Srinu Vaitla, once known for delivering blockbuster hits like “Dhookudu” and “Badshah,” has been struggling recently, as seen with the failure of his latest film, “Viswam.” The primary issue seems to be his outdated writing style, which no longer resonates with audiences. Even the outdated seasoned writing appear to be contributing to the problem rather than offering fresh ideas.
Today’s viewers have evolving tastes and are seeking novelty and originality in films. However, Vaitla’s reliance on reusing old concepts isn’t appealing to younger audiences, who are increasingly selective about how they spend their money. Even his once-loyal fanbase isn’t showing up at theaters anymore.
The broader trend in Tollywood reflects a similar challenge, with over 70% of films failing at the box office due to dated and uninspired content. Despite this, several younger directors have managed to buck the trend by bringing fresh, varied storytelling to the industry. Directors like Nag Ashwin (“Kalki 2898 AD”), Sundeep Reddy Vanga, Chandoo Mondeti (“Karthikeya 2”), Prashanth Varma (“HanuMan”), and Karthik Varma Dandu (“Virupaksha”) have helped rejuvenate Telugu cinema by connecting with the current audience.
Ultimately, it’s not a question of flops, but of creativity and relevance. For Srinu Vaitla to reclaim his place in Tollywood, he needs to embrace this shift and bring in new-age writers who understand what modern viewers want. Only then can he hope to regain his past success.