Six Telugu period films to watch if you liked SS Rajamouli’s latest, RRR

Rudhramadevi and Rajanna are considered among the best Telugu period films for a reason.

Period films, like Rajamouli's most recent theatrical release, RRR exemplify the otherworldly charm south Indian movies hold. They hit us with a sense of indescribable nostalgia and make us marvel at the power of excellent cinematography and, of course, exceptional acting prowess. So, we decided to enlist six such larger-than-life Telugu period films that you most definitely should watch!

Sardar Papa Rayudu (Eros Now, Hungama Play, Vi Movies & TV, YouTube)

A sincere gentleman and freedom fighter, Sardar Paparayudu (NTR), gets jailed for a murder he didn't commit. This compels him to prove his innocence and seek vengeance from his accusers. The period action flick, set in the era of the British Raj, also features the legendary Sridevi, Sharada, and Rao Gopal Rao in the main cast and boasts an excellent music album by veteran musician the late K. Chakravarthy.

Rajanna (DisneyPlus Hotstar, YouTube)

Set in the late 1940s, Rajanna narrates the story of the Nelakondapalli village in Hyderabad. While under the vice grip of an aristocratic family and its head, Dorasani (Shwetha Menon), the villagers seek solace in Rajanna's (Nagarjuna Akkineni) daughter's songs. But when the cruel landlord learns about this, she starts bullying the young girl. How far will Rajanna go to protect his daughter?

Kanche (DisneyPlus Hotstar, YouTube)

During the era of World War II, Sita's (Pragya Jaiswal) brother Eeshwar (Nikitin Dheer) disapproves of her relationship with Hari (Varun Tej), a man from a lower caste. But things soon take a drastic turn when Eeshwar and Hari's roles in the social scheme of things are reversed. This romantic war drama, Kanche also comments on the prevailing casteism in the smaller hamlets of the country.

Rudhramadevi (ZEE5, Sun NXT, ManoramaMax, MX Player, Lionsgate Play, Vi Movies & TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube)

Depicting the life of Rudrama Devi, the first queen in South Indian history and one of the most prominent rulers of the Kaktiya Dynasty in the Deccan, Rudhramadevi is a Telugu language biographical flick. It beautifully narrates the inspiring journey of Rudrama (Anushka Shetty) and her battles to secure her place as the rightful heir of her kingdom. The film also features Allu Arjun as Gona Ganna Reddy, a neighbourhood prince, and Rana Dagubatti as Rudrama Devi's friend Chalukya Veerabhadra.

Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy (Amazon Prime Video)

Based on the first revolt against the British Raj in India, Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy chronicles the courageous tale of Uyyalawada Narasimha Reddy (Chiranjeevi), a.k.a the Lion of Renadu. It depicts the resilient efforts of the chieftain against the arbitrariness executed by the military forces of the East India Company. This hard-hitting period drama also stars prominent south actors like Nayanthara, Tamannaah, Vijay Sethupathi, and Sudeep.

These movies display the grandiosity of Telugu period films in the best way possible. So, what are you waiting for? Start streaming them right away!

Share