It was on 7 May 2004 that Telugu cinema gave birth to a new-age director who shattered conventions with his romantic-comedy ‘Arya’. Director Sukumar burst forth on the scene with a new narrative sense and visual style. His debut film remade Icon star Allu Arjun, who became synonymous with style.
Sukumar’s second film, ‘Jagadam’, was an action film with rare sensibilities. It presented energetic star Ram Pothineni as a mass hero. Sukumar demonstrated his ability to conceive mass moments without falling back on run-of-the-mill templates.
‘Arya 2′, once again, was a film that showed Sukumar as someone who can drive emotions mainly based on characterizations. The film featured excellent songs made special by his Midas Touch. Yuva samrat Naga Chaitanya’s 100% Love’ was remarkable in terms of how a flawed male lead could have a terrific character arc.
Prince Mahesh Babu-starrer ‘1: Nenokkadine’, with its slick action and unique emotional quotient, was compelling in many ways. Sukumar showed that you don’t have to be conventional and play safe while doing a superstar movie. Like that film, Young tiger NTR stareer ‘Nannaku Prematho’, too, showcased Sukumar’s penchant for intelligent screenplay-writing.
Global star Ramcharan’s ‘Rangasthalam’ is considered one of the greatest classics from Telugu cinema. The Ram Charan-starrer remains worthy of repeat viewing, thanks to its all-round appeal.
And the ‘Pushpa’ films have solidified his position as one of the top-most directors in the country. ‘Pushpa: The Rise’ in 2021 was loved by the Hindi audience as well. ‘Pushpa 2: The Rule’, which will hit the screens on August 15 this year, is hugely awaited.
Sukumar is peerless when it comes to exploring the psyche of his protagonists and showing their struggles. His films are technically superior without fail. As one of the finest and top-tier filmmakers in the country, he attracts a great deal of respect for the intellectual writing and making he is known for.