Latest news with #AaNaluguru
India Today
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
Allu Aravind extends support to Pawan Kalyan, distances from exhibitors strike
Veteran producer Allu Aravind addressed the growing controversy surrounding theatre operations in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. In a press meet held on Sunday, Aravind distanced himself from the group accused of monopolising theatrical business decisions and clarified his company's current stake in cinema exhibition. He also extended his support to Deputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Pawan Kalyan, whose film 'Hari Hara Veera Mallu' is scheduled to release on June to the allegations that he is part of the so-called 'Aa Naluguru' – an informal term used for a group of four industry bigwigs allegedly influencing theatre policies – Aravind stated, 'I am not part of those four. Our company does not own a single theatre in Telangana except AAA. Even in Andhra Pradesh, our lease agreements have ended. Out of the 1500 theatres in both the states, we now operate only about 15 theatres, which are also going to be handed over to someone else soon.'The Geetha Arts founder further expressed his disagreement with the proposed theatre shutdown from June 1, which is reportedly being considered to push a shift from rental agreements to a revenue-sharing model. This move has sparked outrage from fans of actor-politician Pawan Kalyan, as it could impact the release of his long-delayed film 'Hari Hara Veera Mallu'.advertisement Aravind was firm in his opposition, saying, 'I don't agree with closing theatres; that's why I didn't attend the meeting. How can you close theatres just before Pawan Kalyan's film is releasing? That's a wild misadventure. He's the one who supported our industry during tough times.' He also dismissed rumours of digital platform involvement, clarifying, 'I have no stake in Qube India, and Suresh Babu doesn't own UFO either.'Aravind criticised the recent exhibitors' meeting, noting that several major issues concerning the film industry were left unaddressed. The controversy has escalated since the exhibitors' shutdown threat was made public, prompting the Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister to issue an official press note condemning the Watch
Indian Express
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Allu Aravind, Dil Raju try to butter up Pawan Kalyan after his Tollywood ‘lacks minimum respect' for AP govt comment: ‘No one has the guts to stop his film'
Although exhibitors from the Telugu states of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh recently announced their decision to temporarily call off the proposed single-screen theatres bandh, which was scheduled to begin on June 1, the controversy sparked by the announcement appears far from over. After actor and Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan took the strike call personally, as it would have affected the release of his film Hari Hara Veera Mallu: Part 1, set to hit screens on June 12, producers Allu Aravind and Dil Raju have stepped forward, stating that the actor had every right to be upset. A day after renowned producer Allu Aravind — who is also the brother-in-law of Pawan Kalyan's elder brother, Telugu megastar Chiranjeevi — voiced his opposition to the theatre shutdown, Telangana Film Development Corporation chairman Dil Raju entered damage-control mode. He emphasised that Kalyan is 'like a big brother to the industry' and fully entitled to reprimand them if they took a wrong turn. 'Many are indirectly dragging my name into this. Honestly, no one has the guts to stop Pawan Kalyan garu's film. He is like a big brother to the industry. If he says something, we will bear it. There is nothing wrong,' said Raju. 'We don't close theatres generally. In my 30-year career, I have never seen cinema halls being closed. When issues arise, we may halt shootings but never shut theatres,' he added. Mentioning that the current model — fixed rentals in the first week, followed by a shift to a percentage share from the second week — was difficult for exhibitors, he noted, 'There's no unity among us. That's why producers are individually seeking ticket price hikes. We will find a solution soon.' On Sunday, Allu Aravind had also distanced himself from the controversy, asserting that he was not part of the informal caucus often referred to as Aa Naluguru (those four people), which many allege exists in Telugu cinema, lobbying and influencing theatre-related decisions. 'I don't agree with closing theatres; that's why I didn't attend the meeting. How can you close theatres just before Pawan Kalyan's film releases? That's a wild misadventure. He's the one who supported our industry during tough times,' he pointed out. The controversy began with an attempted theatre shutdown scheduled for June 1, initiated by exhibitors advocating a move from rental agreements to a revenue-sharing model. Although the bandh was temporarily suspended later, it blew up after Pawan Kalyan came down heavily on the Telugu film industry, accusing it of showing insufficient respect towards the Andhra Pradesh government. 'At a time when the government is thinking of giving industry status and developing the film industry, including ensuring that their (filmmakers) respect is not lowered, they do not have even minimum respect or gratitude towards the Andhra Pradesh government,' he said in a press release.
Hans India
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hans India
‘ShashtiPoorthi' trailer unveiled: A celebration of family values and cultural legacy
The family-centric film ShashtiPoorthi, directed by Pavan Prabha and produced by actor–producer Rupeysh under the MAA AAIE Productions banner, is all set to release on May 30. Starring Rupeysh and Akanksha Singh in the lead roles, the film also features stalwarts like Dr. Rajendra Prasad and Archana in pivotal roles. As part of its promotional campaign, the makers released the much-awaited trailer during a grand event at Tummalapalli Kalakshetram in Vijayawada. The trailer opened on a poignant note, highlighting the deep emotional bonds between parents and children. Dialogue such as 'A mother is someone we love without even knowing who she is' and 'It is my duty to correct what is wrong… Protecting justice is my profession' set the tone for a story rich in values and introspection. Rajendra Prasad's moving line — 'Don't talk about change when you love habits, not the person' — struck an emotional chord, with the trailer concluding on intense and thought-provoking notes. MLAs Gadde Ramamohan and Bode Prasad graced the event as chief guests. Gadde lauded Rajendra Prasad's timeless charm and reflected on how films like Aa Naluguru preserved societal values. Bode Prasad, attending a film event for the first time, expressed admiration for Rajendra Prasad and lyricist Chaitanya Prasad, hoping for the film's grand success. Rajendra Prasad humorously acknowledged being typecast for age-appropriate roles, quipping about his own ShashtiPoorthi. He praised the team and highlighted the unique theme of children witnessing their parents' remarriage — a rare cinematic celebration of Telugu culture. The cast and crew shared heartfelt anecdotes. Rupeysh credited director Pavan for bringing the story to life and said he now only wants to work with Rajendra Prasad. He also thanked veterans like Ilaiyaraaja and Thota Tharani for lending their artistic genius to the film. Archana recalled working with Rajendra Prasad after two decades, while Akanksha Singh expressed deep emotional attachment to her role. Lyricist Chaitanya Prasad shared his humbling experience working with Ilaiyaraaja. With soulful music, strong performances, and a culturally resonant narrative, ShashtiPoorthi is shaping up to be a film that touches hearts and celebrates traditions. The film hits screens on May 30.
Time of India
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Naga Vamsi sounds alarm: Tollywood's lack of common sense fuels industry crisis
The Andhra Pradesh government, through Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan 's office, has sent a sharp message to the Tollywood film associations, expressing clear dissatisfaction with how the industry is functioning. The main grievance is that the film bodies have not yet met with the state's Chief Minister since the new government took charge. This perceived neglect has left Pawan Kalyan visibly frustrated, signaling growing tensions between the political leadership and the movie industry. Exhibitors' theatre shutdown sparks government alarm ahead of Pawan's film release At the heart of the controversy is the exhibitors association's decision to shut down theatres starting June 1. The government views this move as a direct threat to Pawan Kalyan's upcoming film, 'Hari Hara Veera Mallu.' The Cinematography Minister swiftly ordered an investigation, alleging that some factions within Tollywood, especially linked to the film 'Aa Naluguru,' are behind this boycott. The official press release from Pawan Kalyan's office has stirred unrest, shaking the confidence of many within the film fraternity. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Switch to UnionBank Rewards Card UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo Producer Naga Vamsi criticizes industry for misplaced priorities and poor judgment Producer Naga Vamsi, who has worked with Pawan Kalyan before, took to social media to voice his concerns. He criticized the industry's lack of unity and common sense, pointing out that these avoidable conflicts have blown up into serious issues. Vamsi stressed that the rift between distributors and exhibitors could have been resolved peacefully if the stakeholders had focused on dialogue rather than fueling unnecessary disputes. Instead, the situation escalated, culminating in a formal warning from the state government. Industry awaits film associations' response and meeting with CM for resolution The coming days will reveal whether more industry figures will step forward with their perspectives. Meanwhile, attention turns to whether the film associations will finally seek a formal meeting with Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, aiming to ease tensions and find a collaborative way forward for Tollywood's future in Andhra Pradesh. 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 .
