Date: February 12, 2025
Trump’s Immigration Policy: Impact on Telugu Films in the USA?
Trump’s New Immigration Policy: Impact on Telugu Films in the USA?
The Telugu film industry is closely watching the effects of Donald Trump’s new immigration policy, announced on January 21, 2025. The policy has sparked concern among the Telugu diaspora in the USA, particularly among students, leading to speculation about its potential impact on the Telugu film business.
Increased Raids & Student Panic
In addition to the new immigration policies, authorities have been conducting raids on restaurants, gas stations, and other workplaces over the past few weeks. Their goal is to identify students who exceed the permitted weekly part-time job hours, resulting in strict penalties.
This crackdown has caused significant distress among Telugu students, many of whom are now avoiding part-time jobs to stay compliant with regulations. With students forming a major chunk of the Telugu audience in the USA, this shift is worrying for Telugu film distributors who rely on them, especially for premiere shows.
Trump’s Immigration Policy: How Does This Affect the Telugu Film Industry?
The USA has been a lucrative market for Telugu films, especially post-COVID, as the Telugu student diaspora surged. Many films have benefited from strong student turnout, particularly for premiere shows, where ticket prices are often higher.
Given these concerns, the industry is closely monitoring the box office performance of Thandel, starring Naga Chaitanya and Sai Pallavi. The film is the first major Telugu release after Trump’s immigration policy update, making it a key indicator of any potential impact.
Thandel’s Performance: A Warning Sign?
Despite generating high expectations due to:
✅ Chartbuster songs before release
✅ Extensive promotions by Geetha Arts
✅ Proven chemistry of Naga Chaitanya & Sai Pallavi (from their blockbuster film Love Story)
✅ Standard ticket pricing for premiere shows
✅ Positive reviews & word of mouth
The film’s box office numbers in the USA have been underwhelming.
🔹 Premiere collections were decent but lower than expected
🔹 No significant growth observed over the weekend
🔹 Total USA collections so far: $700K+ (below expectations)
In an ideal scenario, Thandel should have performed exceptionally well given its strong pre-release buzz. However, its lukewarm reception in the USA raises concerns about whether Trump’s immigration policy and the ongoing crackdown on students are affecting Telugu cinema’s overseas business.
What’s Next for Telugu Films in the USA?
While it is still too early to draw conclusions, Thandel’s performance is a worrying sign. If upcoming Telugu releases follow a similar trend, the industry may witness a considerable decline in USA box office revenues.
For now, Telugu filmmakers and distributors must closely monitor audience behavior to assess whether recent policy changes are truly affecting film business in the USA.
Stay tuned for more updates on Telugu cinema’s performance in the overseas market!