veedu Theda, Vadhu Katham, Deyyam Tho Saha Jeevanam, Vei Subhamulu Kalugu Neeku, Dil Raju's nephew Rowdy Boys and Krishna's grandson Ashok Galla's Hero.

Asha Encounter encountered movie lovers while Varun Sandesh's Induvadana and Adi Sai Kumar's Athithi Devo Bhava had no athidhis in form of movie lovers in the theatres. Kalyan Dhev's Super Machchi gave super torture and Keerthy Suresh's Good Luck Sakhi brought bad luck for the talented actress. Rana's 1945 couldn't reach the heights. Dil Raju promoted his nephew Ashish Reddy's Rowdy Boys extravagantly and similarly, Mahesh Babu promoted his nephew Ashok Galla's Hero. However, both the films failed to make any impression. 

Nagarjuna's Bangarraju which was released during Sankranti took full advantage of the festive season with no real competition. Despite the average storyline, Bangarraju managed to get good collections and turned out to be Sankranti's winner. Bangarraju also got good support from the AP government headed by CM Jagan as he shared good relations with him and even the low ticket rates in theatres did not impact the film as the government officials turned a blind eye to the flouting of the rules.  

January ended with Nagarjuna's Bangarraju turning out to be the only hit out of 15 releases.

>February

Small films releases surged in February with films like P3 Pataru Paalyam Prema Katha, Swa, Athadu Ame Priyudu, Sehari, 2020 Golmaal, Batch, Surabhi 70mm, Neeku Naaku Pellanta Tom Tom Tom, Vishwak, Vikram Sahidev's Virgin Story before stars like Srikanth's Kothala Rayudu, Mohan Babu's Son of India, Vishal's Samanyudu, Raviteja's Khiladi, Ajith's Valimai, Pawan Kalyan's Bheemla Nayak took over and then Siddhu Jonnalagadda's DJ Tillu hit the screens. 

Srikanth's Kothalu as Kothala Rayudu did not work out at the box office. Mohan Babu's Son of India which was released amidst immense promotions and controversy, made even the few viewers who came to theatres run for cover. Lagadapati Sridhar's son Vikram Sahidev's Virgin Story had no virginity(freshness). Dubbing films Vishal's Samanudyu did not appeal to Samanyulu while Ajith's Valimai made viewers say Bai Bai. Raviteja's Khiladi was released amidst huge expectations as he revived the industry after the covid first wave with Krack. However, Raviteja's Khiladi Khel failed to connect chords with the viewers. 

Pawan Kalyan, Rana's Bheemla Nayak hit the screens after numerous delays and the film was targeted by the AP government headed by CM Jagan to settle political scores following Pawan Kalyan's blistering attack on the government over the ticket rates in the theatres. However, none of the witch-hunting impacted the film as the film turned out to be the highest grosser in 2022 giving a boost to the industry. Pawan Kalyan's powerful screen presence, Rana's towering personality, and Trivikram's screenplay did wonders at the box office. Bheemla Nayak signaled Tollywood's surge in 2022 on the screen and at the box office. 

Siddhu Jonnalagadda's DJ Tillu turned out to be the surprise hit. The hilarious elements and Sidhu Jonnalagadda's expressions and performance made a lasting impression. It has to be noted that both the films have been bankrolled by Suryadevara Naga Vamsi's Sithara Entertainments and within a span of two weeks, the banner scored two superhits. 

February ended with two hits with Sidhu Jonnalagadda's DJ Tillu and Pawan Kalyan's Bheemla Nayak storm at the box office out of 17 releases.

>March

In March 9 movies hit the screens and they are Nallamala, Director,69 Samskar Colony, Dulqer Salmaan's Hey Sinamika, Kiran Abbavaram's  Sebastian, Sharvanand's Adavallu Meeku Joharlu, Prabhas' Radhe Shyam, Raj Tharun's Standup Rahul, and Raj Tharun's Standup Rahul. The makers breathed a sigh of relief as the ticket rates controversy got resolved and they got the flexibility to screen films at increased ticket rates for the first week of the release. 

Despite the promotions and huge craze, Dulqer Salmaan, Kajal, and Aditi Rao's Hey Sinamka disappeared from the theatres on the release day itself. Kiran Abbavaram's Sebastian PC524 and Raj Tharun's Standup Rahul couldn't stand up at the box office. Sharwanand's Adavallu Meeku Joharlu tested the patience of the viewers turning out to be a tiresome watch. Pan India Star Prabhas' period romantic entertainer Radhe Shyam was released amidst huge expectations. 

Prabhas set aside his action hero image among movie lovers across the country and did the romantic entertainer and dreamed of turning Radhe Shyam into Tollywood's Titanic. The film made with a huge budget on a pan-India scale and released after three years turned out to be a disaster. Though Prabhas' tremendous craze got the record openings for the film, movie lovers couldn't get emotionally connected to the story which turned out to be the weak link. Prabhas who hoped that Radhe Shyam would turn out to be Tollywood's Titanic and requested movie lovers to watch the film, saw his dreams crashing down as the film sank like Titanic.

Rajamouli's magnum opus RRR finally hit the screens after a lot of delays and postponements. RRR which happened to be the first superstars' multi-starrer of Tollywood featuring Ram Charan and NTR hit the screens in a lavish manner. Though the film did not get the unanimous talk from the movie lovers and critics which Rajamouli's films generally get right from the premiers, Rajamouli's brand after the Baahubali sensation, helped the film get good openings. 

The film dispelled all the fears among people post covid which resulted in an alarming dip in footfalls and made them throng the theatres and experience the visual extravaganza. The film collected around Rs1200crs and stamped Rajamouli's credibility at the box office. It turned Ram Charan and NTR into pan-India stars. Rajamouli's RRR revived not only the Tollywood industry but also Bollywood and Indian film industry acting like oxygen. 

Among 9 films in March, one and only one winner is RRR. 

>April 

April saw the release of Reddy Garintlo Rowdiyism, Bommala Koluvu, One By Two,1996 Dharmapuri, Mishan Impossible, Katha Kanchiki Manam Intiki along with Varun Tej's Ghani, Vijay's Beast, Yash's KGF2 and Chiranjeevi, Ram Charan's Acharya. Mishan Impossible was released amidst good hype as it marked Tapsee's return to Tollywood under Swaroop.RSJ of Agent Sai Srinivas Atreya's direction. However, Tapsee's Mishan resulted in a failed mission. Vijay's Beast did not give any mass feast. Samantha, Nayanthara's Kanmani Rambo Khatija did not make any impact. 

Varun Tej's Ghani excited all as he played the role of the boxer for the first time. However, the inexperience of the debutante director impacted the film's result. Ghani did not get any money at the box office and Varun Tej's remarkable transformation and hard work for the role of the boxer did not get the desired result. Sandalwood film KGF2 featuring Yash under Prashant Neel's direction hit the screens and it turned out to be a sensation. Yash who is an unknown entity outside Sandalwood with his power-packed performance and Prashant Neel's direction with heroic elevations drove the masses crazy. 

Yash's power as Rocky Bhai is so much that not only Tollywood but also entire India got astounded. The film collected Rs50crs more than RRR across the country and turned out to be the highest grosser of 2022. KGF2 riding on the expectations of KGF turned the film into an unexpected blockbuster. While KGF2 turned out to be the unexpected blockbuster, the result of Chiranjeevi, Ram Charan's Acharya came as a shocker. 

Acharya which was released with a huge buzz left all stunned with the openings during the first show. People did not show any interest despite the film featuring the father-son combo in the form of Chiranjeevi and Ram Charan for the first time. Even Koratala Shiva's name as the director who delivered superhits till that time did not interest movie lovers. The film turned out to be an utter disaster leaving a black mark in the career of Chiranjeevi and Ram Charan. Acharya left distributors and buyers in huge losses. Koratala's weak story coupled with Chiranjeevi and Ram Charan's lethargic performance made even mega-fans furious. 

Among 12 releases in April, only KGF turned out to be the hit. 

May

10 films were released in May and they included Dhagad Samba,120 B Dhwani, Suma's Jayamma Panchayathi, Bandla Ganesh's Degala Babji, Sree Vishnu's Bhala Thandanana, Vishwak Sen's Ashoka Vanamlo Arjuna Kalyanam, Rajasekhar's Sekhar, Mahesh Babu's Sarkaru Vaari Paata, Aadi Sai Kumar's Black and Venkatesh, Varun Tej's F3. 

Small Screen Star Suma's dreamed of becoming a Silver Screen star with Jayamma Panchayathi. But Suma's Panchayathis in Jayamma Panchayathi did not appeal to movie lovers. Similarly, Bandla Ganesh who gets excited when he gets a mike planned to show his power as Degala Babji at the box office. But none Dekhaledu (saw) Degala Babji in the theatres. Sri Vishnu's Bhala Thandanana with Varahi Chalana Chitram did not make movie lovers say Bhala and Aadi Sai Kumar's Black turned out to be another black day for him. 

Vishwak Sen's Ashoka Vanamlo Arjuna Kalyanam got a decent talk from critics and movie lovers alike. However, the film failed to get collections at the box office. Rajasekhar's look in Shekar got a good response from the viewers. But the makers messed up the film's performance unable to sort out the financial issues ahead of the film's release. Mahesh Babu's Sarkaru Vaari Paata was released after the makers promoted the film in an intense and extravagant manner. Mahesh Babu's charisma, swag, and mass mannerisms captured the imagination of all. The film entered into a 2 million dollar club in overseas but much to the surprise of all, it failed to reach the breakeven in a few centers. Despite all this, the film turned out to be a hit thanks to the makers' promotions. 

Venkatesh, Varun Tej's F3 was released amidst the craze it generated as the sequel for F2. The film however failed to reach the F2 range. However Dil Raju the producer claimed that the film got record collections. In May, out of ten films, Sarkaru Vaari Paata and F3 turned out to be hit. 

June

19 films were released in June and they included Gangster Gangaraju, Software Blues, Karan Arjun, Pellikuturu Party, Sadha Nannu Nadipe, Suraapanam, Mayuraakshi, Nani's Ante Sundaraniki, Adivi Sesh's Major, Kamal Haasan's Vikram, Rana's Virataparvam, Satyadev's Godse, RGV's Konda, Akash Puri's Chor Bazaar, Kiran Abbavaram's Sammathame, MS. Raju's 7 Days 6 Nights and Prithviraj Sukumaran's Kaduva.

Nani, Nazriya's Ante Sundaraniki got good talk but the film failed to generate good revenue at the box office. Rana, Sai Pallavi's Virataparvam got a good response from the critics and movie lovers alike but did not set the cash counters ringing. This put a question mark as to why people stopped coming to theatres. The makers should analyze these results and plan accordingly as people are getting used to OTTs and are waiting for the films to stream on OTTs rather than come to the theatres due to the increased ticket rates. Even after the makers are asking people to come and watch the films at reduced ticket rates, people are not buying their argument. 

Kiran Abbavaram's Sammathame due to good publicity got a craze at the box office. However, the response is just ok. MS. Raju's adult entertainer 7 Days 6 Nights, Akash Puri's Chor Bazaar, Satyadev's Godse, and Ram Gopal Varma's Konda left without a trace. Even Pruthviraj Sukumaran's Kaduva while is releasing this month end is not carrying much expectations.

Adivi Sesh's Major and Kamal Haasan's Vikram saved the industry at the box office in this month. Adivi Sesh's Major, a biopic on Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan, got a good response as the viewers got connected with the emotions. The film got a good response from across the country. Major turned out to be a profitable venture for the makers. Kamal Haasan after a long time came to entertain with Vikram. Kamal Haasan's performance was ably supported by Fahadh Faasil and Vijay Sethupathy's impactful on-screen presence and director Lokesh Kanagaraj's taking powered Vikram to new heights. People who acquired the Telugu distribution rights got double profits with Vikram's tremendous performance at the box office. 

Major and Vikram turned out to be the hits in June. 

Expectations

The first half of 2022 resulted in 9 hits in Tollywood out of 82 releases. Among them, two are dubbing films Yash-Prashant Neel's KGF2 and Kamal Haasan-Lokesh Kanagaraj's Vikram. Straight hits include Nagarjuna's Bangarraju, Pawan Kalyan's Bheemla Nayak, Siddhu Jonnalagadda's DJ Tillu, NTR, Ram Charan, Rajamouli's RRR, Mahesh Babu's Sarkaru Vaari Paata, Venkatesh, Varun Tej's F3 and Adivi Sesh's Major. 

This shows that all that glitters is not gold. Many are happily boasting that Tollywood is shining but it is far from reality. The hit ratio is dismal and all the filmmakers and stars are getting bitten by the pan India bug. They should realize that content is king and should concentrate on the powerful story, impactful screenplay, and gripping performances. Now with none of the current generation top stars like Ram Charan, NTR, Mahesh Babu, Pawan Kalyan, Allu Arjun, and Prabhas' films releasing it is up to young heroes to power Tollywood in the second half.

It will be left to Gopichand, Naga Chaitanya, Akhil, Nikhil, Ram, Nitin, and Vijay Devarakonda to break box office records with Pakka Commercial, Thank You, Agent, Karthikeya2,Warriorr, Macherla Niyojaka Vargam, Liger this year. Balakrishna's NBK107 may hit the screens during September and Chiranjeevi's Godfather in October and in between Raviteja will test his power with Ramarao On Duty. Let's hope young heroes will power Tollywood to new heights and end the year on a  high note.