Sudhakar Cherukuri

Sudhakar Cherukuri is an Indian film producer who works in Telugu cinema. He is the founder of Sri Lakshmi Venkateswara Cinemas (also referred to as SLV Cinemas), a major film production house in the Telugu film industry.

Cherukuri started his film career producing the 2018 Telugu-language film Padi Padi Leche Manasu. His filmography as producer includes Aadavallu Meeku Johaarlu (2022), Virata Parvam (2022), Ramarao on Duty (2022), Dasara (2023), Rangabali (2023), and Bhartha Mahasayulaku Wignyapthi (2026).

Early life and background

Cherukuri was born in Hyderabad, Telangana, India. He comes from an agricultural background, with his father working as a farmer, and spent his early years in a village. He grew up in a large joint family environment, which he has described as vibrant and influential in shaping his perspectives. From first grade, he spent much of his life in hostels for education, including time studying in Davanagere (near Ballari on the Andhra Pradesh-Karnataka border). His interest in Telugu cinema developed during his teenage years, particularly around tenth grade and intermediate education, when he and friends would travel long distances to watch films featuring stars like Chiranjeevi, Venkatesh, and Balakrishna.

He lived in the United States from 1998 to 2006, where he ran an IT company. He returned to India in 2006, motivated by his longstanding passion for cinema and insights from friends in the film industry.

Career

Cherukuri made his debut as a producer with the 2018 Telugu-language romantic drama film Padi Padi Leche Manasu directed by Hanu Raghavapudi. He then produced Aadavallu Meeku Johaarlu (2022) by Kishore Tirumala. Later he produced a period film Virata Parvam (2022) by Venu Udugula. His last production in the same year was Ramarao on Duty starring Ravi Teja and directed by Sarath Mandava. In 2023, he produced Dasara starring Nani and directed by Srikanth Odela. The film was a commercial success at the box office. Later he produced Rangabali (2023), directed by Pawan Basamsetti. In 2026, he produced Bhartha Mahasayulaku Wignyapthi with his second collaboration with Teja and Tirumala.

His next production is The Paradise marking the second collaboration with Nani and Odela. Then he will collaborate with Dulquer Salmaan and Pooja Hegde for an untitled romantic film directed by Ravi Nelakuditi. The film marks SLV Cinemas production house's milestone 10th venture. Additionally he will produce Chiranjeevi's next film directed by Odela. His upcoming productions include KJQ by Kiran Kumar, Simba by Prasanth Varma and VS13 by Sreedhar Ganta.

Filmography

Awards and nominations