Politics to scorch Tollywood screen

By M H Ahssan

Tollywood stars may have taken to politics and hit the road, but they have not abandoned the silver screen to further political goals. As the momentum picks up for the 2009 elections, former celluloid rivals and now political foes have lined up at least six films to turn political debuts into box-office successes.

Leading the pack is a man whom everyone is familiar as more being behind the scene rather than in front of it. Congress leader, former Union minister and Tollywood director Dasari Narayana Rao, a Kapu, is producing a film titled ‘Mestri’ (labour supervisor) in which he would play the lead role and take on his fellow community superstar and political novice Chiranjeevi.

However, not to be left behind, Chiranjeevi family member Pavan Kalyan is producing ‘Yuvarajyam’ to counter Dasari. Pavan, who is the president of the youth wing of Prajarajyam, will play the lead role and to portray his rivals as corrupt and indifferent to social justice.

To take on chief minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy, Prajarajyam has lined up Posani Murali Krishna, who is producing a film titled ‘Rajavari Chepala Cheruvu’ (royal fish pond). The film intends to project corruption in the YSR regime. But with several thespians under its belt, can the Congress be expected to keep quiet. Sources said veteran actor G Krishna and his wife Vijayanirmala are readying a film which will speak of the glorious years of development of the state under Rajasekhara Reddy.
Another hero Srikant, who acted with Chiranjeevi in the hit ‘Shankardada MBBS,’ is to make a film titled ‘Mahatma’ in which the virtues of the hero (read Chiranjeevi) would be glorified. Another actor Jagapathibabu is giving indications that he too might not be averse to joining politics. His film ‘Adhineta’is scheduled to convey the message that even a common man can become chief minister.

The only family which appears to be immersed in political roadshows and taken a break from Tollywood is the NTR clan. For the electorate though, it is going to be politics on the screen and Tollywood on the streets.