The Telugu film industry is facing a recession, thanks to the slew of flops in 2025. A-lister actors, who command double and triple digit fees in crores, are being requested to curtail their remunerations voluntarily to avoid the embarrassment of being forced to do so.

Nandamuri Balakrishna's next with Nayanthara kept on hold due to budget constraints

Nandamuri Balakrishna’s next with Nayanthara kept on hold due to budget constraints

One of the big budget films that underperformed last year wasAkhanda 2.The aftershocks of the costly failure reverberate into 2026. Director Gopichand Malineni,who had announced a grand costume drama with Nandamuri Balakrishna and Nayanthara, has revised his plans.

Malineni will now make another film with Balakrishna at a scaled-down budget, which won’t feature Nayanthara.

A source close to the developments revealed, “Nayanathara was signed for the project with Nandamuri Balakrishna to be directed by Gopichand Malineni. But now the project has been revised as per a more modest budget. The producers can no longer afford Nayanthara. Her fee is Rs 10 crores. And it is non-negotiable.”

Also Read: SHOCKING: Nandamuri Balakrishna’s Akhanda 2 Postponed INDEFINITELY