Telugu industry witnessed unprecedented box-office numbers with films like Uppena and Krack after the lockdown restrictions were lifted. In fact, ticket counters kept ringing which boosted confidence to other industries as well hinting at resuscitating after witnessing a lull phase.
However, the surge in COVID second wave dampened the spirits of Telugu industry, while the government has ordered to pull down the shutters on theaters and the subsequent lockdown has proved costly for the filmmakers and producers too. It is worth mentioning that during such time, the boom in OTT has increased which also proved a blessing in disguise for some films.
The audience seeing no respite to get back to theaters, there has been reports of demand to have films released in the digital space. The second COVID wave saw only two films Thank You Brother released on Aha and Ek Mini Katha which got streamed on Amazon Prime Video. Many big ticket projects were supposed to hit the screens but they have deferred the released date owing to the pandemic. Meanwhile, M9News through inside sources have learnt about the status of each film’s release:
Tuck Jagadish
Shiva Nirvana’s family drama Tuck Jagadish was supposed to have an April release. There were reports that the film will have an OTT release, but the makers recently quashed the rumours stating that they have no such plans as the film is meant to be enjoyed in theaters only. Meanwhile, Amazon has acquired the digital streaming rights post the theatrical release.
Most Eligible Bachelor
Starring Pooja Hegde and Akhil Akkineni the film is bankrolled by GA2 Pictures. Given the production house, it was thought that Aha will be releasing it but there is no truth in the rumours as makers are planning for theatrical release. The makers are yet to issue clarity on post theatrical streaming rights too.
Khiladi
High octane action flick starring Ravi Tej was supposed to have May 28 release. Mass Maharaja is known to be a risk taker, and just like his previous film Krack, even Khiladi will have a theatrical release and will get streamed on Amazon post film release.
Akhanda
The big-budget film Akanda is one the most awaited ones considering the combo of Balakrishna and Boyapati Srinu. Balakrishna films are an out-an-out entertainer laced wil mass-masala elements thus makers are not vouching for OTT release.
Drushyam2
This is the sequel of blockbuster Drushyam starring Venkatesh Daggubati and Meena. It is worth mentioning that the original Malayalam film was released on OTT platform and got rave reviews. Coming to the Telugu film, the filming process is complete and the makers are in advanced talks with Amazon Prime Video. The deal may be closed soon and we may get an official announcement soon.
Paagal and Maestro
Vishwak Sen’s Paagal shoot is complete. While Nithiin’s Maestro, remake of Bollywood film Andhadhun, has only one week of shoot to get completed. Both the films are getting good offers from the digital space and the makers yet to take a call.
This is the status of the aforementioned films as of now. The makers are likely to wait till July for things to get favourable with a hope to see their films in theaters. However, if the same grim scenario continues then the equation may get changed and the films waiting for theatrical release may opt to have online release. As they say, We Never Know!
