Dil Raju Takes a Stand Against Paid YouTube Views: A Call for Authenticity in Telugu Cinema
Veteran Telugu film producer Dil Raju has sparked a conversation within the industry by openly criticizing the increasing trend of artificially inflated YouTube views used in film promotions. Declaring a shift in strategy, he announced that his production house will no longer engage in view-purchasing practices, starting with the upcoming film “Thammudu”, starring Nithiin. Speaking at a recent media interaction, Dil Raju emphasized the importance of genuine audience engagement over vanity metrics.
“My goal is to understand how far our trailers and songs are truly reaching. Spending lakhs or crores on fake views may show big numbers, but they don’t reflect real interest. Without knowing the true impact, how can we improve?” he questioned.
He revealed that he has issued clear directives to his PR team to abstain from buying views, beginning with “Thammudu.” Raju said he believes this will help them better measure the true reception of their content.
Content is King
Dil Raju reiterated his belief in the power of good storytelling. He cited the recent success of “Sankranthiki Vastaam” as evidence that strong content naturally resonates with audiences, regardless of promotional gimmicks.“If a film has merit, people will embrace it. If it lacks substance, it will be rejected—no matter the marketing,” he added.
A Message to the Media
In a bold move, he also called upon the media to be more proactive in holding the industry accountable for manipulative promotional tactics.
“Why is no one questioning this trend of buying views? If we want a healthier, more transparent film culture, we need to stop celebrating fake success,” he urged.
🇮🇳 Telugu Cinema’s National Reputation
Dil Raju also highlighted that the Telugu film industry currently leads the Indian film market, a status he believes must be preserved through collective integrity and focus on quality content.
“We’re number one in the country. But to retain that position, we need to produce cinema that’s honest, impactful, and authentic,” he concluded.
