Lights, Camera , Absence: The Unseen Stars Of The Tollywood In 2003

As 2023 fades to black, “Salar” and “Devil” spark the final act. Yet, in the middle of the cinematic spectacle, some star heroes chose silence this year. From Chiru’s double dose to Ravi Teja’s double act, screens pulsed with action. Prabhas even birthed two worlds, “Adipurush” and the soon-to-be-unleashed “Salar.” But where were the others? Let’s have a look.

• MAHESH BABU

Following his 2022 success with “SarkaruVariPata,” superstar Mahesh Babu has dedicated significant time to his upcoming project, “Guntur Karam,” directed by the Trivikram. Due to various factors, the highly anticipated film has faced delays. However, the wait is to end soon, and “Guntur Karam” is now scheduled for release on January 12, 2024, marking Mahesh Babu’s absence from the silver screen in 2023.

• ALLU ARJUN

After the explosive success of “Pushpa: The Rise” in 2021, Allu Arjun opted for meticulous preparation for its sequel, “Pushpa: The Rule.” This dedication meant a two-year pause, leaving fans eagerly awaiting his return. The wait is almost over, with director Sukumar confirming the film’s grand release on August 15, 2024.

• NTR

After the worldwide success of “RRR,” NTR took a strategic pause before diving into his next cinematic adventure. “Devara,” directed by the Koratala Siva, boasts epic ambitions as a pan-India project. This much-anticipated film chose a different path, opting for a two-part release starting in April 2024.

• RAM CHARAN

Following the thunderous roar of “RRR,” Ram Charan surprised audiences with a captivating cameo in “Acharya.” However, 2023 remained strangely silent on his cinematic front. The highly anticipated “Game Changer,” directed by the visionary Shankar, continues at a measured pace, wraping its release date in mystery.

• NAGARJUNA

Following the spectral chills of “Ghost” in late 2022, Nagarjuna embarked on a cinematic sabbatical, choosing to dedicate himself fully to his next project. Enter “Na Sami Ranga,” a film shrouded in anticipation as it marks the directorial debut of renowned choreographer Vijay Binny. It is going to release for Sankranti 2024.

• VENKATESH

After gracing the screens with “F3” in 2022, Venkatesh surprised everyone with a deliberate step back from the spotlight. His 75th film, “Saindhav,” directed by Shailesh Kolanu, initially planned for December 2023, took a strategic detour due to the release of “Salaar.” Mark your calendars for January 13, 2024, as “Saindhav” finally arrives, promising a captivating new chapter for Venky on the silver screen.

• SHARWANAND

“OkeOkeBiyan” may have stolen hearts in 2022, but Sharwanand’s been busy crafting his 35th film! Directed by Shriram Aditya, it’s been a bit of a mystery why it’s taking its sweet time. But hey, good things come to those who wait, right? Get ready for Sharwanand’s return in 2024, it’s gonna be worth it!

• RANA

Following the period drama “Virataparvam” in 2022, Rana Daggubati took a step back from the lead roles, opting for a captivating cameo in “Spy.” However, the silver screen yearned for his full-fledged return. His next project, the highly anticipated “Rakshasa Raju” under Teja’s direction, is brewing in the shadows, promising a thrilling comeback for Rana in 2024.

• ALLU SIRISH

Remember Sirish from “UrvashivoRakshasivo”? He rocked the screens in 2022, but 2023 was all about taking a strategic pause. No new films, but the buzz around his next project is already building! Get ready for Sirish to return in a whole new way soon!

• SURYA

Surya’s electrifying performance in “Vikram” in 2022 left audiences breathless, but the enigmatic star chose to stay behind the curtain in 2023. While a cameo in “Vikram” offered a tantalizing glimpse, the silence around his next project has only fueled the anticipation. What cinematic universe will Surya conquer next?