Dulquer Salmaan, once a dominant force in Malayalam cinema, has recently seen a remarkable surge in his Telugu career, prompting questions about why his home industry struggles to replicate this success.
Early Triumphs in Malayalam
There was a time when Dulquer Salmaan seemed unstoppable in Malayalam cinema. Most of his projects turned to gold, and even when he faced setbacks, he quickly regained his top position.
His debut in 2012’s “Second Show” was a bold move. Unlike many “nepo kids” who opt for universally likable roles, Dulquer played an anti-hero. This risky choice, in a unique noir gangster film, proved to be a critical and commercial success, showcasing his early willingness to experiment.
He continued this streak with hits like “Ustad Hotel,” “ABCD,” and “Neelakasham Pachakadal Chuvanna Bhoomi.” Even after a few stumbles, films like “Bangalore Days,” “Charlie,” and “Kammatipaadam” cemented his place as a leading star.
A Shift in Momentum
Around 2017, Dulquer’s Malayalam career began to experience a shift. While he found success with films like “Jomonte Suvisheshangal” and “Comrade in America,” the frequency of his Malayalam releases decreased, partly due to opportunities in other industries.
His much-anticipated film “Oru Yamandan Premakadha” (2019) was a major setback. While “Varane Avashyamund” (2020) was a success, it didn’t fully restore his previous momentum.
The biographical thriller “Kurup” (2021) was a significant hit, allowing Dulquer to showcase a darker, more complex character. However, his next Malayalam release, “Salute” (2022), went directly to OTT, affecting his box office presence.
The biggest blow came with “King of Kotha” (2023), a highly hyped gangster drama that unfortunately tanked at the box office. This left a notable gap, with no major home-ground successes for Dulquer in about four years.
Finding His Stride in Telugu
Amidst these challenges in Malayalam, Dulquer Salmaan found a new and flourishing path in Telugu cinema. His Telugu debut in “Mahanati,” where he portrayed the legendary Gemini Ganesan, earned him widespread acclaim and captured audiences’ hearts.
This success was amplified by “Sita Ramam,” a period romantic drama that capitalized on his charm and captivating on-screen chemistry. The film propelled him to new heights, establishing him as a beloved heartthrob in the Telugu industry.
Unlike Malayalam, where he faced intense competition and high expectations, Dulquer selectively chose “guy-next-door” roles in Telugu, allowing him to experiment and shine. His recent film, “Lucky Baskhar” (2024), further showcased his talent, blending charm with a compelling performance in a period crime setting, earning him a Special Jury Award.
Even a brief cameo in “Kalki 2898 AD” garnered immense enthusiasm from Telugu audiences, underscoring the strong connection he has forged in the region.
Looking Ahead
Dulquer’s current focus on Telugu cinema, while his Malayalam career faces a lull, is a significant career move. The big question remains whether he can bring the same formula of success back to his home turf. His next Malayalam film, “I’m Game,” directed by Nahas Hidhayath, will be a crucial test.
- Dulquer Salmaan’s early career in Malayalam was marked by consistent hits and unconventional role choices.
- His Malayalam career experienced a downturn post-2017, culminating in the disappointing performance of “King of Kotha.”
- In contrast, his Telugu career has seen remarkable success with films like “Mahanati,” “Sita Ramam,” and “Lucky Baskhar.”
- Telugu audiences have embraced his charming, versatile performances, solidifying his position as a prominent star there.
- The future of his Malayalam box office pull hinges on his upcoming releases and whether he can replicate his Telugu success.
If Dulquer can translate his strategic choices and newfound momentum from Telugu cinema back to Malayalam, his return to the top in his home industry may not be far off.
