'Mallesham' is in the news for its subject and its sincere telling of the story of Chintakindi Mallesham, the Telanganite who won the Padma Shri in 2017 for inventing the Asu machine. A poor weaver, he is played by Priyadarshi in 'Mallesham'.

The makers of the movie have set an example in a commendable way. As per a national daily, director-producer Raj made the film's artists and technicians enter into a contract regarding women's safety. Anyone who is accused of or is guilty of sexual misconduct would have to quit the project by paying compensation for any financial losses suffered due to his or her exit.

Workplace norms like this can enforce women's safety and instill confidence. The question is, can Tollywood emulate this example and make it the norm rather than the exception? Only time will tell.

The film will hit the screens on June 21.