The 1990s was an exciting era for Telugu cinema, with several talented directors emerging. These directors gave us some of the decade’s best movies and set a benchmark for Telugu cinema regarding storytelling, cinematography, and direction.
Ram Gopal Varma, also known as RGV, is one of the most iconic and controversial filmmakers in Indian cinema. He rose to fame in the 1990s with movies like “Shiva” (1990), “Rangeela” (1995), and “Satya” (1998). His films were known for their raw and gritty portrayal of the underworld and crime. “Kshana Kshanam” (1991), “Gaayam” (1993), and “Anaganaga Oka Roju” (1997) were some of his most significant hits in Telugu cinema.
Krishna Vamsi is one of Telugu cinema’s most talented and creative directors. He made his directorial debut with “Gulabi” in 1995, a critically acclaimed movie. He went on to direct movies like “Ninne Pelladatha” (1996), which won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Telugu, “Anthapuram” (1998), and “Sindhooram” (1997), which won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Telugu.
B. Gopal is one of the most successful directors in Telugu cinema, with over 25 movies to his credit. He started his career as an assistant director to K. Raghavendra Rao and made his directorial debut with “Lorry Driver” in 1990. Some of his most significant hits include “Samarasimha Reddy” (1999), “Narasimha Naidu” (2001), and “Indra” (2002).
S. V. Krishna Reddy is one of the most versatile directors in Telugu cinema, known for his excellent comic timing and storytelling skills. He started his career as a screenwriter and made his directorial debut with “Yamaleela” in 1994. Some of his most significant hits include “Rajendrudu Gajendrudu” (1993), “Mayalodu” (1993), and “Ghatotkachudu” (1995)
E. V. V. Satyanarayana is another versatile director in Telugu cinema known for his comedy movies. He started his career as a writer and made his directorial debut with “Chevilo Puvvu” in 1990. Some of his most significant hits include “Aa Okkati Adakku” (1992), “Appula Apparao” (1991), and “Alluda Majaka” (1995).
Jayanth C. Paranjee – A director who brought a fresh perspective to Telugu cinema, Jayanth C. Paranjee made a splash with his debut film Preminchukundam Raa. He continued to deliver hits with films such as Shankar Dada MBBS and Teen Maar.
K. Raghavendra Rao is one of the most legendary directors in Telugu cinema, with a career spanning over four decades. He directed over 100 movies in Telugu cinema and introduced several actors, including Sridevi, Jayaprada, and Ramya Krishna. Some of his most significant hits in the 1990s include “Jagadeka Veerudu Athiloka Sundari” (1990), “Allari Priyudu” (1993), and “Pelli sandadi” (1996).
S. S. Rajamouli is one of Telugu cinema’s most talented and celebrated directors. He made his directorial debut with “Student No. 1” in 2001 but gained fame with movies like “Simhadri” (2003) and “Magadheera” (2009). In the 1990s, he worked as a second-unit director on films like “Sye” (2004) and “Chatrapathi” (2005).
Kodi Ramakrishna is a prolific director in Telugu cinema, with over 100 movies to his credit. He made his directorial debut with “Intlo Ramayya Veedhilo Krishnayya” in 1982 and went on to direct several hits in the 1990s, including “Muddula Krishnayya, “Ammoru” (1995), and “Anji” (2004).
Singeetam Srinivasa Rao is a multi-talented director, screenwriter, and composer in Telugu cinema. He made his directorial debut with “Neethi Nijayithi” in 1972 and went on to direct several critically acclaimed movies in the 1990s, including “Aditya 369” (1991), “Bhairava Dweepam” (1994), and “Little John” (1996).