Senior Telugu film producer Dil Raju has made a strong comeback with the success of Sankranthiki Vastunnam. After the disappointment of Game Changer, the film’s performance boosted his confidence and marked a new phase in his career. Speaking in a recent interview, Dil Raju reflected on the current state of the industry, audience behaviour, and OTT disruption.
Dil Raju said fake viewership numbers are damaging producers. “We don’t know the real teaser or trailer numbers,” he said. “I write cheques for false prestige. I tell my people to give me the real numbers, but they only promise to ‘get back soon’. Nobody knows what’s real anymore.”
He added that “Godari Gattu” song helped “Sankranthiki Vastunnam” become a hit because the content was strong. I didn’t want to create false numbers for it but “The song worked. The film worked,” he said.
Raju revealed that Thammudu starring Nithiin, releasing July 4, was ready earlier. “But OTT schedule delayed it,” he said. Films like Hari Hara Veera Mallu and Kingdom also face the same issue.
He stressed that unless producers bring audiences back to theatres, the industry risks collapse. “We must cut ticket prices, reduce food rates, and offer great content. Only then can we survive,” he added.
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Asked why producers don’t control OTT influence, Raju replied, “It’s not possible. Every producer only cares about his current film, not even the next one.”
He thanked Chiranjeevi and Ram Charan for allowing Game Changer to release during Sankranti, saying the gesture prevented more damage.
Raju recalled Trivikram’s words after his first failure as distributor: “A ball that hits the ground always bounces back with double the speed.” That advice pushed him to produce Dil soon after.
On awards, he said it is the producer’s duty to ensure team members attend and receive honours. This remark comes amid buzz over absentees at the Gaddar Awards, which Dil Raju headed.
He confirmed the idea for Arya 3 exists, with a concept from Sukumar. But they need a “crazy, workaholic” director to take it forward. Whether Allu Arjun will be part of it depends on the script’s scale.
On his nephew Ashish, Raju said, “After Love Me If You Dare failed, he’s being cautious. But he will make a solid comeback soon.”
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