After the outbreak of deadly Coronavirus, the entertainment sector has been largely affected across the globe. In India, for the past two years, most of the cinema halls and multiplexes are shut down. Especially, the situation is pathetic in Telugu and other southern states as the theatrical release of many small, medium and big-budget movies is put on hold. Considering the Covid crisis, many filmmakers are opting towards the digital release of their films. Recently, even star hero Venkatesh’s Narappa also skipped its theatrical release and opted for an OTT release. Now, we bring the list of Telugu/dubbed films that are gearing up for a digital release.
1) Maestro
Starring Nithiin and Nabha Natesh as the lead pair, Maestro has recently wrapped up the entire shooting formalities. Touted as a dark thriller, the film is an official remake of Hindi hit, Andhadhun and has Milky beauty Tamannaah in the crucial role.
Being directed by Merlapaka Gandhi, a couple of weeks back news came out that the digital rights of Maestro are acquired by noted streaming channel Disney Plus Hotstar and planning to release online on August 15th as an Independence Day special. However, an official confirmation regarding the film’s streaming date is yet to be out. Nithiin’s father Sudhakar Reddy bankrolled Maestro under his Shrestha Movies. Bheeshma fame Mahati Swara Sagar has composed music for the film.
2) Drushyam 2
Touted as a family thriller, Drushyam 2 is an official remake of the Malayalam movie, Drishyam 2 which had a direct OTT release earlier this year. Starring Venkatesh, Meena, Esther Anil, Kruthika in the key roles, the film’s digital rights are bagged by Disney Plus Hotstar.
Being directed by Jeethu Joseph, who directed the original version, the film has wrapped up its entire shooting formalities and the post-production work is underway. While Anup Rubens is scoring music for the film, the streaming date of the film will be out soon.
3) Raja Raja Chora
Hero Sree Vishnu’s upcoming film, Raja Raja Chora has impressed everyone with its first look teaser which was a few weeks back. Touted as a crime comedy, the film’s digital rights are bagged by Zee5 and planning to release online soon.
Alongside Sree Vishnu, Raja Raja Chora also stars Megha Akash and Sunaina in the female lead roles. Being directed by Hasith Goli, the movie is produced by Abhishek Agarwal and TG Viswaprasad. Vivek Sagar is the music composer for the film.
4) Virata Parvam
Rana and Sai Pallavi’s period drama, Virata Parvam is in its last leg of shooting. Set in a Naxalite backdrop, the film was supposed to hit the screens in April but has been postponed due to the Covid crisis.
A couple of weeks ago, news came out that the film is going to skip its theatrical release and go for a direct OTT release on reputed streaming channel Netflix but there is no official confirmation regarding the same.
Starring Priyamani, Nandita Das, Naveen Chandra, Zarina Wahab, Easwari Rao, Nivetha Pethuraj and Sai Chand in prominent roles, Virata Parvam is being bankrolled by Suresh Babu in association with Sudhakar Cherukuri. Venu Udugula is the director and has its music by Suresh Bobbili.
5) Eeswarudu
Kollywood actor Simbu’s early this year released mass entertainer, Eeswaran was supposed to have a simultaneous release in Telugu as Eeswarudu but was postponed due to lack of buyers here.
Later, exclusive Telugu content provider, Aha has acquired the streaming rights of the film and planning to release it online soon.
Alongside Simbu, the film has young beauty Nidhhi Agerwal and Nandita Swetha in the female lead roles. While Suseenthiran directed the movie, Thaman has composed the tunes.
6) Kanabadutaledu
Starring Sukranth Veerella, Kona Sasitha, Yug Ram key roles, Kanabadutaledu has actor Sunil in a prominent role. A couple of weeks back news came out that the film is going to skip its theatrical release and opt for a direct digital release.
Reportedly, the newly launched OTT channel Spark OTT has bagged Kanabadutaledu’s streaming rights and planning to premiere soon.