Article Today, Hyderabad:
In Telangana, the relationship between the political establishment and Tollywood is tense. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has emerged as a strong figure who is unafraid to confront the film industry. Many prominent actors now tread cautiously. Incidents involving stars like Allu Arjun and Nagarjuna have already sent a message that the Chief Minister expects public acknowledgement and respect. The latest name in this list is Junior NTR.
The War-2 Pre-release Controversy
The controversy began at the pre-release event of War 2. Directed by Ayan Mukerji, the big-budget film features Hrithik Roshan and Junior NTR in lead roles. The film is set for a global release on the 14th of this month. As part of promotions, the team organised a grand event at Yousufguda Police Grounds in Hyderabad on Sunday. Alongside Bollywood and Tollywood celebrities, NTR also attended. However, he did not mention the Chief Minister during his speech, a move that drew sharp criticism on social media and from political circles.
An Immediate Realisation and Apology
Soon after the event, NTR released a video message. In it, he admitted to forgetting an important acknowledgment. He expressed regret for the oversight and thanked the Telangana Government, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, and the entire state police department for their support during the event. He described his gratitude as a gesture of “bowing down in respect”. The video quickly went viral, adding to the political undertone of the episode.
Past Incidents Creating a Pattern
Observers note that this is not an isolated case. Recently, during Pushpa 2 promotions, Allu Arjun failed to mention the Chief Minister’s name, leading to criticism. Days later, a crowd crush during the film’s release caused the death of a woman, and a police case was filed against the actor. He even spent a day in jail. Similarly, the demolition of Nagarjuna’s convention centre was seen as a strong message to industry figures. These events have built an impression that the CM holds significant influence over Tollywood’s actions.
Political Links and Strategic Moves
Junior NTR’s political connections also add complexity to the situation. His ties with his uncle, former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, have been strained. Meanwhile, Naidu shares a long-standing political relationship with Revanth Reddy. In such a sensitive environment, NTR’s public apology is being seen as a strategic move to avoid any friction with the state leadership.
