With Rs150 crore riding on many big-budgeted films this year, here's a look at the Tollywood summer of 2008

2008 sure promises plenty of action in Tollywood, and we're not only just about talking on-screen , but also at the BO. Approximately Rs 150 crore is at stake with many big budgeted films slotted for release. Allu Arjun's Parugu and NTR's Kantri are likely to release by the end of April; Balakrishna starrer Panduranga , Prabhas starrer Bujjigadu-Made in Chennai, director Sreenu Vaitla's Ready are all slotted for release in May. "Except for Venkatesh, Chiranjeevi and Mahesh Babu, many top-notch stars' films are getting released," said executive producer C Nagaraju.

Releases in Tollywood work differently from how they do in Mumbai. After every much-awaited release, there is a two-week gap for the next release. For instance, as Pawan Kalyan's Jalsa is releasing with 350 prints (according to the producers of the movie) across the city, many filmmakers are refraining from releasing their films at the same time. Most of them are planning to release their films only after two weeks. "A film is considered to be a flop if it doesn't go beyond two weeks. Hence, people in the industry are keen to release their films only after looking at the response of a big release," says an industry person.
However, the industry is not too perturbed about IPL drawing away it,s audiences. "Cricket is played throughout the year, and the industry has never been bothered about it," says B Mohan, assistant director,Kantri.
While most big-star movies fizzled out during Sankranthi at the BO, the only hit came in the form of Ravi Teja's Krishna.
The summer of 2007 saw three hits - Yamadonga, Dhee, and Adavari Matalaku Ardhale Verule. That goes to show how summer is really the time to rake in the big moolah. So, here's hoping for the best of Tollywood, come summers.