Income Tax (IT) officials conducted extensive raids on properties linked to prominent Tollywood producer Dil Raju and the producers of ‘Pushpa 2’.
According to the 123 Telugu website, the raids, which began on Tuesday, saw over 55 teams inspecting more than eight locations, including Dil Raju’s residences and offices in Jubilee Hills and Banjara Hills. Properties belonging to his brother Shirish, daughter Hanshitha Reddy, and other relatives were also searched.
Besides his primary involvement in film production and distribution, Dil Raju has investments in real estate, which is reportedly being scrutinized during the investigation.
The IT department also raided the offices and properties of ‘Pushpa 2’ producers Naveen Yerneni and Ravi Shankar, who operate under the banner of Mythri Movie Makers. This production house has gained significant acclaim for its high-budget films, with the Allu Arjun starrer ‘Pushpa 2’ being one of the biggest blockbusters in 2024.
While the exact reasons for the raids remain undisclosed, the large-scale operation has raised speculation about potential financial irregularities within the Tollywood industry. Media reports suggest that the searches may be linked to unaccounted income and discrepancies in financial transactions.
For the unvesed, Dil Raju aka V Venkata Ramana, is a leading figure in Telugu cinema, known for his blockbuster films and his role as the Film Development Corporation (FDC) Chairman.
Dil Raju’s recent production ventures were ‘Game Changer’ and ‘Sankranthiki Vasthunnam’. While Shankar’s directorial is minting underwhelming numbers at the box office, the Venkatesh starrer is getting good reviews from the audiences.
Etimes review for the Ram Charan starrer reads, “While Game Changer impresses with its grand visuals and socially relevant themes, it falters in areas that detract from its overall impact. The narrative occasionally veers into predictability, relying on familiar tropes of love, political corruption, and systemic injustice. The screenplay’s didactic tone, though impactful at times, can feel heavy-handed, leaving little room for subtlety. Overall, Game Changer is a well-executed commercial film. Shankar’s grand scale and Ram Charan’s brilliant performance, combined with strong supporting roles and technical excellence, make it a compelling watch for enthusiasts of the genre.”
