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Year-ender: Buchi Babu to Hasith Goli, 6 successful debut directors of 2021 in Tollywood

etimes.in | Last updated on - Dec 8, 2021, 19:53 IST
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Here's looking at the finest directorial talent that broke into the Telugu cinema in 2021

If we look back at the year 2021 in retrospect, the abundance of new directorial talent instantly lifted the spirit. These filmmakers have tried to fuse freshness to the Tollywood mainstream, without moving away from what traditionally defines the Telugu film. The newbie directors proved their mettle with their remarkable skills of filmmaking. Here's looking at the finest directorial talent that broke into the Telugu cinema in 2021.


Akkineni Naga Chaitanya's 'Thank You' to release only in theatres, inform makers with new poster


Pic courtesy: Facebook

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Buchi Babu Sana – Uppena

Buchi Babu Sana, who assisted Sukumar on Rangasthalam, Nannaku Prematho, Kumar 21F, 100 Percent Love and Arya 2, has received accolades for his debut movie Uppena by the film fraternity and film critics. Uppena made on a budget of Rs 22 crore has collected Rs 92 crore at the box office, and is declared a super hit by trade analysts. Bankrolled by Mythri Movie Makers and Sukumar Writings, the film starred Panja Vaisshnav Tej, Krithi Shetty and Vijay Sethupathi.

Nandamuri Balakrishna's 'Akhanda' to get a Hindi remake?


Pic courtesy: Facebook

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Vijay Kanakamedala - Naandhi

Vijay Kanakamedala, who was worked as an assistant director under the direction of Harish Shankar for films like Mirapakai, Ramayya Vastavayya, Subramanyam for Sale and Duvvada Jagannadham, made his directorial debut this year with Naandhi. This crime courtroom drama on a false charge of offence simply gripped our guts. Powerful and unforgettable, this film’s legal approach to a malicious charge of offence was something we have never seen.


Ram Charan opens up about working with SS Rajamouli in 'RRR': Any actor on the set gets to learn a lot from him


Pic courtesy: Twitter

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Praveen Kandregula - Cinema Bandi

Praveen Kandregula started his career as a production assistant in the industry. He then worked in the camera and electrical department for Kshanam. He came up with a piece of a fresh subject that revolves around a group of young filmmakers trying to make a film through a camera they found. Titled Cinema Bandi, the film received marvellous reviews when the movie was released in May. With remarkable performances by Vikas Vasistha, Sandeep Varanasi, Rag Mayur, Trishara, Munivenkatappa and Sindhu Sreenivasa Murthy, the comedy-drama will lighten up a dull day and boost your spirits when you are feeling low.

'Vakeel Saab' to 'Akhanda,' top 5 highest opening day grossing films of 2021


Pic courtesy: Twitter

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Karthik Rapolu - Ek Mini Katha

After assisting Merlapaka Gandhi on Krishnarjuna Yudham, Karthik Rapolu directsEk Mini Katha. This is Santosh Shoban’s third feature film after Thanu Nenu and Paper Boy, and all eyes are on Karthik to deliver. The madcap comedy holds your attention, and it is difficult to leave it midway. A naughty comedy, the film also featured Kavya Thapar, Shraddha Das, Brahmaji, Saptagiri, Posani Krishna Murali, Harsha Vardhan and Duvvasi Mohan.


#BehindTheCamera! Director Jayashankarr: Grabbing a film opportunity for a commoner like me is a good achievement


Pic courtesy: Twitter

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Hasith Goli - Raja Raja Chora

Hasith Goli makes a successful directorial debut with the quirky comedy-drama Raja Raja Chora. Also written by the filmmaker, the film not amassed huge numbers at the box office but also fetched him much critical praise and recognition. The film was widely appreciated for its edgy creative direction and solid performances by Sree Vishnu, Megha Akash, Sunaina and Ravi Babu.


Did you know Pragya Jaiswal was not the first choice for 'Akhanda'?


Pic courtesy: Twitter

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Gowri Ronanki - Pelli SandaD

Gowri Ronanki made her directorial debut with Pelli SandaD, which is marked by clean hilarious scenes, punch lines and a good romantic thread. The chemistry between Roshan Meka and Sreeleela works well. Sreeleela is lively, and her romantic scenes with Roshan have come out well. She also proves that she is a good dancer. As seen in Pelli SandaD, Gowri Ronanki’s strength is his writing.

Year-ender: 'Vakeel Saab' to 'Krack,' top 5 highest-grossing Telugu films of 2021


Pic courtesy: Twitter

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Copyright © Jun 8, 2026, 07.19AM IST Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. All rights reserved. For reprint rights: Times Syndication Service