Baahubali took South cinema to the next level. SS Rajamouli showed the industry that regional films could reach audiences across India. But this success also changed the priorities of top heroes. In the race for pan-India stardom, romantic entertainers and feel-good films have slowly taken a back seat.
Prabhas once delivered lovable films like Darling and Mr. Perfect. Ram Charan gave us Orange, while Jr NTR attempted family entertainers like Brindavanam. Allu Arjun built his career with films like Happy, Desamuduru, Parugu, Julayi and S/O Satyamurthy. Yash, too, starred in romantic entertainers like Mr. and Mrs. Ramachari and Santhu Straight Forward.
Vijay Deverakonda did Geetha Govindam and Pelli Choopulu before doing Rowdy Janardhan and Ranabaali now. Even Nani, known for films like Ante Sundaraniki and Hi Nanna, is increasingly moving towards larger-than-life stories involving heroes fighting for villages, taking on powerful enemies and chopping heads like chicken.
The problem is that almost every major hero seems to be chasing the same formula. Bigger villains, brutal fights, exaggerated heroism and heroes saving entire villages have become familiar ingredients. Romance, friendship, family relationships and everyday emotions are getting less attention.
Anupama Parameswaran recently said she had watched Sekhar Kammula’s Happy Days 30 to 50 times. She even watches it when it appears midway on television. That says a lot about the film’s lasting appeal.
Films like Bommarillu captured friendships, love, family relationships and the emotions of growing up. Audiences saw their own lives in these characters.
Amid Salaar, Dragons and Animals, Telugu cinema also needs heroes who can fall in love, make mistakes and carry an emotional story without saving the world.
There is also a huge audience, especially young women and girls, who want to see their favorite stars like Ram Charan, Allu Arjun and Vijay Deverakonda in cute romantic roles. They want to fall in love with these heroes on screen all over again. These stars still have a few years to pull off such roles. They should not ignore this audience in their race for pan-India stardom.
If every hero wants to become a pan-India action star, who will give us the next Orange, Darling or Brindavanam?
