Tollywood in 2016 so far: A story to reckon with

Telugu film industry has seen quite a big-ticket misses, but overall, the story 2016 so far is one of success and optimism. If a success gives a resounding thumbs up to formula, another proves the audience are loving experimentation like never before.

IndiaGlitz takes stock of the hits hits year so far, together with two unprecedented films that did a phenomenal pre-release business.

Nenu Sailaja

The year began with a pleasant hit on January 1. Debutante Kishore Tirumala gave Ram a much-needed hit. If that was not enough, he introduced a new heat-throb to Tollywood: Keerthy Suresh. The power of the formula was once again on display. And of course, Devi Sri Prasad's sound came in for praise, especially the BGM. A year well-begun, Tollywood had a good omen in 'Nenu Sailaja'.

Killing Veerappan

A week after 'Nenu Sailaja', here was RGV returning with a 'dekko'. Made originally in Kannada, this film based on the saga of the late forest brigand Veerappan became an instant hit. Those of us disappointed with RGV's style for some years had respite in this flick. Intense performances (especially of Shivrajkumar and Sandeep Bharadwaj) came in for praise. A gripping narration at that.

Nannaku Prematho

For once, Sukumar's meticulousness and Young Tiger NTR's perfectionist streak were there for everyone to see. Telling an emotional story in the backdrop of a business feud that dates back to more than two decades, it had praiseworthy performances from the lead actor, the antagonist played by Jagapathi Babu and, of course, Rajendra Prasad. DSP's tribute to his late father became a part of the end credits. Content-driven songs like 'Love Me Again' and NTR's groove for 'Follow You' were refreshing.

Express Raja

Bringing Sharwanand his hat-trick hit after 'Run Raja Run' and 'Malli Malli Idhi Rani Roju' was this film. Director Merlapaka Gandhi broke the jinx by scoring a hit with this second one. A comedy of confusion, this one confidently held its ground this Sankranthi, braving competition from NTR, Balakrishna and Nagarjuna.

Soggade Chinni Nayana

After Kishore Tirumala, Kalyan Krishna became the second debutante to hit the bull's eye with his very first film. Telling a romantic-fantasy, this film had Nagarjuna and Ramya Krishna lit the screen with their naughty chemistry. If Nag was reminded of their 'Hello Brother' romance, the audience fell in love with his accent.

KVPG

Nani was on a roll again in 2016. Hanu Raghavapudi would this time dump his affected style (that was there for all to see in 'Andala Rakshasi') for good. A story that travels with Nani and three kids, this one was an easy hit. Mehrene turned out to be another promising debutante after Keerthy Suresh. 14 Reels once again proved that it was a production house out to bring out cool entertainers.

Kshanam

Dasari Narayana Rao said that if this one had been made in Hindi, it would have collected Rs. 100 cr. Days after its release, 'Kshanam' became the most sought-after Telugu film in a long time for a remake in Bollywood. Director Ravikanth Perepu got congratulatory calls from the likes of Maruthi Dasari. As for Adivi Sesh, he got his first break as a male lead. As a writer, he proved his mettle. PVP Cinema now was raring to make it big with renewed confidence.

Terror

Satish Kasetty frankly said that hardly 10 per cent of audience must have heard about his film before the release. Post release, 'Terror' became a sleeper hit in its own right. Srikanth as a male lead was back in action. Given the right inputs, this film proved, an unconventional director can make meaty content. Despite the fact that it got thumping reviews, this film will be one of the most under-rated flicks in a long time.

Oopiri

A remake of the French film 'The Intouchables', his one was a surprise in every respect. A Tollywood filmmaker of Vamshi Paidipally's credentials resolving to remake a classic like this, is unprecedented in itself. Nagarjuna playing ball to play a paraplegic was another revelation. Karthi, a Tamil star, becoming one of the most beloved actors in the Telugu States was another big story. Tamannah, an A-lister, playing a nurse is yet another takeaway. All in all, everything about this film was worthy of praise.

Sardaar Gabbar Singh

Released amid huge expectations, 'SGS' floundered badly. However, the pre-release business went on to prove Pawan Kalyan's stamina. In the making for more than a year, this film still managed to break the opening day records despite a unanimous negative talk. DSP's fans had fun time listening to 'Nee Chepa Kallu', while the audience in general fell in love with the lyrics of 'Tauba Tauba'.

Sarrainodu

The scorching success of this film would catapult Boyapati Sreenu into the Rs. 10 cr league. Allu Arjun would shake the BO by delivering an industry hit. That the film got mixed response on day one became irrelevant as week after week, 'Sarrainodu' became the buzz of the town. Thaman's immense contribution in making it a phenomenal hit can't be forgotten. 'Blockbuster', 'MLA', 'Athiloka Sundari' became runaway hits. The biggest audio in terms of success this year so far.

Supreme

Anil Ravipudi made a hero out of a child artiste. This was in a film titled as 'Supreme'. Such is his power of 'pataas' imagination. Sai Dharam Tej and Bellam Sridevi (sorry, Rashi Khanna) romanced elegantly. Zing, zing. 'Andam Hindolam' rocked. The direct

Telugu film industry has seen quite a big-ticket misses, but overall, the story 2016 so far is one of success and optimism. If a success gives a resounding thumbs up to formula, another proves the audience are loving experimentation like never before.