In 2024, Telugu cinema delivered two blockbusters — Kalki 2898 AD and Flower 2: Rules –Which crossed the 1000 crore mark at the box office. A few surprises came in the form of small and medium budget films that gave the audience and the industry reason to cheer. Despite this, it was a mediocre year for Telugu cinema. Several new releases in several weeks failed to generate footfalls in theatres. About 250 Telugu films were released in theatres, of which only 15 to 20 were box office successes.
the older ones
After director Nag Ashwin, stories from Mahabharata became a talking point Kalki 2898 AD was released. The sequel is expected to shed more light on the emancipated world of Supreme Yaskin (Kamal Haasan), Ashwatthama (Amitabh Bachchan), Karna (Prabhas) and Kalki.
Director Sukumar Flower 2: Rules Capitalizing on the popularity of the first film, Pushpa: The RiseFor which Allu Arjun won the National Award for Best Actor. The sequel was intended for a large cinema-loving audience and ended with a sudden announcement. Pushpa 3: The Rampage.
Guntur KaramDirector Trivikram Srinivas and Mahesh Babu’s collaboration after a decade KhalejaIt received mixed reviews for its lackluster screenplay.
The surprise winner of Sankranti 2024 was director Prashant Verma Hanuman. The story of an underdog who gets superpowers from Lord Hanuman made for an entertaining film. In an era of marketing hype and inflated ticket prices at the box office, Hanuman It was remembered that if a film wins the hearts of the audience, it will gain widespread acceptance.
Director Koratala Siva and Jr. NTR Deora – their second collaboration later Janata Garage – Tried to capture the nationwide box office after the growing popularity of the actor-RRR. The overstretched action drama ended with the announcement of a sequel.
Gradual exhaustion
in the post-Bahubali era, as many big-budget films compete for their share of the big box office pies, there has been an increase in larger-than-life narratives that include meticulous world-building, myriad characters and well-designed subplots with a range of franchises. Post-release posters may boast of several hundred crore box office collections, but it is undeniable that audiences are getting tired of sequels.
Movies worth recommending
35: Chinna Katha Kadu, Hanu-man, Saripodha Sanivaram, Lucky Baskar, KA, Gami, Mathu Wadalara 2, Tillu Square, Kalki 2898 AD, Pushpa 2: Reg.
web series
Paruvu, Vrinda, 90s: A Middle Class Biopic.
Fun sequels
Sidhu Jonnalagadda in ‘Tillu Square’
Two sequels to the comedy were hits Tillu Square and Mathu Wadalara 2. of actor-writer Sidhu Jonnalagadda Tillu SquareDirected by Mallik Ram, the first film cleverly tapped into the familiarity of the audience. The collective cheers in the hall ensured that Tillu was no longer a one-time wonder. A comic thriller directed by Ritesh Rana Mathu Wadalara 2 Incomparable Truth helped a lot by providing some of the funniest lines of the year. As he says, ‘Don’t book a judge by its cover!’
Summer problems
In the pre-pandemic years, summer holidays were synonymous with star-studded releases that could draw audiences to theaters in large numbers. In contrast, summer 2024 became almost empty. The absence of films starring A-listers could serve as an opportunity for small- and medium-budget films, but most summer releases only generated interest. IPL cricket matches and elections were cited as reasons for some postponements. Many single screen theaters in Telangana were shut down for a fortnight due to dwindling demand.
New order
Nivetha Thomas and Vishwadev in ’35: Chinna Katha Kaadu’
The debut filmmakers left a mark with compelling story lines. A family drama by Nand Kishore Imani 35: Chinna Katha KaduAn ancient story of the friendship of the Yadu dynasty Committee Kurrolu Sujith and Sandeep’s thriller drama, which touches on the caste system KA and Vidyadhar Kagita’s soul searching journey Gami Some examples are. Dushyant Katikaneni Ambajipeta Wedding Bandof Anji Maniputra ohAjay Nag’s the beginningThe Nilagiri Affair Peka Medlu and of Anurag Palutla Veeranjaneyulu Vihar Yatra Also worth mentioning.
genre game
Dulquer Salmaan in ‘Lucky Baskar’
Director Venky Atluri Lucky Baskar and of God Karthik Zebra Presenting financial thrillers, a less explored domain. The former gave Dulquer his third consecutive blockbuster in Telugu while the latter gave Satyadev a reason to be happy.
Action entertainers dominated the stories in big movies. Director Vivek Atreya Saripodha SanivaramStarring Nani and SJ Suriya, shunned the clichés associated with the genre and delivered exciting moments portrayed by smart writing. Rage prevailed as a mood rather than violence.
Romantic comedies were conspicuous by their absence.
Nani in ‘Saripodha Sanivaram’
Nostalgic settings
Like many of this year’s hits Committee Kurrolu, KA and Lucky Baskar The 1980s and 90s opted for a nostalgic setting. Working in favor of these films, Gangs of GodavariMr Bachchan and Matka Failed to make an impression.
Gender sensitivity
Sri Vishnu in ‘Swag’
Actor Sri Vishnu and writer-director Hasit Goli deserve a pat on their backs for their sensitive portrayal of a transgender character. SwagSatirical commentary on patriarchal and matriarchal societies.
In director Sriharsh Konuganti’s horror comedy film Om Bhim Bush Also starring Sri Vishnu, a surprise came in the form of a sensitive romance featuring a transgender actor, played by dancer Manish Kumar.
Women’s perspective
Rashmika Mandanna’s Pushpa 2: As Srivalli in ‘The Rule’ Photo credit: special arrangement
Movie starring Kajal Aggarwal Satyabhama and Yevam Chandini Chaudhary starrer movie had a story of a lady cop but both failed to utilize their full potential.
A web series directed by Surya Manoj Wangla BrindaHeadlined by a poised and effective Trisha, Tout was a psychological thriller in which a female police officer battles demons from her past and solves a shocking crime.
in 35: Chinna Katha KaduNivetha Thomas excels in portraying a housewife who directs her young son to pass exams, an act that warrants him to rise above his limitations.
Rashmika Mandanna as Srivalli Flower 2: Rules She asserted herself in the male-dominated story of a smuggling syndicate. Her monologue during the Gangamma Jatara sequence proves that she can take on writer-endorsed characters.
In Anjali Gangs of Godavari and web series exclusion Also in Priyamani Bhama Kalapam 2 Holding their own, letting their experience shine through.
published – December 25, 2024 at 12:19 pm IST