Delhi: యమున నది ఒడ్డున విగతజీవిగా త్రిపుర యువతి

Sandeep Reddy Vanga is often celebrated as a new-age filmmaker, but a growing debate questions whether he is truly evolving or merely repeating a familiar template. There is no denying the massive buzz surrounding the first look of Spirit, driven largely by Prabhas’s striking appearance. His intense screen presence and perceived “alpha energy” sparked widespread discussion across social media platforms.

However, a senior producer points out that most of Vanga’s films are A-rated and share recurring visual and thematic traits. The male protagonist is typically depicted with a thick beard, long hair, dark shades, and a violent, self-destructive temperament. Elements such as smoking, alcohol abuse, physical bruises, rage, and explicit sexual content frequently recur in his narratives.

“These traits have become too predictable in Sandeep’s films. Beyond these repeated visuals, there isn’t much novelty left. He seems to be following a pattern rather than breaking new ground,” the producer says, speaking on condition of anonymity. The producer also cautions that relying on a recycled template may not hold audience interest indefinitely.

Drawing a comparison with Ram Gopal Varma, the producer adds, “Vanga often calls himself RGV’s disciple, but he doesn’t match RGV’s range. RGV explored diverse genres—from Rangeela to Satya, Company to Sarkar. He was far superior in variety and in underplaying heroism.”

After portraying a troubled surgeon in Arjun Reddy and a volatile gangster in Animal (Kabir Singh in Hindi), Sandeep Reddy Vanga is now working on Spirit (Aajanubavudu), which reportedly centres on an honest police officer. Producer Lagadapati Sridhar, however, believes the film could mark a shift. “Sandeep would have definitely designed a multilayered role for Prabhas, one that goes beyond routine police portrayals,” he says.

Addressing the criticism that Vanga’s storytelling is becoming repetitive, Sridhar remarks, “He is undoubtedly a strong storyteller, but some of his films do promote toxic masculinity. That said, audiences have embraced this style. A certain section of viewers enjoys such aggressive and chauvinistic narratives, and he has catered to that audience successfully. The results speak for themselves—these films have been blockbusters.”

Recalling his early association with the filmmaker, Sridhar says he was among the first to hear the story of Arjun Reddy. “I was stunned by the raw and aggressive characterisation of the hero. I felt it would work exceptionally well in Bollywood. However, I had reservations about its acceptance in Telugu cinema due to my own conservative thinking. Sandeep moved ahead and proved himself in both Telugu cinema and Bollywood with his fearless execution.”

Sridhar concludes by drawing parallels between Ram Gopal Varma, Anurag Kashyap, and Sandeep Reddy Vanga as filmmakers who brought dark, flawed characters into the mainstream. “They broke the conventional image of heroes being soft, lovable, and morally upright, and still managed to create massive box-office records by exploring bold and uncomfortable themes.”