Bollywood Director Takes Another Dig At Telugu Cinema

Telugu cinema’s growing dominance in the North has been impossible to ignore ever since Baahubali changed the game. The massive success of Telugu films across India has also brought a different kind of reaction from sections of the Bollywood industry, with some filmmakers frequently taking indirect digs at the South.

Siddharth Anand, who delivered the blockbuster Pathaan with Shah Rukh Khan, has now once again found himself at the centre of a similar discussion. The filmmaker has previously made comments that were perceived as dismissive of Telugu cinema, and his latest social media reaction has once again caught the attention of Telugu audiences.

The latest episode started when a social media user shared an old video of Malla Reddy from the Animal pre release event in Hyderabad. In the video, Malla Reddy spoke confidently about Hyderabad becoming the centre of Indian cinema and Telugu cinema dominating the future, while even asking Ranbir Kapoor to consider settling in the city.

A Social media user responded to the video by pointing out the performance of films such as The Raja Saab, OG and Devara. The user highlighted their box office results while questioning the claim about Telugu cinema’s dominance.

Siddharth Anand then reacted to the post with a simple “Oops” comment. Though it was just one word, the reaction was enough to trigger a discussion among Telugu movie circles, with many interpreting it as another indirect dig at the Telugu film industry.

Interestingly, Siddharth has previously made similar remarks that did not go down well with Telugu audiences. His reactions have also created a perception among a section of Telugu moviegoers that he carries a certain negativity towards the industry and its filmmakers.

At the same time, Telugu audiences are unlikely to take such comments too seriously. The industry has already proved its national reach through films like Baahubali, RRR and Pushpa, while several Telugu stars and filmmakers have established a strong market across India.

For many Telugu moviegoers, the success or failure of individual films does not change the larger picture, and repeated digs may only strengthen the feeling that the industry’s growth is being noticed and felt beyond the Telugu states.