In my experience, the Telugu film industry has gone through a slump three times, and I strongly feel a fourth one is on the way. I’m quite sure about it. This usually happens when there are no major releases for a while, and the films that do release fail to perform well. I firmly believe another such crisis is imminent. I have a strong hunch.
Nagarjuna
Key Facts
- Tollywood releases in 2025 have underperformed with only four films grossing ₹100 crore+ worldwide and just one film crossing ₹250 crore.
- Nagarjuna is preparing for his upcoming multi-starrer film Kuberaa with Dhanush and Rashmika Mandanna, which carries high expectations amid the industry's challenges.
- Nagarjuna predicts a fourth slump in Tollywood, based on his experience of three previous slumps, citing lack of major releases and poor film performances as triggers.
- Nagarjuna contrasts Tollywood with Bollywood, suggesting Bollywood will bounce back from its downturn while Tollywood faces tougher times ahead.1
- Changing audience tastes are a key concern, with Nagarjuna emphasizing the need for Tollywood to adapt quickly to avoid prolonged slumps.1
- Nagarjuna believes the Hindi film industry will recover as it has experienced downturns before and will change, but Tollywood must act fast to avoid a similar fate.1
Key Stats at a Glance
Number of Telugu films grossing ₹100 crore or more worldwide in 2025
4 films
Number of Telugu films crossing ₹250 crore worldwide in 2025
1 film
Number of previous slumps in Tollywood experienced by Nagarjuna
3 times
Predicted upcoming slump in Tollywood
4th slump