The Telugu film industry has found itself under intense scrutiny as the Telangana Income Tax Department launched simultaneous raids on properties linked to prominent producer and Telangana Film Development Corporation chairman Dil Raju, as well as Mythri Movie Makers producers Naveen Yerneni and Ravi Shankar.
The raids, which commenced early Tuesday morning, covered high-profile locations in Jubilee Hills, Banjara Hills, Kondapur, and Gachibowli. As per reports, over 200 IT officials, organized into 55 teams, searched more than eight properties, focusing on allegations of tax evasion.
Dil Raju Under the Scanner
Dil Raju, a leading figure in the Telugu film industry, has produced blockbuster films, including the recently released Game Changer, starring Ram Charan. IT officials took Dil Raju’s wife, Tejaswini, to the bank.
As chairman of the Telangana Film Development Corporation, he has played a critical role in bridging the gap between the state government and the film industry.
However, his involvement in mediating talks in December 24’ following the stampede incident at a pre-release event for Pushpa 2: The Rule has drawn attention. The incident resulted in the tragic death of a 35-year-old woman and left a 9-year-old boy hospitalized. Dil Raju’s role in the controversy and his ability to influence both the industry and the government are now talk of the town.
Mythri Movie Makers Face Successive Setbacks
Mythri Movie Makers, celebrated for blockbusters like Rangasthalam, Janatha Garage, and Srimanthudu, is also facing heat. The producers had earlier claimed that Pushpa 2: The Rule achieved ₹1,000 crore in pre-release business—a claim that stirred controversy following the Sandhya Theatre incident.
This is not the first shock for the production house. The film’s lead star, Allu Arjun, was recently jailed, sparking rumors of political interference and a widening rift between the film industry and the state government.
Political Dimensions
The timing of these raids has raised eyebrows, particularly with Telangana CM Revanth Reddy attending the World Economic Forum in Davos. Meanwhile, opposition leader K.T. Rama Rao (KTR) is under investigation for alleged corruption. Critics are speculating whether these IT raids are a diversionary tactic or an intimidation move targeting the Telugu film industry.
An Industry at Odds with the State
The Telugu film industry’s relationship with the Telangana government has been tense, with disputes over ticket pricing, regulations, and recent controversies. Dil Raju’s attempts to mediate between the industry and the government have seen mixed success, but the raids suggest deeper fissures.
As of now, the Income Tax Department has not issued an official statement regarding its findings, leaving the public and the industry waiting for clarity. With investigations ongoing and allegations of political motives swirling, the coming days will likely bring more developments.
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