The Next Generation: Trivikram and Ravi Teja’s Sons Join Prabhas’ ‘Spirit’ as Assistant Directors

In a truly remarkable turn of events that underscores the changing landscape of filmmaking in the Telugu industry, the sons of two of Tollywood’s biggest names—director Trivikram Srinivas and ‘Mass Maharaja’ Ravi Teja—have officially joined the crew of the highly anticipated pan-India project, Spirit, starring Prabhas.

The film, which is being helmed by the critically acclaimed and commercially successful director Sandeep Reddy Vanga, known for his intense and uncompromising narratives in blockbusters like Arjun Reddy and Animal, will see Rishie Manoj, the son of ‘Wizard of Words’ Trivikram Srinivas, and Mahadhan Bhupathiraju, the son of actor Ravi Teja, begin their cinematic journey behind the camera.

A Learning Ground for Star Scions

Both young men have reportedly been onboarded as Assistant Directors (ADs) for the mega-budget venture. This move provides a powerful launchpad for their careers, allowing them to gain firsthand experience in the demanding world of a top-tier film production, especially one directed by a visionary filmmaker like Sandeep Reddy Vanga.

The decision by these star sons to commence their journey in the technical department, rather than opting for a direct acting debut, has garnered significant appreciation from industry veterans and fans alike. It echoes a growing trend where the next generation of film families is choosing to learn the nuances of filmmaking from the ground up, valuing the craft and technical precision that goes into creating a cinematic spectacle.

Rishie Manoj, son of Trivikram, has previously shown an inclination toward direction and editing, having been involved in short films. Similarly, Mahadhan Bhupathiraju, though having appeared as a child artist in his father’s film Raja The Great, is now making his serious foray into the industry by embracing the directorial route—a path that interestingly mirrors his father Ravi Teja’s own initial steps as an AD decades ago.

The Anticipation Around Spirit

Spirit marks the first collaboration between Prabhas and Sandeep Reddy Vanga, and the project has generated immense hype since its announcement. Prabhas is set to play an intense IPS officer in the action-drama. The recent “sound-story” glimpse released by the makers has already set an intense tone for the film, confirming an ensemble cast that includes the likes of Triptii Dimri, Vivek Oberoi, Prakash Raj, and Kanchana.

With the film currently in its pre-production stage, the addition of Rishie Manoj and Mahadhan Bhupathiraju to the direction team not only adds a compelling human interest angle to the production but also solidifies the film’s position as a project bringing together talent from multiple generations of Telugu cinema. For the fans, this is an exciting sign of an ambitious project that is keenly investing in the future of the industry, fostering a fresh pool of technical talent under the guidance of one of the most sought-after directors today.