Maverick director Sukumar’s journey from ‘Arya’ to the pan-India blockbuster ‘Pushpa’ has been illustrious. In his 2-decade-old incredible career, Sukumar delivered some path-breaking cult classics and also introduced many new talents to the film industry.

One more remarkable aspect of Sukumar’s genius is the number of talented directors he has given to the Telugu film industry. Some of Sukumar’s former Assistant Directors such as Buchi Babu Sana, Palnati Surya Pratap, Jakka Hari Prasad, Vemareddy and screenwriter Srikanth Vissa are now working on some crazy projects in Tollywood.

And, the latest of them all, Srikanth Odela, has made a glowing debut as a director with Nani’s Dasara. The gritty action drama is being hailed by critics and movie lovers for Srikanth Odela’s directorial skills and the way he has brought out the best from his actors and technicians just like how his guru does.

Srikanth Odela had worked as Sukumar’s AD on ‘Nannaku Prematho’ and ‘Rangasthalam’. Those who have seen Dasara can’t help but find the influences of Sukumar’s Rangasthalam on Dasara, especially the way Srikanth has got the atmospherics and writing of ‘Dasara’ right.

Coming to Sukumar’s other prominent ADs, Buchi Babu Sana had made a sensational debut as a director with the 2021 blockbuster, Uppena. Buchi will soon be directing none other than Ram Charan in a pan-India biggie. And Palnati Surya Pratap of Kumari 21F and 18 Pages fame is currently in talks for an exciting project. Another Sukumar protege, Jakka Hari Prasad, had proved his mettle with unique entertainers such as Playback and Darsakudu.

Vemareddy, yet another Sukumar protege, is all set to make his directorial debut in Tollywood. Finally, Srikanth Vissa, who had worked with Sukumar in penning Pushpa 1 & 2 and 18 Pages, is one of the most sought-after screenwriters in Tollywood.