Tollywood director Anil Ravipudi, who is enjoying a remarkable success streak, has finally put an end to the ongoing buzz about his possible entry as a hero. Social media has been abuzz for some time with discussions on whether Ravipudi, known for his sharp comic timing and confident stage presence, would consider acting in films. However, the director’s latest comments have made his stand very clear.
No plans to act, says Anil Ravipudi
Responding to a question about turning into a hero, Anil Ravipudi said he has no such plans at all. He explained that when someone reaches the peak of their career, many temptations appear along the way. According to him, giving in to such distractions can harm the hard-earned position one has built over the years. Therefore, he made it clear that his complete focus remains on direction.
Ravipudi stressed that he is not interested in experimenting with acting, as it could jeopardize his existing career as a successful filmmaker. He believes that staying committed to one’s core strength is more important than chasing new labels.
Examples from the industry
In Tollywood, there are many examples of people who started as assistant directors and later became popular heroes. Actors like Nani and Raj Tarun successfully transitioned from behind-the-scenes roles to the big screen. At the same time, there have also been cases where established directors attempted to become heroes but failed to achieve the expected success.
Keeping these examples in mind, Anil Ravipudi appears to have taken a practical and calculated decision. He prefers to strengthen his position as a director rather than risk it by stepping into an unfamiliar space.
A flawless track record as a director
Anil Ravipudi is often praised for having one of the most consistent success records in Tollywood, next only to SS Rajamouli. His films have delivered strong box office results, especially in the family entertainer genre. Once again, he reiterated that maintaining this track record is his top priority.
Focus on ‘Mana Shankara Varaprasad Garu’
Currently, Anil Ravipudi is fully focused on his upcoming film Mana Shankara Varaprasad Garu, starring Megastar Chiranjeevi. The film is gearing up for a grand Sankranthi 2026 release. Nayanthara plays the female lead, while Venkatesh will be seen in a special guest role.
Sankranthi has been a lucky season for Ravipudi, with blockbuster hits like Sarileru Neekevvaru and Sankranthiki Yaallam. With high expectations and a strong cast, the director is confident of repeating the festive success once again.





