The recent release of "Kalki 2898 AD," featuring Prabhas as the revered Karna and Vijay Devarakonda as the spirited warrior Arjuna, has reignited interest in mythological roles in Telugu cinema. Producer M S Raju, known for his blockbuster "Varsham" starring Prabhas, believes this trend signifies a resurgence of the genre.

"Prabhas embodies these mythological characters perfectly due to his stature and larger-than-life image," Raju asserts. He highlights Prabhas's previous portrayal of Lord Ram in "Adhipurush," proving his ability to convincingly embody divine figures. Raju credits director Nag Aswhin for skillfully blending mythology with science fiction in "Kalki 2898 AD," creating a unique and entertaining experience.

While acknowledging Vijay Devarakonda's impactful cameo as Arjuna, Raju believes that more actors could follow suit and explore these roles.

Telugu cinema has a rich history of mythological films, spanning over 60 years. Raju emphasizes that the industry has long been a pioneer in this genre, surpassing other film industries in its expertise.

He points to the legendary NTR, the undisputed king of mythological roles, who portrayed Lord Ram, Lord Krishna, Ravana, and Karna with unparalleled brilliance. Akkineni Nageswara Rao and Krishna also graced the silver screen with their own memorable mythological portrayals. Raju highlights the meticulous research and lavish production values that characterized these films, ensuring authenticity and captivating audiences.

The current generation of stars, including Nandamuri Balakrishna, Chiranjeevi, and Junior NTR, have also ventured into the mythological realm, further cementing the genre's popularity in Telugu cinema.

While acknowledging the demands of these roles, Raju remains optimistic about the future of mythological films. He believes that if presented with compelling stories, new-age stars will embrace the genre and captivate audiences with their interpretations of timeless characters.

With its long-standing tradition and renewed interest, Telugu cinema appears poised to continue its dominance in the realm of mythological storytelling.