As we near the end of October, it’s evident that Telugu cinema hasn’t created the same sensation as in past years. Over recent years, Tollywood has been known for delivering big-ticket pan-Indian blockbusters. However, this year, there’s been a shift in the trend, if only temporarily.
The top five grossing Indian films in 2023 are Leo, Jawan, Pathaan, Gadar 2, and Jailer. What’s intriguing is that two of these top five earners are Tamil films, and Jawan is directed by the Tamil filmmaker Atlee, making it the highest earner of the year. This year, Tamil cinema can claim credit for three of the highest-grossing films in 2023.
Curiously, not a single Telugu film or director has made it to this list. The notable absence of a pan-Indian blockbuster from Tollywood this year is apparent. Even the film Adipurush had a Bollywood director leading the way, excluding Tollywood’s presence from the list of 2023’s top earners.
Salaar, set to close out the year, is expected to perform well, but it also has Prashanth Neel at the helm. This means the credit will be shared, and it won’t be solely attributed to Tollywood.
However, 2024 holds great promise for Telugu cinema, with eagerly awaited releases like Devara, Pushpa 2, Kalki, and several other highly anticipated films scheduled throughout the year. Tollywood is gearing up for a strong comeback, and fans have reason to be excited about what the future holds.
Amidst this, there’s some uplifting news as Telugu hero Allu Arjun receives a national award this year for his remarkable performance in the film “Pushpa.” This recognition adds to the industry’s pride and showcases the exceptional talent that Tollywood has to offer.
