Tollywood refers to both the Telugu and Bengali language film industries. Both the names derive the concept from Hollywood (similar to Bollywood and Kollywood), in the former case Telugu + Hollywood and in the latter, Tollygunge + Hollywood. While Bengali cinema is older, the term Tollywood is more specifically used in reference to the Telugu film industry. See Bengali cinema for a discussion of Tollygunge films.

Name

The Official name of the Telugu Film Industry is Vendithera. In Telugu, Vendi means Silver and Thera means screen.

Tollywood was also coined in reference to the Bengali film industry, based in Tollygunge in Kolkata, West Bengal. However, the phrase is less used than simply Bengali Cinema. See more on Bengali Cinema.

Industry

Tollywood is based in the state of Andhra Pradesh in southern India.

Between 100 and 150 Telugu Tollywood films are released each year. There are generally at least two releases each week. Popular movies tend to open during the three festive seasons of the region: Sankranthi (Pongal), Summer, and Dushera.

In 2004, the total business for the Pongal season was around 150 crores greater than that of the Bollywood industry. There are at least three TV channels, which exclusively feature programs relating to Telugu movies.

Crossover with Bollywood

Many famous Bollywood actresses often take time to do Telugu movies, mainly due to the large salaries and the quick pace of production. Well-known stars like Sonali Bendre and Amisha Patel charged a sum of 75 lakhs, while smaller stars like Katrina Kaif are paid a handsome 40 lakhs. Trisha, Shriya, Genelia - the leading female stars are paid 30-40 lakhs per film, depending on the number of days they shoot.

For young heroines, waiting for a break in Bollywood - telugu movies are good place to begin with and are considered a gateway. This is because Tollywood is the biggest regional movie market in India and the work there is closely monitored by the big names in Hindi film industry who are on the lookout for storylines to remake and fresh talent be it actors or technicians.

Budjet

The budget of Telugu movies is usually between 7-15 crores per film, and the pre-release revenue range for popular films is about 12-20 crores per film. The post release business of super hits is around 25-35 crores. The industry is centered around its leading stars, who exercise a lot of power. A superstar like Chiranjeevi comands a remuneration over 5 crores or retain a major business territory like Nizam for himself, while a lesser star like Nagarjuna or N.T.R. Jr. charge anywhere between 2-3 crores per film.

Fans

Well-known stars of Tollywood have devoted fan followings in the South. Many fans participate in social activities during movie releases. Celebrations 50 or 100 days after a films release, on Silver Jubilees and on the stars' birthdays are also common.

Telugu film personalities