Hyderabad: As the festive season begins from Dasara, the Telugu film industry is preparing for one of its busiest release calendars. But celebrations may be dampened this year, with US President Donald Trump announcing a 100% tariff on films made outside America. The move has raised alarms across Tollywood circles, as the US is the single-biggest overseas market for Telugu cinema.

Watching films during Dasara and Sankranti is a cultural ritual in Telugu households. This season, nearly 20 major films are lined up for release, with box office stakes pegged at around Rs 6,000 crore. The industry fears that the tariff could hit collections as blockbuster Telugu releases often premiere across hundreds of screens in America.

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