Noted director Ashok Teja, who recently helmed the supernatural thriller Odela 2 starring Tamannaah, has urged Bollywood actress Janhvi Kapoor to focus on her promising career in Tollywood.

“She has some of the best offers with superstars like Jr NTR in Devara and Ram Charan In Peddi. She should stick to Tollywood to rise to the top,” says Teja.

During a recent event, Janhvi expressed her gratitude and excitement, even addressing the audience in Telugu. The actress said, “Nenu eeroju naa idols tho ee stage meeda unnanduku naku chala aanandam ga undi. Ee cinema lo bhagamayye avakasam dorikinanduku naa adrustham ga bhavisthunnani.” (“I’m very happy to be on this stage today with my idols. I feel it’s my good fortune to have gotten the opportunity to be part of this film.”)

She added, “Meeku baga nachuthundani anukuntunnanu. Ee cinema tho meeku oka unique oka different experience evvataniki chala hard work chesam.” (“I believe you’ll really like it. We’ve worked very hard to give you a unique and different experience with this movie.”)

Ashok Teja praised her dedication, noting, “She seems to be learning Telugu quite fast. Perhaps she has realized that her true potential lies in Telugu cinema — after all, her late mother, the legendary Sridevi, was the uncrowned queen of Tollywood from the 1970s to the 1990s. Her lineage will help her connect with Telugu audiences who always encourage genuine talent.”

The director also remarked that Janhvi’s Bollywood stint has been underwhelming so far. “Her last film, Parama Sundari, didn’t really set the box office on fire. She has done Hindi movies like Milli and Good Luck Jerry, but they didn’t meet commercial expectations,” he said.

With reports suggesting that Janhvi is earning around Rs 4 crore per film in Telugu, Teja believes her future lies firmly in the South. “Her charm and popularity in Tollywood are fresh. She’s being paid better than in Bollywood, working with big stars, and connecting well with audiences. If she continues here, she can reach the top much faster than others since only blockbusters decide rankings,” he concludes.