5 new-age Telugu directors who failed to re-create the magic in their second film

Besides actors who often get a chance to steal the limelight in their first film itself, several technicians including singers, choreographers, stuntmen, cameramen, editors, story-writers and directors, enter the showbiz world on a regular basis to try out their luck. Despite delivering the best output in their respective department, sometimes they won’t gain any sort of recognition if the concerned film bombs at the box-office. This is a common phenomenon prevailing in Indian as well as world cinema.

Among all the daunting tasks in filmmaking, direction is the crucial one. That’s why they say that the director is the Caption of the Ship. He/she needs to have a solid command on all the 24 crafts involved in the process of helming a feature film. They should guide the actors and crew into the direction of their creative vision, and get actively involved in all the three stages of film production namely pre-production, production, and post-production.

During the last decade in Telugu cinema, several new-age filmmakers have beaten all odds and scored massive hits with their debut film itself. While few of them managed to continue the successful streak, some directors gave big flops in their second attempt. Though most of them bounced back with their next film, they would certainly be remembered for going over-the-top with only a hit film in their kitty. Here are 5 of those directors who delivered a box-office dud after a fruitful debut.

One among the passionate filmmakers in present-day Tollywood, Sukumar is riding high on the phenomenal success of ‘Rangasthalam’ which released early this year. The 48-year-old former physics lecturer made his directorial debut with the 2004 love-story ‘Arya’ starring Allu Arjun in the titular role. Despite the film turned out to be a monstrous hit at the ticket counters, Sukumar took a three-year gap and returned back with ‘Jagadam’ featuring Energetic hero Ram. The action-drama proved to be a disaster at the box-office, although the content was appreciated by critics.

Recently in an interview, Sukumar admitted that he started off ‘Jagadam’ in a rush to prove a point to Dil Raju as the latter suggested several changes in the script. He originally intended to make the film with Allu Arjun or Mahesh Babu with Ram playing the younger brother’s role, but due to objections from the producer, he came out and went ahead with a new combination.

Surender Reddy gave Nandamuri Kalyanram his first box-office hit with ‘Athanokkade’ in 2005. Released amidst no expectations whatsoever, the 42-year-old director’s maiden film stunned both viewers and critics with its engrossing screenplay, breath-taking action sequences and superb songs by Mani Sharma. After achieving the Nandi for the best directorial debut, Surender grabbed a big chance to direct Junior NTR.

Titled ‘Ashok’, the romantic-drama couldn’t repeat the magic for the Karimnagar-born filmmaker. Though he acquired good marks for his taking and action-bits, the film failed to reach the massive expectations of NTR fans. Surender is currently helming Chiranjeevi’s 151 film ‘Sye Raa’ which is being made on a lavish budget of over 150 crore.

The only new-age female director to make a mark in Telugu cinema, Nandini Reddy introduced the talented Nitya Menen to Tollywood with her directorial debut ‘Ala Modalaindi’ starring Nani as the male lead. The romantic-comedy opened to fantastic reviews from both audience and critics alike, and went on to become the biggest blockbuster of the year. The eye-popping chemistry between the lead pair and Thagubothu Ramesh’s hilarious comedy in the climax worked wonders for the film.

After taking a 2-year gap, Nandini Reddy came back with ‘Jabardasth’, the unofficial remake of a popular Bollywood film. Starring Siddharth and Samantha in lead roles, the much-hyped film fell flat at the ticket counters. But the dedicated woman came back strong in 2016 with the family-entertainer ‘Kalyana Vaibhogame’ and scored a super hit.

Before making his directorial debut, Santosh Srinivas worked as a cinematographer for three films which include Ravi Teja’s ‘Khatarnak’ as well. Hailing from Visakhapatnam, the talented man succeeded in wielding the megaphone for the first time. His debut film ‘Kandireega’ starring Ram and Hansika in lead roles opened to fabulous response from the viewers and ran to packed houses during its theatrical run. The action-entertainer is loaded with hilarious comedy and mass songs.

This hit flick earned him the big opportunity to direct Junior NTR in ‘Rabhasa’. Released amid great expectations, the commercial potboiler failed to satisfy the audience and ended as a flop. Though it raked in decent moolah due to the festival season, the film was criticised for its routine story, boring songs and age-old formula.

‘Swamy Ra Ra’ proved to be a game-changer for hero Nikhil Siddharth as his career roused to great heights after this film. Helmed by debutant Sudheer Varma, the crime-comedy impressed one and all with its gripping storyline, cat-and-mouse screenplay and unexpected twists. Made on a small budget, the film went on to collect big money at the box-office and was declared a super-hit. It also paved a way to unique stories in Telugu cinema.

However, Sudheer Varma failed to re-create the magic the second time around. His action-crime film ‘Dohchay’ with Naga Chaitanya bombed big-time at the ticket counters and adding insult to injury, he was heavily criticised for lifting several scenes from the British TV series Hustle.