Venu Yeldandi

Venu Yeldandi is an Indian actor and director who works in Telugu cinema. He made his acting debut with Jai and directorial debut with Balagam (2023) for which he won the Filmfare Award for Best Director – Telugu.

Career He worked as a junior artist in many films for small roles as a comedian starting with Jai (2004). His first major role was in Munna (2007) as Tillu. He also was a part of the comedy television series Jabardasth.

In 2014, during filming of the series, Yelandi and his team were attacked by a group who were offended by the portrayal of their caste in the scenes being filmed. The police arrested Yeldandi and others involved. Both Venu and the community leaders lodged official complaints, each claiming the other party was at fault. Yelandi was charged under Section 509 (insulting the modesty of a woman) and 323 (causing hurt), while members of the community who attacked the group were charged under Section 341 (wrongful restraint).

He worked as a ghost writer for Rudhramadevi (2015) and Jai Lava Kusa (2017).

Yelandi's directorial debut was with his film Balagam.

Filmography As an actor + Year Title Role(s) Notes and 2004 Jai Jai's friend Jabardasth Dance master Jaffa Venu Bongula Shadow Drunkard Sukumarudu Drama troupe member Gurudu Romance 1000 Abaddalu Satya's friend Adda Attarintiki Daredi Sashi's kidnapper Madhumati 2014 Race Gurram Drunkard Billa Ranga Galata Maine Pyar Kiya Naveen's friend Ra Ra Krishnayya Alludu Seenu Lungi Baba's friend Maaya Bujji Boochamma Boochodu Dikkulu Choodaku Ramayya The End Watchman Lakshmi Raave Maa Intiki 2015 Beeruva Ranam 2 Tiger Tiger's friend Mantra 2 Mirchi Lanti Kurradu Kick 2 Bruce Lee: The Fighter Bruce Lee's friend Bhale Manchi Roju Eesu 2016 Soggade Chinni Nayana Sardaar Gabbar Singh Okka Ammayi Thappa Babu Bangaram 2017 Kittu Unnadu Jagratha Rechukka's henchman Lanka Moscow Nakshatram Lie Thief Mahanubhavudu Gulf Somulu Prematho Mee Karthik 2018 Raa Raa Brand Babu Diamond Babu's assistant Nannu Dochukunduvate Giri Anaganaga O Premakatha 2019 4 Letters Okate Life Vicky Seven Karthik's coworker Vajra Kavachadhara Govinda Rajdooth Donka 2020 Wife, I Varma's friend 2021 Drushyam 2 Auto driver 2022 Chor Bazaar 2023 Balagam Narsi Also director Ranga Maarthaanda Nireekshana Cheenu Only dubbed version released Bhola Shankar Shankar's friend 2024 Darling Baba

As director + Year Title Notes 2023 Balagam WonFilmfare Award for Best Director – Telugu 2026 Yellamma

As producer Bhagyanagara Veedhullo Gammattu (2019; co-producer)

Television