Dil Raju’s Controversial Presidency: Is He Setting the Wrong Example for Telugu Film Industry?

Dil Raju’s Controversial Presidency: Is He Setting the Wrong Example for Telugu Film Industry?

Dil Raju, in his role as the Telugu Film Chamber President, is drawing criticism for what some perceive as setting a problematic precedent. The recent challenges faced by Telugu movies in securing theaters for the competitive Sankranthi season have raised concerns within the industry. Even after the postponement of Ravi Teja’s film “Eagle,” the theater allocation issues persisted for the remaining four films.

A united front was presented by producers who, in a recent meeting, declared their solidarity. The makers of “Eagle” took a commendable step by deciding to postpone the film, contributing positively to the industry’s collective interests. Considering the tight situation for Telugu films during Sankranthi, there was an expectation that there might not be room for dubbed films during the festival in 2024.

However, Dil Raju, as the Telugu Film Chamber President, is now making headlines for acquiring the theatrical rights of Siva Karthikeyan’s “Ayalaan” in Uttarandhra and Nizam. While the agreement has reportedly been signed, clarity on-screen adjustments are anticipated in the coming days. This move has sparked discussions about Dil Raju’s perceived hypocrisy.

Dil Raju’s Controversial Presidency: Is He Setting the Wrong Example for Telugu Film Industry?

In a recent Telugu Film Chamber press meeting, Dil Raju stated that “Hanuman” would be the last film to be released during Sankranthi. Notably, he did not delve into business or budget details but emphasized giving first preference to star hero films, inadvertently causing distress to the makers of “Hanuman.” Critics argue that Dil Raju’s actions suggest a self-serving agenda, especially since he is releasing all three other films during the Sankranthi festival while singling out “Hanuman” as the last.

In a time when Telugu films are struggling to secure an adequate number of screens, Dil Raju’s decision to release “Ayalaan” in Uttarandhra and Nizam on January 12th has raised eyebrows. Critics argue that these resources could have been allocated to Telugu films, even if they involve fewer shows and theaters.

As the President of the Telugu Film Chamber, there are calls for Dil Raju to play a more proactive role in convincing the “Ayalaan” team to reconsider releasing the film during the Sankranthi festival, given the already crowded lineup. Some see the decision to release the film in Uttarandhra and Nizam as setting a negative example and conflicting with his role in the industry.