Telugu cinema, also known as Tollywood, is the segment of Indian cinema dedicated to the production of motion pictures in the Telugu language, widely spoken in the states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Based in Film Nagar, Hyderabad, Telugu cinema has become the largest film industry in India by box-office revenue as of 2021.[5][6] Telugu films sold 23.3 crore (233 million) tickets in 2022, the highest among all Indian film industries.[4] As of 2023, Andhra Pradesh has the highest number of movie screens in India.[7]
Since 1909, filmmaker Raghupathi Venkaiah Naidu was involved in producing short films and exhibiting them in different regions of South Asia. He established the first Indian-owned cinema halls in South India. In 1921, he produced the silent film, Bhishma Pratigna, generally considered to be the first Telugu feature film.[14] As the first Telugu film producer and exhibitor, Naidu is regarded as the 'Father of Telugu cinema'.[15] The first Telugu talkie film, Bhakta Prahlada (1932) was directed by H. M. Reddy. The 1950s and 1960s are considered the golden age of Telugu cinema, featuring enhanced production quality, influential filmmakers, and notable studios, resulting in a variety of films that were both popular and critically acclaimed.[16]
The industry, initially based in Madras, began shifting to Hyderabad in the 1970s, completing the transition by the 1990s. This period also saw the rise of star-driven commercial films, technological advancements, and the development of major studios like Ramoji Film City, which holds the Guinness World Record as the largest film studio complex in the world.[17] The 2010s marked a new era for Telugu cinema as a pioneer of the pan-Indian film movement, expanding its reach across India and globally. This established the industry as a major force in Indian and world cinema and boosted the nationwide popularity of Telugu actors. Baahubali 2 (2017) won the Saturn Award for Best International Film, while RRR (2022) became the first Indian feature film to win an Academy Award and received various international accolades, including an Academy Award and a Golden Globe for the song "Naatu Naatu" and a Critics' Choice Award for Best Foreign Language Film.[18]
From its inception, Telugu cinema has been renowned as the preeminent centre of Hindu mythological films in India. Today, it is also recognised for its advanced technical crafts, particularly in visual effects and cinematography, making it one of the most sophisticated in Indian cinema.[19] Telugu cinema has produced some of India's most expensive and highest-grossing films, including Baahubali 2 (2017), which holds the record as the highest-grossing film of all time in India. Over the years, Telugu filmmakers have also ventured into parallel and arthouse cinema.[20] Films like Daasi (1988), Thilaadanam (2000), and Vanaja (2006), among others, received acclaim at major international film festivals such as Venice, Berlin, Karlovy Vary, Moscow, and Busan.[note 1] Additionally, ten Telugu films have been featured in CNN-IBN's list of the "100 Greatest Indian Films of All Time."[note 2]
In 1919, he started a film production company called 'Star of the East Films' also called 'Glass Studio', the first production company established by a Telugu person.[34][33][36] He sent his son, Raghupathi Surya Prakash Naidu (R. S. Prakash) to study filmmaking in the studios of England, Germany, and United States.[35] In 1921, they made Bhishma Pratigna, generally considered as the first Telugu feature film.[14] Venkaiah Naidu produced the film, while R. S. Prakash directed and produced it along with playing the title characterBhishma.[34] As the first Telugu film exhibitor and producer, Raghupathi Venkaiah Naidu is regarded as the 'Father of Telugu cinema'.[15]
From 1921 to 1931 about a dozen feature films were made by Telugu people.[37]C. Pullayya made a three-reel short film, Markandeya (1926 or 1931) at his house in Kakinada.[38][37] In 1921, the first cinema hall in Andhra, Maruthi Cinema was established in Vijayawada by Pothina Srinivasa Rao.[15]Y. V. Rao and R. S. Prakash established a long-lasting precedence of focusing exclusively on religious themes —Gajendra Moksham, Nandanar, and Matsyavataram—three of their most noted productions, centred on religious figures, parables, and morals.
Rise of the "talkie"
Promotional poster of Bhakta Prahlada the first full-length Telugu talkie to have a theatrical release.
The first Telugu film with audible dialogue, Bhakta Prahlada, was directed by H. M. Reddy. Bhakta Prahlada was shot over 18 or 20 days at Imperial Studios, Bombay and was produced by Ardeshir Irani who also produced Alam Ara, India's first sound film.[39] The film had an all-Telugu starcast featuring Sindhoori Krishna Rao as the titular Prahlada, Munipalle Subbayya as Hiranyakasyapa, and Surabhi Kamalabai as Leelavathy.[32][40]Bhakta Prahlada was completed on 15 September 1931,[41] which henceforth became known as "Telugu Film Day" to commemorate its completion.[42][43][44]
In 1934, the industry saw its first major commercial success with Lava Kusa. Directed by C. Pullayya and starring Parupalli Subbarao and Sriranjani, the film attracted unprecedented numbers of viewers to theatres and thrust the young industry into mainstream culture.[32][47]Dasari Kotiratnam produced Sati Anasuya in 1935 and became the first female producer of Telugu film industry.[48]
The first film studio in Andhra, Durga Cinetone, was built in 1936 by Nidamarthi Surayya in Rajahmundry.[49][50]Sampurna Ramayanam (1936) was the first film produced by the studio relying mostly on local talent.[49] In 1937, another studio called Andhra Cinetone was built in Visakhapatnam.[51][35] However, both the studios were short-lived. Early Telugu silent films and talkies were deeply influenced by stage performances, continuing the traditions of theatre onto the screen. These films often retained the same scripts, dialogues, and background settings as their stage counterparts.[52]
By 1936, the mass appeal of film allowed directors to move away from religious and mythological themes.[32] That year, under the direction of Kruthiventi Nageswara Rao, Prema Vijayam, a film with a contemporary setting, was released. It was the first Telugu film with a modern-day setting as opposed to mythological and folklore films.[55] Later, more 'social films' i.e. films based on contemporary life and social issues, were made by filmmakers. Notable among them was Vandemataram (1939), touching on societal problems like the practice of dowry. Telugu films began to focus more on contemporary life, with 29 of the 96 films released between 1937 and 1947 featuring social themes.[56]
The outbreak of World War II and the subsequent resource scarcity caused the British Raj to impose a limit on the use of filmstrip in 1943 to 11,000 feet,[62] a sharp reduction from the 20,000 feet that had been common till then.[63] As a result, the number of films produced during the war was substantially lower than in previous years. Nonetheless, before the ban, an important shift occurred in the industry: Independent studios formed, actors and actresses were signed to contracts limiting whom they could work for, and films moved from social themes to folklore legends.[64]Ghantasala Balaramayya, has directed the mythological Sri Seeta Rama Jananam (1944) under his home production, Prathiba Picture, marking Akkineni Nageswara Rao's debut in a lead role.[65]
The 1950s and 1960s are often regarded as the golden age of Telugu cinema. This era witnessed significant advances in production quality, the establishment of iconic studios, and the rise of influential filmmakers who shaped the industry.[16] Prominent production houses such as Vijaya Productions, Vauhini Studios, Bharani Pictures, Prasad Art Pictures, and Annapurna Pictures were established during the late 1940s and 1950s. These studios played a crucial role in the development of Telugu cinema, contributing to the production of over 300 films between 1950 and 1960. Many Telugu-Tamil bilinguals were made during this period.[66]
During this era, the Telugu film industry became one of the largest producers of folklore, fantasy, and mythological films.[67][68][69] Directors like K. V. Reddy and B. Vittalacharya pioneered these genres, creating films that captivated audiences with their imaginative storytelling.[70][71] As demand for films grew, filmmakers recognised the potential to remake earlier productions with enhanced cinematic techniques. Many mythological films originally made in the early talkie era, which featured actors from drama troupes and were limited by the technical constraints of the time, were reimagined in this era with improved technologies.[16]Pathala Bhairavi (1951) emerged as the most successful folklore film of the decade and turned its lead actors, N. T. Rama Rao and S. V. Ranga Rao, into stars. Other notable mythological and folklore films from the decade include Mayabazar (1957), Panduranga Mahatyam (1957), Suvarna Sundari (1957), Bhookailas (1958), Jayabheri (1959), Sri Venkateswara Mahatyam (1960), and Raja Makutam (1960).[16]
Among these, K. V. Reddy's Mayabazar stands as a landmark in Indian cinema, blending myth, fantasy, romance, and humour in a timeless narrative. The film excelled in various departments, including production design, music, and cinematography. It is particularly revered for its innovative use of special effects, such as the first illusion of moonlight, showcasing the technical brilliance of the era. Mayabazar remains a classic, inspiring generations of filmmakers and continuing to captivate new audiences. In 2013, CNN-IBN included Mayabazar in its list of "100 greatest Indian films of all time," with the public voting it as the "greatest Indian film of all time."[72]
This period also continued the trend of social films, which began in the late 1930s, focusing on contemporary issues and everyday life rather than mythology and fantasy. Notable social films from the decade included Pelli Chesi Choodu (1952), Puttillu (1953), Devadasu (1953), Pedda Manushulu (1954), Missamma (1955), Ardhangi (1955), Rojulu Marayi (1955), Donga Ramudu (1955), and Thodi Kodallu (1957), many of which performed well at the box office.[16]
In addition to mythological and social films, the period was marked by an increasing influence of world cinema and Bengali literature on Telugu filmmakers. The International Film Festival of India, initiated in 1952, exposed Indian filmmakers to global cinema, inspiring them to experiment with new storytelling techniques. Devadasu (1953), an adaptation of Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay's 1917 Bengali novel Devdas, transformed Akkineni Nageswara Rao (ANR) from a folklore film hero into a star of social films. Missamma (1955), directed by L. V. Prasad, and adapted from two Bengali works, became a landmark in Telugu cinema. It was celebrated for its blend of humour, drama, and social commentary. Savitri emerged as a leading actress after this film. Likewise, Thodi Kodallu (1957) and Mangalya Balam (1959) were also adapted from Bengali novels.[16]
In the late 1940s and early 1950s, many members of the Praja Natya Mandali and Abhyudaya Rachayithala Sangham, both affiliated with the Communist Party, transitioned into the film industry, bringing with them progressive ideas that subtly influenced the industry, though they eventually adapted to the commercial demands of mainstream cinema.[16] During the 1950s and 1960s, Telugu film songs entered a golden era marked by exceptional lyricism, orchestration, and technological advancements. Prominent lyricists like Samudrala Sr., Pingali Nagendra Rao, Devulapalli Krishna Sastry, and Kosaraju Raghavayya, alongside composers like Saluri Rajeswara Rao, Ghantasala, T. V. Raju, Pendyala, and Master Venu, set new standards for the film song. Playback singers like Ghantasala, Rao Balasaraswathi Devi, P. Leela, Jikki, P. B. Srinivas and P. Suseela emerged as prominent voices, defining the musical landscape of the era. This period also saw the rise of notable dance choreographers like Pasumarthi Krishnamurthy and Vempati Peda Satyam, who enhanced the artistic quality of Telugu cinema.[16]
The 1950s also saw the formation of Andhra State in 1953 and Andhra Pradesh in 1956 leading to calls for the Telugu film industry to relocate from Madras to the new state capital, Hyderabad. Despite these calls, the industry remained in Madras, where studios were already established and actors and technicians were settled.[66] One early response to the call for relocation was the establishment of Sarathi Studios in Hyderabad in 1956, although it initially struggled to attract filmmakers.[73] Over time, the formation of Andhra Pradesh opened new markets for Telugu films in the Telangana region, laying the groundwork for the industry's eventual expansion into Hyderabad.[66]
Vijaya Productions, led by Nagi Reddi and Chakrapani, became the most successful production company of the era. Their collaborative approach brought together some of the best talents in the industry, resulting in a string of hits that defined the golden age of Telugu cinema. Vijaya Productions operated like a Hollywood studio, with staff hired on monthly salaries, and working regular hours.[16] Comedy also played a vital role during this era, with the double act of Relangi and Ramana Reddy becoming immensely popular. Their performances provided comic relief in several films.[83] This era, marked by groundbreaking films, innovative storytelling, and international recognition, remains a golden chapter in the history of Telugu cinema.
The Telugu film industry, commonly known as Tollywood, traces its origins to the early 20th century in Madras (now Chennai), which was the capital of the Madras Presidency, a region that included Andhra.[86]Raghupathi Venkaiah Naidu, often regarded as the father of the Telugu film industry, was a pioneering figure who established Star of the East Films and the Glass Studio. The industry initially flourished in Madras, with major studios such as Vauhini Studios, founded by Moola Narayana Swamy and B. N. Reddy in 1948, and Prasad Studios, established by L. V. Prasad in 1956.[87]
The shift from Madras to Hyderabad began in the 1950s, largely influenced by the formation of Andhra Pradesh in 1956. Sarathi Studios was established in Hyderabad in 1956, marking the beginning of this transition.[66] It was the first film studio facility in Hyderabad. Before this, Hyderabad was primarily known for Hindi film releases. The success of Rojulu Marayi (1955), which ran for 100 days in Hyderabad, prompted the then Revenue Minister of Andhra Pradesh, K. V. Ranga Reddy to urge Telugu filmmakers to relocate to Hyderabad.[88] In response, Yarlagadda Sivarama Prasad, the Raja of Challapalli, who produced Rojulu Marayi, acquired land in Hyderabad in March 1956 to set up a studio. In 1959, Maa Inti Mahalakshmi, the first Telugu film entirely filmed in Hyderabad, was released.[73]
Akkineni Nageswara Rao was one of the first prominent figures to move his film business entirely to Hyderabad, encouraging others to do the same and playing a crucial role in the industry's relocation. He insisted on working in films produced in Andhra Pradesh, except for those made at Vauhini and Venus Studios in Madras.[89] In 1976, the Andhra Pradesh government allocated 22 acres of land in Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, to Akkineni Nageswara Rao for the establishment of a film studio.[90] This led to the founding of Annapurna Studios in 1976. By the 1970s and 1980s, most production houses had moved to Andhra Pradesh or opened branch offices there.[66]
By the early 1990s, Hyderabad had become the central hub for Telugu cinema, further strengthened by the development of large film studios like Ramoji Film City, a 1,600-acre integrated film studio complex, which holds the Guinness World Record as the largest film production facility in the world.[17] In 2006, 245 Telugu films were produced, the highest in India.[91] The influence of Telugu cinema extended beyond regional boundaries, with many successful films being remade in other Indian languages.[92] As of 2022, the Telugu film industry produces over 300 films annually, contributing significantly to the region's economy and maintaining a prominent position in Indian cinema.[93][94][95]
The Prasads IMAX located in Hyderabad is one of the largest 3D IMAX screens, and the most attended cinema screen in the world.[96][97][98] As per the CBFC report of 2014, the industry is placed first in India, in terms of films produced yearly.[99] The industry holds a memorandum of understanding with the Motion Picture Association of America to combat video piracy.[100][101][102] In the years 2005, 2006, 2008, and 2014 the industry has produced the largest number of films in India, exceeding the number of films produced in Bollywood.[103][91]
The digital cinema network company UFO Moviez marketed by Southern Digital Screenz (SDS) has digitised several cinemas in the region.[104][105] The Film and Television Institute of Telangana, Film and Television Institute of Andhra Pradesh, Ramanaidu Film School and Annapurna International School of Film and Media are some of the largest film schools in India.[106][107] The Telugu states consist of approximately 2800 theatres, the largest number of cinema halls of any state in India.[108] Being commercially consistent, Telugu cinema had its influence over commercial cinema in India.[109]
The 1992 film Gharana Mogudu is the first Telugu film to gross over ₹10 crore at the box office.[110] Produced on a shoestring budget of ₹1.2 crore, 2000 film Nuvve Kavali became sleeper hit of the late 1990s.[111] It was screened for 200 days in 20 screens grossing over ₹20 crore.[112][113][114]
Singeetam Srinivasa Rao introduced science fiction to the Telugu screen with Aditya 369 (1991), the film dealt with exploratory dystopian and apocalyptic themes.[117] The edge of the seat thriller had characters which stayed human, inconsistent and insecure. The film's narrative takes the audience into the post apocalyptic experience through time travel, as well as folklore generation of 1500 CE, which including a romantic backstory, the "Time Machine" made it a brilliant work of fiction.[118][119][120]
Jandhyala popularly known as "Hasya Brahma" (Brahma of comedy),[121] ushered a new era of comedy in Telugu cinema, where his movies captivated audiences with their blend of humour and social commentary. "Before his movies, comedy was a small part of movies and comedians were sidekicks to the hero or villain. Jandhyala proved that comedy can itself be a full-length subject and achieved a great success in this endeavor." His films are well known as clean entertainers affable to the family audiences without any obscene language or double entendre.[122]Aha Naa Pellanta! is considered one of the best comedy films in Telugu cinema.[123]
Ram Gopal Varma's Siva, which attained cult status in Telugu cinema, is one of the first Telugu films produced after the migration of Telugu film industry from Madras to Hyderabad to feature characters speaking the Telangana dialect.[124][125] Varma was credited with the introduction of steadicams and new sound recording techniques in Telugu films.[126] Within a year of the film's release, more than ten steadicams were imported into India.[127]Siva attracted the young audience during its theatrical run, and its success encouraged filmmakers to explore a variety of themes and make experimental Telugu films.[128][129]
Subsequently, Varma introduced road movie and film-noir to Indian screen with Kshana Kshanam. Varma experimented with close-to-life performances by the lead actors, which bought a rather fictional storyline a sense of authenticity at a time when the industry was being filled with unnecessary commercial fillers.[130] It went on to gather a cult following in south India,[131] with a dubbed Hindi version titled Hairaan released to positive reports from Bollywood critics, the Ann Arbor Film Festival, and the Fribourg Festival.[132][133]
Sekhar Kammula debuted with his National Award-winning film, Dollar Dreams (2000) featuring dialogue in both Telugu and English. Dollar Dreams explored the conflict between American dreams and human feelings. The film re-introduced social realism to Telugu screen, and brought back its lost glory which until then was stuck in its run-of-the-mill commercial pot-boilers.[137]
Minugurulu (2014) about blind children received Best Indian Film at the "9th India International Children's Film Festival Bangalore".[145] 2013 Cultural film, O Friend, This Waiting! has received special mention at the Erasing Borders Festival of Classical Dance, Indo-American Arts Council, New York, 2013.[citation needed] Experimental film Parampara has garnered the Platinum Award for Best Feature at the International Indonesian Movie Awards.[146] 2018 biographical film Mahanati based on the life of veteran actress Savitri has garnered the "Equality in Cinema Award" at the 2018 Indian Film Festival of Melbourne.[147]
During the 1990s, the Rayalaseema dialect was portrayed in films about the factional conflicts in the area, while the Telangana dialect, already having been pegged to villainous and comedic roles, saw an increase in this usage in reaction to the shift of the Telugu film production from Madras to Hyderabad.[148][149] After the formation of the state of Telangana in 2014, Telangana culture gained more prominence, and more films were produced portraying Telangana culture, and dialect.[150]
Sub-genres and off-beat films
Screenwriters such as Chandra Sekhar Yeleti experimented with the off beat film Aithe (2003) with a caption "all movies are not the same". Aithe was made on a shoestring budget of about 1.5 crores and went on to collect more than 6 crores. After almost two years he delivered another thriller Anukokunda Oka Roju (2005) both films were a refreshing change of pace to the audiences, produced by Gangaraju Gunnam.[151]Aithe was remade in Tamil as Naam (2003) and in Malayalam as Wanted (2004).[152]
Mohana Krishna Indraganti explored themes of chastity and adultery in his 2004 literary adaptation Grahanam, based on Dosha Gunam written by social critic G. V. Chalam.[153][154] The film was shot with a digital camera on a modest budget of approximately ₹8 lakh, with artists and technicians reportedly working without any remuneration.[155] B. Anuradha of Rediff.com noted, "In this offbeat film, Indraganti upholds the tirade against chauvinists who accuse a noble lady of infidelity, ignoring her denials with contempt". The film was featured at the Independent South Asian Film Festival in the United States.[156][157]
Speaking about the centenary of Indian cinema at the CII Media and Entertainment Summit 2012, filmmaker Shekhar Kapur said regional cinema is surpassing Hindi cinema in content and story, and cited Eega (2012) as an example. Kapur said he was impressed with its story and use of technology, and called it, "no less than a Hollywood superhero film".[158]Shah Rukh Khan called Eega an "awesomely original" film and a "must watch" with children.[159][160]Eega won various awards at the 8th Toronto After Dark Film Festival.[161]
Sub Genre war drama Kanche (2015) by Krish Jagarlamudi explored the 1944 Nazi attack on the Indian army in the Italian campaign, during World War II in an engrossing background tale of caste-ism while giving it a technically brilliant cinematic rendition.[162]Sankalp Reddy explored submarine warfare in his directorial debut Ghazi (2017), based on the mysterious altercation between PNS Ghazi and INS Karanj during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971.[163]Indo-Asian News Service called new-generation film maker Sandeep Vanga's Arjun Reddy the "most original, experimental work to come out of Telugu cinema in a long time", and said the protagonist's (played by Vijay Deverakonda) "rise, fall and rise... is nothing short of poetic and heart wrenching".[164] Actor-dancer Allu Arjun produced and acted in the short film, I Am That Change (2014), to spread awareness on individual social responsibility. The movie was directed by Sukumar, which was screened in theatres across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana on Indian Independence day, 2014.[165]
Adivi Sesh scripted the Neo-noir Kshanam (2016), based on a real life incident of a missing three-year-old girl.[166] Sesh followed it up writing R.A.W. thriller Goodachari (2018), and the war docudramaMajor (2022).[167][168]Cinema Bandi (2022) scripted and directed by Praveen Kandregula, and produced by film making duo Raj and D. K.; explored the theme of how a lost camera fuels dreams in a Telugu hamlet, winning the Jury Special Mention at the 53rd IFFI.[169][170] Venu Yeldandi explored slice of life story from rural Telangana with Balagam (2023) hitting the right chords to be considered one of the best off-beat films of the year by various international juries.[171][172] Paul Nicodemus of The Times of India cited Prashanth Varma's super-hero film Hanu Man for merging elements of mythology with contemporary action, and offering a unique viewing experience in Indian cinema.[173]
Pan-Indian film is a term related to Indian cinema that originated with Telugu cinema as a mainstream commercial cinema appealing to audiences across the country with a spread to world markets. S. S. Rajamouli pioneered the pan-Indian films movement with duology of epic action films Baahubali: The Beginning (2015) and Baahubali 2: The Conclusion (2017), that changed the face of Indian cinema.[174] "Pan-India film" is both a style of cinema and a distribution strategy, designed to universally appeal to audiences across the country and simultaneously released in multiple languages.[175]
Film journalists and analysts, such as Baradwaj Rangan and Vishal Menon, have labelled Prabhas as the "first legit Pan-Indian Superstar" in Indian cinema.[176] Actors like Prabhas, Allu Arjun, Ram Charan and N. T. Rama Rao Jr. enjoy a nationwide popularity among the audiences after the release of their respective Pan-Indian films.[177]
RRR propelled Telugu cinema into the mainstream outside India, fuelling the growth of Pan-India movies.[178] It received universal critical acclaim for its direction, screenwriting, cast performances, cinematography, soundtrack, action sequences and VFX. The film was considered one of the ten best films of the year by the National Board of Review, making it only the seventh non-English language film ever to make it to the list. The song "Naatu Naatu" won the Oscar for Best Original Song at the 95th Academy Awards, making it the first song from an Indian film, as well as the first from an Asian film, to win in this category. This made the film the first Indian film by an Indian production to win an Academy Award.[179][180]
Srivatsan S of The Hindu wrote that Telugu cinema has excelled in marketing Pan-Indian films. It primarily employed two strategies – promoting the film outside their home territory and collaborating with other regional stars for more visibility.[181] Following the international success of Pushpa: The Rise (2021), RRR (2022), Salaar: Part 1 – Ceasefire (2023). Rahul Devulapalli of The Week identified "Content, marketing, and indulgent overseas audience" have led to the rise of world cinema in Telugu language.[182]The Guardian cited Kalki 2898 AD as a "maximalist sci-fi epic mixing Mahabharata with Mad Max".[183]
Bommarillu was released worldwide with 72 prints. Owing to its success, the number of reels grew to about hundred.[188] It collected a distributors share of ₹5 crore in its opening week in India.[188] Released in six major metros in the United States, the film collected $73,200 (then approximately ₹0.3 crore) within the first four days of screening.[188] A 2006 survey conducted by a popular entertainment portal in the United States revealed that the film was watched by an Indian expatriate population of 65,000, which generated a revenue of ₹3 crore at that time.[189] A cumulative gross revenue for the film was reported to be ₹25 crore including ₹3.5 crore from overseas, the largest for any Telugu film at that time. Owing to this path breaking trade, the film was remade into Tamil, Bengali, Oriya and Urdu/Hindi.[190]
2006 action film, Pokiri has been remade in Hindi, Tamil and Kannada in the following two years owing to the film's commercial success. It was screened at the IIFA film festival held in Dubai in 2006.[191]Walt Disney Pictures co-produced Anaganaga O Dheerudu, making it the first South Indian production by Disney.[192][193]Dookudu was released among seventy nine screens in the United States, the Los Angeles Times quoted it as The biggest hit you've never heard of.[194][195][196] In the rest of north, east and west India, it opened up in 21 cities.[197] The film set a box office record by collecting a gross of more than ₹100 crore at the time.[198][199]
On 1 June 2022, RRR was screened in over 100 theatres across the United States for a one night event called "#encoRRRe".[200] Speaking to Deadline Hollywood, Dylan Marchetti of Variance Films said that "With more than 250 films coming out of India annually, RRR could be a gateway drug".[201]Nashville Scene's Jason Shawhan wrote about the event that "the nationwide encore of RRR is American audiences reaching with outstretched arms to something so exciting and rock-solid entertaining that its success already happened without insular traditional media even mentioning it. This isn't America dipping a toe in Indian cinema — it's a victory lap".[202] Filmmaker S. S. Rajamouli has been signed by American talent agency Creative Artists Agency, owing to RRR being the only non-English-language film to trend globally on Netflix Platform for 10 consecutive weeks.[203]
Adurthi Subba Rao is recognised for steering Telugu cinema in a new direction and garnered seven National Film Awards, for his pioneering work on drama films.[208] His films, Thene Manasulu (1965) and Kanne Manasulu (1966) introduced fresh faces to the industry and departed from the reliance on established stars. Subba Rao's success inspired other filmmakers to explore new talent, contributing to the industry's evolution.[52]
S. Rajeswara Rao pioneered the use of light music in Telugu cinema; Rao's most rewarding assignments came from Gemini Studios, which he joined in 1940 and with which he remained for a decade.[234]Ghantasala, performed in the United States, England, and Germany. According to The Hindu, and The Indian Express he was "Such a divine talent and with his songs he could move the hearts of the people. Ghantasala's blending of classical improvisations to the art of light music combined with his virtuosity and sensitivity puts him a class apart, above all others in the field of playback singing".[235]
K. S. Chitra has received highest Nandi awards for best female playback singer. Multi-instrumentalists duo Raj–Koti holds a notable career spanning a decade, the duo has garnered particular acclaim for redefining contemporary music.[248][249]R. P. Patnaik is the current president of the Telugu Cine Music Association.[250]
Sri Sri was one of the influential film lyricists of his time, who garnered national honours such as Sahitya Akademi Award, Best Lyricist and Soviet Land Nehru Award for his pioneering work.[251][252]Sirivennela Seetharama Sastry was a highly versatile film lyricist, known for his optimistic and motivational lyrics that captured the essence of life with simple yet impactful examples. He was recognised for writing lyrics across a wide range of genres, including duets, hero introductions, romantic, devotional, and thought-provoking songs.[253]
Guinness records
Indian cinema Guinness Record had been awarded to Ramoji Film City, Hyderabad as the largest film studio complex in the world, it opened in 1996 and measures 674 hectares (1,666 acres). With 47 sound stages, it has permanent sets ranging from railway stations to temples.[254][255]
D. Rama Naidu holds the Guinness World Record as the most prolific producer with 130 films.[256]
Dasari Narayana Rao holds the Guinness World Record as the most films directed with 151 films.[257]
Brahmanandam holds the Guinness World Record for acting in the most films in a single language, 1000+ films.[217][218][258]
S. P. Balasubrahmanyam holds the Guinness World Record for having sung the most songs for any male playback singer in the world,[259][260][261] with the majority of his songs sung in Telugu.
Vijaya Nirmala holds a Guinness World Record as the female director with the most films, having made 47 films.[262]
In 2016, P. Susheela entered the Guinness Book of World Records for recording the highest number of songs in musical history.[263]
In 2024, Chiranjeevi has been recognised as the "Most Prolific Indian Film Star" by Guinness World Records.[264]
Dubbed films
The 1949 film Keelu Gurram was the first Telugu film to be dubbed into the Tamil language, being subsequently released under the name Maya Kudhirai.[75] According to the Andhra Pradesh Film Chamber of Commerce, "as per the Judgement of Supreme Court in Ashirwad Films in W.P.(Civil) No.709 there will be no difference in taxation of films between the dubbed films coming in from other states and the films produced in the Telugu States".[265]
Distribution territories
The Telugu-speaking areas are broadly divided into three areas for the purposes of film distribution, namely, Nizam, Ceded and Andhra.[266][267][268][269]
Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao, often referred to by his initials NTR, was an Indian actor, film director, film producer, screenwriter, film editor, philanthropist and politician who served as a former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh for seven years over three terms. He is regarded as one of the most influential actors of Indian cinema. He starred in over 300 films, predominantly in Telugu cinema, and was referred to as "Viswa Vikhyatha Nata Sarvabhouma". Rao received three National Film Awards for co-producing Thodu Dongalu (1954) and Seetharama Kalyanam (1960) under National Art Theater, Madras, and for directing Varakatnam (1970). In 1968, The Government of India honoured him with Padma Shri, the fourth-highest civilian award, for his contributions to Indian cinema. In 2013, Rao was voted as "Greatest Indian Actor of All Time" in a CNN-IBN national poll conducted on the occasion of the Centenary of Indian Cinema.
Akkineni Nageswara Rao, widely known as ANR, was an Indian actor and film producer, primarily known for his works in Telugu cinema. Over his seven decade career, he starred in numerous landmark films, becoming one of the most prominent figures in the industry. Nageswara Rao received numerous accolades, including seven state Nandi Awards, five Filmfare Awards South and a Tamil Nadu State Film Award. He was honoured with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, the highest recognition in Indian cinema, in 1990. Additionally, he was awarded the Padma Vibhushan (2011), Padma Bhushan (1988) and Padma Shri (1968), by the Government of India for his contributions to art and cinema.
The Cinema of India, consisting of motion pictures made by the Indian film industry, has had a large effect on world cinema since the second half of the 20th century. Indian cinema is made up of various film industries, each producing films in different languages, including Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Bengali, Punjabi, Bhojpuri and others.
Konidela Chiranjeevi is an Indian actor, politician and philanthropist known for his work in Telugu cinema. Referred to in the media as "Mega Star", he is widely regarded as one of the most successful and influential actors in the history of Indian cinema. Chiranjeevi holds the record for the most "Industry Hits" in Telugu cinema, with eight films emerging as the top-grossers of their time—a feat unmatched by any actor in the industry's 100-year history. He is also celebrated as one of the finest dancers in Indian cinema. He has received numerous honours, including the Padma Bhushan in 2006 and the Padma Vibhushan in 2024 from the Government of India, as well as the IFFI Indian Film Personality of the Year Award in 2022. His other accolades include the Raghupathi Venkaiah Award, three Nandi Awards, and nine Filmfare Awards South, including the Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2013, CNN-IBN recognized him as one of "the men who changed the face of the Indian Cinema". In 2024, he was honoured with a Guinness World Record as the most prolific actor-dancer in the Indian film industry.
Daggubati Ramanaidu was an Indian film producer known for his work in Telugu cinema. He founded Suresh Productions in 1964 which became of one of the largest film production companies in India. He was one of the most influential movie Moguls in Indian cinema. He was placed in the Guinness Book of World Records for the most films produced by an individual, with more than 150 films in all official Indian languages. He also served as a Member of Parliament for the Bapatla constituency in Andhra Pradesh in the 13th Lok Sabha from 1999 to 2004.
Akkineni Nagarjuna Rao, known mononymously as Nagarjuna, is an Indian actor, film producer and entrepreneur who works predominantly in Telugu cinema. Apart from Telugu films, he has also acted in a few Hindi abd Tamil films. He received two National Film Awards namely, for Ninne Pelladata (1996), which he produced won the Best Feature Film in Telugu and a Special Mention as actor for Annamayya (1997), ten state Nandi Awards, and three Filmfare Awards South.
Nandamuri Balakrishna, also known as Balayya or NBK, is an Indian actor, film producer and politician known for his works in Telugu cinema. Balakrishna is an elected member of the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly from Hindupuram constituency since 2014. The sixth son of actor and former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh N. T. Rama Rao, Balakrishna made his debut as a child artist at the age of 14 with the film Tatamma Kala (1974). Balakrishna is a recipient of three state Nandi Awards, three SIIMA Awards, and an IIFA Award. In 2012, Balakrishna was the chief guest at the 43rd IFFI. Currently, he serves as the Chairman of Basavatarakam Indo-American Cancer Hospital and Research Institute in Hyderabad.
Akkineni Laxmi Vara Prasada Rao, known professionally as L. V. Prasad, was an Indian film director, producer, actor, and businessman. He was one of the pioneers of Indian cinema and is the recipient of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, the highest Award for films in India. In 1980, he was awarded the Raghupathi Venkaiah Award, for his contribution to Telugu cinema.
Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao Jr., popularly known by the initialism Jr NTR, is an Indian actor and producer who primarily works in Telugu cinema. He has been featured in Forbes India's Celebrity 100 list since 2012. Referred to in the media as the "Man of Masses", he has starred in 30 films. Rao's accolades include three Filmfare Awards, two Nandi Awards, two Siima Awards, four CineMAA Awards and one IIFA Award.
Annapurna Studios is an Indian film studio facility founded in 1976 by the Telugu actor Akkineni Nageswara Rao. It is located on a 22-acre (8.9 ha) site in Banjara Hills, Hyderabad. The studio provides comprehensive production and post-production services.
Telugu theatre is Indian theatre in the Telugu language, based in the states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Gurajada Apparao wrote the play, Kanyasulkam in 1892, which is often considered the greatest play in the Telugu language. C. Pullaiah is cited as the father of Telugu theatre movement.
Nagulapati Srinivasa Chakravarthy, known professionally as J. D. Chakravarthy, is an Indian actor, filmmaker, screenwriter and musician known for his work primarily with Telugu cinema in addition to Hindi, Tamil, and Malayalam films. Chakravarthy made his screen debut with the Telugu film, Siva, an action blockbuster directed by Ram Gopal Varma, featured at the 12th IFFI. He subsequently made his Bollywood debut with the remake of the same film titled Shiva (1990). He then starred in the blockbuster Satya, featured in the Indian panorama section at the 29th IFFI, and was listed among CNN-IBN's 100 greatest Indian films of all time. Chakravarthy received the Screen Award Special Jury Award.
The Raghupathi Venkaiah Award is an award issued by the Indian state government of Andhra Pradesh, to recognise lifetime achievements in Telugu cinema. The award was introduced in 1981 in honour of Raghupathi Venkaiah Naidu, one of India's film pioneers regarded as the "father of Telugu cinema". The winner is presented a Golden Nandi, a gold medal, a citation and a cash prize of ₹50,000 (US$600) at the Nandi Awards functions.
Bhakta Prahlada is a 1932 Indian Telugu-language Hindu mythological film directed by H. M. Reddy and produced by Ardeshir Irani of Imperial Film Company. It is the first sound film of Telugu cinema. It features Sindhoori Krishna Rao as the titular Prahlada, along with Munipalle Subbayya, Surabhi Kamalabai, Doraswamy Naidu, Chitrapu Narasimha Rao, and L. V. Prasad. No complete synopsis of the film is known to survive, but it is an adaptation of a play of the same name.
Kadiri Venkata Reddy, commonly known as K. V. Reddy, was an Indian film director, screenwriter, and producer, primarily known for his work in Telugu cinema. Renowned as one of the most influential filmmakers in South Indian cinema, he directed 14 feature films during his career. His contributions earned him several prestigious accolades, including three National Film Awards and a Filmfare Award South.
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Singeetam Srinivasa Rao is an Indian film director, screenwriter, producer, composer, and actor. He is widely regarded as one of India's most versatile and innovative filmmakers. He has directed around sixty films across multiple genres and languages, including Telugu, Kannada, Tamil, Hindi, and English and is credited with revolutionizing South Indian cinema through his experimental approach. He has garnered numerous accolades throughout his career, including two National Film Awards, five Nandi Awards, three Karnataka State Film Awards, and three Filmfare Awards South. In 2011, he was honoured with the Life Achievement Award by the Film Federation of India.
Gollapudi Maruti Rao was an Indian actor, writer and director known for his works in Telugu cinema, Telugu theatre and Telugu Literature. Rao acted in over 250 Telugu films in a variety of roles. His noted literary works and plays, like Rendu Rellu Aaru, Patita, Karuninchani Devatalu, Mahanatudu, Kaalam Venakku Tirigindi, Aasayaalaku Sankellu, won numerous State Awards.
Mallemala Sundararami Reddy, popularly known as M. S. Reddy and Mallemala, was an Indian film producer, lyricist, and screenwriter in Telugu cinema. Over his career, he produced more than 25 films, several of which received Nandi and National Awards. He penned over 5,000 songs and poems, earning the title "Sahaja Kavi" for his simple and accessible writing style. In recognition of his significant contributions to cinema, he was honoured with the Raghupathi Venkaiah Award in 2005.
↑ Frontline. Vol.13. The Hindu Group. 1996. p.80. It was adjudged the best Telugu picture of the year and also won the Special Jury Award at the Karlovy Vary festival.
↑ "Telugu film industry turns 80". The Hindu Business Line. 11 September 2011. Archived from the original on 24 September 2021. Retrieved 11 October 2022. Mr Raghupati Venkaiah, regarded as the father of Telugu film industry, laid the foundation stone for the industry in the South by setting up Glass Studio and bringing one of the first cameras into the country.
↑ Pasupulate, Karthik (20 February 2013). "Power of the tongue". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 19 April 2016. Retrieved 19 April 2016.
↑ Jha, Lata (17 July 2023). "Chiranjeevi's next film set for Independence Day clash". Mint. Retrieved 24 August 2024. Some experimental works at this time include Kondaveeti Donga, the first Telugu film to be released on a 70mm 6-Track Stereophonic sound, .....
↑ Kalyanam, Rajeswari (24 October 2015). "Breaking new grounds". The Hans India. Archived from the original on 25 October 2015. Retrieved 5 February 2016.
↑ Chaso Dolls Wedding & Other Stories – Page xii introduction by Renee David Shulman, 194, Cāsō – 2012 "But Vizianagaram in the mid-twentieth century was also home to other literati including the most famous poet in modern Telugu, Sri Sri (Srirangam Srinivasa Rao); Arudra, historian of Telugu literature, literary critic and poet; and Racakonda Visvanatha Sastri, the short-story writer whose statue you can find on the Visakhapatnam beach...."
↑ Dictionary of Hindu Literature Kuśa Satyendra – 2000 – Page 175 "Sriniwasaraw Srirangam (b 1910 Visakhapatnam). Telugu poet. Sri Sri, as he is popularly known, wrote his first poem at ..."
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