The summer of 2025 ended on a lackluster note for the Telugu film industry. With few big-ticket releases and most films failing to make a significant impact at the box office, the season left much to be desired. The summer holiday period officially concluded on June 12.
However, the post-summer phase brought a glimmer of hope with two notable releases. Sekhar Kammula’s “Kuberaa” arrived on June 20 and Manchu Vishnu’s “Kannappa” hit theaters on June 27. Both films opened to strong box office numbers, offering much-needed relief to the industry.
Now, attention turns to the monsoon season. July 2025 is set to bring a major release along with two promising mid-range films. Here’s a look at what’s coming and what each film brings to the table.
Thammudu – July 04, 2025
Nithiin has pinned high hopes on “Thammudu,” a film that blends brother-sister sentiment with action and a socially relevant theme. Directed by “Vakeel Saab” fame Sriram Venu and produced by Dil Raju, the film’s promotions have picked up pace.
Though Nithiin has been maintaining a relatively low profile in promotional activities, likely due to the setbacks of his recent films, producer Dil Raju remains confident that Thammudu will strike a chord with audiences.
The film marks the comeback of Laya, a popular actress from the 2000s, in the role of Nithiin’s sister. It also introduces Kannada star Saptami Gowda of Kantara fame to Telugu cinema. The music is composed by Ajaneesh Loknath, also known for his work in Kantara.
Ghaati – July 11, 2025
Anushka Shetty and director Krish have teamed up once again after their acclaimed collaboration in “Vedam.” Known for experimenting with diverse genres, Krish now turns his focus to the ganja smuggling trade in the Uttarandhra region with his latest film, “Ghaati.” The title refers to the people living in the Ghats.
Anushka plays the role of a powerful don who controls the ganja business, marking a bold transformation in her on-screen persona. A superstar in her own right, Anushka returns to the big screen after a two-year hiatus, and naturally, the film is generating considerable buzz. “Ghaati” has strong potential to open big at the box office.
Releasing on the same day, July 11, is Suhas-starrer “Oh Bhama Ayyo Rama.” After a string of underwhelming performances at the box office, Suhas is hoping this film will mark his comeback.
Junior – July 18, 2025
Sreeleela-starrer “Junior” is primarily targeted at Kannada audiences, but interestingly, the film is being made entirely by a Telugu team. It marks the debut of Kireeti, son of politician and businessman Gaali Janardhan Reddy, with Sreeleela playing the female lead opposite him.
Directed by Radha Krishna, a Telugu filmmaker, “Junior” is produced by Rajini Korrapati under the Varaahi Chalana Chitram banner. Music is composed by Devi Sri Prasad, while Baahubali cinematographer Senthil Kumar handles the visuals. Adding further appeal, Bommarillu fame Genelia plays a key role in the film. Despite its Kannada-language focus, “Junior” carries all the hallmarks of a Telugu production.
Hari Hara Veera Mallu – July 24, 2025
The biggest and most-awaited release of the season is undoubtedly Pawan Kalyan’s “Hari Hara Veera Mallu.” Despite being in production for nearly four years, undergoing a change in directors from Krish to Jyothi Krishna, and facing multiple postponements, the film is expected to create a massive frenzy upon release —simply because it stars Pawan Kalyan.
What makes this release even more significant is that “Hari Hara Veera Mallu” will be Pawan Kalyan’s first film to hit theaters after assuming office as the Deputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh.
Mounted on a grand scale, “Hari Hara Veera Mallu” is set during the Mughal era. The story revolves around Veera Mallu, an outlaw who rises in rebellion against Emperor Aurangazeb. Given Pawan Kalyan’s current political positioning rooted in Sanatana Dharma, the film’s storyline is likely to strike a chord with audiences across the country.
This is the second major film, following the recent blockbuster Chhaava, to portray the darker side of Aurangazeb, played by Bobby Deol.
Nidhhi Agerwal plays the female lead, while Oscar-winning composer MM Keeravani provides the music. This is his first time working on a film starring Pawan Kalyan. As the final major release of July, “Hari Hara Veera Mallu” is expected to close the month with masive box office numbers.
