Pooja Hegde all set to win back Tollywood?

Pooja’s rise in Telugu cinema was marked by the blockbuster Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo in 2020, which remains one of her biggest hits to date.

Hyderabad: After a series of mixed results at the box office, actress Pooja Hegde might finally be making a full-fledged return to Telugu cinema, this time alongside Dulquer Salmaan, who has steadily become a familiar name for the Telugu audience.

Pooja, who was last seen in a lead role in Acharya alongside Chiranjeevi and Ram Charan, treated fans to a special song appearance in F3: Fun and Frustration. Her recent film, Retro, was released this year but failed to make waves. Even so, directors continue to see her as a bankable heroine for big-ticket projects.

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Pooja’s rise in Telugu cinema was marked by the blockbuster Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo in 2020, which remains one of her biggest hits to date. However, her career graph took a hit after that, with films like Most Eligible Bachelor doing only average business, and other big releases, such as Radhe Shyam, Beast, Acharya, Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan, and Retro, underperforming. Still, her popularity with filmmakers hasn’t dipped.

Industry insiders point out that Pooja’s strong screen presence and glam appeal make her a top pick for directors working with big stars. She already has a packed lineup with Coolie, Jana Nayagan, Hai Jawani Tho Ishq Hona Hai, and Kanchana 4 in the works. Now, the buzz about a Telugu film with Dulquer Salmaan is adding to the excitement.

Dulquer, who made waves with Mahanati and Sita Ramam, has now become a maiden name for Telugu moviegoers. His charming performances and script choices have helped him carve a niche in the industry beyond Malayalam cinema. Fans love his romantic roles and the natural ease he brings to the screen, making him an ideal choice for a fresh pairing with Pooja.

Reports suggest that this potential project will be directed by a debutant and bankrolled by SLV Cinemas, the banner behind Dasara and Paradise. While there’s no official confirmation yet from either star or the production house, industry sources say talks are in the final stages and an announcement could be on the cards soon.

The news has already created a buzz among fans, who feel this new on-screen pair could bring back Pooja’s winning streak in Tollywood. Many hope that the film will give the actress a chance to remind audiences why she became one of the most-loved heroines in Telugu cinema in the first place.

As fans wait for an official word, one thing is certain: Pooja Hegde’s star value hasn’t faded despite recent setbacks. If all goes well, her teaming up with Dulquer Salmaan could turn into one of the year’s most anticipated Telugu films, promising fresh chemistry and a new chapter for both actors in Tollywood.