Best of 2022: RRR to DJ Tillu to Ante Sundaraniki, here are some of the most impressive Telugu films this year

2022 was always going to be one of the most important years for Indian cinema, if not for the Telugu industry alone. The pandemic had upset many calculations in the past two years and there was cautious optimism, urgency within the fraternity about bringing back audiences to theatres and returning to good ol’ days. The expectations from a theatrical viewing experience though had drastically changed in the recent months. Will only event films or the action extravaganzas work? Will the dramas, comedies and romances bring crowds to theatres? There were many challenges and the industry took time to accept the change in the tide.

Regardless of their box-office performance, we take a look at some of the finest Telugu films in 2022 (in no particular order).

DJ Tillu

One of the funniest Telugu films you’d have watched this year, this intelligently written madcap comedy is an out-and-out Sidhu Jonnalagadda show that offers paisa vasool entertainment. The beauty of the tale is its irreverence, focusing on a goofball protagonist, a small-time DJ in Hyderabad; DJ Tillu never takes itself too seriously and the dialogues, written by the lead actor himself, are an absolute riot. The film’s shock value is enormous; no one saw the storm coming and when it did, there was no stopping it. Directed by Vimal Krishna and also stars Neha Sshetty, Prince Cecil, Brahmaji, Narra Srinu and others.

Available to watch on:aha

Ante Sundaraniki

Coming from Vivek Athreya, a filmmaker who gave us Mental Madhilo and Brochevarevarura, Ante Sundaraniki is a poignant rom-com that takes on conservatism with a touch of wit. Revolving around the love story between a conservative Brahmin boy and his Christian girlfriend, the film touches upon a wide range of issues, from religion to superstitions to sexism in daily lives, without being too preachy. Ante Sundaraniki has an important story to tell, but it’s more heartwarming because of how the director chooses to tell it. Stars Nani, Nazriya Fahadh, Rohini, Naresh, Azhagam Perumal, Nadhiya and has a memorable score by Vivek Sagar.

Available to watch on:Netflix

Bimbisara

What if a storyteller decides to give a time-travel twist to a conventional folklore tale? Bimbisara is an enjoyable throwback to the 60s,70s folklore sagas of Telugu cinema, narrated across two timelines. The story, charting the transformation of a despotic ruler to a compassionate human, is something all our power-hungry political leaders could take a leaf out of. Despite being made under limited budget, director Vassishta succeeds in transporting the viewer into his fantasy world with elan. With Kalyan Ram in the form of his life, MM Keeravaani’s impactful background score, Bimbisara is an affecting emotional saga. Also stars Catherine Tresa, Samyuktha Menon.

Available to watch on:ZEE5

RRR

Prior to the release, RRR was envisaged as a film that would take the stories of two heroic Telugu warriors, Alluri Sitarama Raju and Komaram Bheem, to the world. While the historic saga certainly did that to an extent, this SS Rajamouli directorial was remembered more as a intense tale on patriotism, centered on the friendship of two men, boasting of remarkable action pieces. Jr NTR’s exceptional performance is something you knew he always capable of, but RRR brought out a career-defining act out of a committed Ram Charan, who’s never looked more focused or sharp on the screen. From Naatu Naatu to the mind-blowing intermission sequence to the solid drama, RRR offered one of the best theatrical experiences to Telugu viewers in a long time. Also stars Alia Bhatt, Ajay Devgn, Samuthirakani and Olivia Morris.

Available to watch on:ZEE5, Disney+ Hotstar

Karthikeya 2

The success rate for sequels in Telugu cinema isn’t all that great but Karthikeya 2 is a humble exception to this list. The mystical thriller headlined by Nikhil Siddhartha, Anupama Parameswaran took the nation by storm with its Indiana Jones/Dan Brown-styled tale primarily set in Dwaraka, springing up a debate on the ‘history versus mythology’ issue. There’s no doubt that the storytelling and the intent of the film are quite manipulative at times, but the director Chandoo Mondeti’s breakneck screenplay keeps you so invested in the proceedings that its follies take a backseat. Also has a superb background score by Kaala Bhairava.

Available to watch on:ZEE5

Swathimuthyam

This sweet little family entertainer, helmed by Lakshman K Krishna, was like a balm amidst a flurry of extravaganzas that were trying too hard to impress and punch above their weight. Revolving around the tale of an innocent young man, a forthright woman and the complications in their marriage, Swathimuthyam is an authentic, bitter-sweet portrayal of life in a sleepy town filled with people who just can’t mind their own business. While Ganesh Bellamkonda and Varsha Bollamma lead the film with their charm, Swathimuthyam belongs to its supporting cast comprising Rao Ramesh, Goparaju Ramana, Naresh, Sri Divya Sripada and Subbaraju.

Available to watch on:aha

Ashoka Vanamlo Arjuna Kalyanam

Another tale about a wedding (which Telugu film isn’t?), Ashoka Vanamlo Arjuna Kalyanam was a welcome break for Vishwak Sen from his regular aggressive on-screen persona, tapping into his sensitive side as a performer. The Vidyasagar Chinta-directorial addresses various complications in an arranged marriage with a gentleness you rarely witness in mainstream cinema in a story set amidst the COVID-19 lockdown about a shy, insecure early 30s man and an introverted girl in a small-town. From ageism to parental pressure to patriarchy, its commentary on relevant modern-day issues is weaved into the breezy tale seamlessly. Also stars Rukshar Dhillon, Ritika Nayak.

Available to watch on:aha