With plenty of big names biting the dust this year at the box office, there has been a renewed debate about the star system in existence in Tollywood.

Among the films that have flopped bug time this year include Balu ABCDEFG, Naa Alludu, Narasimhudu, Subhash Chandra Bose, Vijayendra Varma. All of these films had a top hero in the helm.

Producers and directors in their over-zealousness to make a film to suit these heroes' image had faltered with the story and script.

But films that managed to experiment and heroes who are willing to explore are succeeding. Films like NVNV, Anand (last year) and fresh movies from youngsters are making an impact at the box office.

Yesterday at the screening of Aparichithudu a leading producer whispered into the ears of a journalist about the intensity of Telugu heroes and compared it with Vikram's.

The producer did not question the talent or ability of the Telugu heroes, he said most of them are talented. "But they seem to be a prisoner of their own image," he said.

He pointed out that Vikram had the guts to experiment. He did Sivaputrudu in which he wore a torn shirt all through and looked like a beggar.

'How many of our heroes will accept a role that has the hero speaking just a few lines in the entire movie?"

The point was well said.

To be sure, there is no dearth of skill or expertise in Tollywood. In fact, there is a lot of it. But most of them are just chasing box office success.

More is the pity.