The Rise of Biopics in Tollywood and Bollywood: A Catalyst for Political Propaganda?

Writing good stories requires a lot of effort and inspiration, but in the fast-paced entertainment industry, producers often seek quick profits by capitalizing on the fame of well-known individuals. This trend has led to the proliferation of biopics, movies based on real people's lives. One notable example is the success of Mahanati, which brought the genre to mainstream audiences and demonstrated its profitability. Ever since, producers and directors have jumped onto the bandwagon, often without putting forth the necessary creative effort.

The Impact of Mahanati on Biopic Production

The success of Mahanati marked a turning point in the Indian film industry. The movie, based on K. Exclusive Moghal's life, garnered critical acclaim and commercial success, highlighting the bankable potential of biopics. Following this, many filmmakers and producers realized the financial benefits and decided to produce similar movies. However, the quality and depth of these subsequent biopics have been questionable, with some questioning their authenticity and artistic merit.

Propaganda and Politics in Biopics

Another intriguing aspect of the biopic boom in Tollywood and Bollywood is the increasing involvement of political propaganda. It is no coincidence that the release schedules of biopics related to prominent political figures such as YSR and NTR align closely with election seasons. Telugu people, in particular, hold their actors in high esteem, considering them heroes and real-life leaders. This fanatical admiration has allowed political figures associated with these actors to carry on their legacies and political agendas.

Political leaders such as Chandra Babu Naidu and Jagan Reddy benefit significantly from the glorification of NTR and YSR. These leaders would not have their current positions without the support and legacy of these actors, making it strategic for them to use these biopics to further their political agendas. The question arises: why are we making biopics about figures like YSR, given the abundance of lesser-known but equally significant individuals who have made lasting impacts on Telugu people and culture?

The Business of Biopics

Writing a good story takes a lot of time and inspiration. Unfortunately, producers in the industry often lack the patience and dedication required to create such stories. Instead, they capitalize on the already known stories and the inherent patriotism of the audience. This approach allows for quick profits and, consequently, a glut of biopics in the market. Despite the potential for diverse and impactful storytelling, the focus remains on high-profile biopics that guarantee box office success.

Unique Stories Deserve the Spotlight

While there are countless individuals who have made profound contributions to society and culture, such as K. Viswanath Ghantasala, SP Balasumbranium, Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, and Pratap C. Reddy, these stories remain underrepresented in the realm of biopics. It's puzzling why the industry focuses on well-known figures like YSR, when there are numerous lesser-known, yet equally remarkable individuals who deserve recognition and cinematic attention.

The biopic boom in Tollywood and Bollywood thus raises questions about artistic integrity, political influence, and the true value of storytelling. As the industry continues to produce these biopics, it is crucial to strike a balance between commercial success and meaningful, impactful storytelling.