He quit Tech Mahindra to follow cinema; debut film earned Rs 40 crore

Former Tech Mahindra network engineer Sai Marthand has emerged as one of Telugu cinema’s breakout directors after his debut film Little Hearts became a surprise box office success in 2025. In a resurfaced Instagram post, he humorously recalled watching films and filmmaker interviews during his work-from-home days before quitting in 2023 to pursue filmmaking. The film’s success earned him industry recognition, and he is now preparing his next project with actor Adivi Sesh.

By SANJAY SHARMA