In recent years, several Telugu films have been envisioned as pan-Indian projects, mounted on a grand scale with budgets running into hundreds of crores.
However, institutional financing in the Telugu film industry is rapidly shrinking. Even the few remaining financiers are increasingly reluctant to fund large-scale projects unless they are backed by established producers or proven content.
As a result, many production houses are now on the lookout for sleeping partners — investors who prefer to remain anonymous and stay behind the scenes.
Companies that have managed to secure such partnerships are continuing operations smoothly, while those that haven’t are struggling to get their projects off the ground.
One high-profile Telugu film, featuring a pan-Indian superstar, has been in production for the past two to three years.
The project has been surrounded by persistent rumors — claims that the lead actor was dissatisfied with certain portions already shot and requested reshoots, and that the visual effects failed to meet expectations.
These rumors gained further momentum after the Bollywood-based company financing the film reportedly discovered financial discrepancies. The Telugu production house is said to have already drawn over ₹300 crore from the Bollywood partner.
Frustrated by the delays and the full disbursement of funds without a completed product, the Bollywood company is now seriously considering legal action to protect its investment.
If the matter ends up in court, it could derail the film’s release plans and deal a major blow to everyone involved.
Sources say the lead actor is now planning to prioritize another project, effectively pushing this troubled film to the back burner.
This project is especially crucial for the Telugu production house behind it. A failure at this scale could potentially lead to the company’s financial collapse.
