Director Prasanth Varma, who fully cashed in on the massive success of HanuMan, is now facing increasing pressure from all sides. After the film’s blockbuster run, many producers lined up with offers and advances.
According to industry buzz, he is said to have received over ₹50 crore in advances from various production houses, including Mythri Movie Makers, Cherukuri Sudhakar, Prime Show Entertainment, DVV Danayya, and Hombale Films.
However, none of these projects have moved forward yet. Even his next film, Jai HanuMan, hasn’t officially started, and the planned project with Nandamuri Mokshagna has reportedly been put on hold.
Now, several producers are reportedly putting pressure on Prasanth Varma to either begin their projects or return their advances.
A major dispute has allegedly erupted between HanuMan producer Niranjan Reddy and Prasanth Varma. Niranjan Reddy claims that, under the “Prasanth Varma Cinematic Universe,” they were supposed to produce three additional films and had already invested or paid advances for them.
However, they allege that the director is now planning to make those films with other producers, prompting them to escalate the matter to the Producers Council and the Directors Association.
Prasanth Varma, meanwhile, argues that he suffered significant losses due to Niranjan Reddy’s delays during the production of HanuMan and insists he has nothing left to return. Industry insiders say his explanation has not convinced everyone.
At the same time, the producers of Devaki Nandana Vasudeva have also come forward, claiming they paid the director Rs 1.5 crore for the project to direct the film. They allege that he later deputed someone else to direct the film while he limited to supervise. In addition, he also charged Rs 50 lakh for the story.
Now, the producers insist on retaining the Rs 50 lakh for the story and want the Rs 1.5 crore to be returned, as they do not wish to lose that amount when someone else, and not Prashanth Varma, directed it.
The advance paid for Mokshagna’s project is said to be quite substantial as well, and those producers are now also seeking repayment.
With all these disputes piling up, pressure is mounting on Prasanth Varma from multiple directions.
Reports suggest that he used a large part of the advances to purchase a new office building. While that shows the money has been utilized, returning the amounts now will be difficult unless he takes on new projects and delivers them quickly.
Industry sources comment that “supervising others’ films” or giving out stories cannot sustain a career forever; it’s time for Prasanth Varma to prove his strength again as a director and deliver solid results, or things may get tough ahead.
