Archive · 2 Nov 2025
Producer, Director Row Reaches Telugu Film Chamber Over Project Disputes
Imagine a movie producer and a director who used to work together on making films.
The producer says he gave the director a lot of money for several movies, but the director didn't make them and then made similar movies for other people.
The producer wants his money back, plus extra money because he says he lost out on other movie deals.
The director says that for some of the movies, there was no written promise to make them.
He also says he has the rights to a movie called 'HanuMan' and the producer didn't share the profits from it even though it made a lot of money.
He also mentioned that some money he received was for a different producer.
Now, they have both gone to official movie groups to sort out their disagreement.
Producer Niranjan Reddy has filed a complaint against director Prasanth Varma with the Telugu Film Chamber of Commerce and Directors' Association.
Reddy alleges Varma committed to directing four films ('Adhira', 'Mahankali', 'Jai HanuMan', 'Brahma Rakshasa') but backed out, later allegedly announcing similar projects for other banners.
The producer is seeking the return of ₹20.57 crore with interest and ₹200 crore in compensation.
Varma denies promising to direct 'Adhira' and 'Mahankali' due to lack of written agreements and claims ownership of 'HanuMan' IP rights, disputing Reddy's claims on 'Jai HanuMan'.
Varma also accuses Reddy of diverting funds meant for 'HanuMan' and failing to share profits from the film's successful run.
- Who
- Producer Niranjan Reddy and director Prasanth Varma
- What
- A dispute involving alleged breach of contract for multiple film projects, leading to formal complaints filed with the Telugu Film Chamber of Commerce and the Telugu Film Directors’ Association.
- When
- Complaints have recently been filed; dispute involves projects allegedly agreed upon previously.
- Where
- The matter is being handled by the Telugu Film Chamber of Commerce and the Telugu Film Directors’ Association.
- Why
- Producer Niranjan Reddy alleges director Prasanth Varma backed out of directing four films and made other projects for different banners, seeking financial restitution. Director Prasanth Varma denies some of the claims, states no written agreements for certain projects, and alleges the producer failed to share profits and diverted funds.
Producer Niranjan Reddy's Claims
Director Prasanth Varma's Defense
Commitments for Films
Producer Niranjan Reddy's Claims
Prasanth Varma allegedly agreed to direct four films (Adhira, Mahankali, Jai HanuMan, Brahma Rakshasa) for Reddy's banner, Prime Show Entertainment, but later backed out.
Director Prasanth Varma's Defense
Prasanth Varma denies promising to direct Adhira and Mahankali, stating no written agreements existed for these specific projects. He also maintains he holds IP rights to HanuMan, precluding Reddy from claiming Jai HanuMan.
Financial Claims
Producer Niranjan Reddy's Claims
Reddy claims to have paid over ₹10 crore in advances for unmade projects and is seeking ₹20.57 crore back with interest, plus ₹200 crore for lost business opportunities.
Director Prasanth Varma's Defense
Varma acknowledges receiving ₹15.82 crore for HanuMan, ₹1 crore for Adhira teaser, and ₹8.18 crore for Octopus (which he claims was passed to another producer). He alleges Reddy owes him profit shares from HanuMan and diverted funds meant for it.
Project Execution
Producer Niranjan Reddy's Claims
Varma allegedly refused to direct Adhira and Mahankali, bringing in replacements, yet later announced similar projects for other banners (RKD Studios). He also made Jai HanuMan and Brahma Rakshasa for other production houses (Mythri Movie Makers, Hombale Films).
Director Prasanth Varma's Defense
Varma states he owned all rights to HanuMan except for specific distribution rights handled by Reddy. He accuses Reddy of compelling him to relinquish other language theatrical rights with a promise of profit share that was never fulfilled.
- Producer
- Niranjan Reddy (Prime Show Entertainment)
- Director
- Prasanth Varma
- Alleged Films by Varma
- Adhira, Mahankali, Jai HanuMan, Brahma Rakshasa, HanuMan, Octopus
- Producer's Claimed Losses
- ₹20.57 crore (return of advance) + ₹200 crore (compensation)
- Director's Acknowledged Payments
- ₹15.82 crore (HanuMan), ₹1 crore (Adhira teaser), ₹8.18 crore (Octopus)
- HanuMan Box Office Collection
- ₹295 crore (net)
- Authorities Involved
- Telugu Film Chamber of Commerce, Telugu Film Directors’ Association
