Best of 2024: Favorite Telugu Films
January 2, 2025
by Inakshi Chandra-Mohanty
1. Saripodhaa Sanivaaram
It’s interesting that in a year with some of the most unique films emerging from the Telugu industry, my number one film is a typical commercial action thriller. Maybe it’s the comfort of watching the usual heroics, simple romance, and good vs. evil themes, or maybe it’s to see Nani in a once in a while action role far removed from his chocolate boy, rom-com characters. Either way, Saripodhaa Sanivaaram, is by far the most entertaining Telugu film of the year. The story is about Surya, a man who resolves to fight and unleash his anger only one day of the week, leading to many hilarious encounters until he faces an evil nemesis that threatens those closest to him.
Like every other masala entertainer, it’s a blend of all genres. There is comedy in Surya’s unique fighting schedule. There is a crackling romance rehashing Priyanka Mohan and Nani’s chemistry from their previous venture, Gang Leader. There is suspense in the secrets and long-lost friendship. There is an energetic hero-villain enmity, boosted by S.J. Suryah’s psychopathic performance. And there are well-choreographed action sequences that keep our excitement alive through the end of the film. No other Indian film industry makes commercial action entertainers like the Telugu industry and Saripodhaa Sanivaaram proves it!
2. 35 Chinna Katha Kaadu
At the surface level, 35 Chinna Katha Kaadu, is the simple story of a boy who struggles to understand mathematics and a mother who is hell-bent on proving her child is not a failure. But, on a deeper level, it takes a look at the flaws in the Indian education system, one that values rote memorization over intellectual learning. Arun is an inquisitive child whose curiosity is stifled by traditional education. He is punished and ridiculed for asking questions rather than appreciated and supported. His peers, his teachers, and even his own father, don’t take him seriously. But his mother, Saraswati, a school dropout herself, takes up the mission of teaching him the concepts that baffle him using creative techniques. Their journey to escape an outdated learning culture forms the basis of this film.
The narrative prioritizes dramatic emotions, pulling at our heartstrings with the endearing mother-son bond, and emphasizing the sheer resilience of a mother to prove her son’s worth, while at the same time discovering her own. It’s as much a tale about the inquisitive childhood spirit as it is about the pertinence of respect. 35 Chinna Katha Kaadu is a sweet, wholesome, and uplifting expedition towards success.
3. Hanu-Man
In an industry known for its commercial action flicks, where even a common man can perform feats equivalent to the acts of a hero, making a good superhero film is extremely difficult. What is the need for a character with superpowers, when the typical Telegu action star with his superstrength and appealing style is already equivalent to a superhero? Writer-director Prasanth Varma dashes these myths with Hanu-Man, a film that not only presents a legitimate superhero but also delivers a cheeky commentary on the presence of larger than life protagonists in conventional Telugu cinema.
Inspired by Indian mythology and set in the fictional town of Anjanadri, this film is about a petty thief, Hanumantha, who stumbles upon an object that gives him the powers of Lord Hanuman, which he uses to protect his town from evil forces. Though the story follows the basic arc of a hero origin story with little innovation and blatant predictability, it must be admired for the way Indian traditions blend into the character and plot development supported by brilliant cinematography and visual effects. It is thoroughly unique from foreign “superhero/vigilante” content, emphasizing emotional depth and our rich culture. It is also worth noting that it is a first of its kind in this industry and the humongous success has opened doors for more content of a similar style.
4. Mathu Vadalara 2
In the last two decades, with films like Aithe, Anukokunda Oka Roju, Swamy Ra Ra, Karthikeya, Brochevarevarura, etc., Telugu cinema has seen a new age of indie action escapade content supported by experimental filmmakers. In 2018, one such talented debutante filmmaker, Ritesh Rana, contributed to this genre with the comedy caper Mathu Vadalara, introducing his ability to weave an unconventional, quirky narrative comprised of slick editing, surprising twists, and a plethora of red herrings. With Mathu Vadalara 2, he expands on the universe. In this entertaining sequel, the comical duo, Babu and Yesu, return upgraded from delivery boys to secret agents, but find themselves no more the wiser as they are once again caught in the middle of a conspiracy.
Unlike its predecessor, this film’s story and plot twists are not as exciting. But the fast-paced action, hilarious dialogues, crisp editing, and emotional connection developed with the characters, keep the energy alive. From the absurd scenarios these boys land in, to the constant parallels with a never-ending soap opera, Mathu Vadalara 2 can only be described as wild ridiculous madness.
5. Tillu Square
Twice the comedy, twice the adventure, twice the plot twists, and twice the seduction. Tillu Square, sequel to the wildly entertaining DJ Tillu, is twice the entertainment. A year after Tillu’s affair with Radhika involved him in a twisted crime-murder scenario, he again falls for an extremely attractive woman, Lilly, landing him in the midst of an even bigger scandal with connections to his past. This time, the magnitude is greater. It’s no longer a simple, local case, it’s now a matter of national security. It’s no longer small-time thugs and blackmailers making his life difficult, it is now agents and international criminals thrusting him into hell.
Like the prequel, this film has two main strengths: Tillu’s eccentric personality amped by his punchy one-liners, and the strong, sexy femme fatale that takes him for an unforgettable spin. The first is a product of Siddhu Jonnalagadda’s laidback performance and top-notch dialogue writing. The second is a combination of Anupama Parameswaran stepping miles outside her comfort zone in a never before seen avatar and the comic flair to her actions that makes even a disloyal character like Lilly, enjoyable to watch on screen. While the twists and turns are exciting, the film is not story heavy, and it is these character elements that give this otherwise typical comedy caper a unique flair.
6. Lucky Baskhar
Set in the midst of the 1992 Indian stock market scam, Lucky Baskhar faces the unusual predicament of succeeding the superhit series Scam 1992. After witnessing a detailed explanation on market manipulation by Harshad Mehta in the series, Baskhar’s frauds in the film seem oversimplified and juvenile. Hence, writer-director, Venky Atluri, chooses to not spend too much time on the plot. Instead, he focuses on the aspects of the film that would appeal to the emotions within the audience: character development, performances, and world building.
With immaculate production design, the film recreates 1990s Bombay, the city of dreams, and in that introduces Baskhar, a middle-class man struggling to make ends meet. His aspirations don’t extend beyond providing for his family and gaining minimum respect. But his inability to do so on his little salary as a bank cashier, pushes him into the illegal world of money laundering. This character is a representation of the common man, appealing to all those who struggle for basic comfort. Moments such as Baskhar’s son being forced to give away his toy due to their inability to afford a new gift, or Baskhar’s humiliation on being accosted by debtors, emotionally capture the pressures of middle-class life. And thus, Baskhar’s journey towards success, even by surreptitious means, feels personal.
