Siddhu Jonnalagadda is now seen as a rising hero in Telugu cinema, particularly with the success of his film DJ Tillu. The much-anticipated sequel, Tillu Square, featuring Anupama Parameswaran as the female protagonist and directed by Mallik Ram, is with release on March 29th.
Despite the enthusiasm surrounding the picture and its superb promotional materials, it will have hurdles at the box office. One big impediment is the ongoing test season, which traditionally reduces theater attendance in February and March as students and families choose academics over amusement.
Adding to the challenge is the concurrent election season across the nation, including the Telugu states, where the general elections are taking place. With political news dominating headlines, drawing audiences to cinemas becomes even more difficult. Tillu Square promises youthful content and has garnered a positive response from families who enjoyed the first installment. Yet, the film must compete against the post-Sankranthi lull in Tollywood, where no major hits have emerged.
Despite these challenges, Tillu Square has the ability to make a huge impact and end Tollywood’s dry period. Its success will be determined by its ability to draw people amidst the distractions of examinations and elections while recapturing the blockbuster reputation of its before it.
