Nagarjuna urges Tollywood to end last-minute delays in ‘Lenin’ event: ‘We have to finish films ahead of time’ |

Over the past few years, delaying the release date has become a trend in Telugu cinema. Big-budget movies announce release dates and then push them closer to their theatrical release times, keeping audiences and the industry guessing. Speaking at the successful conference of ‘Lenin‘Veteran actor Nagarjuna spoke to the growing trend and urged filmmakers to finish their work much earlier. Based on his experience, he said the industry needs to rethink its strategy to benefit Telugu cinema in the long run.

Nagarjuna says films should be ready two weeks before release

Speaking at the event, Mr. Nagarjuna admitted that he too has been through this crisis and stressed that the change must start with everyone involved. “I am asking the artists, directors and composers. If we give the film to the post-production team at least two weeks before the release, they can continue to direct it until the end. This does not mean that I am blaming anyone else. I am saying this about myself because I worked on Lenin until the last minute,” he said as reported by Hindustan Times.Comparing the practice to international cinema, he added, “‘The Odyssey’ announced its release date a year in advance. Why can’t we do this? And even if we announce a date, why do we postpone it?” Nagarjuna revealed that ‘Lenin’ was supposed to release on June 26, but had to be delayed as the post-production work was not completed on time.

The veteran actor remembers a different era of filmmaking

Reflecting on his previous films, Nagarjuna said that the production schedules were fixed long in advance. “I remember watching the final print of films like ‘Ninne Pelladata’ and ‘Annamayya’ almost a month before they hit the theatres. My question is, why can’t we do it today? For the good of cinema and the health of the industry, we must return to that culture.” His comments have sparked a debate among the Telugu film industry, where delaying releases has become common over the past few years.

‘Lenin’ gives Akhil Akkineni a box office staple

Nagarjuna’s voice came during the success celebrations of ‘Lenin,’ which became popular Akhil Akkineni’s return to the big screen after a gap of three years. Directed by Murali Kishor Abburu, the drama stars Akhil Akkineni and Bhagyashri Borse in the lead, Ramki, Sivaji, Sunil, Brahmaji and Easwari Rao play the lead roles. Although it received mixed reviews, the film has been the opening act of Akhil’s career and has been enjoying a steady run at the box office, which made the success meet the right time for Nagarjuna to express his views on improving the culture of filmmaking.