Telugu cinema, the second largest film industry in India, has a rich history spanning over a century. With thousands of movies released since its inception, it’s a daunting task to select the absolute best. However, there are certain timeless Telugu films that have stood the test of time and deserve recognition. Here is a curated list of some of the finest Telugu movies that have left a lasting impact on audiences and are widely regarded as classics.
Mayabazaar (1957)
Mayabazaar is a classic mythological movie that holds a significant place in Indian cinema history. It is renowned for its technical excellence, screenplay, story, and performances. The plot revolves around Lord Krishna using his tactful skills to help Abhimanyu, son of Arjuna, marry his love interest Sasirekha, daughter of Balarama. The movie captures the charm of Lord Krishna, the love between Abhimanyu and Sasirekha, and the fun created by characters like Lakshmana Kumara, Ghatothkach, and their followers. It is a film that captures the essence of epics and has captivated audiences with its engaging narrative.
Gundamma katha (1962)
Gundamma Katha is a multi-starrer movie featuring legendary actors like Sr. NTR, Akkineni Nageswara Rao, Savitri, Jamuna, and others. This film is infamous for its compelling story, screenplay, and editing. It revolves around the character Gundamma, an arrogant rich widow played by the legendary actress Suryakantham. The movie is a power-packed blend of entertainment, acting prowess, and strong direction. It is known to keep viewers engaged and entertained throughout, making it a memorable cinematic experience.
Aha naa pellanta (1987)
Aha Naa Pellanta is a simple yet highly enjoyable movie known for its comedic elements. It has gained a special place as one of the all-time favorite movies for many people. The film revolves around a rich man’s attempts to impress his future father-in-law, Lakshmipathi, who is notoriously stingy. The movie hilariously portrays the rich man’s innovative techniques to avoid spending money. The interactions between Lakshmipathi and his servant, played by Brahmanandam, add to the humor and entertainment value of the film.
Aditya 369 (1991)
Aditya 369 is a sci-fi movie from the 20th century that mesmerized audiences with its technical qualities and intriguing plot. The story follows a couple who accidentally end up in a time machine located in the girl’s father’s laboratory. They travel back in time to the era of King Krishnadevaraya, the ruler of the Vijayanagara kingdom. The movie takes an exciting twist when they face challenges while trying to return to the present. Aditya 369 is known for its creative storyline, technical brilliance, and the suspense it creates through time travel.
Athadu (2005)
Athadu is a renowned movie recognized for its powerful and gripping dialogues. The film revolves around a professional assassin who becomes falsely accused of murdering a political leader. The movie keeps the audience engaged with its intense storyline. The word “intensity” aptly describes the overall experience of watching this film, which showcases the protagonist facing the consequences of the false accusation. Athadu is known for its compelling performances and captivating narrative.
Magadheera (2009)
Directed by S.S. Rajamouli, Magadheera is an epic romantic-fantasy film that combines elements of action, drama, and reincarnation. The story revolves around Harsha, a brave warrior, and his connection with Indu, a woman from his past life. Magadheera is known for its grand production values, stunning visual effects, and Rajamouli’s imaginative storytelling.
Vedam (2010)
Vedam is a low-budget drama film featuring high-profile actors. The plot revolves around five main characters: a rockstar who is the son of a soldier, a cable man in need of money, an old man trying to educate his grandchild, a prostitute striving for a respectable life, and a Muslim man facing unfair situations. The movie brings these characters together in an extreme situation, highlighting societal issues in a raw and realistic manner. Vedam sheds light on various aspects of society and features strong performances from its ensemble cast.
Eega (2010)
Eega stands out among movies with the concept of reincarnation. After the villain kills the hero out of jealousy, the hero is reborn as a fly. The movie creatively depicts how a tiny fly can wreak havoc on a human being. With high-quality visual effects (VFX) and skilled direction, Eega garnered international acclaim and secured a prime position in the global market. The film showcases artistic storytelling and showcases the potential of Indian cinema in terms of technical prowess and creativity.
Malli malli idi rani roju (2015)
Malli Malli Idi Rani Roju is a beautiful celebration of pure love between two souls. The movie delves into the depth of true love and portrays it in a heartfelt manner. It is best described as a film that should be experienced firsthand. The dialogues, narration, and music contribute to the film’s strong points, creating an emotional and immersive experience for the audience.
Baahubali: The Beginning (2015) and Baahubali: The Conclusion (2017)
Baahubali is a franchise that needs no introduction, not just in India but also internationally. It became the first Indian franchise to gross over billions of rupees. The Baahubali movies are known for their grandeur, technical finesse, strong supporting roles, visually stunning cinematography, and exceptional direction. The franchise has left an indelible mark in the history of Indian cinema, captivating audiences with its epic storytelling, breathtaking visuals, and larger-than-life characters.
Arjun Reddy (2017)
Arjun Reddy is a bold and intense A-certified movie that has garnered widespread support from a large number of people. It revolves around the love story of Arjun Reddy, a successful and rebellious MBBS student. The movie is known for its impactful background music, straightforward dialogues, and Vijay Devarakonda’s intense and powerful portrayal of the titular character. Arjun Reddy has garnered a cult following and has become a notable film in its category.
Rangasthalam (2018)
Directed by Sukumar, Rangasthalam is a period drama set in the 1980s rural backdrop of Andhra Pradesh. The film stars Ram Charan and Samantha Akkineni in lead roles and tells the story of Chitti Babu, a hearing-impaired man who becomes involved in a political conflict in his village. Rangasthalam received widespread acclaim for its authentic portrayal of village life, strong performances, and impactful storytelling. The film’s rustic charm, compelling characters, and Sukumar’s direction made it a box office success and a favorite among audiences.
C/o Kancharapalem (2018)
Directed by Venkatesh Maha, C/o Kancharapalem is an anthology film that weaves together multiple love stories set in the town of Kancharapalem. The film is known for its realistic portrayal of ordinary people and their relationships. C/o Kancharapalem explores themes of love, caste, and societal norms through its diverse characters and their intersecting lives. The film gained critical acclaim for its natural performances, sensitive storytelling, and its ability to capture the essence of a small town.
Jersey (2019)
Directed by Gowtam Tinnanuri, Jersey is a critically acclaimed sports drama that stars Nani in the lead role. The film follows the story of Arjun, a talented cricketer who struggles with personal setbacks but decides to make a comeback in his late thirties. Jersey beautifully captures the themes of determination, love, and the pursuit of dreams. Nani’s nuanced performance, coupled with Tinnanuri’s sensitive direction, make Jersey a compelling and emotionally resonant film.
Pushpa (2021)
Directed by Sukumar, Pushpa is a highly anticipated action thriller starring Allu Arjun and Rashmika Mandanna. The film revolves around the story of Pushpa Raj, a rugged and intense red sandalwood smuggler. Set against the backdrop of the Seshachalam forest, Pushpa promises a gripping narrative filled with action, suspense, and emotional depth. With Sukumar’s unique storytelling style and Allu Arjun’s charismatic performance, Pushpa has garnered significant attention and is eagerly awaited by fans.
Sita Ramam (2022)
Directed by Teja, Sita Ramam is a romantic drama that follows the journey of Sita and Ram, two individuals with contrasting personalities and backgrounds. The film explores the complexities of their relationship and delves into themes of love, destiny, and self-discovery. Sita Ramam showcases Teja’s directorial prowess and features engaging performances from the lead actors, capturing the emotional highs and lows of their characters’ journey.
RRR (2022)
Directed by S.S. Rajamouli, RRR is a highly anticipated action-drama set in the 1920s. The film features a star-studded cast including N.T. Rama Rao Jr., Ram Charan, Alia Bhatt, and Ajay Devgn. RRR showcases a fictional story revolving around two freedom fighters, Alluri Sitarama Raju and Komaram Bheem, and their struggle against the British Raj and the Nizam of Hyderabad. Known for its grandeur, high-octane action sequences, and Rajamouli’s visionary storytelling, RRR has generated immense excitement among audiences.
These movies showcase the diverse range of genres, themes, and storytelling styles in Telugu cinema. Each film has its own unique qualities, whether it’s technical excellence, powerful performances, engaging narratives, or impactful social commentary. Telugu cinema has produced numerous memorable movies over the years, and these films stand out as shining examples of the industry’s creativity and talent.