Latest news with #AlluAravind
New Indian Express
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
'We never planned a bandh': Andhra Pradesh exhibitors
VIJAYAWADA: A statement from Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan's office opposing the proposed theatre bandh from June 1, has triggered intense debate in Tollywood, especially with his film 'Hari Hara Veera Mallu' set for release on June 12. The statement has hinted at an alleged plot to block the film's release, prompting sharp reactions from the Telugu film industry leaders and exhibitors. Senior film producer Allu Aravind held a meeting in Hyderabad on Sunday, extending support to Pawan Kalyan. Earlier, Tourism and Cinematography Minister Kandula Durgesh alleged that the bandh aimed to obstruct 'Hari Hara Veera Mallu' movie release, and ordered an inquiry to identify those behind it. However, confusion prevails among theatre owners. They claim to have received no official notice from their association, and that a few Telugu Film Chamber members acted independently, giving the bandh call. The Theatre Owners Association has denied issuing any directive, leaving many in a state of confusion. 'The announcement has shocked us. Films of stars like Pawan Kalyan and others are due. This isn't the right time,' said exhibitors, blaming some individuals linked to the previous YSRCP regime for it. While the public remains unaware of the four people Pawan Kalyan referred to, exhibitors claim they know who they are. Speaking to TNIE, veteran exhibitor Palepu Rama Rao said, 'No bandh was announced by exhibitors, we read about it in newspapers. No official communication came. Those responsible should fix this.'
Hans India
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hans India
Allu Aravind Supports Pawan Kalyan, Questions Theatre Bandh Amid HHVM Release; Dil Raju Calls It ‘Miscommunication'
The controversy over a possible theatre bandh in Telugu states has stirred strong reactions from industry leaders ahead of the release of actor-politician Pawan Kalyan's film Hari Hara Veera Mallu (HHVM), scheduled for June 12. Pawan Kalyan recently criticized the Telugu film industry for showing a lack of respect toward the Andhra Pradesh government, prompting support from producer Allu Aravind and clarifications from Telangana Film Development Corporation Chairman Dil Raju. Pawan Kalyan's Remarks: Pawan Kalyan called out the film industry for not showing gratitude or respect to the Andhra Pradesh government. He highlighted that despite the government's efforts to grant industry status and develop the film sector, the film chamber had yet to meet AP Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu since he took office. While not mentioning the bandh explicitly, his film HHVM was at risk of being affected by the ongoing disputes. Allu Aravind's Stand: Backing Pawan Kalyan, Allu Aravind questioned the rationale behind a theatre bandh just before HHVM's release. He praised Pawan's contributions to the industry since assuming office and revealed that when they approached Pawan about ticket price hikes, he directed them to meet the AP CM through the Telugu Film Chamber of Commerce. Aravind criticized the industry bigwigs for ignoring this advice and questioned their respect toward the government, especially since they had previously met with the former CM. Dil Raju's Clarification: At a press conference in Hyderabad, Dil Raju called the bandh controversy a result of 'miscommunication.' He acknowledged Pawan Kalyan's justified frustration but insisted that no one intended to block the film's release. Raju blamed sensational media coverage and said the theatre bandh talks began after East Godavari exhibitors raised concerns over the revenue model in April. He emphasized that the HHVM release date wasn't finalized when discussions started and denied encouraging any shutdowns. Raju also criticized the lack of unity in the Telugu film industry and blamed the film chamber for failing to address the issue promptly. The controversy highlights ongoing tensions between the Telugu film industry and the Andhra Pradesh government as they navigate demands around revenue sharing and industry development, with the HHVM release hanging in the balance.
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.
The Hindu
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Vishwak Sen launches multilingual thriller ‘#CULT', inspired by real events
Actor and director Vishwak Sen has announced his next directorial project titled #CULT. The film was formally launched on Sunday at Ramanaidu Studios, with producer Allu Aravind attending the event and giving the ceremonial first clap. Principal photography began the same day. #CULT is being produced by Karate Raju and Sandeep Kakarala under the banners of Tarak Cinemas and Vanmaye Creations. It marks Sen's third directorial effort after Falaknuma Das and Das Ka Dhamki. Described by the makers as a 'new-age party thriller,' the film is reportedly based on real-life events. Mass Ka Das #VishwakSen coming up this time with his third directorial, a wild new-age PARTY THRILLER🔥#CULT ❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥 Shoot begins today with a grand pooja ceremony 💥 Written and Directed by @VishwakSenActor Produced by #TarakCinemas@ — VanmayeCreations (@VanmayeCreation) May 11, 2025 Vishwak Sen has written the story, with dialogue by filmmaker Tharun Bhascker. The team also includes Ravi Basrur as music composer and Arvind Vishwanathan as cinematographer. The first poster, released at the launch, shows a masked figure amid a disordered celebration. While details of the cast have not been disclosed yet, production is underway. The film is planned for a multilingual release in Telugu, Hindi, Japanese, Spanish, and English, with the makers aiming to reach a broader international audience.
