Why Star Labels Are Outdated: Nani Sparks a Conversation Tollywood Needs

In a world where actors are too often slotted into invisible boxes marked “Tier-1,” “Tier-2,” and beyond, Telugu actor Natural Star Nani is calling out the absurdity of it all. At a recent event, Nani made a sharp, honest remark that felt like a breath of fresh air in a highly hierarchical film industry.
“I don’t know where it all began. But we should really stop using these categories. Don’t divide actors into compartments,” he said, clearly frustrated with how performers are ranked like products on a shelf.
For context, Nani is frequently labeled a Tier-2 actor—a tag that, while never officially assigned, floats around media and fan circles with unsettling ease. But his comments aren’t just about him—they’re about an industry-wide mentality.
Not Just Tollywood — This Is a Global Problem
Before we assume this is a Tollywood-exclusive issue, let’s zoom out. The Hollywood machine has long operated with labels like “A-lister”, “B-lister”, and so on—ranking talent based on market value, fan pull, and media presence. A-list stars like Leonardo DiCaprio are treated as brand names, while hundreds of brilliant performers remain in the shadows, not for lack of talent, but for lack of labels.
These categories may help producers crunch numbers or plan box office projections—but when it becomes the defining lens through which actors are judged, we’re losing sight of what really matters: craft, passion, and storytelling.
A Shift in Narrative, One Voice at a Time
Nani’s bold statement couldn’t have come at a better time. As Tollywood gears up for summer releases, conversations about fair credit and artist visibility are crucial. And Nani is walking the talk.
His upcoming film, HIT 3, directed by Dr. Sailesh Kolanu, hits the big screens on May 1st. Unlike the typical “whodunit” thriller format, this one’s a “howdunit”, diving into the method behind the madness. With music by the ever-talented Mickey J Meyer and Srinidhi Shetty playing the female lead, the film is already generating buzz—not because of a tier label, but because of content-driven curiosity.
Time to Reframe Success in Cinema
Labels are limiting. They shrink an actor’s journey into a single-word category, ignoring the grind, the growth, and the risks taken along the way. What if we moved beyond Tier-1 and Tier-2? What if we judged performances based on authenticity, range, and the ability to connect with audiences—not by who headlines the biggest commercial deal?
If more voices like Nani’s join the conversation, maybe the film industry can truly evolve—from star hierarchy to story-centric recognition.