Tollywood in 2024 was a cinematic rollercoaster – record-shattering hits, creative indie projects, and controversies that kept fans and tabloids buzzing. From dazzling films to off-screen theatrics, here’s a look at the highs, lows, and what’s brewing for 2025.
Pushpa 2: the fiery juggernaut
Allu Arjun ruled the year with Pushpa 2. The sequel amplified everything its predecessor offered – gritty storytelling, pulsating action, and an unforgettable soundtrack. Arjun’s fiery performance as Pushpa Raj not only won hearts but also fetched him his National Award for Best Actor for his role in Pushpa: The Rise in 2023. He was the first actor from Telugu film industry to win the Best Actor award at the National Awards.
However, not all the action was confined to the screen. A bitter online feud between Allu Arjun’s fans and the Mega family’s supporters turned social media into a battlefield. Adding to the chaos, Allu Arjun found himself amid a political controversy with Revanth Reddy. Tragedy struck when a woman died in a stampede at Sandhya Theatre during a screening of Pushpa 2, creating headlines that rivalled the film’s buzz and sparking debates about crowd control at such events.
Kalki 2898 AD: a sci-fi spectacle
Prabhas pushed the boundaries of Indian cinema with Kalki 2898 AD, a daring foray into dystopian sci-fi. The film’s ambitious narrative and visual grandeur polarised audiences, but its global success reaffirmed Prabhas’ position as a pan-Indian superstar.
Devara and Guntur Karam: chart-toppers
Tollywood’s leading men delivered in style this year. Jr NTR impressed audiences with ‘Devara’, a coastal revenge drama blending raw emotion and breathtaking action sequences. Meanwhile, Mahesh Babu made a strong comeback with Guntur Karam, directed by Trivikram Srinivas, Known for its sharp dialogues and family-friendly storytelling, the film reminded fans why Mahesh remains the quintessential Tollywood hero.
Vishwak Sen shines with Mechanic Rocky
Vishwak Sen continued his streak of impactful roles with ‘Mechanic Rocky’, a gritty action drama that showcased his versatility and drew audiences to theatres. Nani’s ‘Saripodhaa Sanivaaram’, a vigilante action thriller directed by Vivek Athreya, was released on August 29 to mixed reviews from critics.
Mufasa: Mahesh Babu’s dubbing debut
In a delightful surprise, Mahesh Babu lent his voice to the character of Mufasa in the Telugu version of ‘The Lion King: Mufasa’. His resonant baritone elevated the film and delighted fans across all age groups.
Farewell to Shyam Benegal
Tollywood also bid a heavy-hearted farewell to Shyam Benegal, the pioneer of New Wave cinema, who passed away on December 23. Hailing from Alwal, Hyderabad, Benegal reshaped Indian cinema with masterpieces like ‘Ankur’, ‘Nishant, ‘Bhumika’ and ‘Manthan’.
Known for his realistic storytelling and exploration of social themes, Benegal’s legacy remains unmatched. His last directorial project, ‘Mujib: The Making of a Nation’, a biopic of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, was a testament to his genius even in his later years. His passing marked the end of an era, leaving a void in Indian cinema.
A blockbuster clash ahead
The festive season of Sankranthi 2025 is shaping up to be a cinematic extravaganza, with six films jostling for the spotlight. Leading the charge is Ram Charan’s ‘Game Changer’, a pan-Indian spectacle directed by Shankar, set to release on January 10th and touted as the festival’s biggest draw. Close on its heels is Balakrishna’s ‘Sarkaar Sitharam’, hitting screens on January 12th with its signature mix of high-octane action and drama. Adding to the excitement on January 14th are Venkatesh’s ‘Sankranthiki Vastunnam’, marking his third collaboration with director Anil Ravipudi, and Sundeep Kishan’s youthful entertainer ‘Majaka’. Meanwhile, Bellamkonda Sreenivas, Manchu Manoj, and Nara Rohit join forces in an untitled multi-starrer aiming to make its mark during the festivities.
Rounding out this cinematic carnival is Tamil superstar Ajith’s ‘Good Bad Ugly’, backed by Mythri Movie Makers, which promises to command a significant share of screens in the Telugu states. With such a diverse and competitive lineup, this Sankranthi is set to ignite the box office like never before.
Big hits and creative wonders
While big-budget spectacles stole the limelight, 2024 also celebrated smaller gems. Films like ‘Mem Famous’, a heartfelt story about rural dreams, and ‘Baby, an intense exploration of love and betrayal, proved that compelling storytelling can rival grand productions.
Feuds, flops, and family fireworks
Tollywood’s off-screen drama rivalled its on-screen magic, with the Manchu family feud taking centre stage. Public squabbles between Manoj and Vishnu over property matters grabbed headlines, especially with their father, Mohan Babu, firmly siding with Vishnu. Meanwhile, Ravi Teja found himself under the scanner for tax-related issues, momentarily overshadowing an otherwise stellar year for the actor.
Balancing the chaos, Samantha Ruth Prabhu won hearts with her candid interviews and inspiring resilience, reinforcing her role as one of Tollywood’s most beloved stars.
Naga Chaitanya, Shobita Dhulipala wedding
Tollywood witnessed its most talked-about wedding this year as Naga Chaitanya and Shobita Dhulipala tied the knot in a grand yet intimate ceremony. The couple’s love story, which reportedly blossomed over shared interests in cinema and travel, culminated in a celebration that seamlessly blended tradition with modernity. From the star-studded guest list to the stunning decor, the wedding became a viral sensation, cementing the duo as one of the industry’s most glamorous couples.
Looking ahead: 2025’s big releases
The new year is packed with excitement as Prabhas’ ‘Spirit’, directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga of ‘Animal’ fame, promises to take audiences on an emotional rollercoaster.
Actor Nani and ‘Dasara’ director Srikanth Odela are teaming up for the second time. The film has been officially titled ‘The Paradise’. Meanwhile, cousins Varun Tej and Sai Dharam Tej from the Mega family fold team up for an untitled family entertainer that has fans buzzing with anticipation.
From unforgettable hits to controversies, 2024 was a year Tollywood won’t soon forget. As the industry prepares for another blockbuster year, audiences can rest assured that 2025 will be even bigger, bolder, and better.