Actor Murali Sharma explains why Telugu cinema is moving beyond masala entertainment
Veteran actor Murali Sharma says Telugu cinema has evolved beyond masala entertainment, with even top stars taking up socially relevant stories. Citing Nandamuri Balakrishna’s Bhagwant Kesari, he says such films have the power to influence mass audiences.
Veteran actor Murali Sharma said Telugu cinema has entered a new phase, with even its biggest stars taking up stories based on socially relevant themes. He said that this change in scripting has not only changed the type of films being made, but also the way audiences respond to them.
talking to India Today About his Netflix series super subbuMurali reflected on the show’s theme, his role in it and the changes he has seen in Telugu storytelling over the years. He said that when leading stars choose such subjects, their films can have a wider impact, and specifically pointed to Nandamuri Balakrishna.
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on super subbu
Murali said he is happy to be a part of it super subbu Because of the story and character rather than the focus surrounding the stage or show. He said, “I wasn’t surprised, but I was very happy for the show because the way it’s written, it’s such a beautiful story. And the fact that I got to play Kukateshwar Rao, the father – it’s such a beautiful character. I really enjoyed doing it.”
While the series touches on sex education, Murali said it does not take a preachy approach and instead presents the topic with humor. “We didn’t really think about it because we were having so much fun. Like I said, it’s just a little bit touch-and-go. We’re not discussing sex education in detail in any of the episodes. It’s more entertainment. It’s humorous. Once you see the episode, you’ll agree with me,” he said.
How have Telugu scripts changed?
Looking at the wider industry, Murali said that Telugu cinema has moved away from the times when films were driven more by masala elements. He said there is more diversity in scripts now and big stars are also willing to support subjects with strong themes. He said, “I think scripts have changed. Earlier films used to be a bit more masala. Now there are different types of scripts. That change has definitely come. As you said, Bhagwant Kesari is also based on important subjects. Even the biggest heroes are experimenting with different scripts.”
Murali said such choices matter when they are made by leading stars because of the scale with which films reach audiences. He said, “When someone like Balayya garu (Nandamuri Balakrishna) makes a film on a socially relevant subject, it has a massive impact. You can’t imagine how much of an impact it has. It reaches the masses, and even men start thinking differently. A lot has changed in the way cinema has evolved over the years.”
On Hindi-Telugu cooperation
He also rejected the idea that collaborations between Hindi and Telugu cinema are new, saying that such exchanges have existed for decades. He said, “I think it has always been there. Amrish Puri sir did Telugu films about 30 years ago. Sharath Saxena has done many Telugu films with Chiranjeevi. So it is not a new thing. Now it has probably increased manifold.”
super subbu is released on Netflix and stars Sandeep Kishan and Mithila Palkar in the lead roles. Through his comments on the series and the industry, Murali said that Telugu cinema’s changing scripts and its biggest stars’ willingness to experiment are shaping the way audiences engage with socially relevant stories.