Allu Cinemas' opening in Hyderabad drew criticism for excluding legendary Telugu directors from its "Wall of Greats," sparking debate over representation and bias.

The opening of Allu Cinemas in Hyderabad on March 12, 2026, sparked online backlash over its "Wall of Greats," which features prominent directors like SS Rajamouli and Mani Ratnam but omits several legendary Telugu filmmakers such as Ram Gopal Varma, Shankar, and K. Viswanath. Critics argue the selection appears biased toward directors linked to Allu Arjun, including Atlee, raising concerns about representation and historical recognition. While some defend the choices as reflective of contemporary influence, others highlight the exclusion of established icons, questioning the criteria used. The Allu family has not responded to the criticism.