Tollywood: Cameras, rolling, action, all done without a female lead.
Going by the box office calculations, the Tollywood movie business seems to have undergone a major change in the last few years.
Traditionally, films are screened after announcing the complete crew and cast: the leading pair, technicians, and music director.
It’s no secret that female protagonists play an important role in influencing movie lovers in Tollywood. Their previous appearances, success rate and appeal have had a similar impact on the Telugu film market. But now, that dynamic seems to have changed.
Several Tollywood banners, including some top Bollywood film studios, are rolling cameras without officially announcing the female lead.
Although the makers of the upcoming films with actors like Megastar Chiranjeevi, Nandamuri Balakrishna, Akkineni Nagarjuna, Gopichand, Ram Pothineni and Math Maharaja Ravi Teja are still looking for female leads. , the project has already been launched.
Also read: A look at how 2023 has brought big changes for Bollywood heroes
Chiranjeevi and Nagarjuna
Megastar Chiranjeevi is working on a social fantasy film. He is directed by Mallidi Vasishta who is helming the project which is backed by UV work.
The title of the movie is a working title. Mroka Veerdu.
Vasishtha had earlier achieved success with social fantasy dramas titled; Bimbisara (2022). The makers are reportedly considering the names of Anushka Shetty and Nayanthara for the female lead. It was also learned that the names of senior Bollywood actresses are likely to be included in the negotiations.
MEGA MEGA START TO MOVIE 🌟#mega157 Pre-production work has begun and it’s finally here!
We’re almost ready to take you on a cinematic adventure.@KChiruTweets @UV_Creations @naiduchota pic.twitter.com/6qXLlsbqds
— Vasishta (@DirVassishta) September 10, 2023
Also Read: ‘The Great Family of India’: A Call for Inclusion in Diversity
Nagarjuna’s upcoming movies Na Sami Ranga Popular choreographer-turned-director Vijay Bunny will be at the helm. This is Nagarjuna’s 99th film.
Initially, Kajal Aggarwal’s name was considered as a potential choice for the role of the female lead. But then the makers gave Manasa her appearance test in Varanasi. However, they chose Ashika Ranganath as Nagarjuna’s lover.
The film is scheduled to be released in January 2024. Srinivasaa Chitturi is producing this film under his Srinivasaa Silver Screen banner.
Music is by MM Keeravani.
ఈసారి పండక్కి…. నా సామి రంగ 🔥https://t.co/fMl679rZzg
— Nagarjuna Akkineni (@iamnagarjuna) August 29, 2023
Also read: I remember watching Telugu movies on VCR tape: Kannada actor Rakshit Shetty
Ravi Teja and Gopichand
Math Maharaja Ravi Teja and Gopichand Malineni are collaborating for a decidedly heavy-duty film tentatively titled RT4GM.
Following the successful project, this will be their fourth collaboration — Don Seene (2010), bulp (2013), and crack (2021).
As of now, no official announcement has been made regarding the female lead in the film.
Produced by Mythri Movie Makers.
I am so excited to be collaborating again with my beloved Mas Maharaja @RaviTeja_offl Gal about upcoming projects 😍
After a blockbuster hat-trick of movies, we are now gearing up once again to deliver another solid mass entertainer.
Thank you MY HERO for giving me this opportunity 🤗Let’s kill it… pic.twitter.com/pUL8joaN1C
— Gopichand Malineni (@megopichand) July 9, 2023
Also read: I was stupid to handle things in public: Anasuya Bharadwaj
Actor Gopichand and director Srinu Vaitla’s new film was released recently. This is Venu Donepudi’s first production by his Chitralayam Studios.
Shrinu Vaitla, known for his work in action and comedy genres, will be making a comeback with this venture.
The makers are yet to announce the female protagonist. It is learned that she is planning to cast actress Genelia D’Souza, who has been away from the Telugu silver screen for a long time.
happy birthday to my director @SreenuVaitla
We are looking forward to our movie and hope to see you on set.@chitralayam pic.twitter.com/jR3OViiuxu— Gopichand (@YoursGopichand) September 24, 2023
Also read: Sandalwood seeks local talent
The hurdles are high even for young actors.
Meanwhile, movies starring young or promising actors are now being filmed without female leads.
Naga Chaitanya and Chandu Mondeti are working on a film called. NC23. The film is based on the lives of the fishermen of Srikakulam.
Directed and written by Mondeti. Produced by Geetha Arts.
Chandu Mondeti and Naga Chaitanya have previously worked together in a romantic drama. Premama (2015).
Before announcing Sai Pallavi’s name, the makers tried hard for Keerthy Suresh but in vain (possible date clash).Sai Pallavi previously co-starred with Naga Chaitanya in a 2021 Telugu film love story.
A widely admired and beloved woman joins the voyage. #NC23 🌊⛵#She will participate in NC23Voyage
Yuva Samrat @chay_akkineni @chandoomondeti #bunny bus @GeethaArts #kartikteda pic.twitter.com/5Uusax4g4g
— Geetha Arts (@GeethaArts) September 19, 2023
Also Read: Athidhi Review: Venu Thottempudi’s web series is a ghost story with a message
Actor Ram Poshinini teams up with Puri Jagannadh. double ice smart after their business is successful iSmart Shankar (2019).film double ice smart It is a sequel to i smart shankar.
It was launched in Hyderabad and is currently shooting various important parts. However, there is no official update regarding the female protagonist.
Puri launched several Tollywood heroines including Kangana Ranaut. Ek Niranjan (2009), is believed to be looking for a Bollywood actress.
What a fun night. .#DoubleISMART pic.twitter.com/KXPE43UmdO
— RAM Pothineni (@ramsayz) August 13, 2023