Pawan Kalyan: Transitioning From victim of Jagan rule to Political Powerhouse
Hyderabad: Life has taken a remarkable turn for Tollywood superstar Pawan Kalyan, who recently assumed office as the Deputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh. In his new political role, Kalyan is set to meet with industry heavyweights, including producer Dil Raju, to address and resolve critical issues plaguing the film industry.
“Just a few years ago, he was fighting hard against then Chief Minister Y S Jagan not to target his movies by disallowing ticket hikes and also for allotting lesser shows in Andhra Pradesh for his films like ‘Vakeel Saab’, ‘Bheemla Nayak’ and ‘Bro’ but in vain,’ says a producer who adds, “Pawan Kalyan openly urged AP rulers not to harm his producers since they were investing big and also distributors who could suffer losses due to low-priced tickets in the first week,’ he adds.
Despite all the hiccups, his films like ‘Vakeel Saab’ and ‘Bheemla Nayak’ made some money but not as expected due to AP official's apathy, although his other film ‘Bro’ couldn’t spin box office magic due to a wafer-thin plot. “His other film 'Bro’ was more in the news for actor Prithvi Raj's alleged mocking of YRCP leader Ambati Rambabu’s dancing than for its content. The dancing scene in a pub triggered a backlash on social media and mainstream media. Ambati accused Pawan of purposely ridiculing him, and also led to an attack on producer TG Vishwa Prasad,” he points out.
Now it is a different story, as Pawan Kalyan swept the polls and became the Deputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, “He will keenly listen to industry woes and try to resolve them after discussing with Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu,” he adds.
Similarly, his upcoming films like ‘Hari Hara Veera Mallu,’, ‘OG’, and ‘Ustaad Bhagat Singh’ would have a hassle-free release and could fetch more money for producers and distributors. “Pawan Kalyan's upcoming movies together riding on Rs 400 to 500 crores and producers would heave a sigh of relief due to change of government in AP as it collects 55 to 60% revenues for Telugu films,” he concludes.