Khadi is the new dress code in Tollywood

After playing college students, gangsters and cops, T-town stars are donning political avatars to spell box-office magic. Superstar Mahesh Babu after essaying the role of a student leader in ‘Sainukudu’ and supports a fellow student to win an Assembly election.

This time around, in ‘Bharat Ane Nenu’, Mahesh Babu will be donning the mantle of an MLA and will be stepping into the Assembly to take on the might of political leaders on the floor of the House in reel-life. “It’s tale of upright politician who wants to clean up society and herald a corruption-free and people-friendly government,” says a source.

In fact, ace director Koratala Siva who is known for making message-oriented films like ‘Srimanthudu’ (village-adoption ) and ‘Janatha Garage’ (fight for greenery), will surely offer a lesson on two to political class and remind real-life political leaders that politics is all about serving people wholeheartedly, instead of amassing personal wealth.

Whereas, for hotshot star Rana the genre is not altogether new since he already played a Chief Minister in his debut film ‘Leader’. However, in his next ‘Nene Raju Nene Mantri’, Rana will be transforming into a politician due to circumstances.

“Politics is not his pre-set goal but he forced to step in. Our film is more about angst of common man against depleting moral values in political spectrum and all about the transition of a common man into a powerful force,” says director Teja, who made hard-hitting films like ‘Nijam’.

“With most of politicians involving in corruption and land grabbing, our hero raises to the occasion and questions the hegemony of powers-that-be,’ he adds. Joining the political bandwagon, Nandamuri star Kalyan Ram who played a cop in `Pataas’ and a journalist in ‘Ism’ will be reportedly playing a politician in his newly-launched film ‘MLA’(Manchi Lakshanaluunna Abbayi).

Even though, makers are claiming that it’s a family entertainer, however, claim that he would be seen in a new avatar. “Earlier, filmmakers didn’t like to touch political themes with a barge pole since they were considered risky as it could trigger unncessary controversies. But with 24/7 TV channels and social media, new generation viewers have a clear idea about politics.

While hero’s do it to attain ‘larger-than-life’ image and also reach out to viewers in remote villages. Until, they don’t touch the wrong nerve, these films are a safe bet, provided they are not inspired by any living or a dead politician. However, onscreen politicians can dance, sing and fight, that’s additional advangate they have over real-life politicos,’ says director Sriwass.