It has become a trend in Telugu cinema to make controversial comments just before a film’s release.
At times, some PR teams reportedly prompt journalists to ask specific questions to generate free publicity.
Some actors turn emotional on stage, while some filmmakers make remarks against certain actors or industry personalities, all in an attempt to grab attention.
Now, a small-budget film titled “Police Complaint” is gearing up for release, and its director has publicly complained that Varalaxmi Sarathkumar is not extending her cooperation for promotions.
He questioned why she is not participating in promotional activities when even Ram Charan attended press meets for “Peddi” and 94-year-old Singeetam Srinivasa Rao graced events related to the biopic “Singeetam.”
The director also alleged that Varalaxmi actively promoted her own film “Saraswathi” but is not giving time to other projects in which she has acted.
However, one question arises: how much difference would Varalaxmi’s presence actually make to a film like “Police Complaint”?
Even with extensive promotions, her recent film “Saraswathi” did not draw significant audiences to theatres.
If her star power could not substantially boost that film, would her participation in the promotions of “Police Complaint” have changed its prospects?
This has led some observers to wonder whether the criticism is a genuine grievance or simply a publicity strategy designed to generate attention for a small film ahead of its release.