The Telugu film industry, known as Tollywood, has had a remarkable rise in popularity and box office success over the past couple of years. With a series of blockbuster films and a growing global audience, Telugu cinema has made itself a big player in Indian cinema. However, this success raises an important question: Are only big-budget Telugu films thriving while overshadowing smaller productions?
In recent years, Telugu films have made significant strides at the box office. In 2024 we saw some of the big-budget Telugu films. At the beginning of the year Mahesh Babu’s ‘Guntur Kaaram’ collected Rs 180 crore and made over Rs 200 crore and Prasanth Varma’s ‘HanuMan’ Rs 265 crore made on a budget of Rs 40 crore, making headlines during Sankranti 2024.
Action-comedy film ‘Tillu Square’ minted over Rs 126 crore. Later, the release of the mythological sci-fi film, ‘Kalki 2898 AD’ generated over Rs 1042 crore made over a budget of Rs 400-500 crore. As the year progressed Jr NTR starrer ‘Devara’ made over Rs 402 crore on a Rs 300 crore budget. Nani starrer ‘Saripodhaa Sanivaaram’ wrapped up at Rs 100.51 crores and ‘Lucky Baskhar’ featuring Dulquer Salman minted Rs 111 crore. Recently released one of the highest grossing films of 2024 ‘Pushpa 2’ still running strong in theatres has earned an estimated Rs 1718.35 crore worldwide.
The resurgence of Telugu cinema can be attributed to several factors. Filmmakers have embraced innovative storytelling techniques and high production values, which have attracted both local and international audiences. Additionally, the influence of stars like Ram Charan, Jr. NTR, and Allu Arjun has played a crucial role in elevating the industry’s profile. Their films often feature grand visuals, captivating narratives, and memorable music, creating an immersive experience for viewers.
The dominance of big-budget Films
While the success of big-budget films is undeniable, it raises concerns about the fate of smaller productions in Tollywood. Many filmmakers argue that the focus on high-budget projects has overshadowed smaller films that often tell unique stories with strong emotional depth. Director Prasanth Varma in an interview with Indian Express shared that he has a calm perspective when approaching a film. He believes that what makes a “film”, is its gripping story and not big budgets. He intends to use the funds wisely. He also shared how filmmaking is not about making big budget films and he doesn’t waste time on pointless shots; each one serves a role in the overall story.
Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma recently reflected on his iconic 1998 film ‘Satya’, emphasizing its significance in today’s film industry, especially as it prepares for a re-release on January 17, 2025. In a series of posts on social media, Varma highlighted how ‘Satya’ achieved cult status not through elaborate budgets or star power, but through genuine storytelling and character authenticity.
On X (formerly Twitter), he wrote, “When the whole industry right now is in a MAD RUSH in their REQUISITIONS for MASSIVE BUDGETS, EXPENSIVE VFX , GARANGUTAN SETS and SUPER STARS it might be prudent for all of us to take a hard re look at SATYA and give a deep thought to why it became such a BIG BLOCKBUSTER minus any of those above mentioned REQUSITES .. That would be the real true tribute to SATYA”
The impact on small budget films
The focus on big-budget productions has led to a decline in opportunities for small-budget films in Tollywood. While some smaller films do manage to find success—often through word-of-mouth marketing or critical acclaim—many struggle to secure theatrical releases or adequate promotion. This trend creates a cycle where only those with substantial financial backing can compete effectively.
Despite these challenges, there are still shining examples of small-budget films that have resonated with audiences. Movies like ‘Eega’ and ‘Arjun Reddy’ garnered significant attention and praise despite their modest budgets. These successes demonstrate that compelling storytelling can still capture the audience’s imagination without extravagant spending.
During a chat with TOI, senior journalist Lata Srinivasan said, “Why Telugu cinema didn’t do well in 2024 other than ‘Pushpa 2: The Rule’ and ‘Kalki 2898 AD’ is probably because the stories were very run of the mill. They did not have any innovative stories. Same kind of action, story, and drama which has been seen a million times in Telugu cinema and otherwise. There was no novelty factor as far as Telugu cinema was concerned in 2024 except for ‘Pushpa 2: The Rule’ and ‘Kalki 2898 AD’ which turned out to be the biggest films in India as well.”
The rise of Telugu cinema is undeniably impressive, with big-budget films leading the charge in terms of box office success and audience engagement. However, this success comes at a cost for smaller productions struggling to find their footing in an increasingly competitive landscape. In conclusion, while big-budget Telugu films are currently dominating the box office and overshadowing smaller productions, there remains hope for a balanced ecosystem where all types of stories can flourish.
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