A look at the actor whose one film made him a sensation across the South, yet the same stardom faded before he could hold on to it.
Updated: November 14, 2025 2:02 PM IST
There are some actors whose careers rise in a way no one expects, and Vineeth’s story is one such chapter from the South Indian film industry. In the mid-90s, when regional cinema was setting its own trends, this young actor created a frenzy that people still remember. One dubbed Tamil film changed his life overnight and placed him among the most talked-about names in the South. But just as quickly as the stardom arrived, it slipped from his hands.
Vineeth had already acted in a few Telugu films before 1996, but nothing prepared him for the wave that came with Prem Desam. The film, which was a Tamil production but dubbed and distributed widely, made him the sensation of the year. He played Karthik, a role he delivered in a very natural way, yet the impact was explosive. The youth connected with him instantly, and he woke up the next morning as a star who had suddenly become every girl’s crush.
How did Vineeth enter Telugu cinema?
Before this massive breakthrough, Vineeth had stepped into Tollywood back in 1993 with Sarigamalu, directed by Kranti Madhav. The film gave him visibility, but not the kind of craze that Prem Desam would bring later. After his debut, he appeared in films like Evandi Pelli Chesukondi and Aaro Pranam. But it was Rukmini, directed by Raviraja Pinisetty, that truly helped him establish himself in Telugu cinema. The film gave him recognition and placed him among promising young actors to watch.
Why couldn’t he sustain his early stardom?
Despite a long list of films such as Prem Pallaki, Priyuralu, Paadutha Theeyaga and Wife of Vvaraprasad, the charm of Prem Desam never repeated. Audiences loved him, but the films didn’t work. As back-to-back releases failed at the box office, the offers for lead roles slowly started drying up. The industry, as always, moved on to its next star.
This led Vineeth towards supporting characters. He played the younger brother in Rajasekhar’s Ma Annayya, the best friend of Ravi Teja in Ammayi Kosam, and appeared as Srinivas Naidu in Lahiri Lahiri Lahirilo. He adapted, evolved and kept working, even if the limelight had shifted.
Did he ever give another hit?
Yes. Vineeth made a brief comeback with Nee Premakai, which turned out to be a success. Directed by Muppalaneni Shiva and released during Sankranti, the film also starred Laya. After that, his last noted Telugu appearance was in Nithiin’s Rang De, where he played the elder brother. Outside the Telugu cinema, he continued acting actively in Malayalam and Tamil films.
Where is Vineeth now?
Not many know that Vineeth is also a celebrated dubbing artist and has even won awards for his work in Malayalam. Today, he lives a quiet life in Kerala, far from the early chaos of stardom. His appearance has changed over the years, and the once-famous heartthrob is now looking completely different, prompting many fans to search online to know what he is up to.
Highlights:
• Vineeth became an overnight star after Prem Desam
• Later moved to supporting roles due to repeated flops
• Now lives in Kerala and works as an acclaimed dubbing artist
