Tollywood is no stranger to passionate fan rivalries, but the latest controversy has taken the competition to new levels. At the recent IIFA Utsavam, Teja Sajja and Rana Daggubati made a few light-hearted jokes about the Tollywood industry and upcoming films, but it stirred intense backlash. The comments touched upon the impending box-office clash between Mahesh Babu’s Guntur Kaaram and Teja’s HanuMan—a topic that proved to be far more sensitive than expected, especially for Mahesh Babu’s dedicated fans.
The On-Stage Joke That Set Off Mahesh Babu’s Fans
During the IIFA Utsavam, Rana Daggubati placed a hand on Teja’s shoulder and began praising him in a humorous manner. Rana’s words initially seemed directed toward Teja, describing him as “the heartthrob of millions, the lover boy, the action star…”—only to clarify with a smile that he was actually talking about Mahesh Babu. When Teja joked about not bringing up the “Sankranthi matter,” alluding to the clash between Guntur Kaaram and HanuMan, Rana jokingly responded, “Why, is it a sensitive topic?”
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Mahesh Babu Fans React Swiftly
The light-hearted exchange turned into a hot topic on X (formerly Twitter), with Mahesh Babu fans taking offense, interpreting the comments as downplaying Mahesh’s legacy. Many fans quickly voiced their frustrations, some even demanding that Teja Sajja apologize for “mocking” Mahesh Babu’s career.
One user expressed indignation, “You’ve had one successful film, and you’re taking digs at Mahesh, who has a 25-year filmography. You’ll never have such collections again until HanuMan gets a sequel. And Rana’s project is shelved anyway!” Another fan went as far as to request a formal apology, addressing Teja directly, “Dear @tejasajja123, we need an apology to superstar @urstrulyMahesh and his fans. You and Rana degraded his upcoming Sankranthi release; please try to understand the situation.”
Perspectives from the Fandom: A Divided Response
While many fans of Mahesh Babu saw Teja and Rana’s comments as a slight, others suggested that the comments were blown out of proportion. One fan pointed out how, just after HanuMan was released, fans wanted Mahesh Babu and Rana to portray Lord Ram and Hanuman, respectively, if a mythological adaptation was ever made. The user questioned the inconsistency, writing, “Back then, fans wanted Rana for Hanuman and Mahesh as Lord Ram. Now, a small joke is hurtful?”
Another perspective highlighted that these sorts of jokes are common at award ceremonies, intended purely for entertainment. This user noted the backlash, comparing it humorously to scenes in Mathu Vadalara 2, which portrays fans overreacting at a public event.
The Highly Anticipated Sankranthi 2024 Box Office Showdown
The excitement leading up to Sankranthi 2024 has been building for months, with four major films set to compete at the box office: HanuMan, Guntur Kaaram, Saindhav (starring Venkatesh), and Naa Saami Ranga (featuring Nagarjuna). While fans eagerly anticipate Mahesh Babu’s Guntur Kaaram, Teja Sajja’s HanuMan has already garnered impressive traction, reportedly grossing ₹295 crore worldwide, making it the dark horse of the Sankranthi lineup.
Sankranthi is one of Tollywood’s biggest box office periods, and the release clash this year has become a major event in itself. Fans of each star are hoping for a big win, with many Mahesh Babu followers hoping for a massive box-office victory over HanuMan to reaffirm his status as a top Tollywood actor.
Teja Sajja and Rana Daggubati Caught in the Crossfire
The tension from the fan backlash over Rana and Teja’s comments underscores just how devoted—and at times, overzealous—Tollywood’s fan base can be. The two actors likely intended to inject humor into their hosting duties, not to diminish Mahesh Babu’s career or upcoming film.
Fan rivalries in Tollywood have often been a double-edged sword; while they fuel a powerful loyalty, they can also lead to intense, and sometimes unnecessary, controversies. Tollywood’s unique fan culture is defined by its fervent support, but incidents like this one demonstrate the challenges that come with such passionate loyalty.
Bridging the Divide: Maintaining Respect in Tollywood’s Fan Culture
Despite the excitement and loyalty surrounding Tollywood’s stars, fan communities sometimes risk taking casual remarks too personally. Friendly competition between fans of different actors can be a fun and healthy part of fandom, but it’s important to balance enthusiasm with mutual respect for all actors and their contributions to the film industry. Each Tollywood star, from Mahesh Babu to Teja Sajja, brings something unique to the big screen, and a spirit of appreciation enriches the industry as a whole.
One fan, taking a more optimistic approach, reminded the community, “In the end, Tollywood is about creating memorable stories. We can enjoy our favorites without diminishing others.”
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Looking to the Future: Sankranthi 2025 and Beyond
As Tollywood continues to grow, the passion of its fans remains a defining characteristic of the industry. The upcoming Sankranthi season promises exciting box office battles, with fresh stories and dynamic actors ready to entertain. Teja Sajja and Rana Daggubati’s exchange at IIFA Utsavam may have stirred controversy, but it has also highlighted the power of Tollywood’s loyal fan community.
In the end, the real celebration lies in the diversity and richness of Telugu cinema. By embracing both competition and camaraderie, fans and actors alike can foster a thriving film environment, where every film release—whether it’s Guntur Kaaram or HanuMan—brings Tollywood closer to a broader, more inclusive audience.