'Rana Naidu' star Rana Daggubati speaks on shrinking theatres and growing Telugu film industry
Picture Credit: X
Actor
Rana Daggubati
recently shared his insights on the remarkable growth of the Telugu film industry. He shared how Telugu cinema has achieved global recognition with blockbuster franchises like '
Baahubali
,' 'Pushpa,' and 'RRR', while also nurturing smaller, independent films that have found their own audiences.
Theatres on the decline worldwide
While speaking with Hindustan Times, the 'Nene Raju Nene Mantri' actor explained that, globally, the traditional cinema experience is facing challenges, with the number of theaters shrinking over the past several years.
He said, "Seven or eight years ago, there were three times the number of theatres that there are today". This decline is partly due to the rise of alternative content platforms such as OTT services, YouTube, and mobile streaming, which offer viewers more choices than ever before.
Despite these changes, Rana remains optimistic about the future of cinema. He believes that watching films together in theatres is a communal experience that will continue to hold value. He mentioned the Telugu legal drama 'Court,' starring Priyadarshi Pulikonda, as an example of how quality cinema with a modest budget can still do well with audiences and achieve near-mainstream success.
Telugu Industry's diversity and accessibility
Rana also praised the Telugu industry's diversity and affordability. He explained that Telugu cinema is thriving because it produces a wide variety of films catering to different tastes. Additionally, the cost of watching movies in
Andhra Pradesh
and Telangana remains lower compared to metropolitan cities like Mumbai and Delhi, making cinema more accessible to a broader audience.
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
This Device Made My Power Bill Drop Overnight
elecTrick - Save upto 80% on Power Bill
Pre-Order
Undo
On the subject of pan-India blockbusters, Rana emphasized that not every story is meant to appeal universally. Some films are made specifically for local audiences, where cultural nuances play a crucial role in storytelling. However, he shared that many Telugu films are intentionally made to reach audiences across India, a trend that has been growing steadily.
Rana Daggubati will be seen in the upcoming season 2 of the action thriller 'Rana Naidu'.
Check out our list of the
latest Hindi
,
English
,
Tamil
,
Telugu
,
Malayalam
, and
Kannada movies
. Don't miss our picks for the
best Hindi movies
,
best Tamil movies,
and
best Telugu films
.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
India Gazette
an hour ago
- India Gazette
Teaser of Nandamuri Balakrishna-starrer 'Akhanda 2' unveiled
ANI 10 Jun 2025, 00:50 GMT+10 New Delhi [India], June 9 (ANI): Veteran Telugu actor Nandamuri Balakrishna has collaborated with director Boyapati Sreenu for their fourth film titled 'Akhanda 2: Thaandavam'. On the occasion of Balakrishna's birthday on Monday, a powerful teaser of the film was unveiled. The teaser shows the actor embodying the fierce essence of Lord Shiva. The visual of the Trishul, flanked by Nandi and set against the snow-capped backdrop of Kailasam, is breathtaking and steeped in spiritual symbolism. Balakrishna's powerful walk adds a touch of majesty, while the scenes where he hurls goons aside and the intense Trishul-neck shot are jaw-dropping. The film is currently being shot in the scenic locales of Georgia, where a major sequence is underway. Akhanda 2: Thandavam stars Nandamuri Balakrishna, Samyuktha, and Aadhi Pinisetty (as the main antagonist). The film is helmed by Boyapati Sreenu and produced by Raam Achanta and Gopi Achanta under the 14 Reels Plus banner, with presentation by M Tejeswini Nandamuri. The music is composed by S. Thaman, cinematography by C. Ramprasad and Santoshh D Detake, editing by Tammiraju, action choreography by Ram-Lakshman, art direction by A.S. Prakash. The 2021 action drama Akhanda, which starred Nandamuri Balakrishna in a dual role, also featured Pragya Jaiswal, Jagapathi Babu and Srikanth in key roles. (ANI)
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Baba Sehgal recalls getting threat from underworld asking him to stop making music: 'Bollywood was very insecure with me...'
Baba Sehgal revealed Bollywood's insecurities impacted his career. He found recognition in South Indian cinema after feeling sidelined in Bollywood. Sehgal shared he received underworld threats in 1998, warning him to stop singing. Despite the challenges, he continued his career. He also reflected on the turbulence in the entertainment industry during the late '90s. Rapper and music icon Baba Sehgal recently opened up about his challenging journey in the Hindi film industry, revealing how Bollywood's insecurities and industry pressures shaped his career. From feeling sidelined by Bollywood to gaining respect in South Indian cinema, Baba also shared a shocking encounter with the underworld that threatened his passion for music. In a candid chat with Siddharth Kannan, Baba reflected on his journey in regional cinema, sharing that the South Indian film industry gave him the recognition he never quite received in Bollywood. Citing his impressive body of work—including over 250 Telugu songs, 35–40 Tamil tracks, and more than 25 Kannada numbers—he said the South took him seriously and embraced his music. In contrast, he described Bollywood as being insecure about his presence right from the start. Sehgal believes his direct and upfront personality may not have aligned with Bollywood's expectations. He recalled how music directors would reach out to him, but perhaps found his demeanor or way of speaking off-putting. Despite rising to national fame in the early '90s with Indipop chartbusters like Thanda Thanda Paani, Baba feels his success outside the film industry may have made the Hindi film music scene uneasy and hesitant to fully embrace him. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Pistol de sudură laser multifuncțional siginificant Află mai multe Undo He also shared that he received a threat call from the underworld back in 1998—a time when such intimidation was not uncommon in the entertainment industry. While he never imagined being targeted as he considered himself 'just a singer,' the incident came as a shock. He recalled how the experience brought immense stress to both him and his family during that turbulent period. Baba further revealed that the underworld call he received in 1998 wasn't about extortion—but a warning to stop making music altogether. 'They told me to stop singing. The tone wasn't aggressive, but it was serious,' he recalled, adding that the calls often came at night, making it a deeply unsettling experience. Despite the threats, Baba chose to stay the course, building a successful career beyond Bollywood with the support of his loyal fans and the South Indian film industry. Baba Sehgal also reflected on the turbulence in the entertainment industry during the late '90s. He described it as a confusing period when non-film music declined, remixes took over, and the underworld gained influence. 'It wasn't just me; the entire industry was shaken,' he said, highlighting the widespread challenges artists faced during that era.
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
Amol Parashar REACTS to dating rumours with Konkona Sensharma; recalls Vicky Kaushal's similar phase with Katrina Kaif before marriage
Amol Parashar has finally addressed the dating rumors linking him to Konkona Sensharma, clarifying that despite public perception, no one directly inquired about their relationship. Drawing a parallel to Vicky Kaushal's discreet courtship with Katrina Kaif, Amol emphasized his right to share personal news on his own terms, particularly via social media. Amol Parashar is finally breaking his silence on those long-running dating rumours with Konkona Sensharma. From red carpet moments to warm public hugs, the whispers have only grown louder. Now, in a candid chat, the Gram Chikitsalay actor not only sets the record straight but also draws a fun parallel to Vicky Kaushal 's hush-hush phase with Katrina Kaif — and yes, there's an 'Instagram official' twist too! In a recent chat with Hindustan Times, Amol addressed the ongoing buzz about his rumored relationship with Konkona Sensharma. He revealed that while many people assumed they were dating, no one actually approached him to ask about it directly. He also clarified that the rumours don't bother him and he has moved on from the chatter. He added that if there's ever anything to share about his personal life, he'll be the one to post it on social media himself. Amol, who stars in Gram Chikitsalay, shared his views on relationships, saying that every bond is different and doesn't necessarily need a label. What matters most to him, he said, is mutual happiness—and that both partners, along with their families, feel content and at peace with the relationship. Parashar also recalled a moment from the Sardar Udham shoot when Vicky Kaushal was facing dating rumours with Katrina Kaif. Amol shared that people would ask him about it, and he once told Vicky, 'Bhai, bata do sabko because people are asking me,' to which Vicky calmly replied that he would share it when the time was right. He finds it amusing that his personal life often makes more headlines than his work. He joked that despite all the acting he does, it's always the dating rumours that steal the limelight. The actor also spoke candidly about his views on marriage. He revealed that while his mother initially pressured him about settling down, she has become more relaxed over time. Amol added that he likes to keep life unpredictable—and his family has come to accept and understand that about him. Teh actor quipped that if and when he gets married, it will definitely be 'Instagram official,' as that's what seems to hold weight these days. For now, though, he confirmed there's nothing new to announce on that front.
