Archive · 7 Oct 2026
Tollywood Filmmakers Worry as Social Media Trolling Grows
People have always disagreed about movies, but social media makes their opinions spread very quickly.
Some Telugu filmmakers say they worry that online criticism can hurt their films.
Producer Naga Vamsi Suryadevara said this concern was one reason his film was delayed.
Director Ashok Teja says useful criticism can help, but some comments are meant only to attack a movie.
Producer M. S. Raju says fan arguments can become hostile and may affect how long films stay in theatres.
The article says these arguments sometimes begin before a movie is shown.
Filmmakers are trying to tell helpful feedback apart from trolling.
M. S. Raju also says good films can still become hits despite the negativity.
Producer Naga Vamsi Suryadevara said social media criticism was one reason his film Adarsha Kutumbam was postponed by a couple of weeks.
Director Ashok Teja said constructive criticism can help, but much online negativity is intended to degrade films.
Producer M. S. Raju said fan wars and online hatred can shorten films’ theatrical runs.
The article says trolling can begin before a film’s first screening and can affect promotional plans and collections.
Filmmakers cited include films such as Vishwabhara, Devara, Peddi, Toxic and The Paradise as targets of online criticism.
- Who
- Telugu film producers and directors, including Naga Vamsi Suryadevara, Ashok Teja and M. S. Raju.
- What
- Filmmakers say online trolling and fan wars are increasing concerns that can influence film releases and theatrical runs.
- When
- The article describes a current concern; it gives no specific date.
- Where
- Tollywood, the Telugu film industry.
- Why
- Filmmakers say rapidly spreading online negativity can affect films, promotional decisions, collections and theatrical lifespans.
Concerns about online negativity
Potential value and limits of criticism
Effect on films
Concerns about online negativity
Naga Vamsi Suryadevara, Ashok Teja and M. S. Raju describe online negativity as a growing problem that can influence releases, collections and theatrical runs.
Potential value and limits of criticism
M. S. Raju says good films can still overcome the hostility and become blockbusters.
Criticism versus trolling
Concerns about online negativity
Ashok Teja says many negative comments aim to degrade films rather than help them, and M. S. Raju says there is little filmmakers can do to control the negativity.
Potential value and limits of criticism
Ashok Teja acknowledges that genuine criticism can be useful, while the article notes that audiences have long expressed differing views about films.
- Film release affected
- Adarsha Kutumbam was postponed by a couple of weeks; Naga Vamsi said concern about social media criticism was among the reasons.
- Director's view
- Ashok Teja said genuine criticism can be useful, while much negative commentary is intended to degrade films.
- Producer's view
- M. S. Raju said filmmakers have little ability to control growing social media negativity.
- Theatrical runs
- M. S. Raju contrasted earlier runs of 100 or 175 days with films whose prospects, he said, can now be judged within five or six days.
- Example in a film
- Mass Jathara includes a conversation criticizing anonymous users and toxic trolling.
- Films named as targets of criticism
- Vishwabhara, Devara, Peddi, Toxic and The Paradise.