Drug net widens, biggies named

Ever since the drugs issue has surfaced, all eyes are on Tollywood. For years, one has heard of how few top guns in the industry were doing drugs but reports now say that the police have served notices to a few industry people and are likely to interrogate them. Although top producer Allu Aravind downplayed it, saying the police have not revealed any names, he also mentioned in the same breath, “We appreciate the police for not making any arrests to sensationalise the issue.” he said.

According to a source, members of two big tollywood film families are involved. “The elder sons of two top producers got notices and another struggling lead actor who is related to two top actors also got a notice,” adds the source. A director, known for his creative work and for openly inviting film people to his house to party, is also in the spotlight, according the source. 

A celebrity quotes the director as saying, “Whoever wants a rave (drug) party, please come to my house, we can celebrate there.”

One of the actors in the dock made his debut as a child artiste, then turned lead actor on account of his chocolate-boy looks. He is now struggling in the industry and is all set to come back with a remake. 

The other young actor who got a notice made his debut with a prominent director and then delivered a blockbuster made by a top producer. Although he was flooded with offers, he didn’t use the opportunity and is now completely out of contention. He doesn’t have a single film in hand and also recently got married to his actress fiancé. Now, this struggling actor, who is close to one of the big film families in the industry, is all set to start his second innings as villain.

Interestingly, a senior actor, who made his debut as a villain nearly two decades ago and then did many films as lead actor, is also under scrutiny. 

With several prominent persons from the industry involved in the racket, it’s no wonder all the top producers suddenly held a press meet on Wednesday to discuss the issue.