Telugu cinema in 2021: Several small gems and a few big ones

Here’s a look at everything Telugu cinema had to offer, from star-led vehicles to breakthrough films by newer directors and standout performances

The audience was spoiled for choice in the pandemic-hit year with a deluge of content on streaming platforms and cinema halls. Language divisions continued to blur as viewers pored over series and films that were easily available on streaming platforms. The Telugu film industry, which had realised the increased appetite for home viewers as well as tentpole movies in theatres once normalcy was restored, went into an overdrive and produced a spectrum of series and movies.

An occasional Krack, Uppena, Jathi Ratnalu and Vakeel Saab marked the box office hits prior to the second wave. When business resumed late July after the devastating second wave, it was mostly a no show until Seetimaar and Love Story. Yet, it was a challenge to draw the audiences who were habituated to home viewing during lockdowns.

Footfalls truly looked up only in December, beginning with Akhanda and followed by Pushpa - The Rise and Shyam Singha Roy.