Telugu Movies List 2000 To 2020 2021 «1000+ PROVEN»

Whether you are a nostalgic fan wanting to revisit Athadu or a new viewer curious about Pushpa, this two-decade list offers endless entertainment. From the romantic charms of 2000 to the mass hysteria of 2021, Telugu cinema proved that language is no barrier when emotion and spectacle unite.

Bookmark this guide as your go-to reference for the best Telugu movies between 2000 and 2021. And if you think we missed a cult favorite, let us know – because Tollywood’s history is as vast as its fan base.

Keywords used naturally: Telugu movies list 2000 to 2020 2021, Tollywood blockbusters, best Telugu films, Allu Arjun, Mahesh Babu, Jr. NTR, SS Rajamouli, Prabhas, Pawan Kalyan.

The transformation of Telugu cinema (Tollywood) between 2000 and 2021 represents a monumental shift from a regional industry to a global powerhouse. This era, beginning with local family dramas and concluding with "Pan-India" blockbusters, redefined the standards of Indian filmmaking.

The Early 2000s: The Rise of Mass Commercialism and Family Dramas Nuvve Kavali

The Telugu film industry (Tollywood) has seen a massive evolution between 2000 and 2021

, transitioning from family dramas and "faction" films to high-budget pan-Indian spectacles like

Below is a categorized list of significant Telugu movies from 2000 to 2021 based on their commercial success and cultural impact. 2020 – 2021: The Rise of Global Tollywood Pushpa: The Rise : A massive pan-Indian hit starring Allu Arjun. : A major comeback for Nandamuri Balakrishna. : A blockbuster debut for Vaishnav Tej and Krithi Shetty. Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo : A family entertainer that became one of the highest-grossing Telugu films Sarileru Neekevvaru : A high-octane action film starring Mahesh Babu. : A successful romantic comedy starring Nithiin. 2010 – 2019: The Experimental & Spectacle Era Baahubali 1 & 2 (2015, 2017)

: Directed by S.S. Rajamouli, these films redefined Indian cinema's scale. Arjun Reddy

: A cult hit that changed the landscape of modern Telugu storytelling.

: A critically acclaimed biopic of legendary actress Savitri. : A widely loved sports drama starring Nani. Maryada Ramanna : One of the top-grossing hits of its year. : A massive action hit for Balakrishna. : A popular romantic entertainer starring Prabhas. 2000 – 2009: The Golden Age of Commercial Cinema Magadheera

: A landmark fantasy-action film that broke several records. : An industry hit that cemented Mahesh Babu's superstardom. Bommarillu

: A definitive family drama that became a cultural phenomenon. : The film that established Allu Arjun as a leading star. : A massive "faction" genre hit starring Chiranjeevi. Nuvvu Naaku Nachchav : A timeless comedy-drama starring Venkatesh. : A trendsetting romantic film starring Pawan Kalyan. Nuvve Kavali : One of the biggest youth-centric hits of the early 2000s. specific genre within this timeframe to narrow down your list? Best Telugu Movies List: Top Tollywood Films to Watch

Telugu cinema - Wikipedia Since its inception, Telugu cinema has been known as the preeminent centre for films based on Hindu epics. Today, it is also noted... Baahubali 2: The Conclusion

'Bahubali: The Beginning' and its sequel 'Bahubali 2: The Conclusion' stand as monumental achievements in Indian cinema. These fil... Baahubali 2: The Conclusion Baahubali: The Beginning

Baahubali: The Beginning remains a landmark film that redefined Telugu cinema and brought Indian cinema global acclaim. As the epi... Baahubali: The Beginning

The period from 2000 to 2021 marked a transformative era for Telugu cinema, evolving from a regional powerhouse focused on family dramas and "mass" action to a global leader in high-concept blockbusters and technical innovation. This transition is anchored by the rise of pan-Indian films that broke linguistic barriers and reached international audiences. The Early 2000s: Family Dramas & Youthful Romance

At the turn of the millennium, Telugu cinema was dominated by sentimental family entertainers and fresh romantic hits that resonated with the youth. Kalisundam Raa

(2000): A massive family hit starring Venkatesh Daggubati that won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Telugu. Nuvve Kavali

(2000): A blockbuster debut for Tarun and Richa Pallod, which became a sleeper hit and won four Filmfare Awards South. Nuvvu Naaku Nachav

(2001): Considered a cult classic for its humor and emotional core.

(2003): A landmark action film that revolutionized commercial cinema and set a new trend for heroic storytelling. 2010–2019: The Rise of Pan-Indian Epics

The 2010s saw the emergence of massive budgets and advanced visual effects, largely driven by director S.S. Rajamouli. Magadheera

(2009–2010): A turning point that proved Telugu cinema could deliver global-standard visuals.

(2012): A creative milestone featuring a fly as the protagonist, receiving international acclaim. Baahubali Franchise (2015–2017): Baahubali: The Beginning

(2015): Redefined the industry and brought Indian cinema global attention. Baahubali 2: The Conclusion

(2017): Remains the highest-grossing Telugu film of all time, with a worldwide gross of over ₹1,800 crore.

(2018): A critically acclaimed biopic on actress Savitri that won multiple awards. Arjun Reddy

(2017): A cult classic that significantly impacted pop culture and narrative styles. 2020–2021: Post-Pandemic Blockbusters telugu movies list 2000 to 2020 2021

Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the industry produced some of its most enduring hits during this window. Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo

(2020): One of the highest-earning films of its year, starring Allu Arjun. Pushpa: The Rise

(2021): A global phenomenon that established Allu Arjun as a pan-Indian star and generated significant box office revenue.

(2021): A high-energy action film that helped revive theatrical attendance after the initial pandemic lockdowns.

(2021): An unconventional courtroom drama praised for its impactful storytelling. Landmark Films (2000–2021) Significance Kalisundam Raa National Award winner; massive family appeal

Proved "content is king" with a National Award for Best Telugu Film Unique political drama directed by Sekhar Kammula

Iconic multi-starrer featuring three generations of the Akkineni family Baahubali: The Beginning Redefined technical standards and global distribution Baahubali 2: The Conclusion Industry-best record for worldwide gross and footfalls Rangasthalam Highly acclaimed for its raw storytelling and performances Pushpa: The Rise Solidified the "Pan-Indian" movement's global reach List of highest-grossing Telugu films - Wikipedia

Kalki 2898 AD (2024) is the most expensive Indian film ever made. Telugu cinema now boasts the highest number of films in both the... Telugu cinema - Wikipedia

Since its inception, Telugu cinema has been known as the preeminent centre for films based on Hindu epics. Today, it is also noted... Telugu Movies 2020 | Movies by Year - Filmibeat

17 Jan 2023 — Telugu Released Movies 2020 A few blockbuster hits of the year are Kanulu Kanulanu Dhochaayante, Sarileru Neekevvaru, Ala Vaikunth... Baahubali 2: The Conclusion

'Bahubali: The Beginning' and its sequel 'Bahubali 2: The Conclusion' stand as monumental achievements in Indian cinema. These fil... Baahubali 2: The Conclusion Baahubali: The Beginning

Baahubali: The Beginning remains a landmark film that redefined Telugu cinema and brought Indian cinema global acclaim. As the epi... Baahubali: The Beginning Magadheera

Magadheera is a landmark film in Telugu cinema and has broken many records at the BO. The film has recently crossed another huge m... Magadheera Narasimha Naidu

Ace writer Chinni Krishna opens up about the making of the iconic film Narasimha Naidu, starring Nandamuri Balakrishna. Known for ... Narasimha Naidu

Nah, Okkadu is one of the milestones movies in Telugu cinema. Just like people here aren't going to agree Okkadu is better. Adavi Ramudu

A. In 1977, the cinematic milestone was set as Adavi Ramudu, featuring N. T. Rama Rao, became the inaugural film to accumulate one... Adavi Ramudu Kalisundam Raa

In an interview, Suresh Babu said, as per foot falls Kalisundam Raa is the biggest hit in Telugu for many years. Kalisundam Raa Chala Bagundi

Chala Bagundi (2000) - Cast and crew credits, including actors, actresses, directors, writers and more. Chala Bagundi Antha Mana Manchike

Antha Mana Manchike (2000) - Cast and crew credits, including actors, actresses, directors, writers and more. Antha Mana Manchike

While Annayya ( Annayya (2000 ) was a success, Kalisundam Raa was the runaway winner, pulling in family audiences like anything. B... Alai Payuthey

Honored at the Berlin International Film Festival and celebrated at numerous festivals globally, Alai Payuthey ( Alai Payuthey 200... Alai Payuthey Nuvve Kavali

Richa made her ( Richa Pallod ) film debut in the Telugu film, Nuvve Kavali (2000), opposite Tarun, whom she ( Richa Pallod ) had ... Nuvve Kavali Cinema Bandi

Telugu film 'Cinema Bandi' is a charming narrative that explores how a high-end camera fuels dreams in a hamlet Cinema Bandi Nuvvu Naaku Nachav

The camera was noticed when women stepped out to use the washroom during a screening of the re-released Telugu film Nuvvu Naaku Na... Nuvvu Naaku Nachav

One of Tollywood ( Telugu film ) 's finest courtroom dramas, Naandhi is one of those films that will remain relevant and impactful... Naveen Polishetty

Besides this Hindi project, Naveen ( Naveen Polishetty ) has apparently kicked-off his ( Naveen Polishetty ) second Telugu film wh... Naveen Polishetty Ammo! Okato Tareekhu

Ammo! Okato Tareekhu is a Telugu family comedy-drama film released on 20 October 2000. Directed by EVV Satyanarayana and produced ... Ammo! Okato Tareekhu Harsha Chemudu Whether you are a nostalgic fan wanting to

Harsha Chemudu Harsha Chemudu (born 31 August 1991) is an Indian actor who works in Telugu cinema. He started his acting career wi... Harsha Chemudu

B. #Krack is a Telugu movie released in theaters on Jan 9th worldwide. Here is #Krack Movie Review and public talk. #Krack movie s... Chirunavvutho

Chirunavvutho ( Chiru Navvutho ) ( transl. With a Smile) [1] is a 2000 Indian Telugu-language film directed by G. Ram Prasad, with... Chirunavvutho

We're delighted to share that Manam, a celebrated Telugu film starring three generations of the Akkineni family, and the legendary... Manmadhudu

Their ( Brahmanandam and Sunil ) hilarious antics and witty dialogues added to the film's overall entertainment value. Manmadhudu ... Manmadhudu

Directed by debutant Mohan Raja, 'Jayam' features Ravi ( Jayam Ravi ) , Sadha, and Gopichand in the main roles, and the film had m... Maryada Ramanna

We had earlier reported that Santhanam was all set to play the lead in the Tamil remake of S S Rajamouli s Telugu film, Maryada ... Maryada Ramanna

If there's one movie I love wholeheartedly from TFI it's Anand ( Anand(2004 ) Movie. This is a classic and a quintessential Tollyw...

To mark the occasion, the makers decided to run special screenings of the family entertainer in theatres across Andhra Pradesh and... Pelli Choopulu

Gautham Menon has bagged the rights of Telugu super-hit film Pelli Choopulu. Tharun Basckar Dhaassyam made his debut as a director... Pelli Choopulu Arjun Reddy

A great example from the modern era of Tollywood is Arjun Reddy, Arjun Reddy is a cult classic in the truest sense of the phrase. ... Arjun Reddy Pilla Zamindar

Sorry if I sound generic but Pilla Zamindar is my vote here, imo one of the most complete Telugu movies that has comedy while bein... Pilla Zamindar

One of his ( Nag Ashwin ) most popular directorial projects is Mahanati, which still remains one of the most iconic films in the h... 1: Nenokkadine

1: Nenokkadine is widely considered a cult classic in Telugu cinema—a high-concept psychological thriller that was perhaps a bit " 1: Nenokkadine

Sudeep is incredible as Sudeep in Eega ( Eega - fly ) ! Welcome to Telugu land." Mahesh Babu says, " Eega ( Eega - fly ) will stan... Rangasthalam

' Rangasthalam' has emerged as one of the biggest hits of the Telugu film industry. Following the soaring Box Office numbers, the ... Rangasthalam

Venkatesh did the editing. According to Film Companion, Leader is one of the "25 Greatest Telugu Films of The Decade” and belongs ...

Gamyam (2008) Directed and bankrolled by debutante Krish Jagarlamudi, Gamyam ( Gamyam (2008 ) has certainly broken the shackles in...

🎬🔥 AITHE… (2003) 🔥🎬 A cult classic that proved content is king in Telugu cinema! 💥 “Aithe…” (transl. If so…) is a gripping Te... Pushpa 2: The Rule

Although a Telugu film, Pushpa 2 ( Pushpa 2: The Rule ) has received an exceptional response in the Hindi belt and collected Rs 12... Pushpa 2: The Rule Bheemla Nayak

'Bheemla Nayak', the Telugu remake of super hit Malayalam film 'Ayyappanum Koshiyum', is having a dream run at the Tollywood box o... Bheemla Nayak Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy

One of Tollywood ( Telugu Movie ) 's most awaited film 'Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy' which stars Chiranjeevi and Nayanthara in the lea... Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy Kalki 2898 AD

Telugu film ' Kalki 2898 AD' was released in theatres on June 27 and the film has grossed Rs 1200 crore at the worldwide box offic... Kalki 2898 AD Radhe Shyam

Radhe Shyam ( Radhe Shyam (Telugu ) has opened to mixed reviews with the performances and production design being appreciated and ... Radhe Shyam Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo

Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo (2020) - Telugu Movie Get ready for a delightful cinematic experience with Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo, a bloc... Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo Veera Simha Reddy

Hey guys! Let's dive deep into the mass action entertainer that took the Telugu film industry by storm – Veera Simha Reddy ( Veera... Veera Simha Reddy Karthikeya 2

Karthikeya 2 simply followed in their footsteps and achieved success in Hindi. It's a hugely successful Telugu film. A proud momen... Karthikeya 2 Salaar: Part 1 – Ceasefire

Salaar ( Salaar: Part 1 – Ceasefire ) is a pure Telugu film which is being dubbed into the other languages. Not a bilingual just s... Salaar: Part 1 – Ceasefire RRR is a Telugu movie dubbed in various languages. Sarileru Neekevvaru Keywords used naturally: Telugu movies list 2000 to

Sarileru Neekevvaru is an Indian Telugu Language Action Comedy Film written and directed by Anil Ravipudi. It is produced by Sri V... Sarileru Neekevvaru Guntur Kaaram

Guntur Kaaram (Telugu) As with several Mahesh films earlier, this film too has dialogues referring to his fair skin tone. It's tim... Guntur Kaaram Waltair Veerayya

Veteran star Chiranjeevi's hit Telugu film Waltair Veerayya is set to premiere on Netflix on February 27, the streaming platform a... Waltair Veerayya Geetha Govindam

4. Geetha Govindam This Telugu film, dubbed in Hindi, is a laugh riot with a generous dose of romance. It tells the story of a you... Geetha Govindam List of highest-grossing Indian films - Wikipedia

17 Oct 2019 — 25 Greatest Telugu Films Of The Decade (2010-2019) * Ye Maaya Chesave (2010) * Khaleja (2010) * Vedam (2010) * Leader (2010) * Pra... Letterboxd 2000s Telugu cinema : r/tollywood

24 June 2025 — 2000s was the peak of hindi and telugu cinema there was a youthful energy in that decade which is lost now now its jaded old and s... Reddit·EastSociety5750

Most iconic Telugu movies from 2001-2022(IMO) : r/tollywood - Reddit

3 Sept 2023 — Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns. * • 3y ago. Athadu, Pellichupulu, Ene, Arju... Reddit·r/tollywood

Introduction

Telugu cinema, also known as Tollywood, has been producing a massive number of films every year, entertaining millions of fans worldwide. Here's a comprehensive list of notable Telugu movies from 2000 to 2021, covering various genres and highlighting some of the most iconic films.

2000-2009

2010-2019

2020-2021

Notable Trends and Actors

Impact on Telugu Cinema

This list showcases a mix of iconic films, notable trends, and emerging talent in Telugu cinema. You can explore each film's plot, cast, and crew to get a deeper understanding of the industry's evolution over the years.

This period marked a significant shift in production values and storytelling. S.S. Rajamouli arrived as a game-changer. His Vikramarkudu (2006) and Magadheera (2009)—the latter being the first Telugu film to gross over ₹150 crore—demonstrated that Telugu cinema could compete with global fantasy standards. Magadheera’s visual effects and reincarnation theme set a new benchmark. Concurrently, a wave of urban, youthful romantic comedies emerged. Trivikram Srinivas’s Athadu (2005) and Jalsa (2008) combined witty dialogue with sophisticated narratives. Sekhar Kammula’s Godavari (2006) and Happy Days (2007) offered slice-of-life realism. This decade also saw the rise of Prabhas (Chatrapathi, 2005) and Ram Charan (Chirutha, 2007), ensuring a seamless generational shift in stardom.

Characterized by: Large-scale budgets, the rise of overseas markets, and the dominance of the "Star System."

Below is a concise, shareable post listing notable Telugu films by year from 2000 through 2021. Use this as a social-post or blog snippet.

2000 — Kshana Kshanam; Nuvve Kavali; Annayya
2001 — Nuvvu Nenu; Murari; Daddy
2002 — Indra; Khadgam; Santosham
2003 — Okkadu; Tagore; Simhadri
2004 — Arya; Varsham; Anji
2005 — Nuvvostanante Nenoddantana; Super; Athadu
2006 — Bommarillu; Pokiri; Happy
2007 — Kotha Bangaru Lokam; Yamadonga; Aadavari Matalaku Arthale Verule
2008 — Ready; Jalsa; Kotha Bangaru
2009 — Magadheera; Arya 2; Arundhati
2010 — Leader; Brindavanam; Vedam
2011 — Dookudu; Sri Rama Rajyam; 100% Love
2012 — Gabbar Singh; Eega; Ishq
2013 — Attarintiki Daredi; Baadshah; Mirchi
2014 — Manam; Race Gurram; Govindudu Andarivadele
2015 — Baahubali: The Beginning; Srimanthudu; Temper
2016 — Janatha Garage; Soggade Chinni Nayana; A Aa
2017 — Baahubali 2: The Conclusion; Arjun Reddy; Fidaa
2018 — Rangasthalam; Mahanati; Sammohanam
2019 — Maharshi; Jersey; Oh! Baby
2020 — Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo; Solo Brathuke So Better; V (note: many releases affected by COVID-19)
2021 — Uppena; Pushpa: The Rise; Most Eligible Bachelor

Short caption (optional): “A decade-plus roundup of memorable Telugu films — classics, blockbusters, and critics’ favorites (2000–2021). Which ones are your favorites?”

If you want a printable poster, a sortable table, or a full exhaustive list for each year, tell me which format you prefer.

Between 2000 and 2021, Telugu cinema (Tollywood) transitioned from a regional powerhouse to a global phenomenon. This era began with youthful romances and evolved into high-budget "Pan-Indian" epics like Baahubali and Pushpa, redefining Indian cinema's commercial landscape. Top Telugu Movies by Year (2000–2021)

The following list highlights the most significant and highest-grossing Telugu films released each year during this two-decade span: Best of Telugu Movies 2000 onwards - IMDb

This era marked the decline of the old guard and the rise of Mahesh Babu, Prabhas, and Jr. NTR.

This period saw the introduction of higher production values, synchronized sound, and the rise of "mass masala" entertainers.