From Manjummel Boys To Arjun Reddy: 5 Low-Budget Telugu Films That Made Waves Across India

Produced by Yatamanyu Narain

Gaami: Gaami hit screens in 2024 as an Indian Telugu-language epic adventure thriller film. The movie garnered positive reviews for its unique concept, strong technical values, and captivating performances. Despite its lower budget, Gaami resonated with audiences and continues to perform well on platforms like ZEE5, demonstrating the enduring appeal of well-crafted narratives and immersive storytelling.

HanuMan: HanuMan, an Indian Telugu-language superhero film, made a significant impact upon its release on Sankranti in 2024. Directed by Prashanth Varma, the film received praise for its direction, cast performances, visual effects, and action sequences. It broke numerous boxoffice records, grossing over ₹330 crore and emerging as the highest-grossing Telugu film of the year. Its success showcased the audience's appetite for high-quality entertainment within the superhero genre. Now available on ZEE5 in Telugu, "HanuMan" continues to captivate audiences, demonstrating the enduring appeal of this thrilling cinematic experience.

Manjummel Boys: Released in 2024, Manjummel is a Malayalam film based on a true incident. It revolves around a group of friends from a small town who decide to take a vacation in Kodaikanal. The film's success was remarkable, as it became the first Malayalam film to cross the ₹200 crore mark, receiving widespread acclaim from audiences and critics in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Its achievement highlighted the power of compelling storytelling and resonated with viewers across India.

Karthikeya 2: Despite its modest budget, Karthikeya 2, a Telugu-language mystery action-adventure film, made waves upon its release in 2022. The film's success as a sleeper hit underscored the potential of gripping storytelling, earning positive reviews from critics and becoming one of the top-grossing Telugu films of the year. Its impact showcased that a compelling narrative could captivate audiences, regardless of budget constraints.

Arjun Reddy: Arjun Reddy, a 2017 Indian Telugu-language romantic drama film, garnered attention for its complex characters and engaging storyline. Despite controversies surrounding its themes, the film achieved box office success globally, grossing ₹51 crore and sparking discussions about storytelling ethics. Arjun Reddy exemplifies how impactful narratives can transcend budget limitations and leave a lasting impact on audiences.