Five Top Rivalries Out To Redefine Tollywood

We have recapped the year so far. Let us, for a change, look at 2017 with specific blinkers. In this piece, IndiaGlitz tells you the five top rivalries that Tollywood will witness in the coming year(s). They are out to redefine Tollywood.

Of course, besides these five, there are going to be other rivalries between, for example, Nani and Varun Tej (yes, the latter will emerge as the New Natural Star, courtesy 'Mister' and 'Fida').

Chiranjeevi Vs Balakrishna

The professional rivals of our childhood are back. January will see a neck-to-neck BO tussle between 'Khaidi No. 150' and 'Gautamiputra Satakarni'. But that's not all. Both these mass heroes are out to do one film after another in 2017.

But the path that Chiru will take is not as clear as Balayya's. Krish, Krishna Vamsi, Anil Ravipudi, Boyapati - these are the range of directors he will work with. On the other hand, Chiru is most probably keeping his options open. It's highly likely that his future choices will be determined by how well his 150th movie is received.

Will Megastar be after mass audiences, while Balayya will reach out to them through class directors? Yes, and that's the most interesting aspect of the competition.

Pawan Kalyan Vs Mahesh Babu

Year 2016 was equally bad for these biggest stars of our generation. 'Sardaar Gabbar Singh' and 'Brahmotsavam' out-competed each other when it came to be trolled by the audience!.

But 2017 is going to be different. Pawan will be doing movies back-to-back. After the Ugadi release ('Katamarayudu'), he will go about working with Trivikram Srinivas and RT Neason.

It will be argued in defence of Mahesh that, in terms of content, his choices are far better off for one big reason: He is not into remakes.

While the Mahesh-Murugadoss film will be one of the most widely known South Indian movies of the decade, it is Pawan who is very likely to have the masses rooting more for him. But then, Koratala Siva is there for the 'Srimanthudu', let's not forget.

By the way, since Powerstar is into politics, last-minute surprises are not ruled out. Or so it seems.

NTR Vs Allu Arjun

Usually, the Nandamuri star and the Mega hero are professional rivals. They both are magnificent dancers. They both have an unmatched knack for showing intense emotions. The way 'Sarrainodu' and 'Janatha Garage' performed at the BO bears testimony to this.

In fact, N Lingusamy was almost supposed to work with NTR before Allu Arjun snatched the Kollywood director from the former. It was also said that Vakkantham Vamsi was torn between the two actors.

If Bunny has 'DJ' waiting to conquer the BO, expect a new NTR, courtesy Trivikram and Bobby (perhaps). Our prediction is that the competition between these two huge stars will be more creative than it being about the numbers.

Prabhas Vs Ram Charan

If you take out 'Baahubali', Prabhas and Ram Charan would be seen as closest substitutes.

Although Prabhas' market has presumably grown by leaps and bounds after Rajamouli's magnum opus (which explains why Sujith's outing will be made at a cost of Rs. 150 cr), he is seen as a stylish hunk much on the lines of Ram Charan of the 'Dhruva' variety.

Our prediction is that there is going to be a fight between each other to occupy each other's space in the coming years. While Cherry will be seen in the role of a deaf man in Sukumar's movie, can we say that some Bollywoodian will not approach Prabhas with a curious role? Interesting times ahead!

Nagarjuna Vs Venkatesh

If you thought this rivalry won't be exciting, you are wrong. 'Raju Gari Gadhi-2', which was to have Venky is now in Nag's pocket.

Though unstated, Venky is out to reinvent himself. The sports drama 'Guru', a film with Puri Jagannadh, a socio-fantasy with Krish. Enough said.

As for the Akkineni actor, he will be seen as Hathiram Baba in 'Om Namo Venkatesaya' and as a weird character in 'Raju Gari Gadhi-2'. While K Raghavendra Rao's film may not be high on surprise factor, the latter surely is. He has been on an experimenting spree for some years ('Manam', 'Soggade Chinni Nayana' and 'Oopiri').

Ditto with Venky ('SVSC', 'Drushyam', 'Gopala Gopala').