From Dhruv Vikram to Akash Puri and Shivani: Southern star kids are set to rule the roost in 2018

It has been just over a week since actor Vikram’s son Dhruv commenced shooting for his maiden film Varma, the Tamil remake of Arjun Reddy, which is being helmed by National Award-winning filmmaker Bala. Amidst the never-ending debate about nepotism and how Dhruv, thanks to his father’s stardom and popularity, was offered everything on a golden platter, it is worth mentioning that this year will witness the debuts of over half a dozen southern star scions who will slug it out in a highly crowded and competitive arena.

Dhruv Vikram in the first look of Varma. Twitter

Dhruv will be undoubtedly the most exciting debutant to watch out for this year. It is a big deal to be launched by Bala, who was instrumental in building Vikram’s career. Vikram, in a recent media interaction in Hyderabad, said that he was not planning to launch his son for at least two years. “We were just toying with the idea of launching Dhruv and felt that the process will take at least two years to find the right project. But when I saw Arjun Reddy, I was completely blown away and I felt it’d be the perfect project to launch pad Dhruv. I couldn’t think of anyone else but Bala sir to direct. When I requested him, he gladly accepted,” Vikram said, adding he fell in love with Arjun Reddy, a modern day take on love and suffering in its purest form. Dhruv would reprise Vijay Deverakonda’s role of an alcoholic medical surgeon.

Filmmaker Puri Jagannadh’s son Akash Puri, having already starred in minor roles as a teenager in dad’s films over the years, is being launched in a leading role in upcoming Telugu romantic drama Mehbooba, an intense love story set against the backdrop of the 1971 Indo-Pakistan war. Akash has completed shooting for the film. Over the last few weeks, pictures of Akash have been circulated on social media and the youngster looks fit and dashing.

In September 2017, Jagannadh shared a note about his son’s launch in an emotional post via Facebook. “After finishing Mehbooba script, I realised that I’m doing a highly intense and passionate love story for the first time ever which is completely out of repertoire of ideas." He further wrote that irrespective of the blood relation he shares with his son Akash Puri, "It’s his love towards cinema that’s making me do this film with him”. If the industry grapevine is anything to go by, Jagannadh is already planning another film with his son.

2018 will also mark the launch of debutante Shivani, daughter of actors Rajasekhar and Jeevitha. Shivan teams up with Adivi Sesh for the yet-untitled Telugu remake of 2 States, an adaptation of Chetan Bharat’s popular novel.

Speaking to Deccan Chronicle about her daughter’s launch, Jeevitha said, “Shivani was getting many offers from different languages. She is also pursuing medicine. We were just waiting for the right script and a good role. When this offer of a remake of 2 States came up from talented Venkat Reddy, I thought this is the right launch pad for her. The heroine plays a meaty and versatile character in it. Since the makers have bought the rights only for Telugu, this is to be made in Tollywood.”

Shivani, who will reprise Alia Bhatt’s role in the remake, will try glamorous as well as performance-oriented roles. “Everything is important. My only advice to her is that she should handle everything professionally.”

Upcoming Tamil film Kalaasal will mark the debut of Ramkeshav and Jovitha. While the former is the son of yesteryear popular southern actress Ambika, the latter is the daughter of popular Tamil character artist Livingston. The project went on the floors last week in Pazhani.

Actor Nandamuri Balakrishna’s son Mokashagna may also be launched this year. Last year, reports emerged that he might be launched by veteran filmmaker Singeetham Srinivasa Rao. However, there has been no development regarding that project since it made headlines.

Baahubali-fame Rana Daggubati’s brother Abhiram is also expected to make his acting debut this year. However, very little is known about his debut film as of now.