Vijay Deverakonda and Dil Raju are set to collaborate again after their 2023 release, The Family Star, failed to set the box office on fire. This time, the duo is aiming for a pan-Indian release with an action drama set in the 1980s, directed by Ravi Kiran Kola. The film is expected to begin shooting in April 2024.

A Dynamic Duo Reunited

Dil Raju, the producer of the upcoming project, is brimming with enthusiasm about working with Vijay Deverakonda once more. He describes their relationship as “very good” and expresses admiration for the actor’s growing popularity, calling him a “national heartthrob.” Their shared understanding is evident in the project’s direction towards a mainstream commercial film.

A Focus on Commercial Cinema

Raju’s emphasis on delivering “proper commercial scripts” reflects a growing trend in the Telugu film industry. He cites Vijay Deverakonda’s current project with Gowtam Tinnanuri, also a commercial film, as an example. The producer believes that success lies in creating compelling narratives built around strong heroic characters, a factor he attributes to the current box office dominance of South Indian films.

A Nod to South Indian Filmmaking

Dil Raju acknowledges the recent discussion sparked by Allu Arjun’s remarks about Bollywood’s waning heroism, comparing it to the “incredible moments of heroism” prevalent in South Indian cinema. He argues that heroism, a cornerstone of commercial films, has always existed in both Telugu and Hindi cinema, citing the success of films that embrace it.

Heroism, Music, and Cultural Roots

He attributes the recent success of Indian films globally to several key factors:

• The return of heroism: Filmmakers are strategically utilizing strong heroic characters, emphasizing their journey and conflicts against villains.
• Emphasis on music: Catchy and memorable soundtracks are integral to the cinematic experience, further elevating the films’ appeal.
• Cultural significance: Films drawing from India’s rich history and mythology resonate with a global audience. Examples like Kalki, based on the Mahabharata, RRR, inspired by freedom fighters, and Baahubali, known for its visual spectacle, showcase this connection.

A Rural Tale for a Global Audience

Raju’s upcoming film with Deverakonda further exemplifies this trend of focusing on cultural roots. Set in rural India, it promises to offer a visually rich experience rooted in Indian tradition while appealing to a global audience.

Takeaway Points

• The collaboration between Vijay Deverakonda and Dil Raju, despite The Family Star failing to resonate with audiences, signals a strong belief in the actor’s star power and a strategy for delivering commercial success.
• The emphasis on heroism, a cornerstone of commercial films, highlights the changing trends in Telugu cinema, aligning with the box office success of South Indian films.
• Dil Raju believes the rise of South Indian films on a global stage is fuelled by a blend of engaging hero narratives, compelling music, and the exploration of Indian history and culture.
• The upcoming film set in rural India, further reinforces this trend by capturing a local essence with a global appeal.