The year 2024 has been a rollercoaster for the Telugu Film Industry’s top directors, while its heroes have stolen the spotlight at the box office. After SS Rajamouli, directors like Trivikram Srinivas, Koratala Siva, and Sukumar have been considered the industry’s most celebrated filmmakers. However, their latest releases have sparked mixed reactions.
Trivikram Srinivas faced harsh criticism for Guntur Kaaram, which, despite average box office numbers, was labeled weak in content and compared unfavorably to Agnyatavaasi. Nevertheless, Mahesh Babu’s stellar performance and box office pull earned him widespread acclaim.
A similar scenario unfolded with Devara. Director Koratala Siva came under fire for various creative choices, but Jr. NTR received overwhelming praise for his powerful performance. The film became a massive pan-India blockbuster, showcasing NTR’s growing stardom.
Even Sukumar, often praised for his unique storytelling, faced unexpected backlash for Pushpa 2: The Rule. While the film broke numerous box office records, some audiences criticized its predictable mass-commercial elements. However, Allu Arjun’s phenomenal performance silenced critics, cementing his status as one of the biggest stars in Indian cinema.
In 2024, star directors may have faced the heat, but the heroes proved their mettle, shining brightly with their charisma, acting prowess, and box office dominance.

