Prolific Telugu film producer Dil Raju, a dominant force in Tollywood for over two decades, is setting his sights on Bollywood expansion. Having achieved commercial success with the Tamil film “Varisu” last year, Raju is now determined to make a mark in the Hindi film industry.
His initial foray into Bollywood with Hindi remakes of “HIT” and “Jersey” proved unsuccessful at the box office. However, this setback hasn’t deterred Raju’s ambition. He is actively pursuing opportunities in Mumbai and is reportedly shuttling between Hyderabad and the Hindi film hub.
Looking ahead, Raju has ambitious plans for 2025. He is aiming to launch two major Bollywood projects. One such project is a potential collaboration between director Vamsi Paidipally and Bollywood actor Shahid Kapoor. Discussions are ongoing, and a final decision hinges on the completion of the script.
Beyond the Paidipally-Kapoor project, reports suggest Raju has met with other prominent Bollywood actors during his recent Mumbai visits. While details remain undisclosed, these initial discussions hint at the possibility of “crazy projects” being announced later this year.
Raju’s strategic shift is likely driven by the busy schedules of Telugu stars who are increasingly involved in pan-Indian projects. This has opened a window for Raju to focus on capturing the Hindi market while still maintaining his commitment to smaller and medium-budget Telugu films.
The success of this Bollywood venture remains to be seen. However, Dil Raju’s proven track record and willingness to take risks position him as a force to be reckoned with in the ever-evolving landscape of Indian cinema.