In 2024, Telugu cinema delivered two blockbuster films – Kalki 2898 AD And Pushpa 2: Rules ,Which crossed the 1000 crore mark at the box office, A few surprises emerged in the form of small and medium budget films that gave the audience and the industry reason to cheer. Despite this, it was a moderate year for Telugu cinema. Many new releases failed to garner footfalls in theaters over several weeks. Around 250 Telugu films were released in theatres, of which only 15 to 20 were successful at the box office.
veteran
After director Nag Ashwin, stories of Mahabharata became a topic of discussion. Kalki 2898 AD Was released. Hopefully the sequel will shed more light on the world of Supreme Yaskin (Kamal Haasan), Ashwatthama (Amitabh Bachchan), the liberation of Karna (Prabhas) and of course the birth of Kalki.
Director Sukumar’s Pushpa 2: Rules Took advantage of the popularity of the first film, Pushpa: RiseFor which Allu Arjun received the National Award for Best Actor. The sequel was largely intended for a cinema-loving audience and ended abruptly with its announcement. Pushpa 3: The Rampage,
Guntur KaramDirectors Trivikram Srinivas and Mahesh Babu collaborate after a decade Khaleejareceived mixed reviews for its indifferent screenplay.
The surprise winner of Sankranti 2024 was director Prashant Verma Hanu-ManaThe story of a Dalit man who receives superpowers from Lord Hanuman in an entertaining film. In an era of marketing hype and inflated ticket prices impacting the box office, Hanu-Mana It was a reminder that if a film appeals to audiences, it will receive widespread acceptance.
Director Koratala Siva and Jr NTR brother-in-law – Their second collaboration after Janata Garage – Following the rising popularity of the actor, it tried to capture the nationwide box office-RRRThe extreme action drama ended with the announcement of the sequel.
sequel fatigue
In the post-bahubali In this era, as more big-budget films compete for a share of the big box office, there is a rise in larger-than-life stories, with meticulous world-building, multiple characters, and design with the scope of a franchise. Contains carried out subplots. The post-release posters may be claiming a box office collection of several hundred crores, but it cannot be denied that the audience is getting tired of sequels.
movies worth recommending
35: Chinna Katha Kaadu, Hanu-Mana, Saripodha Sanivaram, Lucky Baskhar, KA, Gami, Mathu Vadalara 2, Tillu Square, Kalki 2898 AD, Pushpa 2: The Rule.
web series
Paruvu, Brinda, The 90s: A Middle-Class Biopic.
fun sequel
Sidhu Jonnalagadda in ‘Tillu Square’
The two sequels that were huge hits were comedies Tillu Square And Mathu Wadalara 2Actor-writer Siddu Jonnalagadda’s Tillu SquareDirected by Mallik Ram, the audience’s familiarity with the first film was cleverly capitalised. The collective enthusiasm in the hall ensured that Tillu was not a one-time wonder. Director Ritesh Rana’s comic thriller Mathu Wadalara 2 What helped me a lot this year was some of the funniest lines delivered by the incomparable Satya. As he says, ‘Don’t book a judge by his cover!’
summer troubles
In the years before the pandemic, summer holidays were synonymous with star-studded releases that could draw large numbers of audiences to theatres. In contrast, the summer of 2024 was almost zero. The absence of films starring A-listers could have served as an opportunity for small and medium budget films, but most summer releases barely generated interest. IPL cricket matches and elections were cited as reasons for some postponements. Several single screen theaters in Telangana remained closed for a fortnight citing declining footfall.
the new order
Nivetha Thomas and Vishwadev in ’35: Chinna Katha Kaadu’
The debut filmmakers left their mark with a compelling story. Nand Kishore Imani’s family drama 35: Chinna Katha KaaduOld story of friendship of Yadu Vamsi Committee Kurolu Which touched upon the caste system, Sujeet and Sandeep’s thriller drama K.A And the self-discovery journey of Vidyadhar Kagita Gami There are some examples. Dushyant Katikaneni’s Ambajipeta Marriage BandAnji Maniputra AAY,Ajay Nag’s Aarambhamof Nilagiri case peka medlu And Anurag Palutala’s Veeranjaneyulu Vihar Trip This also deserves mention.
style game
Dulquer Salmaan in ‘Lucky Baskar’
Director Venky Atluri Lucky Baskhar And God of Karthik zebra Presents the financial thriller, an under-explored domain. The former gave Dulquer his third consecutive blockbuster in Telugu, while the latter gave Satyadev reason to rejoice.
In big films, action entertainers dominated the plot. Director Vivek Athreya Saripodha SanivaramStarring Nani and SJ Surya, it moved away from the clichés associated with the genre and presented energizing moments, which were portrayed by smart writing. Instead of bloody violence, anger became pervasive as a mood.
Romantic comedies were conspicuous by their absence.
Nani in ‘Saripodha Sanivaram’
nostalgic setting
Many hit films of this year like Committee Kurolu, K.A. And Lucky Baskhar Chose a nostalgic setting of the 1980s and 90s. Although this worked in favor of these films, Gangs of Godavarimr bachchan And pot Failed to make an impact.
gender sensitivity
Shri Vishnu in Swag
Actor Sri Vishnu and writer-director Hasith Goli deserve a pat on the back for their sensitive portrayal of a transgender character. lootA satirical commentary on patriarchal and matriarchal society.
In director Sri Harsha Konuganti’s horror comedy Om Bhim Bush Which also starred Sri Vishnu, a surprise came in the form of a sensitive romance featuring a transgender artiste, played by dancer Manish Kumar.
female perspective
Rashmika Mandanna as Srivalli in ‘Pushpa 2: The Rule’ Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Kajal Aggarwal Starrer Satyabhama And yevam The film starring Chandini Choudhary had stories about a female policewoman but both of them did not utilize their full potential.
Web series of director Surya Manoj Wangla VrindaDirected by the restrained and effective Trisha, the film was an intense psychological thriller in which a female police officer battles the demons of her past and solves an intriguing crime.
In 35: Chinna Katha KaaduNivetha Thomas excelled in playing the role of a housewife who guides her young son in passing his exams, a task that assures him of rising above his limitations.
Rashmika Mandanna as Srivalli Pushpa 2: Rules Inserted herself into the male-dominated story of the smuggling syndicate. Her monologue during the Gangamma Jatara sequence proves that she can play author-backed characters.
in Anjali Gangs of Godavari and web series exclusion Also included is Priyamani Bhama Kalapam 2 Brace yourself, let your experience shine.
published – December 25, 2024 12:19 PM IST
