Although women often say that the film industry is a man’s world, there are several successful actresses, writers, producers and directors in Telugu cinema since the black and white era. By excelling in more than one craft, some women have enjoyed superstar status on a par with male superstars and achieved a special identity for themselves and set an example for future generations. We have compiled a list of such successful Tollywood female directors, check them out.
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Not only did she entertain the audience like an on-screen heroine, but she also made some noise behind the screen. From applying makeup to directing actors and producing movies, she has excelled in almost every department. She made her directorial debut with ‘Chandirani’ in 1953 and won civilian awards like Padma Bhushan in 2001 and Padmasri as well as winning National Film Award for her book ‘Nalo Nenu’ in 1994.
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This great actress Mahanati Savitri one of the highest paid and popular actresses of 50’s 60’s and 70’s directed several films like ‘Chinnari Papalu’ in 1968 (Director Debut), ‘Praptham’ in 1971, ‘Mathru Devatha ‘1969, ‘Vintha Samsaram’ 1971, ‘Kuzhandai Ullam’ 1969, ‘Matru Devata’ 1969 and others as well as writing and producing some Telugu and Tamil films.
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This late multi-talented actress has not only starred in multilingual films but is also a Guinness World Record holder for directing the most films as a female director in the world. She has directed over 40 Telugu films and one film each in Tamil (“Kungumachimizh”) and Malayalam.
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This Indian Telugu-Tamil filmmaker is a former assistant of director Mani Ratnam and made her directorial debut with ‘Andhra Andagadu’ in 2008. Who later won several national film awards for her films like ‘Irudhi Suttru’ and ‘Soorarai Pottru’ Currently, she is busy remaking her Tamil film ‘Soorarai Pottru’ in Hindi.
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This professional Tollywood screenwriter and director, who made her directorial debut with the 2011 blockbuster film ‘Ala Modalaindi’, went on to make blockbusters like ‘Kalyana Vaibhogame’ (2016) starring Naga Shaurya, ‘Oh Baby’ with Samantha, ‘Pitta Kathalu’ for OTT and now ‘Anni Manchi Sakunamule’ with Santosh Sobhan and Malavika Nair in the lead roles.
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B.Jaya (Late) is an Indian Telugu filmmaker and journalist turned filmmaker who has made blockbuster films like ‘Chantigadu’, ‘Premikulu’ and ‘Lovely’. Her husband was a well known PRO BA Raju in Indian Telugu film industry.
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She was not only a successful Tamil-Telugu actress but was also a successful director-producer in Tollywood who directed super-hit films like ‘Seshu’ (2002) and ‘Shekar’ (2022) with her husband Dr .Rajsekhar as well as producing films such as ‘Evadaithe Nakenti’, ‘Aaptudu’ and ‘Mahankali’ with him.
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This 2021 Telugu romantic comedy film ‘Varudu Kavlenu’ written and directed by Lakshmi Sowjanya has made a big hit at the box office with her heartfelt attempt with a lighthearted film. Currently, she is shooting her next film and the details of it are yet to be announced.
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Female director Gowri Ronanki made her directorial debut with 2021 hit musical rom-com ‘Pelli SandaD’ and now she is going to make new movies…!
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This well-known choreographer turned Tollywood director directed a film titled ‘Pallakilo Pellikuthuru’ which was not only commercially successful but was also critically acclaimed. Her husband is now nominated in the category of “Best Original Song” for the Oscars at the 95th Academy Awards for writing the lyrics of the song “Naatu Naatu” for “RRR”.
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