Kartikeya Gummakonda made a sensational breakthrough with Ajay Bhupathi’s RX 100 in 2018. The film became a major commercial success and turned him into one of Tollywood’s promising young leads almost overnight. However, the momentum soon faded, with Hippi, Guna 369 and 90ML failing to deliver the expected box-office impact in 2019. Gang Leader, where he played the antagonist opposite Nani, gave him a successful outing and showed his versatility, but it did not establish him as a consistent lead star.
A Career of Mixed Fortunes
Kartikeya subsequently delivered a string of films with mixed commercial results. Chaavu Kaburu Challaga and Raja Vikramarka failed to make a significant impact, while Bedurulanka 2012 emerged as a commercially successful outing. His appearance as the antagonist in Ajith’s Valimai also brought him visibility beyond Telugu cinema. His last release, Bhaje Vaayu Vegam (2024), featured him in the lead but did not revive his box-office fortunes.
Kartikeya Turns Director With COMEBACK
Now, Kartikeya Gummakonda is attempting a fresh start with COMEBACK, which marks his return as a lead actor after a two-year gap and his directorial debut. Produced by his wife Lohitha Reddy under Kartikeya Creative Works, the film also has Kartikeya handling the story and direction. The glimpse introduces him as a boxer who has been away from the sport for three years before attempting to return to the ring. Vijay Bulganin provides the music, Jagadeesh Cheekati handles cinematography and Kalyan Suryaprakash is the editor. With a boxing-based premise and Kartikeya taking charge both in front of and behind the camera, he now eyes a comeback with COMEBACK.