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Trade Underestimated Dil Raju?

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Dil Raju has long been regarded as one of the top producers in Tollywood and a dominant force in film distribution in the Nizam and Uttarandhra regions. However, the distribution landscape in Nizam has been changing rapidly, with new distribution offices opening and producers exploring alternative release strategies.

Following this development, Raju recently missed out on a few notable projects. For instance, Sihaara Entertainments has started releasing its films through Annapurna Studios in the region, which came as a setback for Dil Raju’s distribution wing. A few other films, too, have gone to different distributors, leading to speculation within trade circles that he might be losing his grip on the market. But Dil Raju appears to have other plans.

From Nizam to the Entire Telugu States:

Instead of limiting himself to just Nizam rights, Dil Raju is now reportedly going more aggressively by acquiring the entire Telugu States theatrical rights for select films.

One of the biggest moves in this direction is his acquisition of the Telugu States rights for Toxic, one of the most anticipated Pan-India films. This deal alone sends a strong message to the trade that Dil Raju is still very much in the game.

Apart from Toxic, he has also secured the Telugu States rights for Biker, starring Sharwanand, and GaayaPadda Simham, starring Tharun Bhascker.

Sources suggest that Dil Raju is also in discussions for several other upcoming films. In Tollywood trade circles, one thing is clear: writing off Dil Raju too early might be a mistake.

Censor Rumours Surround Dhurandhar 2

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While the fans eagerly await the release and some promotional updates from Dhurandhar 2, some unexpected rumours about its censor are worrying them. On the other hand, the makers are also not releasing any promotional content from the film. 

Dhurandhar turned out to be a sensational all-time industry blockbuster in the Hindi market, grossing close to ₹1300 crore worldwide. The film not only dominated the North belt but also gained massive popularity across India after its OTT release.

Now, all eyes are on the sequel, Dhurandhar The Revenge, which is scheduled to release on March 19. The sequel is carrying tremendous hype, with expectations soaring sky-high in both Hindi and South markets.

Censor Confusion: What Really Happened?

Over the past 24 hours, several rumours emerged from Bollywood media portals that Dhurandhar 2 had completed its censor formalities and had been granted a U/A certificate by the CBFC. But those reports are said to be incorrect, and as of now, Dhurandhar: The Revenge has not been certified by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).

The confusion arose because it is actually the same 208-minute print of Dhurandhar Part 1 that was re-certified for television premieres.

With its March 19 release date approaching, the industry is eagerly waiting for official updates regarding censor certification and final cut confirmation.

Valentine Jinx for Vishwak Sen

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Vishwak Sen is undoubtedly one of the most talented young actors in Telugu cinema today. Known for his unique script choices and energetic screen presence, he initially built a strong craze among youth audiences and urban centers. However, sustaining that momentum has turned out to be challenging for Vishwak Sen.

Over the past few years, consecutive box office failures have slowed down his growth trajectory. While his performances continue to receive appreciation in parts, the commercial results have not matched expectations. Naturally, this has started reflecting on his market value as well.

Valentine’s Season Not Working in His Favour:

Interestingly, the Valentine’s weekend seems to have become an unlucky phase for Vishwak Sen.

Last year, Laila was released during the Valentine’s frame. The film faced heavy criticism and did not perform as expected at the box office. The backlash around the project impacted both the film’s run and Vishwak Sen’s image to some extent, breaking his momentum.

This year, hopes were pinned on Funky, which also arrived during the Valentine’s season. At the time of announcement, the film carried strong buzz and was expected to be a sure-shot success, especially among younger audiences. However, the theatrical outcome turned out to be disappointing.

Ustaad Bhagat Singh: Producer Quotes Massive Price, Talks Underway

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Ustaad Bhagat Singh marks the second collaboration of the blockbuster trio – Pawan Kalyan, Harish Shankar, and Devi Sri Prasad, and the expectations on this combination are naturally sky-high, as they have delivered a sensational hit, Gabbar Singh, in the past.

The makers recently announced that the film will hit theatres on March 26, positioning it as one of the first major releases of the summer season.

Adding to the promotional momentum, the second single titled “Aura of Ustaad” is scheduled to be released on February 22. The team is planning aggressive promotions over the next month to build strong pre-release buzz.

150 Crore Target in Telugu States?

Coming to the business front, the producers are reportedly quoting around ₹150 crore for the Telugu States theatrical rights. Andhra (6 territories) is quoted in the ₹72+ crore range, and the negotiations are said to be happening around the ₹60 crore mark. Other territories are also seeing active discussions.

However, distributors feel that a valuation of around ₹120 crore would be safer given current market conditions. With producers firm at ₹150 crore and buyers comfortable near ₹120 crore, the final deal is expected to be settled somewhere in between. Trade circles expect the agreements to be finalized very soon.

Competition and Challenges Ahead

Being the first major biggie of the summer, Ustaad Bhagat Singh is expected to open strongly, thanks to Pawan Kalyan’s strong stardom and fan base. But if we observe from a business perspective, there are a few challenges from a business perspective. Two big films: Toxic and Dhurandhar 2 are releasing just a week earlier on March 19. This could impact screen availability and theatre allocations.

Additionally, securing ticket price hikes and permission for extra shows in Telangana has become increasingly challenging in recent times. All these factors are being carefully considered during the ongoing negotiations.

Despite the hurdles, the film remains one of the most anticipated projects of the season. If the promotional campaign clicks in a big way, Ustaad Bhagat Singh has every potential to dominate the summer box office if it meets expectations.

Athadu 4K Second Re-Release: Huge Business

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Athadu, the evergreen classic starring Mahesh Babu, continues to prove its timeless appeal. The film was re-released in 4K last year on the occasion of Mahesh Babu’s birthday and received a good response from fans and audiences.

Now, the film is gearing up for yet another re-release on February 28, and surprisingly, it has managed to generate impressive business once again.

Strong Business for a Second Re-Release

Typically, re-releases are mostly one-time events driven by nostalgia or special occasions. Securing strong theatrical deals for a second re-release is considered quite challenging in today’s market. However, Athadu 4K has managed to break that norm.

According to trade sources:

  • Nizam area’s rights have been sold for ₹18 lakh
  • Andhra (6 territories) fetched around ₹16 lakh
  • Ceeded closed at ₹3 lakh
  • Rest of India (ROI) added another ₹3 lakh

In total, the film has reportedly done business close to ₹40 lakh.

For a second re-release, and that too without any special occasion attached, a ₹40 lakh theatrical business is definitely a huge achievement. It clearly reflects the film’s enduring popularity and Mahesh Babu’s strong fan base.

Favourable Box Office Window

Another factor working in favour of Athadu is the current release calendar. With no notable big films hitting theatres after the Sankranthi season, there is a visible gap at the box office. This creates a favourable window for a classic and nostalgic entertainer like Athadu to attract audiences once again.

Given that the film remains one of Mahesh Babu’s most loved performances, trade analysts are expecting decent numbers in this re-release as well.

Toxic at Crucial Stage: Needs a Blast

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After rewriting box office history with the KGF Chapter 1 and KGF Chapter 2, Yash became a true Pan-India sensation. Naturally, all eyes have been on his next theatrical release, Toxic.

That film is Toxic, directed by Geetu Mohandas. Interestingly, Yash didn’t rush into signing projects after the KGF franchise. He took considerable time to carefully choose his next move, eventually locking Toxic as his comeback vehicle. More than just starring in it, Yash is also actively involved in the creative process, reportedly contributing to the writing and shaping the film’s overall vision.

A Massive International Attempt:

Toxic isn’t being mounted as just another Indian biggie. The makers are planning a wide release not only in multiple Indian languages but also in international markets. With a staggering budget reportedly exceeding ₹500 crore, the film stands among the most expensive projects in Indian cinema.

Adding to the pressure, Toxic is scheduled to release on March 19 and will face direct competition from Dhurandhar 2, another massive film gearing up for a big release.

Where Is the Anticipation?

Despite being Yash’s immediate film after the historic KGF series, Toxic hasn’t surprisingly generated the same earth-shattering anticipation yet. Trade circles believe the promotional material released so far hasn’t created the desired impact. While the curiosity factor remains intact, the buzz hasn’t exploded to the level expected from a ₹500 crore Pan-India spectacle.

One Blockbuster Promo Can Change Everything

At this crucial stage, the film needs one explosive promotional asset, be it a powerful teaser, a high-voltage trailer, a viral action glimpse, or something that can instantly ignite social media and dominate the conversation.

If the team delivers that one goosebumps-inducing promotional blast, the narrative can shift overnight. Strong openings and sky-high anticipation will naturally follow, even amid competition from Dhurandhar 2.

The ball is now in the makers’ court. With the right promotional strike at the right time, Toxic can reclaim the massive hype pan-India wide that a Yash film truly deserves.

Peddi Update: Silence, Rumours and Rising Tension

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Peddi is undoubtedly one of the biggest Telugu films of this year, carrying massive buzz across trade circles and among fans, and it is entering a crucial phase now. From the day it was announced, expectations have been sky-high.

The film was initially slated for a grand release on March 27. But the makers recently made it official that the release has been pushed to April 30. While the team projected confidence about meeting the new date, industry insiders have been skeptical from the beginning.

Shoot Still On – Can April 30 Be Achieved?

Strong reports suggest that the film’s shoot is expected to continue until the end of March. Even though the team is reportedly working with multiple units simultaneously to speed up production, trade analysts believe wrapping up shooting, post-production, promotions, and censor formalities within such a tight window will be a huge challenge.

While the makers remain confident, fresh rumours now indicate that the film might eventually move to June if things don’t go as planned.

Delay in Updates Fueling Speculation:

Adding more fuel to the speculation is the delay in promotional updates. The much-awaited second single was originally planned for a New Year release. But it has been postponed multiple times and has yet to see the light of day.

This continuous delay in promotional material is only strengthening the rumours about possible production or post-production hurdles.

Impact on Akhil’s Lenin:

Interestingly, Lenin, starring Akhil, is currently eyeing a May 1 release. If Peddi sticks to April 30, Lenin may have to reconsider its date to avoid a box office clash. On the other hand, if Peddi moves to June, it could clear the path for Lenin to arrive as planned.

For now, the situation remains uncertain. Whether the team manages to pull off an April 30 release or opts for a safer June window is something the industry is closely watching.

One thing is clear: the coming weeks will be crucial for Peddi.

No Value for Producers: Dil Raju

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Renowned film producer Dil Raju stated that producers no longer receive the respect they once did in the film industry. He said that the word “producer” traditionally means “one who gives,” but today, the industry has reached a stage where those who give are being dictated to.

Speaking at a recent event related to senior producer Atluri Poornachandra Rao, Dil Raju mentioned that after he entered the film industry, Poornachandra Rao produced only a few films. He recalled that when he planned to remake his film Dil in Hindi, Poornachandra Rao approached him regarding the rights. 

Dil Raju said he immediately offered the rights free of cost if Poornachandra Rao wished to produce it, and said that such producers do not exist now.

He also announced that he would produce a film under Atluri’s presentation, as an honor to the senior producer who has backed 87 films. Dil Raju promised that the project would be made with strong values and meaningful content.

Dil Raju, who delivered a massive success with Sankranthiki Vasthunnam during Sankranthi 2025, also experienced a major setback with Game Changer during the same festive season. Additionally, his film Thammudu, starring Nithiin, turned out to be a big disappointment.

Currently, Dil Raju is gearing up for his next project titled Yellamma, which brings together director Venu Yeldandi and music director Devi Sri Prasad (as the lead).

From Actress to Producer: Nithya Menen Starts Her Own Banner

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National Award-winning actress Nithya Menen, who has carved a unique space for herself in South Indian cinema, has now begun a new journey as a producer. On Tuesday, she announced her own production house titled Keyuri Productions. She shared the news on her Instagram page along with a video unveiling the company’s logo.

Nithya said that making films is not just about telling stories, but about touching people at a deeper level. “From the very first day I began acting, that has been my intention. Now, as a producer, I will continue with the same purpose. Through my creative process, my goal is to bring about a transformation in those who watch my films,” she wrote in her post. In the logo video, she described ‘Keyuri’ as a formless entity born from the caves of the earth, carved by stone, and in love with light.

On this occasion, Nithya also recalled memories of her first Telugu film Ala Modalaindi, which recently completed 15 years. She shared that when they were making the romantic comedy, many people did not fully understand the film. After shoot days, the team would spend time together sipping Irani chai and chatting.

She fondly remembered director Nandini Reddy telling her during the shoot, “After this, you won’t be able to walk freely into a restaurant like this.” At the time, Nithya found those words amusing. She said she had wanted to continue doing small films and live a simple, free life, but Ala Modalaindi changed her life completely. Now, as she steps into production, she says she is moving forward with the same spirit and passion.

Sivakarthikeyan’s Biggest Film Gets Kalyani Priyadarshan

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Sivakarthikeyan, who faced a failure with his recent release, Parasakthi, is gearing up to work on his biggest film under the direction of Venkat Prabhu, with Kalyani Priyadarshan as the female lead, who previously worked with him in Hero (2019).

Reportedly, Venkat Prabhu is all set to make a massive budget film with more than 150 Cr. The film is of a SCI-FI genre with a lot of CGI involved. As said above, Kalyani Priyadarshan is said to be finalised as the lead actress.

Sivakarthikeyan has another film, Seyon, set for release this Dasara, and next he will set the bar high with his career’s biggest film afterward. The film’s shoot will begin in the second half of this year. Sivakarthikeyan was also seen in a cameo in Venkat Prabhu’s last film with Vijay, GOAT.