The Tollywood Project’s latest podcast episode delves into the Telugu film industry’s top performers of 2024, offering a comprehensive review of the year’s cinematic offerings. Hosts Chaitu and Sandy share their insights on the best, average, and worst Telugu movies of the year, providing listeners with a nuanced perspective on the industry’s hits and misses.
Listen to the full episode here:
A disclaimer to start with – We at The Tollywood Project would like to clarify that our movie selections are influenced by the limited access to Telugu films available on streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime in our respective countries. Due to geographical restrictions, we primarily view major releases that make it to cinemas, which can limit our exposure to the full spectrum of Telugu cinema. Our judgements and opinions are based on personal preferences and experiences, and may not necessarily reflect the views of the general audience
Best Telugu Movies of 2024
Chaitu’s top picks for the year include “Hanuman,” “Devara,” and “Sundaram Master.” These films stood out for their compelling storytelling, strong performances, and overall production quality. Sandy’s list of best movies differs slightly, featuring “Devara,” “Lucky Bhasker,” and “Guntur Kaaram.” The inclusion of “Devara” on both lists underscores its impact on audiences and critics alike.
Average Performers
In the average category, Chaitu places “Tillu Square,” “Pushpa 2,” and “Kalki.” Interestingly, “Pushpa 2” finds itself in this category despite its massive box office success, suggesting that commercial triumph doesn’t always equate to critical acclaim[1]. Sandy’s average list includes “Saripodha Sanivaaram,” “Pushpa 2,” and “Kalki,” aligning closely with Chaitu’s selections.
Both hosts express disappointment with “Saripodha Sanivaaram,” feeling it was overhyped. Sandy, despite being a fan of director Vivek Atreya, shares this sentiment, highlighting the sometimes unpredictable nature of audience reception.
Chaitu also mentions two honorable mentions in the average category: “Swag” and “Om Bheem Bush,” both starring Sri Vishnu. These additions provide a broader perspective on the year’s mid-tier releases.
Disappointments and Worst Performers
“Mathu Vadalara 2” failed to meet Chaitu’s expectations, falling short of the hype surrounding its release. In the worst category, Chaitu singles out “Family Star” as the year’s biggest letdown. Sandy points to “Mr Bachchan” and “Buddy” as particularly disappointing entries in 2024’s lineup.
Standout Performances
The hosts also recognize individual contributions to Telugu cinema in 2024. Chaitu names Allu Arjun as the hero of the year, citing his dedication and hard work for “Pushpa 2.” Sandy, on the other hand, crowns Nani as his hero of the year, praising his consistent delivery of quality films and his efforts to nurture new directorial talent in the industry.
For heroines, Chaitu highlights Bhagyashree Borse for the buzz she generated around “Mr Bachchan.” Sandy opts for Meenakshi Chaudary, noting her impressive trajectory from a minor role in “Guntur Kaaram” to a powerful performance in “Lucky Bhasker,” as well as her work in “Mechanic Rocky” and “Matka.”
Looking Ahead to Sankranthi 2025
The podcast also offers a glimpse into the future, with Chaitu predicting “Daaku Maharaaj” as the potential winner for Sankranthi 2025. He expresses interest in “Sankrathi ki Vasthunam” as a light-hearted option amidst heavier pan-Indian releases. The hosts discuss “Game Changer,” with Chaitu suggesting that avoiding becoming “troll material” would be a success in itself for this highly anticipated film.
Sandy, however, notes a lack of excitement building up to Sankranthi 2025, attributing this to the annual controversies surrounding release date clashes, schedule reshuffling, and theater availability issues for smaller productions.
Conclusion
The Tollywood Project’s year-end review provides a comprehensive look at Telugu cinema in 2024, balancing commercial success with critical reception. From blockbusters to disappointments, the podcast offers valuable insights into the industry’s dynamics. As the hosts look ahead to Sankranthi 2025, their discussion reflects the ever-evolving nature of Telugu cinema and the challenges it faces in satisfying diverse audience expectations.
This episode of The Tollywood Project serves as an essential guide for Telugu film enthusiasts, offering a thoughtful analysis of the year’s cinematic landscape and setting the stage for exciting developments in the coming year.
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