In this election season, the Telugu film industry, or Tollywood, seems to be adopting a notably reserved stance compared to previous years. While seasoned figures like Ashwini Dutt and KS Ramarao maintain allegiance to the Telugu Desam Party, newer stars are notably reticent about political affiliations.
Even those from Telangana refrain from overtly endorsing regional or national parties, and social media platforms remain devoid of election-related content. Speculation abounds regarding this industry-wide political reticence. Some attribute it to a cautious approach, considering the vengeful nature of contemporary politics.
Stars might fear repercussions if the party they endorse loses, potentially leading to harassment or backlash. This perceived risk could explain the industry’s apparent activation of a ‘silent mode’ during the election period. The echoes of past experiences may be influencing the decision of Tollywood celebrities to stay away from the electoral fray.
Instances of political affiliations impacting a star’s career, coupled with the unpredictability of electoral outcomes, might be prompting a strategic withdrawal from overt political engagement. As the political landscape evolves, the intriguing ‘silent mode’ adopted by Tollywood remains a subject of speculation and scrutiny.