Why Sreeleela Is Eyeing Big on Tamil Cinema

With young actress Sreeleela reportedly set to share screen space with Superstar Rajinikanth in his upcoming film Dharman, the spotlight has once again been turned on a growing trend – leading Telugu actresses eyeing Kollywood to broaden their careers.

“If the deal materialises, it will be a huge opportunity for Sreeleela to strengthen her presence in Tamil cinema,” says a producer. (Sreeleela’s last big-ticket release Ustaad Bhagat Singh crashed at the box office.)

“After facing mixed fortunes in Telugu, actresses like Pooja Hegde, Krithi Shetty and Vaishnavi Chaitanya have also shifted their focus to Kollywood,” the producer points out. “While the remuneration may be lower, Tamil cinema offers them a chance to revive their careers, reach a wider audience and work with some of the biggest stars.”

According to industry insiders, remuneration is one of the biggest differences between the two industries. “Top Telugu actresses like Sreeleela and Pooja Hegde can command close to Rs 2.5 crore per film in Tollywood. In Tamil cinema, however, they often have to settle for less than Rs 1.5 crore because production houses there are generally more budget-conscious,” the producer explains.

But is this migration a sign that opportunities in Tollywood are drying up?

No, feels producer Vishnu Induri, who has worked extensively in both Telugu and Tamil cinema. “I don’t think actresses are moving because they lack opportunities in Telugu,” he says. “Many of them have time in their schedules and are simply looking to expand their brand across multiple industries. There’s nothing wrong with that. Today’s actors cannot afford to remain confined to a single language.”

He believes multilingual careers have become essential in the evolving Indian film industry. “Young actresses need to establish themselves in multiple markets if they want longevity. Telugu cinema has gained nationwide recognition and actresses who make a mark here naturally attract offers from Tamil and Hindi filmmakers. This is a positive phase where they can build a pan-Indian identity.”

According to Vishnu, talent is the biggest factor. “These actresses bring glamour, acting ability and strong screen presence. Tamil filmmakers are naturally interested in casting them opposite the new generation of stars. Expanding into Kollywood is not about leaving Tollywood behind, it's about creating more opportunities and building a bigger career,” he feels.

According to industry insiders, remuneration is one of the biggest differences between the two industries. “Top Telugu actresses like Sreeleela can command close to Rs 2.5 crore per film in Tollywood.”