When a director delivers a blockbuster, especially with a small or mid-range hero, their demand shoots up overnight. Producers queue up to work with them. In that excitement, many directors take multiple advances from different producers. That’s where the real problem starts. With money comes pressure and responsibility, something some directors forget. Fame and attention often cloud focus and hurt creativity.
An actor can juggle many projects if he stays patient and disciplined. A director can’t. His work needs full attention on one film at a time. When he divides focus, other projects stall or fade away. Producers who already paid advances lose patience, and trust begins to break.
Many directors have fallen into this cycle. After one big hit, they collect advances from several production houses but finish only one film. The rest remain stuck in limbo until the producers finally give up.
A few, however, managed to stay focused. S. S. Rajamouli, Trivikram Srinivas, Sukumar, and Prasanth Varma never let greed or pressure overpower their creative discipline. In their early careers, they took advances only when necessary. Once established, they valued creative freedom over easy money.
Trivikram continued to work with producer S. Radha Krishna, Sukumar stayed loyal to Mythri Movie Makers, and Rajamouli stopped taking advances altogether. His upcoming film with Mahesh Babu, SSMB29, is being made with KL Narayana only to honour an old commitment. After that, Rajamouli plans to start his own banner.
Most directors, though, fall into the “advance trap.” After one success, they rush to collect money from everywhere without thinking about the damage ahead. Slowly, money begins to rule creativity. Instead of making strong films, they chase shortcuts or attach their names to projects for show. Over time, their reputation weakens, and trust disappears.
Money matters, but it should never control creativity. Cinema isn’t just a business; it’s built on emotion, honesty, and trust. When greed takes over, originality dies, and so does respect. A blockbuster gives fame, but discipline and trust give longevity. That truth separates great filmmakers from those who fade away.
