The Telugu film industry, Tollywood, has traditionally grappled with a lack of heroines. However, the current scenario presents a curious paradox. While newcomers are swamped with projects, established actresses are facing a dearth of promising opportunities.
Several prominent names are conspicuous by their absence:
Anushka Shetty: Following the pan-Indian success of “Baahubali,” Anushka has adopted a selective approach. After “Miss Shetty Mr Polishetty” last year, she is currently collaborating with director Krish on an undisclosed project. While a Malayalam film is on her plate, Tollywood offers seem scarce.
Keerthy Suresh: Fresh off the success of “Dasara,” Keerthy Suresh appears to be on hold in Telugu cinema. She has locked in Tamil projects, but Tollywood filmmakers haven’t extended any offers.
Samantha Ruth Prabhu: With the Hindi web series “Honey Bunny” on the horizon, Samantha’s Telugu slate seems barren. Rumors suggest a potential special song in “Pushpa 2,” but nothing is confirmed.
Pooja Hegde: A string of box-office disappointments like “Acharya” and “Radhe Shyam” appears to have impacted Pooja Hegde’s Telugu prospects. She opted out of “Guntur Karam” and hasn’t announced her next Telugu project.
Tamannaah Bhatia: Tamannaah has seemingly shifted her focus towards OTT platforms. While she awaits the release of “Odela 2,” her Telugu commitments seem limited, with web series projects dominating her filmography in other languages.
Rashmika Mandanna: “Pushpa 2” and the heroine-centric film “Rainbow” are Rashmika Mandanna’s sole confirmed Telugu projects at present. She does have the Tamil film “Kubera” alongside Dhanush.
Rakul Preet Singh: Currently enjoying married life, Rakul Preet Singh hasn’t accepted any new Telugu projects as of yet.
Sai Pallavi: Sai Pallavi has only “Thandel” on her Telugu horizon.
Shruti Haasan: Despite working on three major Telugu projects last year, Shruti Haasan’s current commitments are limited to “Dacoit” with Adivi Sesh and the potentially delayed “Salaar 2.”
Sreeleela: With a string of unsuccessful films, Sreeleela has no upcoming Telugu projects besides the delayed “Ustaad Bhagat Singh.”
Krithi Shetty: Krithi Shetty’s sole confirmed project is “Manamey” with Sharwanand.
Mrunal Thakur: Mrunal Thakur is yet to sign her next Telugu film after “Family Star.”
This unexpected trend has left many established actresses in a waiting game. Whether this signals a temporary shift or a longer-term change in casting preferences remains to be seen.