At the Ranabaali pre-release event, director Harish Shankar spoke about facing intense trolling throughout his career and how he learned to withstand it. His words, directed at Vijay Deverakonda, struck a chord with fans. Harish is not the only filmmaker to have experienced this phase. Buchi Babu Sana faced criticism surrounding Peddi, Shankar came under fire for Game Changer, and Anudeep KV encountered trolling over Funky. Even Nani, who is generally known for his calm demeanour, faced online criticism over The Paradise.
Accepting Trolling Is Good, But Improvement Is What Matters
Harish Shankar openly acknowledging the reality of trolling is certainly a positive step. However, movie lovers expect filmmakers to translate such experiences into meaningful changes in their filmmaking. Criticism may be unavoidable, but repeated mistakes can damage a director’s reputation and affect the audience’s confidence in their projects.
Take Harish Shankar’s recent track record, for instance. Despite the various factors behind the failure of Ravi Teja’s Mr. Bachchan, the director had a major responsibility for the film’s outcome. What could have been an engaging mass entertainer was widely criticised for its unnecessary changes and execution. Pawan Kalyan still placed his trust in Harish for Ustaad Bhagat Singh. Although the story underwent changes, the film’s outcome became another point of discussion.
Harish Shankar Must Make His Next Move Count
Opportunities that many filmmakers spend years chasing came Harish Shankar’s way within a relatively short period. Had he capitalised on those opportunities with the right content, he could have been in contention for major projects with stars such as Chiranjeevi or Balakrishna. That does not mean his career is over or that he lacks opportunities. He reportedly has advances from multiple production houses, and a project could move forward once the right hero is finalised.
However, his next move will be crucial. Harish needs to be more careful with his script selection, understand audience expectations and ensure that the final product lives up to the promise. Another misstep could make his path back to the top even more challenging.
Maruthi and Puri Jagannadh Face the Comeback Challenge
Director Maruthi is another filmmaker dealing with the consequences of a disappointing phase. After making a pan-India film like The Raja Saab, finding immediate opportunities with established stars may not be easy. Reports suggest that he is planning a comedy entertainer with newcomers, potentially returning to the genre that helped establish his strengths. Maruthi has faced considerable online trolling, and a convincing comeback with strong content is now essential.
Puri Jagannadh, who once delivered industry hits and enjoyed tremendous popularity, has also experienced difficult phases in his career. For filmmakers who have previously demonstrated their ability to deliver major commercial successes, the challenge is to rediscover that winning formula rather than rely on past achievements.
Telugu Cinema Needs Strong Comebacks, Not Just Explanations
Harish Shankar, Maruthi and Puri Jagannadh have all experienced different phases in their careers, but the solution remains the same: compelling stories, effective execution and a clear understanding of what audiences want. Trolling may be part of a filmmaker’s professional journey, but it should also serve as an opportunity for introspection.
Ultimately, movie lovers are not waiting for directors to explain how much trolling they have endured. They want films that justify their expectations and deliver a memorable theatrical experience. If these filmmakers return with the right scripts and quality content, their comebacks could create a significant impact at the box office.
Trolling may be inevitable, but meaningful change is a choice. And for these directors, the next film could make all the difference.
Follow Telugu Funda on trending Social Media Platforms for more Cinema, OTT, Political, And Sports updates.
