In the IT sector, being on the "bench" means waiting for work, and a similar "bench" situation is now evident among directors in Tollywood. For various reasons, several directors are left waiting for new projects.
Some directors are failing to evolve with the times, clinging to their old styles and fading away, while others remain somewhat active but are delivering flops.
Some are waiting for opportunities with big stars, while others, including prominent directors aiming for pan-India films, are in a prolonged wait.
V V Vinayak, once known for delivering blockbusters, seems to have taken a backseat. Srikanth Addala, Puri Jagannadh, and Harish Shankar are also on the bench after a string of failures.
Harish Shankar has Ustaad in the pipeline, and if it succeeds, he may make a comeback. However, Puri Jagannadh currently has no projects lined up.
Srikanth Addala, a talented director, is struggling to get new offers after his recent flop. Even Vamsi Paidipally, despite his hits, hasn't signed a new film for unknown reasons.
Krish, a skilled director, is stuck with Hari Hara Veera Mallu and has no other films in hand. Nandini Reddy, known for her classy films, is also on the bench after a recent flop.
Vikram K. Kumar, recognized for his versatility, is focusing on web series, and Mahi V. Raghav appears to be heading in the same direction.
Shiva Nirvana, who has delivered some successful films, has remained quiet since Khushi.
Beyond these names, there is a growing list of directors who made a splash with one film but have not been able to secure another project.
The number of directors ending up on the bench is increasing due to several factors: actors are being more selective with their projects, the demand for fresh and innovative stories is high, opportunities are being given to newcomers, and senior directors continue to churn out outdated narratives.