How actor Sumanth from Akkineni family carved his niche in Telugu films

India Today

19-05-2025

Telugu cinema today is a powerhouse of reach, marketing, and visibility. But behind the glitter is a tightly guarded industry where legacy, family connections, and mass appeal often dictate an actor's trajectory. For someone like Sumanth, coming from the Akkineni family, the expectations were clear: become a bankable commercial star. But his journey has taken a more nuanced path.advertisementA commercial debut and the pressure of legacyHis debut film 'Prema Katha' was intended to be a strong industry launch. It was backed by Ram Gopal Varma, the same filmmaker who redefined Telugu cinema with 'Shiva' for Nagarjuna and later made waves with 'Satya'. Naturally, for 'Prema Katha', expectations were high. The film did decently at the box office, but the weight of the legacy remained. Early outings like 'Yuvakudu' and 'Satyam' carried that burden. While 'Satyam' turned out to be a breakthrough, what followed were several attempts to crack the mass-hero space with films like 'Gowri', 'Dhana 51', and 'Mahanandi', all aimed at positioning him as a commercial lead.A shift towards stories with soulThe turning point came with director Sekhar Kammula's 'Godavari' in 2006. It wasn't just a hit; it reshaped how audiences viewed Sumanth. He wasn't a loud, larger-than-life figure. Instead, the role placed him in a space where performance was not about dominating the frame, but about drawing viewers in. Little did people anticipate that the gentler tone would go on to shape some of his most enduring work.advertisementIn 'Golconda High School', directed by Mohan Krishna Indraganti, he played a cricket coach with conviction and vulnerability, a rare blend in Telugu cinema's sports dramas. 'Malli Raava', directed by Gowtam Tinnanuri, offered a layered romantic narrative that explored love with a kind of patience not often seen in the genre.The charm of breezy storytellingSumanth does not appear in films frequently, but when he does, his work carries a natural ease. His choices are sincere, sometimes underwhelming at the box office, but often appreciated in retrospect. Whether it is 'Satyam's' emotionally conflicted lyricist, 'Godavari's' mellow lover and aspiring politician, or the restrained teacher in 'Anaganaga', his characters often bring a sense of stillness that stands out in a high-volume industry.'Anaganaga': Another step in his evolutionIn many ways, his recent film 'Anaganaga' feels like a summing-up of what Sumanth has grown into as an actor. Set against the backdrop of storytelling, education, and parenting, the film did not rely on conventional tropes. His role as a teacher navigating layered emotions and narratives had a quiet strength. It was the kind of performance that does not demand attention but gradually earns it. The film's understated tone aligned well with his sensibilities, making 'Anaganaga' feel less like a performance and more like an extension of himself. It reaffirmed that his strength lies not in dominating the screen, but in allowing the story to breathe around him.advertisementHere's the poster: #Anaganaga is now streaming on @etvwin – and it's already touching hearts!Watch now: https://t.co/sIF1I8eHv7Feel it. Cry with it. Fall in love with it. #Anaganaga - A Win Original FilmNow streaming with 4K and Dolby audio only on @etvwin@isumanth @rakeshreddy1224 pic.twitter.com/rCI5uJjLmA— ETV Win (@etvwin) May 14, 2025Backed by story, not stardomThis phase has not been without its missteps. Films like 'Boni', 'Naruda Donoruda', 'Subrahmanyapuram', and 'Kapatadhaari' did not quite land, either critically or commercially. However, many of these came from taking risks on unconventional scripts. That has been a recurring pattern with Sumanth - not chasing trends, but selecting projects that resonate with him. In an industry that often depends on formula, his choices stand out for being personal, even when they do not entirely succeed.