Debut Films of 14 Directors That Show The Rise Of Modern Telugu Cinema

Venkatesh Maha's C/o Kancharapalem is a revelation of an indie cinema in Telugu. The movie produced with conviction by an American-Indian doctor Paruchuri Praveena. Later, the project was taken up by the prestigious Suresh Productions speaks volumes abou the movie. After attaining considerable critical praise before its release, the movie is well received by the early watchers. 

Phanindra Narsetty who made himself something like a star of a sort with the highly appreciated short film Madhuram comes up with this mystery romance. The movie is appreciated for its real effects and technical brilliance. Particularly the movie is the first widely released crowdfunded film in Telugu. The past work of the director Phanindra worked out for Manu when the makers announced the crowdfunding idea. 

Awe is a one of its kind movie in Telugu cinema and it can be said that no one touched a similar kind of subject in the recent past. And this movie coming from a director who is directing his first ever feature film is a little surprise. It is written and directed by one more talented debutant Prashanth Varma who is known for his short films like Dialogue In The Dark and The Silent Melody. Awe has received a unanimous thumbsup from the audience and critics and the success of film shows that audience are ready to accept different cinema. Though Awe hasn't introduced or reintroduced any genre in particular is showcased the beauty of team effort.

Arjun Reddy has been a sensational film which was loved for the realistic approach of Sandeep Reddy. Telugu cinema has been great in the recent past but what's missing was a realistic and raw film like Premam in Mollywood or a Kirik Party in Sandalwood. Arjun Reddy has successfully filled that void and most of the credit must go to the director Sandeep Reddy. The way he has handled his actors and delivered a superb project with a very low budget shows his command on the craft. Movies like Arjun Reddy help the aspiring filmmakers to dream big and boost their self confidence that when an attempt is made honestly it will never fail.

Swamy Ra Ra remains as one of the best crime thrillers made by this generation directors. Though the story line is highly inspired, it’s the stylish and slick narration of Sudheer Varma which clicked for this film. Swamy Ra Ra marked the come back of crime thriller genre in Tollywood after about a decade. This film gave the much needed break through for Nikhil.

Oohalu Gusa Gusa Laade is once again a triangular love story but which is made with a very unique approach. The back and forth screenplay, pure Telugu conversations with a lot of wittiness are the major highlights of this film. This movie marked the re-entry of clean and funny movies of Jandhyala, S V Krishna Reddy times. Srinivas Avasarala proved that he a good actor, director and above all a terrific writer. Naga Shaurya and Raashi Khanna's love track is one of the best track written off late.

Though Karthik Ghattamaneni became a director of this film unexpectedly, he did complete justice to the movie. With an interesting plot of lead hero suffering with Porphyria, the major highlight of the film was the entertaining screenplay. This movie opened a door to interesting concept based movies in Tollywood.

Yevade Subramanyam is about a rich guy who knows the real meaning and value of life on his journey to Doodh Kaashi (A river in Himalayas). It had all the ingredients of a perfect modern day cinema from stellar performances to subtle comedy. This movie marked the arrival of classy stories with subtle and sophisticated performances in Tollywood. Nani and Vijay Deverakonda were at their natural best in this film.

Bhale Manchi Roju was a crime comedy that impressed the critics and audience alike. Debutant Sriram Adittya was lauded for his sensible screenplay and the freshness he brought into this movie. He now stands tall as one of the promising directors in TFI.

Kshanam will remain as a classic forever for its high technical values, gripping screenplay and stellar performances. Despite being made on a very low budget, Kshanam offers a high-quality cinematic experience which one cannot afford to miss. Kshanam re-introduced the mystery genre to Tollywood.

Pelli Choopulu is a must watch film of 2016. Just when Telugu audience badly needed a joyful entertainer, Pelli Choopulu was released. With natural performances, good music , and abundant comedy, Pelli Choopulu brought back the golden days of youthful entertainers. Tharun Bhascker made a striking debut with this film.

Ghazi is probably the proudest Telugu film on the list. Ghazi is India’s first underwater war drama. What makes every Telugu cinema fan proud is that it was directed by a debutante Sankalp Reddy whose age is barely 25. Ghazi received all the respect, recognition and rewards it well deserved.

Not many people had expectations on this film when it was released. But Krish has created a new wave in Tollywood with his realistic approach and heart touching characters in this movie. Gamyam marked the arrival of realistic story telling in Telugu cinema. The movie won 4 Filmfare awards and 4 Nandi awards.

Just when people were going crazy over commercial entertainers, Ala Modalaindi came as a little surprise which became a huge hit. With a simple story, Nandini Reddy managed to keep the audience entertained with few twists and rib-tickling one-liners. Ala Modalaindi marked the entry of simple romantic comedy movies in Tollywood.

Triangular love stories are not new in tollywood, for that matter in any film industry. What made 'Andala Rakshasi special is Hanu’s poetic way of story telling. The way he wrote and picturised the conversations between lead actors is so poetic and classy. Andala Rakshasi marked the arrival of artistic and classy movies in Tollywood.

Karthikeya rediscovered the thriller genre and presented the movie flawlessly. With a gripping screenplay and exceptional photography, Karthikeya is one of the finest scientific thrillers ever made. Karthikeya marked the arrival of scientific thrillers in Tollywood. Chandoo Mondeti proved his potential as a brilliant director with this film. Nikhil's makeover and performance helped the film big time.