As pan-India films gain popularity, a growing number of Bollywood stars expand their horizons and step into regional industries collaborating with acclaimed filmmakers and giving us experiences we will remember for a very long time. Here are the most anticipated actors making their South India debut this year, proving that talent needs no language:
1. Divyenndu Sharma - Peddi
Our favourite Munna Bhaiya, Divyenndu, after giving us unforgettable characters, will now go on to serve style in the Telugu cinema in Ram Charan’s ultimate action entertainer, Peddi. With the film garnering immense love and popularity across the country, audiences are eager to experience him redefine coolness as Rambujji. The film also stars Jahnvi Kapoor, Shiva Rajkumar, Jagapathi Babu, Boman Irani, and Upendra Limaye. Directed by Buchi Babu Sana, the film is currently running in the theatres.
2. Raghav Juyal - The Paradise
From Aryan Khan’s Bads of Bollywood to Kill, Raghav Juyal has continued to impress audiences with both his project choices and acting performances. He is about to expand this talent to Telugu cinema with the Srikanth Odela directorial, The Paradise. Headlined by Nani, the film also features Kayadu Lohar, Sonali Kulkarni, Sampoomesh Babu, and Mohan Babu. The audiences can’t wait to be impressed yet again in the theatres in August.
3. Aparshakti Khurana - ROOT: Running Out Of Time
Aparshakti Kurana is all set to step into Tamil cinema with Gautham Ram Karthik’s ROOT: Running Out Of Time. The actor, who has won audiences over with his effortless charm and relatable performances, will be exploring a completely different space through this sci-fi thriller. Directed by Sooriyaprathap S, the film showcases a side of the actor that is yet to be seen and has the audience excited to witness it on the big screen.
4. Rohit Saraf - Mahakali
Beloved for his effortless, charming on-screen presence, Rohit Saraf is all set to make his Telugu film, Mahakali. The mythological action drama promises a never-before-seen avatar of the actor, and the fans can’t wait to witness it on the big screen. Directed by Puja Kolluru, the film also stars Akshaye Khanna and Bhoomi Shetty, and is slated for a 2026 release.
5. Abhishek Banerjee - Legacy
Abhishek Banerjee has built a reputation for bringing depth and authenticity to every role her takes on. Now, the actor is set to make his Tamil debut with a crime thriller series, Legacy. Also starring R. Madhavan, Gulshan Devaiah, Nimisha Sajayan and Gautham Karthik, and directed by Charukesh Sekar, the fans can’t keep calm about the upcoming series, slated for 2026.
6. Adarsh Gourav - Happy Birthday Uma
Following international acclaim and a series of critically acclaimed performances, Adarsh Gourav is preparing to make his Telugu cinema debut with Baba Shashank-directed Happy Birthday Uma. Known for choosing unconventional and layered characters, the actor has consistently proven himself to be a versatile, reliable actor. With this psychological thriller, the actor is set to further impress with his acting performances, now in a different cinematic landscape. The film is slated for a 2026 release.
