In a dramatic turn of events in the Telugu film industry, the Income Tax Department launched simultaneous raids early Tuesday at the residences and offices of some of Tollywood’s most influential figures. Prominent film producer and Telangana Film Development Corporation (TGFDC) chairman, Dil Raju, along with his partner Shirish, daughter Hansitha Reddy, and key personnel from Mythri Movie Makers, including Naveen Yerneni and Ravi Shankar, found themselves under the scanner.
The raids, which began in the upscale Jubilee Hills and Banjara Hills areas of Hyderabad, targeted over eight locations associated with the filmmakers, including Dil Raju’s home, his office in Mango, and the properties of his family members, according to the local media. Mythri Movie Makers, the powerhouse behind the box-office blockbuster Pushpa 2: The Rule, was also raided, with sources suggesting that the investigation centres on suspected tax evasion.
Who is Dil Raju?
Dil Raju, whose name is synonymous with blockbuster films, has been riding high on the success of Sankranthiki Vasthunnam, a recent hit starring Venkatesh, and Game Changer, which featured Ram Charan. Although Game Changer failed to match the hype, Sankranthiki Vasthunnam became a major box-office sensation during the Sankranti season. Raju’s production house, Sri Venkateswara Creations (SVC), has delivered hit films since the early 2000s, with milestones such as Dil, Arya, Bommarillu, and Varisu. His more recent ventures, Shaakunthalam (co-produced with Samantha Ruth Prabhu) and The Family Star, continue to bolster his position as a heavyweight in the industry.
Who runs Mythri Movie Makers?
Meanwhile, Mythri Movie Makers, founded by Ravi Shankar Yalamanchili and Naveen Yerneni, is no stranger to success. The duo’s latest venture, Pushpa 2: The Rule, earned a whopping Rs 1228.25 crore net in India, cementing its status as one of the biggest box-office successes of the year. Mythri’s growing influence also extends to their future projects, including collaborations with top stars like Ajith Kumar, Pawan Kalyan, and Rishab Shetty.
Why did the raid happen?
While the exact reasons for the raids remain undisclosed, reports suggest that the Income Tax Department is investigating potential tax evasion, especially considering the massive budgets and box office collections associated with these recent releases. With Pushpa 2 grossing over Rs 1734.65 crore globally, and Game Changer and Sankranthiki Vasthunnam also drawing significant attention, the raids have raised questions about the financial practices of these production houses. According to media organisations 55 IT teams have been involved in the raids, sparking a sense of unease within the film community. “These raids are aimed at uncovering discrepancies in financial dealings and possibly tax-related violations,” a source close to the investigation told the media.
Why now?
The timing of these raids is crucial, coming as Dil Raju and Mythri Movie Makers ride high on their recent success. With Pushpa 2: The Rule having just stormed the box office, the raids add a layer of intrigue to the already high-stakes world of Telugu cinema. Both Raju and Mythri Movie Makers have major films lined up, including Good Bad Ugly starring Ajith Kumar and Jaat with Sunny Deol, making the industry wonder whether these raids signal a wider crackdown on financial transparency within Tollywood. As of now, the Income Tax Department has yet to release an official statement, and the filmmakers involved have not publicly commented on the matter. However, the raids have certainly cast a shadow over the success of these production houses, adding an unexpected twist to the ongoing drama in Tollywood.
What will happen now?
With the film industry closely watching the unfolding investigation, the future of these industry giants hangs in the balance. While Dil Raju and Mythri Movie Makers continue to enjoy box-office success, the looming spectre of the IT raids serves as a stark reminder of the often hidden financial complexities behind the glamour of filmmaking. As the raids continue, industry insiders and fans alike are left waiting for more details. Will these raids lead to more revelations, or will they fade into another controversy? One thing is certain: this scandal will be one to watch closely as it unfolds in the coming days.
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