Varanasi, Raaka, and More: Small Films Shine on Vinayaka Chavithi as Biggies Stay Silent

Varanasi, Raaka, The Paradise, and Ranabaali were among the small-budget Telugu films that made their presence felt on Vinayaka Chavithi, celebrated on September 14, 2026. While these titles seized the festival moment to connect with audiences, many of Tollywood’s major upcoming projects—such as Fauzi, Vrushakarma, Spirit, Dada, Kaaka, King 100, January 12 Vidudala, Vishwambhara, and Dragon—chose not to release even a festival poster or teaser.

Traditionally, festival days have been prime opportunities for film teams to share new posters, glimpses, or festive wishes, keeping their projects in the public eye. This year, however, the absence of promotional content from big-budget productions was notable. All the aforementioned films are still in production, making the lack of even minimal promotional activity surprising to many observers. Industry watchers pointed out that a simple poster or short video can generate buzz and maintain audience interest, especially when full-scale campaigns are yet to begin.

The decision by major productions to skip festival promotions has sparked discussion about Tollywood’s approach to marketing. While the industry is known for its grand scale and star power, consistent and timely promotion remains an area for growth. As per industry commentary, “Tollywood has mastered the art of making big films and creating massive theatrical expectations. The next step is to become equally aggressive and consistent when it comes to promoting them.”

Fans of the big films expressed disappointment on social media, noting the missed opportunity to engage during the festive season. Meanwhile, the smaller films that did participate enjoyed increased attention, leveraging the holiday to build anticipation.