Telugu Cinema 2024: Blockbusters, surprises, and several misses

In 2024, Telugu cinema saw a mix of huge successes, unexpected hits, and quite a few disappointments. Leading the pack were the blockbusters "Pushpa 2: The Rule" and "Kalki 2898 AD," both of which crossed the 1000-crore mark at the box office, dominating conversations throughout the year.

While these big-budget films stole the spotlight, there were also surprises from smaller and medium-budget movies that managed to win the hearts of audiences and bring cheer to the industry. Despite these hits, the year was overall a mixed bag for Telugu cinema. Out of nearly 250 films that released in theatres, only 15 to 20 managed to achieve box office success, with many new releases struggling to attract viewers.

Director Nag Ashwin's "Kalki 2898 AD" particularly stood out, sparking discussions about stories from the Mahabharata. The film set the stage for its sequel, which promises to delve deeper into the world of the Supreme Yaskin (played by Kamal Haasan), the redemption arc of Ashwatthama (Amitabh Bachchan), Karna (Prabhas), and the anticipated birth of Kalki.