Vijaya Sai Reddy Exclusive With Rajinikanth Vellalacheruvu | Cross Fire

When it comes to commercial cinema in India, there is no director bigger than S.S. Rajamouli in the current market. His grand storytelling and unparalleled visual presentation have set a benchmark that few, if any, can match. Films like Baahubali and RRR didn’t just shatter box office records—they redefined the global perception of Indian cinema, especially Telugu cinema.

However, Rajamouli’s legendary stature has sparked a new debate on social media—has his approach to filmmaking disrupted the pace of Tollywood’s output? Critics argue that the extended timelines Rajamouli takes to create his large-scale films (often 2–3 years or more) are impacting the ecosystem. Distributors and exhibitors, they say, are struggling due to the scarcity of superstar-led films that consistently drive footfalls to theatres.

Some even claim that his model, which focuses on pan-Indian spectacle over quick commercial turnaround, has indirectly pressured other top actors and filmmakers to follow suit, delaying multiple projects.

But looking at the larger picture, it’s undeniable that Rajamouli has elevated the industry’s standards. His success has encouraged other filmmakers to dream big. The rise of pan-Indian films like Pushpa, KGF, Salaar, Devara, and Project K can be attributed in part to the doors opened by Baahubali. He raised the bar for storytelling, technical finesse, and global appeal.

So, while Rajamouli’s filmmaking style may slow the release cycle, the value he brings in terms of revenue, scale, and international reach far outweighs the drawbacks. Whether his influence has “ruined” or revolutionized Tollywood is a subjective question—and the answer often depends on one’s position in the industry.