One of the primary reasons Tamil actors are venturing into Telugu cinema is the broader audience reach and stronger box office pull that the Telugu industry offers. Interestingly, several Tamil films, when dubbed in Telugu, have outperformed their original versions in terms of collections. This trend has motivated many Tamil stars to consider direct Telugu films. Notable examples include Vijay’s ‘Master’ (2021), which witnessed significant collections in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Similarly, Kamal Haasan’s ‘Vikram’ (2022) received an overwhelming response in Telugu-speaking states, and Rajinikanth’s blockbusters like ‘2.0’ and ‘Jailer’ also performed exceptionally well in the Telugu market.
Another compelling factor drawing Tamil actors to Telugu cinema is the lucrative pay packages. Telugu producers, perceiving these actors as bankable stars, are willing to offer significantly higher remuneration compared to their Tamil counterparts. For instance, Thalapathy Vijay reportedly received a whopping Rs 120-150 crore for his Tamil-Telugu bilingual film ‘Varisu’. Likewise, Dhanush was said to have demanded around Rs 25 to 30 crore for ‘Sir’, another bilingual venture helmed by Venky Atluri. These substantial paychecks make Telugu projects an attractive proposition for Tamil actors looking to maximize their earnings.
The superior production values and pan-Indian penetration of Telugu cinema add to its allure. Post the global success of films like ‘Baahubali’, ‘Pushpa’, and ‘RRR’, Telugu cinema has carved out a reputation as the face of Indian cinema worldwide. This widespread acceptance encourages Tamil actors to seek roles in Telugu films, which are known for their grand visuals, extensive promotions, and wider audience appeal across different regions in India and abroad.
Moreover, many Tamil actors now view Telugu cinema as a strategic way to gain nationwide recognition. Telugu films, often marked by large-scale productions and advanced technical standards, offer better prospects for stars aiming for pan-Indian acceptance. The extensive promotional strategies adopted by Telugu producers further amplify the reach of these films, ensuring they make a mark beyond regional borders. This factor is particularly crucial for Tamil actors aspiring to build a broader fan base.
Sivakarthikeyan, a prominent Tamil actor, has seen his films release simultaneously in both Tamil and Telugu, indicating his appeal across linguistic boundaries. During the promotions of ‘Prince’ he said, “I’m excited to connect with the Telugu audience. I’m making efforts to learn the language to deliver better performances”.
Allu Arjun, during the promotions of ‘Pushpa’ in Chennai, said, “Chennai is my hometown. I was born and brought up here, so it feels special to be back. I’ve been waiting for the right project to make my Tamil debut, and maybe Pushpa could be that film. If good stories come my way, I’m definitely open to doing Tamil films.”
Dhanush, speaking about the Telugu audience during the promotions of ‘Raayan’, said, “The Telugu audience has always been very supportive of my films. I believe they will love Raayan as well. It’s a film made with a lot of heart, and I’m excited for its reception.”
Finally, the commercial approach of the Telugu film industry is a significant draw. Unlike Kollywood, which sometimes grapples with budget constraints and star-centric productions, Tollywood is known for ensuring timely payments and providing large-scale promotions. This professionalism and financial security make Telugu cinema an appealing industry for Tamil actors. As a result, more and more Tamil stars are exploring opportunities in Tollywood to leverage these advantages and elevate their careers on a larger scale.
