Tollywood has found itself in the middle of a new controversy, this time over the title rights of a biopic on Dokka Seethamma, a revered philanthropist in Telugu history. VNR Films, which is producing Apara Annapurna Dokka Seethamma, has publicly claimed exclusive ownership of the title. The production house revealed that the title was officially registered with the Film Chamber and forms the central identity of their upcoming project, to be directed by Achhartha Rajubabu and produced by A.R.B.

However, another production house, Usha Rani Movies, recently announced a film titled Andhrula Annapurna Dokka Seethamma, under the direction of Ravi Narayan and production by Valluri Rambabu. This parallel project has sparked conflict, with VNR Films asserting that the rival producers are using a deceptively similar name despite lacking title registration.

In a strongly worded statement, VNR Films revealed that director Ravi Narayan had previously approached them regarding the possibility of acquiring the title. At the time, the studio made it clear that they were already committed to making a film under the registered name and could not grant permission. Despite this, Usha Rani Movies went ahead and launched their project with a strikingly similar title.

VNR Films has now warned that they will not hesitate to pursue strict legal and even criminal action against anyone attempting to infringe upon their title rights. The makers stressed that protecting intellectual property is crucial to maintaining fairness in the industry and preventing unnecessary conflicts between filmmakers.

Title disputes are not new to the world of cinema, but what makes this controversy significant is the cultural and historical weight carried by the subject of Dokka Seethamma. Popularly known as "Apara Annapurna" for her lifelong service of feeding the poor, Seethamma is a figure deeply respected in Telugu culture. A film on her life automatically demands gravitas—and clarity over the use of her name.

Industry insiders believe that the ongoing conflict could lead to delays or further complications if not resolved amicably. For audiences, the issue brings to light the behind-the-scenes battles that often take place long before a film reaches the silver screen.

Despite the dispute, both projects claim to be moving forward. VNR Films is actively finalising its cast and technical crew with plans to begin shooting soon, while Usha Rani Movies has already announced its own lineup. With both films carrying similar titles and centering on the same historic personality, the question now is whether legal intervention will halt one of them or whether both will try to co-exist.

As of now, the title clash has added more drama off-screen than on it. With two production houses staking claim to Dokka Seethamma’s legacy, fans of Telugu cinema are watching closely to see which version will ultimately prevail. Whether through negotiation, court intervention, or industry arbitration, a resolution will be necessary before either film can be released without confusion.

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