Multi-starrer movie season in Tollywood

For an industry that is known to be hero-centric, Tollywood is now fast breaking the mould. In a new trend, a host of Telugu multi-starrers are all set to hit the theatres after Eenadu with Kamal Haasan and Venkatesh, paved the way. From Arya-2 and Vedham to Om Shanti and Shambho Siva Shambho, multi-starrers have become the season’s hottest flavour.


The reasons are many, say directors. It is easier to weave interesting stories around multiple characters, feels Krish Radhakrishna, the director of the upcoming film Vedham, starring Allu Arjun, Manchu Manoj, Anushka Shetty and Manoj Bajpai. “With more stars, audience have more to look forward to. It also makes the story stronger,” he says.


Director Sreedhar Reddy couldn’t agree more. “It becomes easier to expand the story if there are more stars. The expenses may be higher, but the demand for the film’s satellite rights make up for it.”
The Telugu film industry, which is just waking up to this trend, is excited about the economics of it. Priyanaka Chalasani, the producer of Om Shanti, says, “Kajal, Nikhil, Navadeep, Bindu Madhavi and Adithi Sharma are acting in my film. All their fans will be drawn to the theatres.”

Interestingly, mana Tollywood stars who were once averse to the idea of sharing screen space with other actors, now claim they are not worried about a co-star stealing their thunder. Navadeep who is doing two multi-starrer movies, says, “It is a healthy trend. We should keep our insecurities aside and wake up to the advantages of multi-starrers.”


The young actors are in fact, all gung ho about the changing face of Tollywood. Actor Shradha Das, who is acting in the mutli-starrer Arya-2, says, “Many of us don’t mind acting with others. Moreover, the hype surrounding the film will only help us get noticed.”
Actor Bindu Madhavi, who signed up a role in Om Shanti, agrees. “The fact that I share screen space with so many stars will only help boost my career. It’s more about being a part of a good, big movie that can make an impact,” she says.