If you are familiar with the term "Mass" in the Telugu industry, then you must know that the directors and the actors struggle a lot to bring out the mass appeal out of a classy actor in movies.

The term "Mass" in Telugu industry is synonymous to "energetic" and “reckless”. Movies like Loafer, Alludu Sreenu, King and other movies that theme the main lead as “mass”, struggle a lot for the likes of audience.

If you have observed the trends from the early 2000s in the Telugu industry, you must come across the time where “mass appeal” was equivalent to a movie`s hit. To which almost all movies themed their movies to “mass” genre.

To this day, we are still using the "mass" appeal which is burnt-out and quite frankly, boring and unappealing. It degrades the voice of the character in the movie and struggles to be a success at the box office. Not many people like the mass appeal anymore.

So, is "Mass" appeal completely out of trend?

Not exactly. People like it when there is a strong story line attached to the mass character of the main lead. Examples for a weak story line in “mass” themed movies are: Alludu Srinu, Sardaar Gabbar Singh, Aagadu and more.

One thing all these movies have in common is that the "mass" appeal was forced up on the actors. The actors had the infinite potential to pose in a classy character and still play the same role, which on the other hand, would have been a hit and people would have liked it.

Examples for mass movies that were a hit: Pokiri, Dookudu, Janata Garage and more.

Movies like Pokiri and Dookudu turned out to be a hit because of brand and marketing strategies, adding up to the fast-paced comedy of the movie. Not necessarily it will work out for every movie that is being produced under a mass-appeal, but a strong story line would definitely benefit the roles at the end of the movie.

Today, Tollywood has produced some great and renown-able hits like Attarintiki Daredi, Srimanthudu, Oopiri, Naanaku Premato, Bhale Bhale Mogaadivoi, Son of Satyamurthy and more. These movies are a great hit at the box office and were accepted by the audience because the appeal of the movie is classy and quite different. The stories had a strong base. The movies were relatable to the common-man of the society. There was some dose of mass mixed with the classy vibes.

The audience have changed their minds and are looking for something more relatable but on a classy note. Luxurious sets, exotic locations and a humble string of emotions is not all what the audience is going for and if producers are still looking forward to produce "Mass Entertainers" with all the aforesaid but with no strong story line or a repetitive “mass” oriented movie, they must know that the movie will struggle a lot at the box office and for the likes of audience.

"Class" movies or "non-mass" movies project a healthier environment. The stories are more meaningful and engage the audience to the movie.

Such an example of classy movie is Seetamma Vaakitlo Sirimalle Chettu, the movie was not a commercial hit, but the theme of the movie is about celebrating relationships and reintroducing emotions in a healthy way. The movie celebrates the aspect of bonding with your loved ones that this generation is forgetting.

That is the point of classy movies, they may not be block-busters (which happens if the story is not as strong as the characters) but they are giving a great message to the society and make a great movie to watch while lying on your couch (TRP ratings count too).

Now, coming back to the "mass" concept of movies...

By improvising on the mass-character of the actor, the female lead`s role, which is most likely an over-sensitive, emotional wreck, in the movie is of no value today. It`s almost as if the female characters in the movie are non-existent. Which makes point number two; the female lead is not given enough importance and is often seen as a glamour quotient.

Let`s put that aside as the subject is too vast and deep-rooted (hopefully in another article)

Classy movies are attracting all sections of the society because they show-case "how it should be" on a more relatable level.

The ideal movie today is mostly oriented with celebrating family, relationships, travelling, making memories and simple love stories with a lot of humour. This is a classy-vibe generation and we need more movies that celebrate life and love by show-casing healthy scenes in the movie.

By show-casing rape, violence, degrading dialogs and racist remarks, we`re only going backwards and never going forward. (It is acceptable if the plot of the movie is pro on proving the negatives wrong)

Of course, the whole process will take a lot of time and our Telugu industry is taking baby steps in providing some meaningful content to entertain the audience. Regardless, the progress is eye-opening and completely refreshing. To all the directors and writers who are contributing to the industry to make more meaningful movies; you`re doing it right and you should not give up on the bigger picture.

By putting this piece of thought out there, I`m not criticizing the "mass" productions nor am I elevating the "classy" one. But, definitely meaningful movies are scarce in the Telugu industry right now and the audience desperately needs more movies that showcase simple truths in a simple way.

The classy movies just happen to project more healthy relationships and elegance.

Out of so many loud opinions in the world, this is mine.

Do you agree? Do you disagree? Let me know in the comments below.