‘Filmmaking is my first love, acting happened by accident'
burst onto the scene with Pelli Choopulu, a film that not only revitalised Telugu rom-coms but also cemented his reputation as a bold new voice in indie storytelling. What truly sets him apart, however, is the seamless transition he's made from director to actor — an evolution few filmmakers attempt, and even fewer pull off.
What began as blink-and-miss cameos in his own films gradually evolved into complex, meatier roles that showcased his versatility. Today, he stands as a rare talent who wears multiple hats — director, actor, voice actor and writer. In a candid chat with Hyderabad Times, Tharun reflects on this shift from calling the shots to taking direction, his upcoming projects, and why the director in him will always have the final word.
'Adapting to a Godavari accent changed a lot for me'
Currently shooting for the Telugu remake of the Malayalam blockbuster Jaya Jaya Jaya Hey, Tharun steps into a role that's a stark departure from his real-life persona. 'He's a deeply insecure man who asserts dominance in disturbing ways — that felt completely alien to me,' he shares. The challenge, however, was part of the appeal. 'It pushed me to tap into emotions I didn't even know I had. I had to unlearn my Telangana accent and adopt a Godavari dialect.
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That lived-in experience changed me as a performer. I feel more prepared now to write characters from that region with authenticity,' he says.
'I don't mind being the antagonist or even just a side character'
Though he's received acclaim for his on-screen performances in films like Sita Ramam and Mahanati, the National Award-winning director is clear about priorities: 'I treat acting as a secondary profession. Directing is my core.' That clarity gives him space to explore unusual or offbeat roles.
'I'm not chasing the lead role. I don't mind playing the antagonist or a quirky side character — even if it doesn't always work in my favour.
'
His approach has become more fluid over time. 'Initially, acting felt lonely and mentally draining. Your success depends on so many external things — dialogues, styling, promotions. And when it fails, it feels personal, even if it's not.'
'We seek therapy in cinema — it becomes a shared emotion'
Cinema, for Tharun, is more than a profession, it's a social and emotional ritual.
'We're just cinema lovers,' he says. 'I see a lot of people crying after watching movies who usually don't cry. I think it evokes some sense of emotion inside them… it's like therapy for us. Movies have a similar effect, if not more. That's why we have a religious attachment towards films, its makers and the heroes we worship.'
'I still see myself as a timid, introverted person'
Acting may seem like a natural progression for many filmmakers, but for Tharun, it came more by accident than design.
'I've always been timid and introverted — I still am. Entering the industry pushed me far out of my comfort zone,' he says. However, support from some of his close friends played a pivotal role in marking the shift. 'People like Vishwak Sen, Vijay Deverakonda and Nag Ashwin really encouraged me. But a rude awakening came during Pelli Choopulu promotions when I was trolled for something I said on a TV promo.
That's when I realised how brutal public life can be.
People will judge everything except your actual talent.'
Quote:
Comedy has always been my comfort zone, but I'm a huge fan of the Russo Brothers and their exploration of darker themes like death and grief. My goal has always been to dive into different genres and discover new layers I can bring to them
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