It would be a routine thing to say now but Covid-19 pandemic has impacted all works of life throughout the world. Coming to Film Industry and especially Telugu Film Industry, Sankranthi 2020 saw new highs at the box office with both the films Sarileru Neekevvaru and Alavinkunthapuramloo crossing Baahubali 1 in the Telugu States. There were a series of films planned for release in the Summer and later months but due to shutdowns, shootings and movie releases came to a halt.
OTT picked up the pace and cashed on movies that were ready to release. Even a crazy star like Surya had his film released on OTT. Producers who couldn’t bear post-production expenses/interests saw a golden opportunity with OTT and closed deals barely saving them from losses. The theatres were shut down for almost 8 months and industry insiders were doubting the fate of theatrical release post shutdown. One industry that stood against all odds should be our Telugu Film Industry. It paved the way for other language movies to follow theatrical releases. Post shutdown, Solo Brathuke So Better was the first notable film to release with 50% occupancy. Many notable stars wished the film a success and the film turned out to be a hit with 10cr+ share. It is the first biggest hit of India post reopening.
This film brought hope to all other filmmakers and a series of films were lined up for the biggest movie festival Sankranthi. Telugu industry saw 3 movies Krack, Red and Alludu Adhurs. Tamil Industry saw Ilayathalapathy’s Master and STR’s Eeswaran. Krack and Master turned out to be huge blockbusters cementing the theatrical release hopes for other makers. Also, Famous TV anchor Pradeep’s debut film 30 rojullo preminchadadm ela that released after the Sankranthi season turned out to be a super hit at the box-office.
The GOI granted 100% occupancy in February and Telugu Industry was again the flag bearer showing Indian Cinema that the audience enjoy good movies in theatres. Uppena released on February 12th and is running towards a Blockbuster. It already grossed 42cr WW and also broke a 14 year standing debut film record. Telugu Industry also paved the way of announcing release dates with almost all Elite stars announcing their upcoming films. There more than 40 films that are scheduled to release this year from Tollywood including 5 PAN India Releases, Major, Radhe Shyam, Pushpa, Liger and RRR. On the other hand, There are hardly fewer than a dozen release date announcements from other industries for the rest of the year. This shows how big Tollywood is playing its part in reviving the ailing Indian film industry.
