Congress Scrambles to Mend Ties with Tollywood Ahead of Jubilee Hills Bypoll

As the Jubilee Hills by-election draws near, tensions between the Congress government and the Telugu film industry have come to the forefront. Recent controversies involving leading Tollywood figures have created unease among film workers, prompting concerns that the ruling party may face a backlash from this influential community.

Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy appears to be making active efforts to contain the discontent. His recent outreach in Krishna Nagar — home to hundreds of film workers — included assurances of support and improved working conditions. Yet, despite these gestures, the ground sentiment among technicians and crew members remains cautious. “Elections are temporary. Ultimately, we get work and earn our livelihood through cinema shootings,” said a spot boy from Krishnanagar, reflecting the industry’s anxiety over political interference.

The rift traces back to August 2024, when the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Assets Protection Agency (HYDRAA) demolished part of actor Akkineni Nagarjuna’s N Convention Centre in Madhapur, citing lake encroachment. The action, initiated after a complaint by Cinematography Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy, drew outrage across Tollywood. Nagarjuna called the demolition unlawful, and later, in November, he filed a ₹100-crore defamation suit against Forest Minister Konda Surekha for her remarks on his son Naga Chaitanya and actress Samantha’s divorce.

Relations soured further when Revanth Reddy publicly blamed actor Allu Arjun for the stampede at the Pushpa 2 screening in December 2024. A police case was filed, and Congress workers allegedly vandalized part of Arjun’s home, triggering a massive backlash from his fans.

Adding to the friction, comedian Rahul Ramakrishna recently courted controversy after criticizing the Congress and praising the former BRS regime, leading to online backlash and temporary deactivation of his social media account.

With growing resentment within Tollywood circles, the Congress leadership now appears keenly aware of the potential electoral fallout. Revanth Reddy’s latest promises to the film fraternity signal a strategic attempt to repair ties and prevent further alienation before the crucial bypoll.