2024 marks a pivotal year for the Telugu film industry, affirming its status as the foremost industry in India. It nearly became the number one film industry, eclipsing Bollywood. With four films achieving pan-Indian blockbuster status, none of which were directed by the top filmmaker, SS Rajamouli, it is clearly evident that several of our leading stars and directors have resonated with audiences across the nation.
An examination of the films that generated revenue in 2024, categorized into three classifications: blockbusters, super hits, and modest successes based on their earnings.
Blockbusters
1) Pushpa 2
With “Pushpa 2,” Allu Arjun emerged as the new pan-Indian superstar from the Telugu film industry. The film is a bigger blockbuster in Hindi than in Telugu. With a global total revenue above Rs 1700 crore, “Pushpa 2” has become as the third highest-grossing Indian film of all time, following “Baahubali” and “Dangal.” The film established an unprecedented record in India with its Hindi version, grossing over Rs 750 Cr (in India).
Regarding total gross revenue, “Pushpa 2” is the foremost blockbuster of 2024.
2) Kalki 2898 AD
Prabhas is Telugu cinema’s first pan-Indian superstar. After some setbacks, he rebounded with Prashanth Neel’s “Salaar” and scored another major global hit in 2024. Nag Ashwin’s sci-fi thriller “Kalki 2898 AD” has grossed more over Rs 1100 crore globally. It is the second biggest hit in Indian cinema this year, following “Pushpa 2”.
However, “Kalki 2898 AD” was the biggest hit in North America, becoming the second-highest grossing Indian film in North America with over 18 million.
3) Devara
NTR hoped to crack the Hindi market with “Devara” since he gained global fame with his previous film, RRR. However, he was unable to achieve his goals with this film. Koratala Siva’s action drama met with negative reviews and heavy trolling upon its release. Despite so much negative publicity, the film turned out to be a profitable venture due to NTR’s stardom.
It is NTR’s first Rs 500-Cr movie as a solo hero. The film grossed $6 million, the third highest-grossing Telugu movie in North America this year after “Kalki 2898 AD” and “Pushpa 2.” Compared to what Prabhas and Allu Arjun achieved this year, NTR’s “Devara” was an underwhelming grosser. Still, it is considered one of the successful movies of this year.
4) Hanu Man
“Hanu Man” is the surprise pan-Indian blockbuster. With Teja Sajja in the lead role, this fantasy devotional film resonated with all audiences. Directed effectively by Prasanth Varma, the film grossed more than Rs 50 Cr in the Hindi market alone. In North America, it grossed more than Rs 5 million.
Overall, it grossed more than Rs 200 crore in collections with a budget of less than Rs 50 crore. The film is the fourth biggest hit in Tollywood.
5) Tillu Square
One trend that 2024 has established is that sequels have a more appealing factor. It was evident in both the Telugu film industry and Bollywood. “Tillu Square,” the sequel to the highly successful “DJ Tillu,” was expected to become a super hit, but it exceeded expectations and became one of the biggest hits of the year with more than Rs 100 crore gross worldwide. It collected $2 million plus in the USA.
Super Hits
1. Saripodhaa Sanivaaram
The Nani starrer collected decent money, though it is not a big hit for him.
2. Lucky Baskhar
Dulquer Salmaan’s film not only won rave reviews but also made decent money.
3. Mathu Vadalara 2
‘Mathu Vadalara 2,’ the sequel to ‘Mathu Vadalara,’ went on to collect good revenue in urban areas.
4. Ka
‘Ka’ revived Kiran Abbavaram’s career and put an end to flops. The film was a decent hit.
Modest Successes
1. Gaami
2. Committee Kurrollu
3. Ooru Peru Bhairavakona
4. Aay
