Discussion 360°
Hollywood. Bollywood. TOLLYWOOD. New hidden gem
august 27 / 11:15 – 12:15
Eisenstein Hall
For many movie lovers, "Indian cinema" is a synonym for Bollywood—the Hindi-language film industry in Mumbai, known for its commercial films with melodramatic plots, songs, dance numbers, and heroes triumphing over villains.
However, in recent decades, South Indian cinema, particularly Tollywood, has gained global popularity. Western audiences were introduced to Telugu-language cinema through the blockbuster "RRR," which spotlighted Tollywood, based in Hyderabad. Tollywood is known for epic films inspired by Indian mythology, featuring heroic characters, intense action scenes, and advanced special effects.
Post-pandemic, Tollywood has become India's top-grossing film industry. In 2022, Tollywood earned $212 million, surpassing Bollywood's $197 million. The trend continues with the 2024 release of "Kalki 2898 AD," which grossed $109 million worldwide in its first two weeks.
Hyderabad is now the hub of Tollywood, home to India's largest studios, numerous cinemas, one of the biggest IMAX 3D screens, and Ramoji Film City, the world’s largest film studio according to the Guinness World Records.
However, in recent decades, South Indian cinema, particularly Tollywood, has gained global popularity. Western audiences were introduced to Telugu-language cinema through the blockbuster "RRR," which spotlighted Tollywood, based in Hyderabad. Tollywood is known for epic films inspired by Indian mythology, featuring heroic characters, intense action scenes, and advanced special effects.
Post-pandemic, Tollywood has become India's top-grossing film industry. In 2022, Tollywood earned $212 million, surpassing Bollywood's $197 million. The trend continues with the 2024 release of "Kalki 2898 AD," which grossed $109 million worldwide in its first two weeks.
Hyderabad is now the hub of Tollywood, home to India's largest studios, numerous cinemas, one of the biggest IMAX 3D screens, and Ramoji Film City, the world’s largest film studio according to the Guinness World Records.
Moderator:
- Ms Alexandra BurmanHead of South Asia and Middle East Department International Cooperation Division, TV BRICS Media NetworkJoined the TV BRICS team in 2022 as a Manager of International Projects (India) after 5 years of working experience in Press & Information Wing of the Embassy of the Republic of India in the Russian Federation.
Over the time of her work in the international cooperation department of TV BRICS, she substantually increased the company presence in the country as well as established partnership with the leading media in countires that joined BRICS group in 2024 (Egypt – Daily News Egypt, UAE – Emirates News Agency - WAM), developing a network of partners in the BRICS countries not only among media, but also within governmental, intergovernmental, and non-governmental organizations.
She has a higher education in International Communications and Linguistics. Graduated from the Faculty of Foreign Languages and Area Studies, Lomonosov Moscow State University.
She has successfully implemented dozens of international media projects and has effectively built cooperation between TV BRICS and the largest media companies in the BRICS and BRICS+ countries.
Speakers:
- Mr Dil RajuPresident of the Telugu Film Chamber of Commerce and Producers Guild, producer, Dil Raju Productions
- Mr Rajkumar AkellaProducer, сhairman, Department of Intellectual Property Rights Protection and Anti-Piracy of the Telugu Film Chamber of CommerceMr. Rajkumar Akella holds the esteemed position of Managing Director, Theatrical - India at Comscore (formerly Rentrak Corporation), the global leader in movie box office measurement. Since assuming this role in November 2013, Mr. Akella has played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of film analytics and industry transparency.
Mr. Rajkumar Akella’s unwavering commitment to eradicating film piracy and promoting intellectual property rights underscores his passion for a thriving and transparent entertainment ecosystem. Mr. Akella is of the conviction that the time is just ripe for regional content, to transcend boundaries within and outside India and win over audiences. - Ms Priyanka DuttProducer, Vyjayanthi Movies
- Mr Abhijeet PatilChairman, Raja Rani Travels, Globe Hoppers
- Mr Alexey KozulyaevCEO, co-owner RuFilms