A mid-range hero, despite successfully navigating the landscape of Hindi dubbing and OTT rates during favorable times, finds himself in a challenging position now.
Despite having films in hand, some ventures incurred losses, with budgets exceeding market expectations. Presently, the hero has one or two films in the pipeline, but uncertainty looms over their release.
In this context, the hero carefully chooses from the stories presented to him and forwards them to producers through the respective directors. However, the producers are hesitant, given the current unfavorable market conditions.
Even with a limited theater market, they cautiously consider non-theatrical avenues. Unfortunately, the absence of a thriving theater market and a lack of interest in non-theatrical options lead to a lukewarm response from the producers regarding the hero's proposals.
Meanwhile, another smaller hero is throwing a different challenge. Despite the film offers are in flow with a modest budget, the hero declines numerous story proposals, insisting on high-energy, high budget, mass-action narratives akin to the success of KGF.
Producers remain silent as that would not be financially viable with this hero. Despite not currently having a film in hand, this hero seems content to take a break.
In essence, the film industry trend in Tollywood appears to be navigating a complex and uncertain terrain.