The movies that came out in 2023 in Telugu Cinema had quite a range! Some were really amazing, telling deep stories about life, culture, and emotions. They connected with people in special ways. But, not all of them hit the mark. Some movies had high hopes but didn’t quite deliver, facing criticism for different reasons. Let’s take a closer look at the best movies that wowed audiences and the letdowns that missed the mark in Telugu Cinema during 2023.
The Best Telugu Films of 2023
Month of Madhu
“Month of Madhu” stands out for its poignant portrayal of life’s passage. The movie beautifully captures the essence of time through the character of Lekha, showcasing her journey from youthful love to the weariness of a failed marriage. Despite imperfections, it adeptly portrays the erosion of youthful dreams, resonating with audiences through its emotional depth.
Balagam
“Balagam” shines as a cultural gem, reflecting the essence of rural Telangana. With Priyadarshi Pullikonda’s exceptional performance, the film navigates the emotional journey of Sailu and his family following his grandfather’s demise. The movie’s strength lies in its ability to blend comedy and drama while embracing the cultural nuances of its setting, marking a significant success for indie Telugu cinema.
Dasara
“Dasara” offers a unique mass film experience, blending political undertones with stunning visuals from Godavarikhani’s coal mines. Although it occasionally falls short in execution, the movie impresses with its captivating sequences, notably the vibrant “Ori Vaari” and the action-packed Dasara festival finale. Santhosh Narayan’s music adds depth to the film’s appeal, making it a standout in the mass film genre.
Hi Nanna
“Hi Nanna” delves into the realm of melodrama, exploring the intricacies of parenthood. Despite certain contrivances, the film succeeds in capturing the charm of a heartfelt romance. Drawing inspiration from Mani Ratnam’s style, it weaves a touching narrative, although occasionally marred by its fuzzy writing. Nevertheless, its emotional core resonates with audiences.
Keedaa Cola
“Keedaa Cola” showcases director Tharun Bhaskar’s unique storytelling prowess, combining sharp dialogue with cinematic finesse. While the film loses momentum towards the end, it remains a rarity in Telugu cinema, thanks to its directorial style and Vivek Sagar’s commendable score. The movie’s standout moments include nods to various genres, though it doesn’t quite reach its full potential.
The Biggest Telugu Letdowns of 2023
Kushi
“Kushi” disappoints after a promising start, failing to explore its thematic depth effectively. Despite Vijay Deverakonda’s commendable performance, the film falls short in addressing its ideological conflicts, reducing significant issues to superficial squabbles. Its handling of sensitive topics like pregnancy and miscarriage also draws criticism for lack of sensitivity.
Baby
“Baby” sparked controversy due to its problematic portrayal of gender dynamics. The film’s treatment of the female lead’s journey invites misogynistic interpretations, leading to negative reactions from audiences. The narrative fails to provide depth to its characters, and certain plot points are handled insensitively, diminishing its impact.
Bro
“Bro” heavily relies on star power but lacks substance in its execution. Despite Pawan Kalyan’s charismatic presence, the film struggles with lazy storytelling and uninteresting plot developments. Trivikram Srinivas’s writing doesn’t manage to elevate the film beyond a collection of references, failing to engage audiences effectively.
Shaakuntalam
“Shaakuntalam” misses the mark with its weak storytelling and lack of artistic vision. Despite a star-studded cast and potential for a sweeping romance, the film falls flat in execution. It fails to evoke the grandeur expected from an epic, struggling with outdated gender politics and subpar CGI.
Tiger Nageshwar Rao
“Tiger Nageshwar Rao” tackles an important historical chapter but falters in its execution. The film struggles with inconsistent portrayals and misses opportunities to delve into the marginalized communities’ story effectively. Despite some positive aspects like production design and performances, it fails to deliver on its promising subject matter.
