The South Indian film industry, often celebrated for its grandeur and talent, faced a tumultuous year in 2024 with a series of controversies involving its leading stars and filmmakers.
From tragic incidents to legal battles and family feuds, these events brought Tollywood under intense scrutiny. As the year comes to a close, here’s a look at five controversies that left a mark on the industry.
1. Jani Master’s Legal Trouble
Renowned choreographer and National Award winner Jani Master faced serious allegations in September when a woman filed a complaint accusing him of sexual assault.
The police arrested him, and a case was registered. After spending time in custody, Jani Master was granted bail by the High Court on October 24.
This incident added to the challenges Tollywood faced this year and tarnished the choreographer's otherwise illustrious career.
2. Akkineni Nagarjuna’s Family Controversy
Superstar Akkineni Nagarjuna and his family were drawn into a political storm when Telangana Forest Minister Konda Surekha made inflammatory comments linking BRS working president K.T. Rama Rao to the divorce of Naga Chaitanya and Samantha.
Surekha also made derogatory remarks about actress Rakul Preet Singh.
Both Samantha and Rakul Preet condemned the statements on social media, demanding not to be dragged into political disputes.
Nagarjuna responded by filing a defamation lawsuit against the minister, with the film industry rallying in support of the actors.
3. Ram Gopal Varma’s Legal Woes
Maverick filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma made headlines once again for controversial reasons.
On November 25, Andhra Pradesh police teams attempted to arrest him at his Hyderabad residence over allegedly sharing doctored images of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, and their families.
The images, deemed offensive, led to a police investigation.
Varma managed to avoid physical arrest by agreeing to participate in the inquiry virtually, though the incident highlighted the filmmaker’s recurring brushes with the law.
4. Mohan Babu’s Family Feud
Veteran actor Mohan Babu’s family drama resurfaced in 2024, this time involving a bitter property dispute between him and his youngest son, Manoj.
The disagreement escalated when Mohan Babu accused Manoj and his wife Mounika of forcibly attempting to take over his Jalpally home. Both sides filed police complaints, intensifying the feud.
During the turmoil, Mohan Babu struck a journalist with a microphone, leading to a police case against the actor.
The incident not only added tension to the family’s strained relationships but also brought negative attention to the veteran star.
5. Allu Arjun’s Stampede Tragedy
National Award-winning actor Allu Arjun became the center of controversy following a tragic stampede during the premiere of his blockbuster film Pushpa 2: The Rule on December 4 at Sandhya Theatre in Hyderabad.
The chaotic crowd situation led to the death of a 35-year-old woman and left her young son critically injured.
Legal action followed, with a case filed against Allu Arjun for his alleged role in the incident. Though briefly arrested, he was later granted interim bail by the High Court.
The tragedy raised serious questions about event safety protocols and the accountability of stars at such high-profile occasions.
A Year of Scandals and Reflection
From tragic accidents to legal entanglements and family conflicts, 2024 was a challenging year for Tollywood.
These controversies have not only affected individual reputations but have also raised broader questions about accountability and professionalism within the industry.
As Tollywood moves forward, lessons from these events will hopefully lead to more responsible conduct and better crisis management in the future.