Are Indian Actors on a Signing Spree During the Lockdown?

The film industry has faced significant challenges in 2020 due to the novel coronavirus outbreak, leading to the cancellation of a large portion of the shooting schedule. With vaccination programs underway and the gradual reopening of film shoots, actors have seized this period to explore new options and line up projects for the future.

A Surge of New Projects

Indian actors, particularly those from Tollywood, have used the lockdown period to audition for different scripts and prepare for upcoming films. Pawan Kalyan, for instance, has announced a variety of interesting projects, including the Hindi courtroom drama 'Pink' remake 'Vakeel Saab' and two new movies with working titles PSPK27 and PSPK28. PSPK27 is rumored to be a historical drama, while PSPK28 is expected to be a commercial entertainer with a social message.

Prabhas' Successful Comeback

Prabhas, a pan-India star, has also been busy reviewing projects. After his movie 'Saaho,' he is now involved in three films. He is currently working on 'Radhe Shyam,' a romantic drama directed by Radha Krishna Kumar. Post this, he will be working with 'Deepika Padukone' in a science-fiction film titled 'Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy 2,' directed by Nag Ashwin. Next, he has a heavy-budgeted 3-D film called 'Adipurush' directed by 'Bhushan Kumar' and produced by 'T-Series.' This film is an adaptation of the Indian epic 'Ramayan.' Interestingly, he has also worked with Bollywood star 'Saif Ali Khan' to play the antagonist role of 'Ravana.'

Widespread Industry Engagement

Other prominent actors like Allu Arjun, Mahesh Babu, and Nagarjuna have also announced a number of films. Allu Arjun, who gained fame with 'Ala Vaikuntapuramloo,' is set to release three films, 'Pushpa' and 'Koratala Sivas' untitled film.' Mahesh Babu has signed on for 'Sarkaru Vaari Paata' and might finally collaborate with 'SS Rajamouli.' Nagarjuna is working on 'Wild Dog' and a Telugu action-thriller with 'Praveen Sattaru.'

Young Actors and Megastars

Youthful Tollywood actors such as Naga Chaitanya and Bellamkonda Sai Sreenivas are also active. Naga Chaitanya has 'Thank You' and another film after 'Sekhar Kammula's Love Story,' while Bellamkonda Sreenivas has 'Santhosh Srinivass' Alludu Adhurs and a sequel to 'Rakshasudu.' Megastar 'Chiranjeevi' is set to remake 'Mohannlal's Lucifer' and 'Ajith Kumar's Vedalam,' while Jr. NTR is currently engaged in 'RRR' with 'Ram Charan,' 'Alia Bhatt,' and 'Ajay Devgn' as co-stars.

Directorial Opportunities

The surge in projects is not limited to actors alone; directors are also benefiting from this period. Notable directors such as 'Trivikram Srinivass,' 'Prashanth Neel,' and 'Puri Jagannadh' are involved in multiple projects. 'Veteran actresses' like Keerthy Suresh also have several upcoming films, including 'Miss India,' 'Good Luck Sakhi Rang De,' and 'Annatthe.'

In conclusion, the lockdown period has seen a notable increase in the number of film projects, with both actors and directors actively engaging in new opportunities.