For years, directors ran behind heroes, adjusting to their packed schedules. But the tide has turned — many top stars are now pursuing leading directors.
A striking example is Allu Arjun, who set aside Trivikram to team up with Atlee.
Similarly, Jr. NTR made deliberate efforts to work with Prashanth Neel, and several major stars are reportedly waiting for a chance to collaborate with Sandeep Reddy Vanga, hoping for an Animal-level blockbuster or even bigger.
The dream of working with Rajamouli continues to be a cherished goal for many, often treated as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Sukumar, too, is being sought after by top actors, with heroes vying for his approval.
This shift points toward an evolving industry dynamic — one where directors are beginning to command more respect and remuneration than stars. The rise of a director-driven Telugu cinema seems not too far away.
