Musical films, by definition, are not just movies about musicians or those that focus solely on the arts. They are films where music plays a significant role in the narrative, helping to drive the story forward. Telugu films, like many Indian films, often incorporate songs and dances, giving them a unique appeal to both domestic and international audiences. Here are seven of the all-time best Telugu musical movies that have left an indelible mark on the industry.
Malliswari: Released in 1951, “Malliswari” was a revolutionary film in Telugu cinema. Though it may not have achieved the commercial success of other contemporary films like “Pathala Bhairavi,” its music remains timeless. Songs like “Yeda Thanunnado Bava” are still cherished today. The film featured NTR and Bhanumathi in lead roles and was directed by B.N. Reddy. The music, composed by Saluri Rajeswara Rao, played a crucial role in establishing NTR’s versatility as an actor, paving the way for his success in various genres.
Sagara Sangamam: “Sagara Sangamam,” directed by K. Viswanath, is a poignant tale of a dancer’s journey through failure and self-discovery. Ilaiyaraja composed the music, delivering some of his finest work, which was essential to the film’s emotional depth. Kamal Haasan’s performance, supported by a strong cast, remains memorable. The film’s music and dance sequences are integral to its narrative, making it a quintessential musical in Telugu cinema.
Swarnakamalam: Another masterpiece from K. Viswanath, “Swarnakamalam” is a love story deeply rooted in the world of classical dance and music. Ilaiyaraja’s music for this film continues to resonate with audiences, frequently played on radio stations even today. Venkatesh and Bhanupriya delivered stellar performances, contributing to the film’s enduring legacy. The film beautifully showcases the struggle and passion of artists, intertwined with melodious music.
Annamayya: “Annamayya” stands out as one of the best musical films in the last 30 years in the Telugu film industry. Directed by K. Raghavendra Rao, the film features Nagarjuna in the lead role, portraying the revered saint-poet Annamacharya. M.M. Keeravani’s music is the heart of the film, with devotional songs that have become classics. The performances by Nagarjuna, Suman, Ramyakrishnan, Kasturi, and Bhanupriya add to the film’s richness, making it a musical masterpiece.
Manmadhudu: “Manmadhudu,” starring Nagarjuna, features music composed by Devi Sri Prasad. The film is a romantic comedy.. Devi Sri Prasad’s compositions are catchy and melodious romantic themes. The songs became chartbusters and are still popular among fans.
Varsham: “Varsham,” featuring Prabhas in the lead role, is another film where music stood classic. Composed by Devi Sri Prasad, the soundtrack of “Varsham” became immensely popular upon release.
Anand: Directed by Sekhar Kammula, “Anand” music is composed by Radha Krishna. The soothing and melodious tracks beautifully capture the essence of the story, which revolves around the character Roopa.
