Cyclone Montha continues to keep Andhra Pradesh on high alert despite early government warnings and precautionary measures. The approaching storm has caused sleepless nights for officials as it edges closer to the state’s coastal districts.
Cities including Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram, Nellore, and Vijayawada are witnessing tense conditions as the cyclone is expected to stay intense for the next few days. Authorities have already closed schools, colleges, and even movie theatres in several regions as a precaution.
With the Diwali rush ending and festive business slowing down, the cyclone has become the latest worry for both the public and the entertainment industry.
In Tollywood, the storm’s effect on the box office is now a major concern. Distributors and exhibitors fear heavy losses as two big releases-Ravi Teja’s Mass Jathara and Baahubali: The Epic are set to hit theatres on October 31. The advance bookings for Baahubali have been especially strong.
However, heavy rains and flooding in North Andhra, a crucial revenue zone for Telugu cinema, may seriously affect theatre attendance. Understandably, people are prioritising safety and essentials over entertainment during such conditions.
The only silver lining is that weather forecasts suggest the cyclone may weaken by Friday. If that happens, and Mass Jathara earns positive reviews, the film could see recovery through word of mouth. Ravi Teja’s strong fan base may also help box office numbers stabilise.
Ultimately, the scale of Cyclone Montha’s impact will determine how these films perform. For now, both citizens and the film industry hope for calm weather for the safety of people and the health of the entertainment business.
