Ever since 'Saaho' released last Friday, one sharp criticism has been that production houses don't care for the script. Instead, they are obsessed with visuals, template-driven heroism, flashy item songs, etc.

"We are told that 'Saaho' was made on a budget of Rs 350 Cr. I can't understand why Rs 35 lakh of it was not spent on getting the best writing minds on board. In Bollywood, the number of scriptwriters working on a film is more, on average, compared to what is the case in the Telugu film industry. Here, directors pen the story, screenplay and sometimes dialogues as well on their own as if they will get a Noble for doing that," says a social media influencer.

Can money buy ideas? "Money can buy people with ideas. A writer may not be useful in penning a thumping scene but he or she can definitely help you in pointing out flaws. Script consultants can issue early warnings," an opinion-maker comments.

The Telugu film industry has its task cut out. Will the producers and directors change the work culture radically?