Recap - Seven popular Tollywood directors who disappointed in 2023

The year 2023 has been a special one for Telugu cinema, as some new-age filmmakers grabbed attention with their directorial debuts. Also, some seasoned directors consolidated their positions in the industry. But there are also a few prominent directors who failed to impress with their films. Here are seven popular directors who failed to live up to their expectations in 2023.

Phala Abbayi Phalana Ammayi- Directed by Srinivasa Avasarala

OTT platform - Sun NXT

Srinivasa Avasarala is one of the most talented Telugu directors. As his previous films were decent hits, his new film, Phala Abbayi Phalana Ammay, featuring Naga Shaurya, was one of the most anticipated. But sadly, romantic drama failed to click at the box office. More than the film, fans of Srinivasa Avasarala were disappointed with the way he narrated the film. 

Ranga Marthanda - Directed by Krishna Vamsi

OTT platform - Amazon Prime

Krishna Vamsi is a legendary director of Telugu cinema. He made a comeback in 2023 with the film Ranga Marthanda, a remake of the Marathi hit Nata Samrat. Although the film had great performances, it did not click at the box office. Only Brahmanandam, who played a serious role, won appreciation from the critics.

Shaakuntalam - Directed by Gunasekhar

OTT platform - Amazon Prime

Shaakuntalam was one of the most prestigious projects in Samantha's career. She was headlining a biggie for the first time and had teamed up with seasoned filmmaker Gunasekhar, also for the first time. But sadly, the tacky VFX, silly narration, and over-the-top narration disappointed one and all. Moreover, Gunasekhar and Samantha were trolled brutally for making such a film.

Also Read: Shaakuntalam review: Gunasekhar’s magnum opus is ambitious but falls short of epicness 

Ravanasura - Directed by Sudheer Varma

OTT platform - Amazon Prime

Sudheer Varma is one of the most talented directors in Telugu cinema and has made impressive films like Swamy Ra Ra in the past. He teamed up with Ravi Teja for the first time in his career for a film titled Ravanasura. He showcased Ravi Teja in a negative light but the film tanked at the box office in just its first weekend of release.

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Agent - Directed by Surender Reddy

OTT platform - Sony Liv

Surender Reddy is known as the most stylish filmmaker in Telugu cinema. High on the success of his last film, Sye Raa, he joined hands with Akhil Akkineni for an action drama titled Agent. Co-starring Mammootty in a key role, Agent was made on a budget of Rs 80 crore and did not even make Rs 20 crore at the box office, leaving the makers with massive losses.

Ahimsa - Directed by Teja

OTT platform - Amazon Prime

Teja is a legendary director who has carved the careers of many. With Ahimsa, he launched Rana Dabbubati's younger brother, Abhiram, into Telugu cinema. The old-school narration and beaten-to-death formula made the film fail at the box office in no time. To make a comeback, he has now teamed up with Rana for a political thriller.

Gandeevadhari Arjuna - Directed by Praveen Sattaru

OTT platform - Netflix

Praveen Sattaru is known as a thriller specialist in Telugu cinema. He teamed up with Varun Tej for an action drama titled Gandeevadhari Arjuna. The action drama had the same old storyline and ended as a massive flop. With this film, Praveen has scored three back-to-back flops in his career as a director.

Also Read: Gandeevadhari Arjuna review: Praveen Sattaru’s thriller is well-intentioned but yawn inducing