For many years, movies starring stars from other languages have been dubbed and released in Telugu. In the entire country, if there is any industry that warmly welcomes dubbing films from other languages, it is the Telugu film industry. The audience enjoys the content, irrespective of who made it. But, in the last few years, the dubbing filmmakers are taking the Telugu audience for granted by retaining original titles that have no meaning in Telugu. Now, Mohanlal’s upcoming release Thudarum triggers the discussion once again.
Previously, Ponniyin Selvan was released with the same title in Telugu, and the team stated there was no better alternative. Both parts of the film followed this rule. The Kannada film Kantara did the same, saying the name, rooted in their native culture and theme, couldn’t be replaced. Rajinikanth’s Vettaiyaan also retained the same title, and the makers stated that they could not get the desired title. The most recent Mohanlal release, Empuraan, was released in Telugu with the same title.
Oftentimes, the original titles can be used in Telugu, but Mohanlal’s next film, Thudarum, has no title in Telugu. The makers released the poster and trailer of the film, using the title as it is in Telugu. In Malayalam, Thudaram means To Be Continued. The trailer is also poorly dubbed. Premalu star Naslen’s recent hit Alappuzah Gymkhana is also releasing in Telugu without any change in the title. Suriya’s next Retro is also releasing in Telugu with the same title.
Some people in the Telugu film circles feel that this trend is disrespectful. They believe it sends the wrong message—that Telugu audiences have to accept unfamiliar titles while other industries stick to their roots. The criticism is that while some southern industries are united in their stand against Hindi dominance, they should also respect each other’s languages in the process.
This issue is not about one or two films, but about the growing feeling that the Telugu language is being sidelined in pan-India releases.
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