Hyderabad: The Telugu film industry or Tollywood as it's popularly called is synonymous with stars like Chiranjeevi, Venkatesh and Tabu. It's an industry that's considered a trendsetter in the South - experimental with themes yet largely trapped within the star syndrome.
The Telugu film industry is biggest amongst its southern counterparts and is the second largest in the country with an average of 230 releases a year. Like in Bollywood it's big budget projects cost anything between Rs 20-40 crore and average box-office collections range between Rs 25-50 crore depending on the films success.
One man who has consistently ruled the box office ever since he entered Tollywood three decades ago is 'megastar' Chiranjeevi or Chiru as he is fondly called.
His movies rake in millions at the box-office and his fans fanatically revere the star. But it's more than just his big screen charm that has given Chiru this demigod status.
"He is such a good dancer," a Chiru fan says while another fan adds, "He is involved in many social service projects- like eye bank, blood bank." And all his social service has earned the star another demand from his fans- to join politics. And it looks like he is going to answer their prayers
"He will announce his political entry in the month of August. If he… when he announces a party, so, he has to concentrate to float a party. So, he has to work a lot. So, for the time being, he may stop acting. But, it is only for the time being," actor and Chiru's brother Nagendra Babu says. And Chiru's imminent entry into politics has already ruffled feathers in political circles.
After all NTR's success cannot easily be forgotten and Chiru's name is also synonymous with social service.
It's a heady cocktail when politics and movies merge and with Chiru scripting a grand entry into politics, it's clear that Tollywood never ceases to entertain.