Gone are the days when heroes used to do numerous films a year. Unlike the golden era when stars like NTR, ANR, Krishna, Chiranjeevi, Sobhan Babu, Krisnnam Raju used to do numerous films in a year, current generation stars are doing one or none. Fans and movie lovers are extremely disappointed as at this rate they cannot do even 25-50 films in their lifetime, unlike yesteryear stars who did around 200-300 films at ease.
But stars feel they are giving importance to quality and are not concerned a bit about the speed. Not only young heroes like Mahesh Babu, NTR, Ram Charan, Allu Arjun and Prabhas but also seniors like Nagarjuna, Balakrishna, Chiranjeevi, Venkatesh and Pawan Kalyan are doing the same. Mahesh in the last five years did five films. In a career span of 20 years, he starred in 25 films. Earlier Mahesh used to have one film in two years but of late he increased his speed and is coming up with one film per year.
Allu Arjun in the last five years did five films and of them, one was a guest role in Rudramadevi. Ram Charan's condition is not any different and he did four films in five years. He produced Khaidi No 150 and is now producing Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy. One feels that his speed decreased ever since he turned producer.
Prabhas is even slower. In five years he was seen on screen only twice. In 2015, his Baahubali: The Beginning released and in 2017 Baahubali: The Conclusion hit the screens. However, fans understood him as both the films created a sensation at the international level. However, Prabhas taking time even for Saaho is a worrying factor. But the only advantage is he is simultaneously completing Jaan. Fans are of the opinion that Prabhas should increase his speed now. NTR did five films in five years and this year, NTR is yet to be seen on screen.
Balakrishna entertained with 7 films in five years while Nagarjuna entertained with five films. Venkatesh however attracted with only four films. The situation is same in Bollywood too. People are left wondering whether this is enough for the movie lovers.
Tollywood has only dozen stars and if all do two films every year, at least each month will have two big films and of them, if one hits the bullseye it will power the box office. But none of them are bothering about these calculations. They are keen to come with a good film even if it is a bit late. Producers feel stars should increase their pace. But stars say they are unable to do so as they are not getting good stories.
Everyone is aware that if a star's film turns out to be a hit, everyone makes crores of profits but if it turns out to be a dud, they make huge losses. Stars say since many depend on them, they cannot put their lives to risk.
But there is another take. Analysts feel stars should stop giving the lame excuse that they are not getting good stories. Many newcomers are coming with creative stories and if they encourage them, they can do wonders at the box office. Even if they do one film in one or two years, there is no guarantee that it will turn out to be a sure shot hit. So they should not be averse to risk but instead, take a risk as fortune favors the brave and lady luck will fall in love with the brave hearts.
Some point to Super Star Krishna who dared and did 18 films a year and created a sensation. But none can be like Krishna (even his son Mahesh Babu) but it is not impossible to do at least two films a year as this will give a lot of opportunities to those who are depending on the film industry.