RGV on Telugu cinema, ‘Makes as many flops as Bollywood does’

Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma revealed that Telugu cinema produces as many flops as Bollywood, debunking the myth that southern films are always successful. He shared a story about a Telugu star spending personal money to keep a flop running in theaters. Varma also celebrated the 4K re-release of his debut film Shiva and announced his upcoming horror-comedy, Police Station Mein Bhoot.

Renowned filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma recently sat down for an open and thought-provoking conversation about the changing face of cinema. Known for his bold opinions and unapologetic honesty, the director didn’t hold back as he shared his views on the film industry. During the discussion, he also highlighted a sharp truth about the Telugu film world that many often overlook.

In an interview with Pinkvilla, Ram Gopal Varma stated, “One harsh truth about the Telugu film industry is that… it actually makes as many flops as Bollywood does. It is just a misconception that people have, thinking otherwise. Only the best of the Telugu films come here. So Bollywood has this mistaken notion that all films down South are good, which is not the truth.”

Ram Gopal Varma’s iconic debut film Shiva, starring Nagarjuna Akkineni, was re-released in theatres on November 14, 2025, with a stunning 4K restoration and Dolby Atmos sound. This classic action film, which premiered 36 years ago, follows Shiva, a young man who moves to Hyderabad and enrolls in college while staying with his elder brother’s family. Upon arrival, he encounters the harsh realities of campus politics and gang violence, particularly clashing with JD, the student union president.The plot thickens as Shiva becomes entangled in the city’s criminal underworld, standing up to Bhavani, a notorious crime boss. The re-release brings this cult classic back to the big screen with enhanced visuals and sound, delighting longtime fans and introducing the film to a new generation. The cast also includes Amala, Raghuvaran, Viswanath, Tanikella Bharani, Jithendra, Murali Mohan, Kota Srinivasa Rao, Gollapudi Maruti Rao, Sai Chand, Subhalekha Sudhakar, JD Chakravarthy, and others.

Up next, Ram Gopal Varma is working on his upcoming film, Police Station Mein Bhoot, a horror-comedy featuring Manoj Bajpayee, Ramya Krishnan, and Genelia Deshmukh. The movie, which marks Varma’s return to Hindi cinema, blends elements of horror and humor, centering around a haunted police station where police officers and gangsters face supernatural challenges. Go to Source