Recently, Tollywood director Venkatesh Maha said he had figured out the "second-half syndrome" in Telugu cinema through Rao Bahadur. According to him, what appears to be a weak second half is usually the result of flaws in the first half. If the foundation is strong, the second half naturally works, making the so-called second-half problem a first-half issue instead.
Is it legitimate on Maha's part to claim that his film shows the way for Telugu films in general? While Maha is known for boastful comments about his talent and style, most of his screenplay lessons are irrelevant to most of the films that get made. Rao Bahadur is a psychological drama and therefore, the first half can be full of easter eggs with no much plot going on. Since it is also character-driven, long monologues and multiple conversations can be stuffed into the first two acts.
Others, however, make commercial movies that rely on the formula. Almost none of the narrative devices Rao Bahadur has deployed are relevant to them. Maha's formula can work for Mollywood thrillers, but their writers already know the art of deploying unconventional narrative devices and screenplay styles better.
