In normal course, an election of a small association with just about 900 members would largely be ignored. But not when it stars two heavyweights of Telugu cinema.

The biennial election of the Movie Artistes Association (MAA) is grabbing prime time as top Tollywood actor Chiranjeevi and veteran actor-producer Mohan Babu are pitched against each other in opposing camps.

Voting on Sunday

Allegations and counter-allegations, often getting personal and below the belt, are flying across social media and the elections are resembling a soap opera.

The voting will be held on October 10. While one panel is led by actor Prakash Raj, the other side is led by Manchu Vishnu, Mohan Babu’s son. Chiranjeevi and his brothers Pawan Kalyan, a top league actor, and Nagendrababu have thrown their weight behind Prakash Raj. Vishnu’s panel has opposed the candidature of Prakash Raj, alleging that an outsider (Prakash Raj hails from Karnataka) can’t lead a Telugu movie artistes association.

Prakash Raj, who has learnt Telugu after he began to act in Telugu films and is quite eloquent in the language, has challenged the opponents to beat him in the language. Despite their ideological differences, Chiranjeevi and his brothers assert that they support Prakash Raj, going by his plan for the association. Stating that artistes don’t have any boundaries, they say they don’t buy the ‘outsider’ argument.

Promises galore

Vishnu, backed by the outgoing President Naresh, promises to provide a house each for the members, roles to the needy members in film or OTT (Over the Top) projects and a building for the association.

Prakash Raj’s pitch is that he will rope in celebrities like Ilayalaraja to conduct charity shows to raise money for the association and take up development works. He also promises timely medical help to the members by forging associations with top hospitals and doctors.

 

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