The Telugu film industry has always patronised Tamil stars, be it by offering them lead roles or grabbing every opportunity to dub their films. But finally, the tables have turned. It is Tollywood stars who are now busy expanding their territories by crossing the border. The likes of Swati, Madhushalini, Sharwanand, Uday Kiran and Subba Raju have become big names in Kollywood and are all set to start shooting for their next projects there. Nani and Vinayukudu too are geared up to make their Tamil debuts.Uday Kiran, who is two-movies-old in Kollywood, and is shooting for his next, scripted by Tamil Nadu's Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi, says, "Earlier, filmmakers wanted to cast someone from their own industry. But now, irrespective of language, directors are looking for faces to suit their characters. As an artiste, I cherish the thought of being recognised in states other than AP."
The fact that the Tamil industry has a sizeable foreign market also is a plus, admits Uday Kiran. "The popularity of Telugu actors is spreading to other countries where Tamil cinema has a huge audience," he adds.
The ongoing bilingual movie craze has certainly made this transition easier. Many actors are cashing in on this trend. Sharwanand, whose Kadal Naa Summa Illai was well received at the Tamil box office, says, "We bag a double market and this helps increase the budget of the movie, ensuring better output. Huge opportunities are coming our way now."
And it is not for nothing that Tollywood actors are in demand. They are touted to be professional and willing to go the extra mile to learn a new language. Swati who is basking in the glory of her Tamil blockbuster Subramaniapuram, says "Which actor won't jump at the opportunity of doing films in different languages? Ever since my movie became a hit, I have become a recognised face there. When I recently went to Kerala for a shooting, I was mobbed by fans. It's a nice feeling," says the actress who now has a fan club even in Sri Lanka.
Many actors also feel that Kollywood roles are more "meaty". Madhushalini who just finished shooting for a 16, a Tamil movie starring Shiva, reveals, "The roles offered by Tamil filmmakers are different and encouraging. I will be doing two more films in Tamil by the end of this year."
Chronicle Hyderabad
