Here are the next-gen Telugu stars to watch
These next-gen stars aren’t just passing trends; they’re performers who are steadily winning hearts and redefining what it means to be a Telugu film actor.
Hyderabad: There’s a new energy in the Telugu film industry — fresh faces, raw talent, and actors who are bringing honesty, charm, and dedication to the big screen. These next-gen stars aren’t just passing trends; they’re performers who are steadily winning hearts and redefining what it means to be a Telugu film actor. Their stories are inspiring, their roles are memorable, and their passion is unmistakable.
Teja Sajja leads the pack with his inspiring journey from child artist to full-fledged action hero. Films like Zombie Reddy and the pan-Indian blockbuster Hanu-Man have made him a household name. His high-octane energy and confidence prove he’s here for the long run.
Among the female stars, Sreeleela has emerged as a dancing sensation and a commercial hitmaker. With her lively screen presence in films like Pelli SandaD and Dhamaka, she’s quickly become one of the most in-demand young actresses.
Similarly, Krithi Shetty charmed her way into audiences’ hearts with her debut in Uppena and her graceful performances in films like Shyam Singha Roy.
Some actors are quietly making a big impact with subtle, naturalistic performances. Anand Deverakonda brings a grounded presence to the screen, especially in films like Middle Class Melodies, where he plays the relatable boy-next-door. In the same space, Vaishnavi Chaitanya made a bold and emotional debut in Baby, showing depth and vulnerability that resonated strongly with viewers.
One film that really brought new talent into the spotlight is Committee Kurrollu. The film introduced four impressive actors: Sandeep Saroj, Trinad Varma, Yashwanth Pendyala, and Raadhyaa. Trinad’s powerful portrayal of Subbu stood out for its intensity and screen presence, while Raadhyaa moved the audience with her sincere performance as Madhuri. Yashwanth brought a fresh edge, and Sandeep’s emotionally layered role showed how deep young actors are willing to go to serve a story.
Suhas is another name that can’t be ignored. His path from YouTube sketches to critically acclaimed roles is nothing short of inspiring. With Colour Photo and Writer Padmabhushan, Suhas has proven that talent, no matter how quietly it arrives, will always shine through.
On the other end of the spectrum is Naveen Polishetty, who’s become a favorite with his unbeatable comic timing and emotional range. Whether it’s the clever detective in Agent Sai Srinivasa Athreya, the hilarious Jathi Ratnalu, or the layered performance in Miss Shetty Mr Polishetty, Naveen shows that comedy and heart can go hand in hand.
For fans of love stories, Viraj Ashwin is slowly but surely carving his niche. He brought quiet strength to roles in Baby and Anaganaga O Premakatha, connecting with the audience who enjoy soft, emotionally rich romances.
Faria Abdullah is another vibrant talent bringing freshness to Telugu cinema. She made an unforgettable debut with Jathi Ratnalu, showcasing great comic timing and natural charm, and followed it up with Like, Share & Subscribe.
Among the younger crop, Karthikeya Dev is showing maturity beyond his years. Starting out as a child artist, he has found his footing with appearances in major films like Salaar: Ceasefire and L2: Empuraan, indicating a promising future.
In the world of emotionally driven, realistic films, actresses like Ruhani Sharma, Varsha Bollamma, and Chandini Chowdary have emerged as powerful voices.
Whether it’s Chi La Sow, Middle Class Melodies, or Colour Photo, these actresses continue to impress with roles that feel both rooted and relatable.
Lighthearted films and youthful comedies have also found their champions. Rag Mayur and Sangeeth Shobhan are bringing laughter and charm to the screen, offering a fresh alternative to the more intense stories we often see. They’re the kind of actors who make you smile the moment they enter a scene.
In the glamorous and romantic space, Priyanka Jawalkar and Ketika Sharma are making waves with their striking looks and evolving acting chops. They’re bold, stylish, and picking roles that reflect today’s audience tastes.
Some newcomers are just getting started but already show great promise. Roshan Kanakala, son of Rajeev and Suma Kanakala, made a confident debut with Bubblegum, blending legacy with fresh talent. Harshith Reddy and Shivani Rajasekhar are balancing both cinema and OTT platforms, proving their versatility and hunger to perform.
Among the newest entries, Bhagyashree Borse stood out in Mr Bachchan and is already lining up big projects. Meanwhile, child actor Harsh Roshan who was recently seen in Court: State vs a Nobody, is smoothly moving into more mature roles, surprising everyone with his growth and emotional maturity.
Each of these actors bring something unique to the table — be it raw emotion, infectious charm, deep performances, or laugh-out-loud comedy. They’re not just the future of Tollywood; they’re the present. With stories that matter, characters that linger, and performances that touch the heart, this new generation is shaping the next chapter of Telugu cinema beautifully.
