Tamil cinema has always boasted of iconic filmmakers who make realistic and raw films. Right from the era of the likes of Balachander, Balu Mahendra, and Bharathiraja to the recent Vetrimaaran and Bala, the list runs deep. Pa. Ranjith and a few other names have also been credited with making commercial films with a soul.
Telugu cinema, on the other hand, is proud of SS Rajamoulis and Trivikrams of the world. Why don't we have a Vetrimaaran?
As per Natural Star Nani, we have got one with 'Dasara'. Debutant director Srikanth Odela is expected to become Telugu cinema's answer to Kollywood's gritty and hard-hitting commercial films.
If 'Dasara' lives up to the expectations and hype created by Nani, then we can be assured that Tollywood can pride itself on getting a soulful lift. So far, Tamil cinephiles have derided Tollywood by arguing that the Telugu film industry doesn't have filmmakers who make socially or aesthetically compelling cinema set in rural areas. 'Rangasthalam' by Sukumar came as an answer. Even 'Pushpa' was an answer, you could say.
But we need a young filmmaker who can enhance the perception that Telugu cinema is capable of producing more. Let's wait until March 30 to know the answer.
