Are Telugu Audiences Being Taken for Granted? Dubbing Titles Spark Debate Again

For decades, the Telugu film industry has embraced dubbed films from other languages like no other in the country. Audiences here have consistently welcomed good content, regardless of its origin. However, in recent years, a new trend has been raising eyebrows—the increasing use of original, untranslated titles in dubbed releases, even when those titles have no relevance or meaning in Telugu.

The latest trigger for this conversation is Mohanlal’s upcoming film Thudarum. The word Thudarum means “To Be Continued” in Malayalam, but it holds no meaning for a Telugu-speaking audience. Yet, the makers have retained it as the official title for the Telugu version—just like they did with Empuraan.

This isn’t an isolated case. Previously, big films like Ponniyin Selvan, Kantara, and Vettaiyaan were all released in Telugu under their original titles. The reasoning often cited is that the titles are “culturally rooted” or “untranslatable.” Even Suriya’s upcoming film Retro and Naslen’s Alappuzha Gymkhana are heading to Telugu audiences without any localization in their titles.

While preserving cultural essence is valid, many within Telugu film circles argue this trend is now bordering on disregard. There’s a growing sentiment that Telugu audiences—despite their loyalty to quality cinema—are being taken for granted. Critics argue that while other industries proudly retain their linguistic and cultural identity, Telugu is increasingly being sidelined in the pan-India race.

This isn't just about titles—it's about mutual respect among industries. If southern industries stand united against Hindi dominance, they must also respect each other’s languages and cultural nuances.

For Telugu viewers, the question is simple: Why should they have to adapt to unfamiliar titles, when their own language and identity deserve equal representation?