Epaper
Tharun Bhascker is a multi-talented personality, equally comfortable with acting and hosting. However, he is not yet a bankable star. There is a clear difference between playing a supporting role in a star-driven film and carrying a film as the lead.
Without strong box-office pull, it becomes difficult for producers to back projects around an actor, and Tharun Bhascker seems to be facing that challenge.
He earned a strong cult following with his directorial debut Pelli Choopulu. Though his second film Ee Nagaraniki Emaindi was not a blockbuster, it reinforced his distinct and contemporary storytelling style. His work in the OTT space also received appreciation.
However, things seem to have changed after he shifted more towards acting. He initially took up notable supporting roles but gradually moved into lead roles, which have not delivered results.
After Keeda Cola, which he both directed and acted in, failed to click, he went on to act in Om Shanti Shanti Shantihi, which turned out to be a major flop.
Now, with Gaaya Padda Simham, where he played the lead, the result appears to be the same. The film has opened to poor numbers, highlighting the lack of box-office traction.
The general trade opinion is that Tharun Bhascker should refocus on direction, where his strengths clearly lie. He can continue to take up occasional roles, but avoiding lead roles for now may be a wiser move.
