The Telugu film industry is buzzing with anticipation and controversy as Mohanlal's epic fantasy action drama Vrushabha gears up for a December 25, 2025, release. Directed by Nanda Kishore, this multilingual project has found itself at the center of heated discussions, primarily due to its timing amid a crowded holiday lineup and allegations surrounding its production. As fans eagerly await the film's grand visuals and emotional depth, the behind-the-scenes drama has added an extra layer of intrigue to what promises to be a blockbuster showdown.

The Brewing Controversy in Tollywood

With Christmas being a prime slot for movie releases, Vrushabha is set to compete head-on with several other Telugu films, creating a high-stakes clash at the box office. Titles like Champion, a high-energy action flick, Shambhala with its mystical themes, the intriguing Eesha, the socially charged Dhandoraa, and the light-hearted romantic comedy Patang are all vying for audience attention. This overcrowding has raised concerns about divided screens and potential revenue splits, especially in a season where family outings to theaters peak. Industry insiders worry that the saturation could dilute individual films' performances, but producers remain optimistic, banking on unique storytelling to stand out.

Bunny Vas Steps Up to Defend the Film

Producer Bunny Vas, associated with Geetha Arts, has been vocal in addressing the backlash. A major point of contention has been claims that Vrushabha is merely a dubbed version from its Malayalam original, which some critics argue doesn't qualify as a "straight" Telugu film. In a recent press meet, Vas firmly refuted these accusations, emphasizing that the movie was shot simultaneously in both Malayalam and Telugu. He pointed to the Telugu censor board's clearance, which granted it a straight Telugu certificate without any dubbing notations. "This isn't about shortcuts; it's a genuine bilingual effort crafted for diverse audiences," Vas stated, highlighting the team's dedication to authenticity.

CGI Challenges Lead to Release Reshuffle

One of the key factors fueling the controversy is the film's delayed timeline. Originally slated for an earlier release—potentially in a less competitive window around two months prior—Vrushabha faced setbacks due to extensive CGI work. The production team invested heavily in visual effects to bring the fantasy elements to life, but these technical demands pushed the premiere to Christmas Day. Vas explained that while the shift wasn't ideal, given the quieter theater landscape earlier, it was necessary to deliver a polished product. "Quality can't be rushed; we're committed to giving viewers an immersive experience," he added, underscoring the balance between ambition and execution.

Geetha Arts' Pledge to Pan-India Appeal

Despite the hurdles, Geetha Arts remains steadfast in its support. The banner is handling the Telugu distribution through Geetha Film Distributors, ensuring wide reach in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. For the Hindi version, they've partnered with Pen Movies, a collaboration built on mutual trust that prevented any further date adjustments. This multi-lingual strategy aims to tap into pan-India markets, with releases also planned in Kannada and Tamil. Vas stressed the importance of honoring these commitments, even in a packed season, to build long-term industry relationships.

As the holiday approaches, Vrushabha stands as a testament to resilience in filmmaking. Whether it emerges victorious amid the clash or sparks further debates, one thing is clear: this Christmas, Tollywood is in for a thrilling ride. With its star power, stunning effects, and heartfelt narrative, the film could redefine festive entertainment—if it navigates the competition successfully.

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