Year 2023 saw some actors putting their best foot forward in a bid to do something new. Their intent to herald an image makeover, an unconventional hit, a sleeper hit, or anything that could be a head-turner was evident. But their sincere attempts proved to be wrong moves. Ragalahari looks at some of the heroes who burnt their hands in the year gone by:
Sudheer Babu:
In 'Hunt', Sudheer Babu plays a gay man who unleashes the brute in him when his secret is accidentally discovered by someone. 'Hunt' was the remake of a Malayalam movie whose identity was kept under wraps by the makers. Despite its interesting storyline, the flat treatment on offer resulted in its inevitable failure. The actor received a double whammy with the disastrous 'Maama Maascheendra', a film that had him in three roles. He is now banking on the 2024 release 'Harom Hara'.
Sundeep Kishan:
'Michael' was Sundeep Kishan's desperate attempt at becoming a new-age action hero. The costly blunder was a thorough misfire. It came to be described as the poor man's 'KGF'.
Kiran Abbavaram:
Kiran Abbavaram's two attempts at becoming a mainstream entertainer fell flat. 'Meter' had him in an over-the-top role. As a cop who didn't know where to stop and when to stop, he was a damp squib in this summer release. 'Rules Ranjann' was another unnecessary flop wherein he was seen in a loud role.
Ashwin Babu:
'Hidimbha' was a medical thriller released amid much hyping up. Ashwin Babu hoped to end the flop streak he had been through.
Sohel Ryan:
'Mr Pregnant' was meant to change it for Sohel. Its failure proved that the flop streak brought in 'Lucky Lakshman' and 'Organic Mama Hybrid Alludu' couldn't be ended easily.
Varun Tej:
'Gandevadhaari Arjuna' flopped so miserably, it partially destroyed Varun Tej's dream of becoming a sleek action hero. The success of 'Operation Valentine' will undo the damage to an extent.
Vaisshnav Tej:
'Aadikeshava' was a colossal flop at the box office, marring Tej's attempt at becoming a mass action hero. The film's genre was a far cry from 'Ranga Ranga Vaibhavanga' and 'Konda Polam'.