The Telugu film industry is witnessing a remarkable trend where actors are not just the face of the films they star in, but they are also taking on multiple roles behind the scenes—expanding their creative horizons as screenwriters, editors, and producers. Siddhu Jonnalagadda, Adivi Sesh, Naveen Polishetty, and Vishwak Sen form this illustrious group of multifaceted artists whose dedication and diverse involvement in cinema are reshaping the landscape of Telugu films.
Siddhu Jonnalagadda’s rise to prominence in Telugu cinema is a testament to his versatility and work ethic. With the box office success of “Tillu Square,” a sequel to the 2022 comedy caper “DJ Tillu,” he has established himself as a formidable actor-screenwriter. Siddhu’s distinct voice, coupled with his knack for weaving hyperlocal references from Hyderabad and Secunderabad into the narratives, has struck a chord with the audience. Clocking a remarkable milestone, “Tillu Square” is flirting with the ₹100 crore mark, heralding Siddhu as a bankable talent in the industry. His journey, which began with his appearance alongside Naga Chaitanya in “Josh” (2009), has seen him collaborate with influential directors, leading to the conception of refreshing cinematic experiences like “Krishna and his Leela,” which further solidified his credibility.
Vigilantly shaping his destiny in the industry, Siddhu, an engineering graduate and MBA holder, consciously chose the uncertain path of cinema over a corporate career. As forthcoming projects such as “Telugu Kada” directed by Neeraja Kona lie on his horizon, the industry and audiences alike wait with bated breath to witness his next creative endeavor.
For Adivi Sesh, his journey is one of strategic optimization, transforming modest budgets into cinematic marvels that belie their financial constraints. The gripping thrillers “Kshanam,” made on a budget of around a crore, and “Goodachari,” produced with approximately five crore, are exemplary cases where Adivi Sesh’s roles as actor and co-writer have transcended traditional limitations, underscoring the maxim that brilliance doesn’t necessarily require big bucks. Following the blockbuster success of films such as “Evaru,” “Major,” and “HIT: The Second Case,” Sesh has become an archetype of resourceful filmmaking within the Telugu film fraternity. His upcoming projects, “G2” and “Dacoit: A Love Story,” the latter a multilingual film featuring Shruti Haasan, are highly anticipated, with promises of raising the bar for sleek, thrilling narratives.
Naveen Polishetty’s foray into acting was neither immediate nor straightforward. As someone who discontinued his career in IT, navigating through 1500 auditions before breaking through is evidence of his tenacity. After gaining popularity with the “AIB: Honest Engineering Campus Placement” videos and the TV series “24,” Naveen touched stardom with “Agent Sai Srinivasa Athreya” (ASSA), which he co-wrote and starred in. He captured hearts again in “Jathi Ratnalu” and later in “Miss Shetty Mr Polishetty,” showcasing his adeptness at both comedy and drama.
Finally, Vishwak Sen, the budding writer-director-actor, left a distinct mark on Telugu cinema with his directorial debut “Falaknuma Das,” an adaptation of the Malayalam hit “Angalamaly Diaries.” His journey, which commenced with “Vellipomakey” and included standout films like “HIT: The First Case” and “Ashoka Vanamlo Arjuna Kalyanam,” showcases a young talent unafraid to balance the multiple facets of filmmaking. His recent venture, “Das ka Dhamki,” which he wrote, directed, and starred in, underlines his passion and prowess.
This quartet of self-made men—Siddhu, Adivi Sesh, Naveen, and Vishwak—have established themselves as harbingers of a new era in Telugu cinema. Their unwavering commitment to their craft and willingness to shoulder additional responsibilities reflect a paradigm shift where actors are not merely players but also the architects of their own narratives within the ever-evolving fabric of Indian cinema.
