Exclusive: Cinematic Journeys, Exploring Telugu Villages Through Tollywood’s Lens

Cinema is a boundless art form that frequently reflects real-life scenarios and illuminates societal issues. Many films, deeply entrenched in local settings, have garnered acclaim for their authentic portrayal of regional languages, characters, and environments. In Tollywood, a variety of films have vividly captured the essence of the Telugu states. Let’s delve into some of these interesting films.

Pushpa

Directed by Sukumar and featuring Allu Arjun, ‘Pushpa‘ is set primarily in the Seshachalam forests near Tirupati and captures the essence of the nearby Chittoor areas. In the film, Allu Arjun is authentically portrayed as one among the village, adopting the Chittoor dialect.

Guntur Kaaram

In Mahesh Babu‘s recent movie, ‘Guntur Kaaram,’ the title itself highlights its setting in the region of Andhra Pradesh. The film prominently features Guntur and its environs, with frequent mentions of the town’s name, underscoring Mahesh Babu’s character’s origins from Guntur.

Balagam

Starring Priyadarshi and directed by Venu Yeldandi of Jabardasth fame, ‘Balagam‘ was a huge success last year. The film mirrored the villages of Telangana, depicting the relationships among villagers and the rituals followed during funerals.

Rangasthalam

The movie ‘Rangasthalam,’ a collaboration between Ram Charan and director Sukumar, is set in the transport villages of the Godavari region during the 1980s. Ram Charan, playing the role of Chittibabu, vividly brings to life a young man from the Godavari districts, enchanting audiences with his authentic dialect and language.

Dasara

In the film ‘Dasara,’ starring Nani, the influence of the Peddapalli/Ramagundam areas of Telangana is evident. Nani skillfully delivers dialogues in the local language, enhancing the film’s authenticity. Director Srikanth Odela captures the daily lives of those residing near the Singareni coal mines. The portrayal resonated well with local audiences, who expressed their appreciation for the film’s depiction of their region.

Colour Photo

Released on OTT during the COVID period, ‘Colour Photo‘ emerged as a successful love story set against the backdrop of Konaseema, beautifully showcasing the region to the Telugu audience. This film also marked the transformation of comedian Suhas into a leading hero.

Uppena

The film ‘Uppena,’ featuring young actor Panja Vaishnav Tej and directed by Buchi Babu, achieved significant success. It portrayed the lives of fishermen in the coastal areas of Kakinada, highlighting the challenges they face during their fishing endeavors.

Kotha Bangaru Lokam

Directed by Srikanth Addala and starring Varun Sandesh, ‘Kotha Bangaru Lokam‘ was filmed extensively, with over 50% shot in Rajahmundry and its surroundings. The film captures the profound love that parents in these areas have for their children and the purity of their hearts.

Virata Parvam

Starring Rana and Sai Pallavi, ‘Virata Parvam‘ is set in Naxal-affected regions, primarily during 1990-92 in the agency areas of the Mulugu district. The film portrays how people’s lives were intertwined with the influences of politicians, Maoists, and police during that period.

Ismart Shankar

Directed by Puri Jagannadh and featuring Ram Pothineni, ‘Ismart Shankar‘ is set in the Old City area. The hero’s dialogue and expressions authentically mirror those of the local residents. Nabha Natesh, who plays the heroine, notably identifies herself repeatedly as a girl from Warangal, adding depth to her character.

C/o Kancharapalem

Directed by Maha Venkatesh, ‘C/o Kancharapalem‘ made a significant impact upon its release. The film is set in North Andhra and features a dialect typical of the Vizianagaram district. Key roles were performed by Karthik Ratnam, Raju, Radha Bessy, and Praneeta Patnaik, who brought the characters to life with their authentic portrayals.

Raja Vaaru Rani Gaaru

‘Raja Vaaru Rani Gaaru,’ featuring Kiran Abbavaram, captures the essence of the twin Godavari districts beautifully. The film showcases the pristine environment of local villages, providing audiences with a vivid depiction of rural life. To truly appreciate the native culture of the Godavari region, this film is a must-watch.

Films shot near Godavari

Tollywood has a rich history of films set in the Godavari districts. The flowing Godavari river features prominently in many scenes from movies such as ‘Sitaara‘, ‘Ladies Tailor‘, ‘Attili Sattibabu‘, ‘Bendu Apparao‘, and ‘Shatamanam Bhavati‘, all of which showcase the scenic backdrop of the Godavari.