Telugu Movies List 2000-2020
The Telugu film industry, also known as Tollywood, has experienced significant growth and evolution over the past two decades. From 2000 to 2020, numerous iconic movies have been released, showcasing the talent of Telugu actors, directors, and producers.
Notable Telugu Movies (2000-2020)
Here are some notable Telugu movies from the past two decades:
Notable Telugu Actors (2000-2020)
Here are some notable Telugu actors who have made significant contributions to the industry:
Notable Telugu Directors (2000-2020)
Here are some notable Telugu directors who have made significant contributions to the industry:
This list provides a comprehensive overview of notable Telugu movies, actors, and directors from 2000 to 2020. It is verified through reputable sources, ensuring accuracy and reliability.
The two decades between 2000 and 2020 represent a transformative era for Telugu cinema (Tollywood), evolving from regional stardom to a global powerhouse. This period saw the rise of iconic "Industry Hits," the birth of the pan-Indian film movement, and a shift toward diverse storytelling across genres like family drama, psychological thrillers, and historical epics.
The Early 2000s: Romances and Mass Entertainers (2000–2005)
This era was defined by youthful love stories and the solidification of "Megastar" Chiranjeevi and "Victory" Venkatesh's influence.
Nuvve Kavali (2000): A major sleeper hit produced on a budget of ₹1.2 crore that grossed ₹35.6 crore, winning the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Telugu.
Kalisundam Raa (2000): A blockbuster family drama starring Venkatesh and Simran that collected ₹19 crore in distributor shares.
Indra (2002): Redefined the "Industry Hit" concept, marking a massive commercial success for Chiranjeevi.
Nuvvu Naaku Nachav (2001): A perennial favorite romantic comedy known for its sharp writing by Trivikram Srinivas.
Okkadu (2003): A landmark action film starring Mahesh Babu that remains a cult classic for its screenplay and high-stakes kabbadi backdrop.
Arya (2004): Directed by Sukumar, it introduced a "one-sided love" concept and catapulted Allu Arjun to stardom. The Mid-Era: Stylised Action and New Wave (2006–2014)
Cinema during this time became sleeker, focusing on high-octane action and experimental themes.
Pokiri (2006): Directed by Puri Jagannadh, it shattered existing records and was remade in multiple languages including Hindi as Wanted.
Bommarillu (2006): A touchstone for family relations and father-son dynamics, winning seven Nandi Awards.
Magadheera (2009): S.S. Rajamouli’s fantasy epic that set a new benchmark for visual effects and scale, completing a 1000-day theatrical run.
Eega (2012): A unique revenge story featuring a housefly, proving that content-driven high-concept films could be global successes.
Attarintiki Daredi (2013): A massive family entertainer starring Pawan Kalyan that broke box office records of its time.
Manam (2014): A heartwarming fantasy drama featuring three generations of the Akkineni family. The Pan-Indian Revolution: 2015–2020
The latter half of this period changed Indian cinema forever, with Tollywood leading the way in global reach.
Baahubali: The Beginning (2015) & Baahubali 2: The Conclusion (2017): These films directed by S.S. Rajamouli are the defining movies of the decade. Baahubali 2 became the country's highest-grossing film, grossing over ₹1,700 crore.
Pelli Choopulu (2016): An indie-style rom-com that broke gender stereotypes and proved that small-budget films could become massive hits.
Arjun Reddy (2017): A controversial cult classic that impacted Telugu pop culture and led to the "new era" of raw storytelling. telugu movies list 2000 to 2020 verified
Rangasthalam (2018): A rural drama featuring Ram Charan as a partially deaf villager, lauded for its performances and grounded storytelling.
Mahanati (2018): A biographical masterpiece based on the life of legendary actress Savitri, winning multiple National Awards.
Jersey (2019): An emotional sports drama that resonated deeply for its portrayal of failure and redemption.
Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo (2020): One of the biggest hits of 2020, known for its chart-topping music and Allu Arjun's charismatic performance.
Colour Photo (2020): Released directly on OTT due to the pandemic, it won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Telugu. Telugu Movies Performance Summary (2000–2020) Nuvve Kavali K. Vijaya Bhaskar National Award Winner Okkadu Gunasekhar Industry Hit Pokiri Puri Jagannadh Action/Crime Trendsetter Magadheera S.S. Rajamouli Fantasy/Epic Global Success Eega S.S. Rajamouli Fantasy/Revenge Experimental Hit Srimanthudu Koratala Siva Drama/Social Blockbuster Baahubali 2 S.S. Rajamouli All-Time Record Rangasthalam Rural Drama Critical & Commercial Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo Trivikram Srinivas Family/Action Blockbuster Best of Telugu Movies 2000 onwards - IMDb
The Telugu film industry (Tollywood) underwent a massive transformation between 2000 and 2020, evolving from a regional powerhouse into a global phenomenon
. This era was defined by the rise of "Pan-Indian" cinema and significant technical advancements in visual effects. Annual Industry Hits (2000–2020)
The following films were the highest-grossing Telugu releases of their respective years:
The period between 2000 and 2020 was a transformative era for Telugu cinema, evolving from regional hits to global blockbusters. This era saw the rise of iconic stars, the mastery of directors like S.S. Rajamouli and Trivikram Srinivas, and a significant shift in storytelling.
Below is a verified list of the most influential Telugu movies from 2000 to 2020, categorized by their impact on the industry. The Game-Changers (All-Time Blockbusters)
These films redefined commercial success and set new benchmarks for the Indian film industry.
Between 2000 and 2020, Telugu cinema (Tollywood) transitioned from traditional family dramas and "faction" films to high-budget global blockbusters and experimental, realistic storytelling
. This period saw the rise of superstars like Mahesh Babu, Prabhas, Allu Arjun, and N.T. Rama Rao Jr., alongside the visionary growth of directors like S.S. Rajamouli and Trivikram Srinivas.
Below is a verified feature list of notable Telugu movies from each year of this era. 2000 – 2004: The Romantic & Youth Wave Nuvve Kavali (Blockbuster romance), (Pawan Kalyan's iconic hit), and Chirunavvutho (Cult classic romance), Nuvvu Naaku Nachchav (Family favorite), and Manasantha Nuvve (Record-breaking action), Manmadhudu (Rom-com classic), and (Mahesh Babu's breakthrough), (Social drama), and (Stylized love story), (Musical hit), and (Realistic "coffee" film). 2005 – 2009: Evolution of the Action-Thriller
Between 2000 and 2020, Telugu cinema (Tollywood) transitioned from traditional family dramas to high-concept, globally recognized epics. This era saw the rise of iconic stars like Mahesh Babu and Allu Arjun, and the emergence of visionary directors such as S.S. Rajamouli and Sukumar. Notable Telugu Movies (2000–2020)
List of highest-grossing Telugu films - Wikipedia Table_title: Highest-grossing films Table_content: header: | Rank | Title | Year | row: | Rank: 1 | Title: Baahubali 2: The Conclu... Magadheera
The film explores the deep connection between the characters in both lives. *Magadheera* was a major commercial success and earned... Magadheera Baahubali 2: The Conclusion
One of the most prominent releases was Baahubali 2: The Conclusion. While technically a Telugu film, its massive pan-India release... Baahubali 2: The Conclusion
The Telugu film industry saw significant transformation between 2000 and 2020, evolving from regional hits to global "Pan-India" blockbusters like the Baahubali series. Below is a verified list of notable movies released during this period, categorized by their critical and commercial impact. The Early 2000s: Romance and Action Hits (2000–2005)
This era was dominated by family entertainers and the rise of "youthful" romances.
Kalisundam Raa (2000): A superhit family drama starring Venkatesh that won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Telugu.
Nuvve Kavali (2000): A massive sleeper hit and National Award winner that redefined the romance genre for the new millennium.
Nuvvu Naaku Nachav (2001): Regarded as one of the best feel-good films in Telugu cinema, noted for its comedy and emotional depth.
Indra (2002): An iconic action drama starring Chiranjeevi that became one of the biggest milestones in Tollywood history.
Okkadu (2003): A landmark action film for Mahesh Babu, often cited as a perfect example of the "hero template" in Indian cinema.
Athadu (2005): A modern classic action-thriller known for its sophisticated screenplay and frequent television broadcasts. The Mid-Era: Innovation and Blockbusters (2006–2014)
During this time, directors like S.S. Rajamouli and Trivikram Srinivas began pushing the boundaries of storytelling and visual effects.
Pokiri (2006): A trendsetter in the action genre that became the highest-grossing Telugu film at the time of its release. Telugu Movies List 2000-2020 The Telugu film industry,
Happy Days (2007): A cult-favorite coming-of-age film that influenced a generation of students and redefined college dramas.
Magadheera (2009): A groundbreaking historical fantasy that set new records for visual effects and commercial success.
Khaleja (2010): Though a box-office failure initially, it gained a massive cult following for its unique writing and Mahesh Babu's performance.
Eega (2012): An internationally acclaimed fantasy film where the protagonist is reincarnated as a fly to seek revenge.
Manam (2014): A fantasy drama featuring three generations of the Akkineni family, praised for its complex narrative on rebirth. The Modern Era: Pan-India Dominance (2015–2020)
This period marked Tollywood's expansion into global markets and the emergence of gritty, realistic storytelling.
Baahubali: The Beginning (2015) & Baahubali 2: The Conclusion (2017): Epic historical dramas that shattered box office records and brought international recognition to Telugu cinema.
Arjun Reddy (2017): A highly controversial yet influential cult hit that sparked intense discussions on toxic masculinity and modern romance.
Mahanati (2018): A critically acclaimed biographical film about legendary actress Savitri, winning multiple National Awards.
Jersey (2019): A poignant sports drama about a cricketer's struggle to prove himself, widely regarded as one of the best films of the decade.
Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo (2020): A major commercial blockbuster known for its chart-topping music and stylish performance by Allu Arjun.
Colour Photo (2020): A direct-to-OTT release that won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Telugu for its realistic portrayal of a tragic love story.
For a year-by-year breakdown of every movie released, you can refer to the comprehensive Wikipedia List of Telugu Films by Year. List of highest-grossing Telugu films - Wikipedia
Table_title: Highest-grossing films Table_content: header: | Rank | Title | Year | row: | Rank: 1 | Title: Baahubali 2: The Conclu... Best Telugu Movies List: Top Tollywood Films to Watch
Legacy Telugu Movies of All Time * C/o Kancharapalem. * Jersey. * Mayabazar. * Sita Ramam. * Nuvvu Naaku Nachchav. * Agent Sai Sri... Telugu Movies 2020 | Movies by Year - Filmibeat
Telugu Released Movies 2020 A few blockbuster hits of the year are Kanulu Kanulanu Dhochaayante, Sarileru Neekevvaru, Ala Vaikunth... Magadheera
The film explores the deep connection between the characters in both lives. *Magadheera* was a major commercial success and earned... Magadheera Baahubali 2: The Conclusion
One of the most prominent releases was Baahubali 2: The Conclusion. While technically a Telugu film, its massive pan-India release... Baahubali 2: The Conclusion
It ( Athadu ) won three Nandi Awards and a Filmfare Award South for Best Director – Telugu. Over time, Athadu gained recognition a... Kalisundam Raa
'Kuch Tum Kaho Kuch Hum Kahe' was a remake of Venkatesh's hit movie 'Kalisundam Raa'. The Telugu drama was a superhit and also won... Kalisundam Raa Nuvve Kavali
Produced on a shoestring budget of ₹ 1.2 crore, [2] and shot entirely in Ramoji Film City, Nuvve Kavali became a major sleeper hit... Nuvve Kavali Nuvvostanante Nenoddantana
Raju and the Paruchuri Brothers, Nuvvostanante Nenoddantana ( Nuvvostanante Nenoddantana (2005 ) became a blockbuster upon release... Nuvvostanante Nenoddantana Bommarillu
Reportedly, Bommarillu became a blockbuster and it was one of the highest grossing Telugu films of that time. Due to the film's su... Bommarillu Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo
Despite being one of her ( Pooja Hegde ) most notable projects, the mix-up caught fans' attention, especially as 'Ala Vaikunthapur... Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo
Legendary Tollywood writer Chinni Krishna opens up about the creation of the iconic film Indra, starring Megastar Chiranjeevi. In ...
Gamyam (2008) Directed and bankrolled by debutante Krish Jagarlamudi, Gamyam ( Gamyam (2008 ) has certainly broken the shackles in...
1. Arundhati (2009) Arundhati is a classic and one of the most successful Telugu horror movies of all time. It's a must-watch for ... Nuvvu Naaku Nachav
Nuvvu Naaku Nachav ( Nuvvu Naaku Nachav (2001 ) can be simply termed as one among the best feel-good films of Telugu cinema. Direc... Nuvvu Naaku Nachav 1: Nenokkadine Azad (Venkatesh, Sridevi) Company ( Mohan Babu, Ajay
'1-Nenokkadine is the biggest release for a Telugu movie ever. In just Nizam area the film is releasing in 342 theaters with over ... 1: Nenokkadine Aditya 369
His ( Amrish Puri ) screen presence, dialogue delivery, and expressions make Aditya 369 a cult classic loved by generations of mov... Aditya 369
All this momentum culminated in one of the most iconic and successful Telugu films of all time: Pokiri. The film stormed to box of... Palasa 1978
Him ( Suriya ) being a star or him ( Suriya ) being an actor, playing the role that the story demands? An interesting question to ... Palasa 1978 Uma Maheswara Ugra Roopasya
Cinematographer Appu Prabhakar recounts the experience of filming the soon-to-stream Telugu film 'Uma Maheswara Ugra Roopasya' sta... Uma Maheswara Ugra Roopasya Colour Photo
Telugu films Colour Photo, Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo and Natyam won at the 68th National Film Awards. The awards, announced on July ... Colour Photo
Watch & Enjoy #SirulaNosage full Song From #Devullu Telugu Movie.Starring #Pruthvi, #Raasi, Music composed by VandemataramSrinivas...
Released in 2001, ' Kushi' is a cinematic gem that has etched itself into the hearts of fans and stands as a proof to the enduring... Chirunavvutho
Chirunavvutho ( Chiru Navvutho ) ( transl. With a Smile) [1] is a 2000 Indian Telugu-language film directed by G. Ram Prasad, with... Chirunavvutho Yuvakudu is a Telugu film/album that was released in 2000.
The Telugu film industry, known for its vibrant storytelling and dynamic performances, has been home to many blockbuster hits. "Bh...
Who is the director of 'Aithe'? 'Aithe' is directed by Chandra Sekhar Yeleti. What is Genre of 'Aithe'? 'Aithe' belongs to 'Advent... Disco Raja
Reports going around social media are that the upcoming Telugu film Disco Raja, which has Ravi Teja in the lead role, is also base... Disco Raja
Arya Arya is a Telugu film which released on 7 May 2004 and was directed by Sukumar. This film has Allu Arjun in the main lead. Th...
Aswathama (2020), Crime Mystery Thriller released in Telugu language in theatre near you in Ahmedabad. Know about Film reviews, le...
Okkadu is one of the finest films in Telugu and Indian cinema in my opinion. It perfected the hero template, had amazing songs and...
He ( Teja ) made his ( Teja ) cinematographry debut with Raat/Raathri. Teja once in conversation with Ramoji Rao said it was possi... Happy Days
Happy Days is a 2007 Indian Telugu-language musical coming of age film written, produced and directed by Sekhar Kammula. The film ...
Khaleja is a 2010 Indian Telugu-language fantasy action comedy film written and directed by Trivikram Srinivas. It stars Mahesh Ba...
Manam is a 2014 Indian Telugu-language fantasy drama film written and directed by Vikram Kumar, and produced by the Akkineni Famil... Category:Lists of Telugu films by year - Wikipedia
List of Telugu films of 1978. List of Telugu films of 1979. List of Telugu films of 1980. List of Telugu films of 1981. List of Te... Best of Telugu Movies 2000 onwards - IMDb
Best of Telugu Movies 2000 onwards * 1. Manam. 2014. 2h 43m. Not Rated. 8.0 (13K) Rate. Mark as watched. Through reincarnation, fa... Top Rated Telugu Movies - IMDb
Top rated Telugu movies * 1C/o Kancharapalem. 8.8 Rate. Mark as watched. * 2Jersey. 8.5 Rate. Mark as watched. * 3Mayabazar. 9.0 R... Best of Telugu Movies 2000 onwards - IMDb
1. Manam. 2014. 2h 43m. Not Rated. 8.0 (13K) Rate. Mark as watched. Through reincarnation, family members are able to cross genera...
Here’s a verified guide to Telugu movies released between 2000 and 2020, organized by year with notable, widely recognized films. These are verified through sources like IMDb, Wikipedia, and film trade archives.
This period saw the emergence of three forces that would define the next decade: Rajamouli (vision), Mahesh Babu (stardom as brand), and a young NTR Jr. (raw intensity).
Verified hits:
But the real earthquake was Baahubali: The Beginning (2015) — though it belongs to the next window, its pre-production began in 2013, funded by Arka Media. It changed everything: VFX, scale, release strategy, and the very definition of "Telugu cinema."