In Tollywood, box office success is not just a measure of financial triumph but also a reflection of the cinematic magic that resonates with millions. Over the years, Telugu cinema has produced an array of blockbuster hits, each setting new benchmarks in the industry. From heartwarming family dramas to high-octane action thrillers, Tollywood’s box office hits encapsulate a variety of genres, showcasing the industry’s versatility and its ability to appeal to a diverse audience. 

In this article, we dive into the realm of Tollywood’s most successful films, exploring the stories behind their monumental success and the impact they’ve had on the industry and audiences alike.

Baahubali: The Beginning (2015)

“Baahubali: The Beginning,” directed by S. S. Rajamouli, is a visual masterpiece that redefined the standards of Indian cinema. This epic tale of betrayal and revenge set in a mythical kingdom captivated audiences worldwide with its spectacular visuals and compelling storytelling. It grossed over ₹650 crores globally, making it one of the highest-earning Indian films at the time. The film’s unprecedented success set the stage for its even more successful sequel.

Baahubali: The Conclusion (2017)

The sequel, “Baahubali: The Conclusion,” also directed by S. S. Rajamouli, broke all the records set by its predecessor. This concluding part of the epic saga answered the infamous question, “Why did Kattappa kill Baahubali?” and enthralled audiences with even grander visual spectacles. The film smashed box office records, grossing around ₹1,810 crores worldwide, becoming the highest-grossing film in India.

Arjun Reddy (2017)

“Arjun Reddy,” directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, is a film that brought a seismic shift in Telugu cinema. This intense romantic drama, centering around a medical student with anger management issues, earned around ₹51 crores. Its raw, realistic approach to love and heartbreak set it apart from typical romantic movies, making it a path-breaking film in Tollywood.

Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo (2020)

Trivikram Srinivas’s “Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo” is a vibrant family drama filled with emotion, action, and humor. The film’s engaging storyline, coupled with Allu Arjun’s charismatic performance, was a massive hit, earning approximately ₹262 crores worldwide. Its music, especially the song ‘Butta Bomma,’ became a sensation, adding to the film’s immense popularity.

Magadheera (2009)

S. Rajamouli’s “Magadheera” is a historical romance that explores themes of reincarnation. This visually stunning film, with its grandiose sets and impressive special effects, earned around ₹150 crores, setting a new benchmark for Tollywood films. The film’s unique blend of action, romance, and fantasy elements resonated well with the audience.

Gabbar Singh (2012)

Directed by Harish Shankar, “Gabbar Singh” is an action film that redefined the mass-movie genre in Telugu cinema. Starring Pawan Kalyan, this cop drama, a remake of the Hindi film “Dabangg,” grossed around ₹150 crores. The film’s catchy dialogues, memorable songs, and stylish action sequences contributed to its massive success.

Srimanthudu (2015)

“Srimanthudu,” directed by Koratala Siva and starring Mahesh Babu, is a film with a strong social message. It tells the story of a wealthy man adopting a village and working towards its betterment. The film struck a chord with its audience, earning around ₹145 crores. Its blend of a compelling narrative and social consciousness made it a notable hit.

Rangasthalam (2018)

Directed by Sukumar, “Rangasthalam” is a period action drama that takes the audience back to the 1980s in rural Andhra Pradesh. The film, starring Ram Charan, was praised for its authentic portrayal of rural life and grossed about ₹216 crores. Its raw storytelling and impressive performances made it one of the biggest hits of the year.

Maharshi (2019)

Vamshi Paidipally’s “Maharshi” stars Mahesh Babu in a story that combines corporate drama with social responsibility. The film, which deals with the issues of farmers and the agriculture sector, earned around ₹175 crores. Its blend of an inspiring narrative and commercial elements made it a box office success.

Attarintiki Daredi (2013)

“Attarintiki Daredi,” directed by Trivikram Srinivas, is a family drama featuring Pawan Kalyan. The film’s engaging story, combined with comedy and emotion, earned around ₹187 crores. It was appreciated for its entertaining narrative and strong performances, becoming one of the highest-grossing Telugu films at the time.

Sarileru Neekevvaru (2020)

Directed by Anil Ravipudi, “Sarileru Neekevvaru” is an action-comedy starring Mahesh Babu. The film, which features a soldier coming to a small town and saving a family, grossed approximately ₹260 crores. Its mix of humor, action, and drama, along with Mahesh Babu’s performance, made it a major commercial success.

Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy (2019)

“Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy,” directed by Surender Reddy, is a historical action epic based on the life of freedom fighter Uyyalawada Narasimha Reddy. The film, starring Chiranjeevi, grossed around ₹240 crores. Its grand scale, impressive battle scenes, and strong narrative contributed to its box-office success.

Geetha Govindam (2018)

“Geetha Govindam,” a romantic comedy directed by Parasuram, stars Vijay Devarakonda and Rashmika Mandanna. The film, known for its light-hearted romance and comedy, earned around ₹127 crores. Its charming storyline and the chemistry between the leads made it a sleeper hit.

Eega (2012)

S. Rajamouli’s “Eega” is a fantasy action film with a unique concept of reincarnation as a fly seeking revenge. This imaginative film grossed about ₹125 crores and was lauded for its innovative storytelling and special effects. “Eega” stands out for its creativity and technical brilliance.

Janatha Garage (2016)

Directed by Koratala Siva, “Janatha Garage” is an action drama that highlights environmental issues. Starring Jr. NTR and Mohanlal, the film grossed around ₹135 crores. Its blend of action, emotion, and a strong message about nature conservation resonated with audiences, making it a significant success.

Conclusion

The spectacular success of these Tollywood box office hits highlights the sheer power and appeal of Telugu cinema. Each film, in its unique way, has not only entertained vast audiences but also pushed the boundaries of what is achievable in the cinematic landscape.

As Tollywood continues to grow and evolve, these blockbuster hits stand as shining examples of its ability to captivate hearts and imaginations, promising an exciting future for the world of Telugu cinema. Enjoyed learning about Tollywood’s top movies? See how these hits are changing Indian cinema in our post, How Is Tollywood Influencing Modern Indian Cinema.