When Kumari 21 F was released in 2015, Sukumar Writings was rightly seen as making a sincere attempt at new-wave cinema in Tollywood. Movie buffs felt that narratives that director Sukumar felt strongly about but wanted newbies to wield the megaphone would be getting a lift. And that's what happened in the following years. As Sukumar Writings turns 10, let's assess its rise.
The young banner made some bold financial decisions by co-producing Uppena, which had a plot point that would have been deemed risky by most other producers. Sukumar being Sukumar, he knew its strength. The film, starring Panjaa Vaisshnav Tej and Krithi Shetty, both newcomers, become a huge hit.
Virupaksha, directed by Karthik Dandu based on a screenplay written by Sukumar, was another massive hit. The film was released at a time when footfalls were thinning. The moody, atmospheric mystery thriller made many bold creative choices, including according more importance to Samyuktha's character than to the male lead.
Gandhi Thatha Chettu, which starred Sukumar's daughter Sukriti Veni, was an award-winning parallel movie. Sukumar Writings ventured into a space that most would be wary of. She won the Best Child Artist award at the 71st National Film Awards.
Two big-ticket movies co-produced by Sukumar Writings are a feather in its cap and show how powerfully the banner is evolving. Pushpa 2: The Rule, starring Allu Arjun in the lead, was an industry hit. Next up, the banner is co-producing Peddi, starring Ram Charan. The two films with the Icon Star and the Global Star put Sukumar Writings as one of the fastest-growing production houses. Sukumar Writings is also co-producing Naga Chaitanya's upcoming mystery thriller, directed by Karthik Dandu.
