Hyderabad: Actor Pooja Hegde, a familiar and much-loved face in Telugu cinema, has addressed her recent absence from Tollywood, reassuring fans that she has not distanced herself from the industry and is, in fact, set to return with a new Telugu project.
Pooja Hegde, who enjoys popularity across Telugu, Tamil and Hindi film industries, has been away from Telugu cinema for a considerable period, prompting speculation among fans about her future in Tollywood. The actor, best known for films such as Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo, recently spoke about the reasons behind her break and clarified that her absence was not a conscious decision to step away.
Waiting for the right script
According to a report by 123Telugu, Pooja Hegde explained that her decision was driven purely by creative considerations. She said she never intended to stop working in Telugu films but chose to wait patiently for scripts that aligned with her expectations as an actor.
The actress emphasised that she values meaningful roles and strong storytelling, and did not want to sign projects merely to maintain visibility. This approach, she indicated, led to a natural gap between her Telugu releases rather than a deliberate withdrawal from the industry.
Her comments are likely to reassure fans who have been eagerly awaiting her return to Telugu cinema, especially given her successful track record in the industry prior to her break.
Shift to other film industries
Following her last Telugu release, Acharya, which failed to perform well at the box office, Pooja Hegde shifted her focus to other film industries. She has since been involved in several high-profile projects in Bollywood and Kollywood, expanding her presence beyond Telugu cinema.
Despite exploring opportunities elsewhere, Pooja maintained that her connection with Tollywood has remained intact. She acknowledged the love and support she continues to receive from Telugu audiences and reiterated that the industry holds a special place in her career.
New Telugu film confirmed
In a development that has excited her fan base, Pooja Hegde confirmed that she has signed a new Telugu film. While she refrained from revealing details about the project, including its cast or director, she assured fans that an official announcement would be made at the appropriate time.
Her confirmation has sparked anticipation, with fans eager to see what kind of role she will take on for her comeback. Given her selective approach to scripts, expectations are high that the upcoming Telugu project will mark a strong return for the actor.
Focus on upcoming Tamil release ‘Retro’
Currently, Pooja Hegde is busy promoting her upcoming Tamil film Retro, in which she stars opposite superstar Suriya. The film marks her first collaboration with both Suriya and director Karthik Subbaraj.
Retro is described as a romance-action film with gangster elements, while primarily being a love story at its core. The project has generated significant buzz, especially as it brings together a prominent director-actor combination for the first time.
The film also features a strong supporting cast, including Joju George, Jayaram and Karunakaran. In addition, actress Shriya Saran is set to appear in a special dance number, adding to the film’s commercial appeal.
Release plans and expectations
Retro is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on May 1, 2025. With promotions already underway, Pooja Hegde has been actively engaging with the media, where her comments about Telugu cinema have drawn considerable attention.
Industry observers note that her performance in Retro could play a key role in shaping her career trajectory across southern cinema in the coming years. The film’s blend of romance, action and emotional depth is expected to showcase her versatility as an actor.
Conclusion
Pooja Hegde’s clarification puts to rest rumours surrounding her absence from Tollywood. By confirming a new Telugu film while simultaneously promoting a major Tamil release, she has reaffirmed her commitment to balancing quality and reach across industries. For her Telugu fans, the promise of a return appears closer than ever, with expectations firmly riding on her next announcement.