The year of 2024 has definitely been the year of Telugu Cinema. The legacy conquering and destroying the existing BO records started well off with Bahubali in 2015. With RRR (2022), Tollywood went global and the Telugu cinema also started performing bigger and better. The top 4 BO performers of 2024 in India, out of 5, are from Telugu Film Industry.
Pushpa 2, that came as an year-ender for Indian cinema became the highest grosser ever in the Indian market, with the producers claiming more than Rs. 1700 Crores of world wide gross. Bahubali 2, RRR and Kalki following the subsequent positions.
However, box office metrics alone are not the sole criteria to determine ‘what is good cinema’. Box office numbers fade into oblivion the moment another number hits it off with ever more margin that seems nearly-impossible–- only to be broken in the near-future. (Thanks to ticket price hikes as well.) So, let us have a look at the best cinemas of 2024 that will withstand the test of time.
- Sathyam Sundaram
Ironically, in this list of Telugu cinemas, Sathyam Sundaram is the only one that is not originally a Telugu movie. Sathyam Sundaram is the Telugu-dubbed version of Meiyazhagan. However, This movie deserves the top place for its ever feel-good experiences that are really worthy of categorising those feelings of gentle smirky laughs and emotional tears as once in a lifetime experiences.
Also Read: Sathyam Sundaram Review
- 35 Chinna Katha Kaadu
35 Chinna Katha Kaadu is a children’s film that is made for adults. After Aamir Khan’s Taare Zameen Par, there isn’t a film that has captured the curiosities of children as beautifully as 35 CKK. The film promotes the curious questioning nature of children and also the subtle feminist sub-plot that makes the homemaker/mother played by Nivetha Thomas be back in the track of education.
Also Read: 35 Chinna Katha Kaadu Review
- Kalki 2898 AD
Nag Ashwin’s most ambitious project, Kalki 2898 AD, is a visual cocktail of dystopia and mythology. With stalwarts like Amitabh Bachchan and Kamal Hassan alongside the ‘dinosaur’ Prabhas, Nag Ashwin took the audience into the world of awe and left us with an adrenaline filled climax in the battlefield area of Mahabharatha. It was one of the best moments in film history.
Also Read: Kalki 2898 AD Review
- Saripodha Sanivaram
Vivek Athreya’s foray into mass masala filled action films was successful to establish Vivek as the potential director of handling big action cinemas– the current trend of Telugu and Hindi cinema. Saripodha also improved Nani’s stature from boy-next-door to the mass hero– following the image established through Odela’s Dasara.
And, ofcourse! Wo can forget the thundering soundtracks of Jakes Bejoy!
- Pushpa 2: The Rule
The last-commer of 2024 became the first-runner of 2024, and hopefully the all time record holder very soon. Pushpa 2: The Rule’s success was not a surprise to anyone. It was designed to be a box office success. However, the surprising factor that shocked everyone was stunning performance from Allu Arjun. He proved once again that he really deserved the National Award.
Also Read: Pushpa 2 Review
- Gaami
After a very long haul of pre-production and filmmaking, Vidyadhar Katiga finally made it possible to deliver quality output through crowdfunding that is just a fractional budget compared to national biggies that are being produced right now. Gaami is an inspiring and aspirational cinema that fosters the culture of innovative ideas and also the crowdfunding techniques to make cinematic dreams possible.
Also Read: Gaami Review
- Tillu Square & Mathu Vadalara 2
These two films broke the stereotype of sequels always underperforming to create the magic of part one. Both films were well received and became successful at the box office as well. The one special thing about these films is that these were made after the meme sensation their first part did. So, these two had to face up the responsibility of manufacturing the cultural dialogue through memes post-release and they did it successfully. These two films became meme-fest post their release.
- Committee Kurrollu
Committee Kurrollu is the sleeper hit of 2024. Niharika Konidela’s debut as a feature film producer introducing the 11 new faces into the film industry was a risk. She took the risk and also delivered a fantastic feel good drama that also touches on the topic of caste and reservations– the often ignored and underlooked topic of Telugu cinema.
Also Read: Committee Kurrollu Review
- SWAG
Hasith Goli’s three generational fantasy world of Swaganika lineage is a deep and intelligent commentary about gender roles and gender identity. The brilliance of Hasith Goli is that he delivers the “messages” humor without being preachy even for a second. All that is covered under the humorous Sree Vishnu’s fantastic acting playing three roles including the saree-wearing transgender role as well. SWAG is a must watch for its intelligent wit and non-preachy messaging of relevant and much needed information.
Also Read: SWAG Review
- Lucky Bhaskar
Lucky Bhaskar is another flick that had its surprising reception unanimously among the audience. Venky Atluri’s comeback film mimicking the flavours of Hansal Mehta’s Scam 1992 is a rag-to-riches story of a middle class working man. Lucky Bhaskar’s success relies in its ability to make the audience root for the central character played by Dulquer Salmaan.
Also Read: Lucky bhaskar
Special Mentions:
Narudi Brathuku Natana directed by Rishikeshwar Yogi
Double Engine directed by Rohit Penumatsa
Pottel directed by Sahit Mothkuri
Peka Medalu directed by Neelagiri Mamilla
Thangalan directed by Pa Ranjith
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