When it comes to Tollywood movies, the second half is often seen as more crucial than the first half. While the initial part of a movie might be slow or boring at times, audiences tend to overlook it since it usually sets up the storyline and introduces characters. However, the real challenge for filmmakers lies in making the second half gripping and engaging.
If the second half delivers strong pre-climax scenes, twists, and a well-executed climax, the movie gains momentum and audience approval. But if it fails to captivate, viewers often leave disappointed, questioning the purpose of watching the film.
Recent Trends in Tollywood
Recently, many Tollywood films have struggled in the second half despite promising starts. For instance, the movie Kalki had a slow first half but built curiosity about the epic battle between Prabhas and Amitabh Bachchan. Once the interval bang hit, the dynamic of the film changed, and the gripping second half kept the audience glued to their seats, leading to the film’s success.
This Dussehra season saw the release of five movies: Maa Nanna Superhero, Viswam, Vettaiyan, Martin, and Jigra. Although most of these films had strong narratives, the second half proved to be the weak point for some. Audiences, especially for Telugu-directed films, felt that if directors had added more finesse to the second halves, the films could have been more impactful.
Detailed Insights into Recent Releases
Maa Nanna Superhero, starring Sudheer Babu, received mostly positive reviews. The story revolves around two fathers—one biological and one adoptive—and the sacrifices a son makes for both. While the first half was decent, director Abhilash Kankara reportedly stumbled slightly in the second half. Viewers were left disappointed, and if the second half had been as strong as the first, Maa Nanna Superhero could have become a standout father-son drama in the industry.
Similarly, Viswam, directed by Sreenu Vaitla, also seemed to falter in the second half. High expectations were set for Vaitla’s return, but while the comedy and twists were well-received, the narrative lost its grip.
The same can be said for Vettaiyan, another recent release that garnered praise for its strong first half but struggled in the second half. As for Martin and Jigra, the less said, the better, as they have received significant criticism regarding their second halves.
The Second Half Struggle in 2024
This issue of faltering second halves is not limited to recent releases. Many films this year have struggled primarily due to weak second halves. Audiences have sent a clear message to directors: show your talent and creativity in the second half to achieve success.
Tollywood audiences are no longer willing to settle for a gripping first half followed by a lackluster second half. It remains to be seen whether upcoming films will address this issue and deliver more satisfying conclusions.