Small films with creative content ruled the roost in Telugu cinema, while most star-studded projects failed to leave an impact. I pick the best 10 from over 130-odd films released this year.
1: NenokkadineIt would be surprising to find superstar Mahesh Babu's film in the list of year's best films, but Sukumar-directed psychological thriller 1: Nenokkadine is an exception. Kudos to Mahesh Babu for experimenting with this genre-bending, highly creative project which unfortunately turned out to be a dud.
Boochamma BoochoduJoining the long list of successful horror-comedies of this year is debutant director Revan Yadu's sleeper hit Boochamma Boochodu. While it could easily be ignored as the most underrated Telugu flick of the year, the film stands out for wholesome entertainment and some fear-inducing thrills.
KarthikeyaA thriller that impressed critics' as well mainstream cinema audiences alike, debutant director Chandoo Mondeti's Karthikeya is the most successful Telugu venture in terms of return on investment. While the film doesn't offer edge-of-the-seat experience, its screenplay does make one take notice of the film.
ManamA refreshing story about rebirth set against the backdrop of a family drama, filmmaker Vikram Kumar's Manam tugged at the heartstrings of viewers across all age groups. But it has to be admitted that the film may not have worked had it not featured actors from three generations of Akkineni family. It was legendary actor Nageswara Rao's last outing.
Oohalu GusagusaladeA Woody Allen style romantic-drama, which is an adaptation of French play Cyrano de Bergerac, first-time actor-turned-director Avasarala Srinivas's Oohalu Gusagusalade, came as a whiff of fresh air. It's an engaging, well-written romantic-comedy backed my honest performances.
RowdyA Telugu adaptation of Sarkar by Ram Gopal Varma, Rowdy is the filmmaker's best work in the language since Rakht Charitra. RGV extracted the best performance from veteran Mohan Babu in this hard-hitting, cold-blooded revenge drama, which unfortunately is not as great as the original.
Run Raja RunThis film may not have lived up to its sharp writing, but director Sujeeth's Run Raja Run is definitely a cut above the regular romantic entertainers. It gave actor Sharwanand a much needed hit. Now, it will be interesting to see what this young filmmaker will make next.
Chandamama KathaluFilmmaker Praveen Sattaru gave Telugu audiences their first anthology film in the form of Chandamama Kathalu. Eight short stories revolving around love, this film deserves a mention just for its attempt to make something different.
PaathshalaDebutant director Mahi V Raghav's Paathshala takes the viewers on a life-altering road trip filled with characters that are so real that you want to hug them. It teaches some important lessons about life you could possibly not learn anywhere else in about two hours.
Dikkulu Choodaku RamayyaIt could've easily been a game changer, but sadly, Trikoti's Dikkulu Choodaku merely impresses with a refreshing story of a father and son falling for the same girl. However, it's a film that's far better than several other flicks in the language this year.
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Tagged as 1: Nenokkadine, Best of Telugu cinema 2014, Boochamma Boochodu, Chandamama Kathalu, Dikkulu Choodaku Ramayya, Karthikeya, Manam, Oohalu Gusagusalade, Paathshala, Rowdy, Run Raja Run