Walking in the Park with Telugu Cinema or Tollywood

How many are interested in watching movies. These days it is raining movies every day. Wherever it is feasible, everyone is catching up some great content in the theaters, OTT platforms and reels from social media sites. We are all treated to some great content and watching experiences through different avenues in these times. I myself put on some good action every day. It is my privilege to enact such stuff day in and day out. Such stuff is dished out on a regular basis through different media, making the world a great place for everyone to watch. The influence of such a content can be profound and extremely positive. But as I said, it is our collective privilege and fortune to generate this content, ringing in great times for one and all. The past year played out in such a way that I ended up watching amazing movies of my mother tongue in theaters in U.S. Can you imagine this wonderful influence of globalization – where great movies of a particular region can be watched from anyplace in the world in a theater, feeling closer to the motherland.  

It is a sheer coincidence that I happen to watch 5 movies in theater in this year. I never planned out anything ahead in this way to happen as such. I am also never an advocate of watching movies in theaters, that too so many in a year. It would have been good if a studious guy watches one movie in a year in theater without getting disturbed too much or negatively influenced from the addiction of theater-watching. But it has reached this stage where I ended up watching 5 movies in theaters. Coming to specifics, out of those 5, 4 happen to be Telugu movies and 1 English movie. The secret is all of them are extremely great to watch and the days are extremely good for content generation and as a fortunate audience to watch them. Not one movie is bad and I would give 4.5 out of 5 for all the 5 movies. I walked through this year along with great Telugu movies as milestones, spread over different moments along the way. Never before I watched as many but it played through sheer coincidence at the heights of my work. It is also a moment of pride that all 4 captivated national audience as well alike, like me. The seeds sown by great yesteryear Telugu movie actors, workers and everyone concerned must have come to fruition bearing fruits in these times by going national and international. It must also be a moment of envy for an outsider that our Telugu movies are doing extremely great. It is also a blessing in disguise to continue in same spirit enthralling and amazing everyone in years to come.  

To shortly talk about the influence of watching great movies in theaters on me, I remember the movies I watched during my childhood more than the lessons I heard in school classes. To look back, these movies become a great memory of my beautiful childhood. Few years down the line, I might as well look back at the striking memories of this year in a pleasant rumination. In a way, these movies have shaped my childhood memorable moments and have also shaped the moments of adulthood as it happened this year. You are influenced by this great content in these great times as these movies travel along with your life making a beautiful imprint on it. This is the power of cinema which intertwines with your very life and thought becoming an inseparable part of your journey. 

I would give a synopsis of each of those 5 great movies I watched in theater for this post as I walked along with them through the year. 

1. Migration – This is the first one I watched which is an English animation movie. "Migration" is a 2023 animated film that follows the duck Mallard family's adventurous journey from their tranquil New England Pond to the vibrant landscapes of Jamaica. The family is led by Mack, an overprotective father who is initially reluctant to leave the safety of their home. However, encouraged by his adventurous wife, Pam, and their eager ducklings, Dax and Gwen, Mack agrees to embark on the vacation of a lifetime. Their journey is filled with unexpected detours, including encounters with a heron named Erin and a group of city pigeons, each adding humor and lessons to their voyage. Through these experiences, the Mallards learn about the importance of stepping out of one's comfort zone, embracing change, and the value of family unity. The film's animation is widely praised for its vibrant and detailed visuals, bringing to life diverse settings from serene ponds to bustling urban environments. The screenplay is noted for its clever humor and ability to balance entertainment with meaningful life lessons, making it appealing to both children and adults. Overall, "Migration" is recognized as a delightful family film that combines humor, heart, and stunning animation to tell a story about growth, adventure, and the journey that leads to change in your home tself. 

2. Hanu-Man – This is a Telugu movie based on mythological characters invoked in present time setting. It gave me a great start to the year by timely invoking of Lord Hanuman which might be deemed necessary. "Hanu-Man" is a 2024 Indian Telugu-language superhero film. The story is set in the picturesque fictional village of Anjanadri, where the protagonist, Hanumanthu, is a small-time thief known for his mischievous nature. Hanumanthu's life takes a transformative turn when he discovers a mystical gem called Rudhira Mani, which imbues him with the divine powers of Lord Hanuman. As Hanumanthu learns to harness his newfound abilities, he embraces the responsibility of protecting his village from impending threats. The primary antagonist, Michael, seeks the Rudhira Mani for his own nefarious purposes, leading to a series of high-stakes confrontations. The film is celebrated for its successful incorporation of Indian mythology, particularly Lord Hanuman's essence, into a modern superhero narrative. With its emphasis on faith, courage, and the triumph of good over evil, "Hanu-Man" resonates with audiences across all age groups. 

3. Kalki 2898 AD – This is the third one watched at a great time. "Kalki 2898 AD" is an Indian epic science fiction film set in a dystopian future where humanity faces existential threats. The film blends Indian mythology with futuristic science fiction to create a visually stunning narrative. The story is set in the year 2898 AD, millennia after the Mahabharata in an imagined future. The world is controlled by Supreme Yaskin , a god-like tyrant who rules from the 'Complex,' an inverted-pyramid megastructure hovering above the last known city, Kashi. Bhairava the hero, a bounty hunter from Kashi, dreams of accessing the privileged world within the Complex. Alongside Sumathi, a rebel seeking justice, and Ashwatthama, an immortal warrior cursed since the Mahabharata era, Bhairava becomes part of a larger prophecy that heralds the arrival of Kalki, the 10th avatar of Lord Vishnu. As the trio navigates betrayal, war, and hope, the film explores themes of power, redemption, and the cyclical nature of time and justice. The film's unique premise combines futuristic technology with Indian mythological elements, offering an innovative storytelling approach. The production design, special effects, and cinematography have been widely praised for creating an immersive futuristic world while paying homage to traditional motifs and an epic book. The cast, led by Prabhas, Deepika Padukone, Kamal Haasan, and Amitabh Bachchan, delivers impactful performances that bring depth to the story. "Kalki 2898 AD" is celebrated for its ambition, many confrontations offering a cinematic spectacle that bridges mythology and modernity while delivering a gripping and thought-provoking narrative. 

4. Devara: Part 1 - "Devara: Part 1" is an action-packed Telugu drama with a great story line and actors. The film stars N. T. Rama Rao Jr. in dual roles, supported by Saif Ali Khan, Janhvi Kapoor, Prakash Raj, and others. The story revolves around Devara, a respected chieftain of the village, who stands as a protector of his people against external threats. The central conflict arises with Bhaira, a ruthless antagonist, who seeks to use the region as a conduit for arms smuggling via the Red Sea. As tensions escalate, the narrative delves into personal loss, betrayal, and the lengths Devara goes to preserve his community's dignity and safety. The plot is layered with emotional depth, intense action, and the exploration of human resilience. The movie is a compelling cinematic experience, blending powerful storytelling with stunning visuals, solidifying its place in contemporary Telugu cinema. The plot, rich in emotional and moral dilemmas, keeps the audience invested. By the end of its theatrical run, the film had earned over ₹521 crore globally, securing its position among the highest-grossing Indian films of the year. Its success has paved the way for a much-anticipated sequel, with audiences eagerly waiting for the second part. 

5. Pushpa – The Rule – The last but not the least and the best which I watched few days back. "Pushpa: The Rule," is the sequel to the 2021 blockbuster "Pushpa: The Rise”. Its timely release relates to my timeline as well besides me connecting very much with the title of the film which means an unpredictable person in a name which can be extended to Telugu language foul word. Fun aside, within 24 days, the film grossed over ₹1,500 crore globally, with the Hindi version alone nearing ₹750 crore which is a record in 100-year history of Bollywood. The feverish craze for the second part has met the sky-high expectations and reached beyond everyone's imagination, putting the movie on an all-time highest grosser list of Indian cinema. The film continues the saga of Pushpa Raj, a laborer who ascends the ranks of the red sandalwood smuggling syndicate in the Seshachalam forests of Andhra Pradesh. Following the events of the first film, Pushpa Raj has solidified his position as the head of the red sandalwood smuggling network, exerting control over the syndicate and the region. His rise to power, however, attracts the attention of law enforcement, particularly Bhanwar Singh Shekhawat, the police officer who previously clashed with Pushpa and is now seeking retribution. The narrative delves into Pushpa's efforts to maintain his dominance amidst increasing pressure from rival factions and intensified police scrutiny. As he navigates these challenges, the film explores themes of power, loyalty, and survival in a world rife with corruption and violence. The storyline is marked by high-stakes confrontations, strategic alliances, and personal sacrifices, culminating in a gripping tale of ambition and resilience. Overall, the movie is recognized as an entertaining addition to Indian cinema, standing strong among other Pan-Indian masala films. The movie thrives on Allu Arjun's phenomenal performance, engaging storytelling, and technical excellence, making it a compelling watch for audiences. 

These are the most compelling movies released in the last year besides many others but the ones I watched in theater. Each of the Telugu movies must have taken 2-3 years to make, like a sculptor carefully making a sculpture. However, the turnaround time can be much less with much better work ethic overall. Like, why can’t a person make a movie every six months instead of pondering for 3 years. Nevertheless, the outcome is a scintillating product of high quality reflecting a beautifully carved figure. While we are watching great content on a regular basis through different avenues, the biggest question remains - when will the people stop watching and start doing.