Nagarjuna slams Tollywood's delay release trend: 'Why do we have to postpone?'

21 July,2026 11:28 AM IST |  Mumbai  |  mid-day online correspondent

Nagarjuna addressed Tollywood`s habit of postponing film releases, urging better planning and timely post-production. He admitted Lenin too was delayed and questioned why the industry cannot follow films like The Odyssey that stick to announced release dates

Nagarjuna (Pic/X)


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Actor Nagarjuna has opened up about the growing trend of delayed releases in Tollywood, urging filmmakers to plan their schedules better. Speaking at the success meet of Lenin, the actor admitted that he too was guilty of postponing the film's release. He cited Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey as an example of how films can stick to announced release dates with proper planning.

Nagarjuna on the habit of delayed releases in Tollywood

At the success meet of Akhil Akkineni's Lenin, Nagarjuna praised the cast and crew of the film. He further praised The Odyssey and called out Tollywood's habit of delaying releases. He said, "Requesting technicians, directors, and musicians… If we hand over the film at least two weeks before release to the post-production team, they will carve at it till perfection. This is not about anyone else; it's about me too. I also worked on this film till the last minute. The Odyssey recently released. They announced the release date a year ahead. Why aren't we able to do that? And when we do, why do we have to postpone it?"

He added, "I did it too for Lenin. I announced a June 26 release date, but we had to postpone. We completed shooting, but the post-production wasn't complete. It's just a request. Because I remember very well how, for my films Ninne Pelladata or Annamayya, we would watch the release copy a month ahead. My question is, why aren't we able to do it now? For the good of cinema, for the health of cinema, I think we must do this."

More about Lenin

For the unaware, director Murali Kishor Abburu's Telugu film Lenin, featuring actors Akhil Akkineni and Bhagyashri Borse in the lead, has taken a strong opening in theatres, with positive reports pouring in. The film has cinematography by Naveen Kumar and music by Thaman. Editing for the film is by Navin Nooli.

Nagarjuna had earlier stated that he prayed for Akhil's success at Tirumala before the film's release. "Whenever I go to Tirumala for darshanam, before or after Annamayya, I have no request to God. I have everything I need. But this time, I prayed for God to give him a hit, a blockbuster."

Akhil Akkineni expressed gratitude to Jr NTR for supporting his upcoming film. The actor shared pictures from their meeting, including a warm hug, thanking the Devara star for backing the project.

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