Telugu Directors in Tamil vs Tamil Directors in TFI

Telugu directors like Venky Atluri and Sekhar Kammula, when working with Tamil heroes, have delivered some genuinely impactful films in recent times.

Sir, Lucky Baskhar, and now the latest one Kuberaa are clear examples. These films not only performed well at the box office but also stood out for their strong content and unconventional storytelling.

Also Read – Ticket Prices: It’s Now Or Never For Tollywood!

On the flip side, Tamil directors collaborating with Telugu stars have mostly resulted in disasters. Mahesh Babu’s Spyder, Ram’s The Warriorr, Naga Chaitanya’s Custody, and the long-delayed Ram Charan starrer Game Changer all serve as reminders of how Tamil directors have not just let down the heroes but also disappointed the Telugu audience.

But is it fair to only blame the Tamil directors?

Also Read – Watch: Exploitation Is Real, Girls Must Dress Properly

It’s time to admit — the problem doesn’t lie solely with them. A major part of the issue is rooted in Telugu heroes themselves.

Let’s be honest: which current-generation top Telugu actor would have had the courage to play a character like the beggar in Kuberaa? Dhanush took on the role with complete conviction — and nailed it.

Also Read – Kuberaa Ticket Hikes: No Lessons Learnt?

The same goes for Dulquer Salmaan’s Lucky Baskhar — another unconventional, grounded subject that few Telugu stars would dare to attempt, especially while in their prime.

Blaming Telugu directors for casting Tamil actors misses the point. They’re choosing Tamil heroes because there are performers like Dhanush — artists who are unafraid of vulnerability, willing to push the boundaries, and committed to their craft.

Dhanush delivers a masterclblock in Kuberaa — from his restrained expressions to the subtle, consistent hand gestures reflecting a slight physical handicap. It’s a reminder of why there’s no one quite like him, and why so many actors aspire to his level.

Meanwhile, Telugu stars have often played it safe — walking into disasters with Tamil directors, more impressed by the hype of names like AR Murugadoss or Shankar, rather than by the strength of the story or screenplay.

If we want to see better collaborations, both sides need to evolve — but especially Telugu heroes. They must be willing to take risks — not just in terms of action, scale, or visual grandeur — but in content, character depth, and emotional complexity.

Until that happens, the industry will keep repeating the same cycle of wasted potential — while true storytellers from Telugu industry continue to turn to those who dare to be different.