Roja Daily Serial – E296 – 8th April

The upcoming months promise a box office clash between several big-budget pan-Indian movies. While “Kalki 2898 AD” is set for a June release, details and music remain shrouded in mystery. However, the recent release of first singles from three other contenders, “Game Changer,” “Pushpa 2,” and “Devara,” has sparked a debate among fans.

Game Changer: This Shankar directorial features Ram Charan and Kiara Advani. The “Jaragandi” song garnered attention for its grand visuals reminiscent of Shankar’s style but received mixed reviews for its music. Critics found the Thaman composition unoriginal and the lyrics excessively massy.
Pushpa 2: The sequel to the popular “Pushpa” features Allu Arjun and Rashmika Mandanna. The title track “Pushpa Pushpa” focuses on elevating Arjun’s character. Despite criticism of Devi Sri Prasad’s repetitive use of the film’s title, the song’s catchy tune, Bunny’s viral dance moves, and Chandrabose’s strong lyrics have garnered positive feedback. Notably, the song enjoys equal traction in both Telugu and Hindi versions.
Devara: This NTR Jr. starrer, directed by Kishore Tirumala, released the “Fear” song composed by Anirudh Ravichander. While praised for its high energy and fast pace, the song faces accusations of plagiarism. Listeners find a strong resemblance to Anirudh’s own “Badass” song from “Leo.” Additionally, fans of NTR Jr. are unhappy with the music video’s focus on Anirudh, overshadowing the star.

Based on the initial response to these first singles, Devi Sri Prasad’s composition for “Pushpa 2” seems to be the frontrunner. However, the race is far from over. The release of additional songs from each film will likely influence public opinion.

The competition for box office dominance promises to be fierce in the second half of 2024. These first single releases have generated significant buzz and set the stage for a thrilling battle between the three pan-Indian movies.