Making a film is a monumental task. However, the real challenge lies in releasing it. The same sentiment is echoed by many industry insiders, and it’s hard to disagree. The real milestone is not completing the shoot but getting the film to the audience. Despite the film crew’s best efforts, many films fail to see the light of day.
The reasons why movies struggle to make it to the theaters can vary from financial restrictions and creative differences to production issues and more. Whether it’s low-budget films or big-budget projects starring A-list celebrities, there are several examples of films that have suffered huge losses. Let’s take a look at some Tollywood movies that faced significant delays before their releases.
This action-adventure film, starring Chiranjeevi and Namrata Shirodkar, was shelved for almost seven years. Directed by Kodi Ramakrishna, Anji had a high budget of Rs 26 crore, making it one of the biggest Tollywood films of that time. However, the film incurred huge losses upon its release in 2004. The director noted that extensive graphics work and a lengthy production process were major reasons behind the delay in the release of the film.
Starring Ravi Teja in the lead, Anveshana was delayed by 2-3 years before it arrived in the theatres in December 2002. However, it turned out to be a disaster at the box office.
This Telugu action thriller film, written and directed by Sudheer Varma, began filming in 2017. However, due to several setbacks, the movie took seven years to release in November 2024. However, it was a box-office failure. Appudo Ippudo Eppudo stars Nikhil Siddhartha, Rukmini Vasanth, and Divyansha Kaushik in important roles.
Written and directed by Samuthirakani, Janda Pai Kapiraju is a political-action drama movie starring Nani and Amala Paul in lead roles. The film’s first shoot schedule began in 2013; however, it faced several delays until its release in 2015. Unfortunately, it failed to impress audiences.
Kalyan Ram and Sonal Chauhan starrer action-drama Sher is another Tollywood big-star film that suffered several years of delay and was released in 2015. Despite doing heavy promotion, it tanked at the box office.
Directed by Sathyasiva, 1945 is a war drama movie that was released in both Telugu and Tamil. Starring Rana Daggubati, Regina Cassandra, Sathyaraj, and Nassar in key roles, the film got delayed for years. Upon its release in 2022, it failed miserably at the box office. It is reported that the film’s shoot began in 2016 but was left unfinished because of differences between the producer and the lead actor.
Starring Nithin and Meera Chopra in the lead, Maaro is a 2011 action comedy film that was supposed to be released in 2006 but was shelved. However, upon its release in 2011, it failed to impress fans.
Helmed by Kanmani, Arjuna is an action-drama movie starring Rajasekhar. Despite its release in 2020, the film remains largely unknown to many viewers.
Gopichand and Nayanthara’s Aaradugula Bullet is a Telugu-language action film directed by B. Gopal. The film was originally scheduled to release in 2016, but due to financial difficulties, the film’s release was delayed for several years. The film’s production began in 2012 under Boopathy Pandian’s direction, but he left the film midway due to disagreements over the script. B. Gopal later took over as the director. The film then saw theatrical release on 8 October 2021.
Released in January 2025 during Pongal weekend, this action-comedy emerged as a blockbuster in Tamil Nadu. Although it collected Rs 50 crore, it failed to perform well in Telugu. Madha Gaja Raja was initially set to release in 2012, but its release remained delayed for 12 years due to legal and financial troubles. Written and directed by Sundar C, Madha Gaja Raja stars Vishal, Santhanam, Anjali, and Varalaxmi Sarathkumar in important roles.
Several other films, including Sai Dharam Tej’s Rey and Naga Chaitanya’s Autonagar Surya, also faced prolonged delays and ultimately failed at the box office.
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