Telugu cinema, commonly referred to as “Tollywood,” is India’s second-largest film industry, following the Hindi film industry in terms of film production.
Home to the renowned Prasads IMAX, one of the world’s largest IMAX 3D screens. Additionally, Hyderabad boasts Ramoji Film City, recognized by Guinness World Records as the world’s largest film production facility. Every year, the Telugu film industry produces approximately 150 to 200 films, contributing significantly to India’s cinematic landscape.
Over the years, Telugu cinema has witnessed a remarkable evolution in box office collections. In the early days, classics like Mayabazar (1957) and NTR’s Pathala Bhairavi (1951) achieved unprecedented success for their time. The 1990s saw a shift with films like Jagadeka Veerudu Athiloka Sundari (1990) and Indra (2002), which became massive blockbusters. In the 2010s, big-budget films such as Baahubali: The Beginning (2015) and Baahubali: The Conclusion (2017) shattered box office records, garnering international attention.
1. Baahubali 2: The Conclusion
Baahubali 2 shattered records with a ₹121 crore first-day collection in India, the highest for an Indian film at the time. It dominated states like Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu, with massive openings. The film’s pan-India appeal contributed to its ₹1,810 crore global box office, making it a historic blockbuster.
Worldwide Gross: ₹1810 crores (US$ 209 million)
2. Pushpa: The Rule – Part 2
Pushpa: The Rule – Part 2 is one of the most anticipated sequels in Indian cinema, following the massive success of Pushpa: The Rise. With Allu Arjun’s iconic swag, Rashmika Mandanna’s charm, and Fahadh Faasil’s villainy. Pushpa 2 is collected ₹72 crore on its first-day. The Telugu states (Andhra Pradesh and Telangana) are to contribute significantly, alongside strong performances in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Hindi markets.
Worldwide Gross: ₹1600 crores 1 (US$ 185 million)
3. RRR
RRR opened with ₹134 crore globally on its first day, including ₹75 crore in India. It performed exceptionally in Telugu states, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu, with strong Hindi belt collections. The film’s worldwide gross crossed ₹1,300 crore, driven by its pan-India appeal and international success, particularly in the US and Japan.
Worldwide Gross: ₹1387 crores (US$ 160 million)
4. Kalki 2898 AD
Kalki 2898 AD, a highly anticipated sci-fi epic, is projected to open with ₹80-100 crore on its first day. The Telugu states are expected to lead, followed by Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. With a star-studded cast and massive budget, the film aims for a ₹1,000 crore+ global collection, targeting both Indian and international audiences.
Worldwide Gross: ₹1200 crores 2 (US$ 139 million)
5. Salaar: Part 1 – Ceasefire
Salaar opened with ₹90 crore+ on its first day, dominating Telugu states and Karnataka. It also performed well in Tamil Nadu and the Hindi belt. The film’s global collection crossed ₹600 crore, with strong overseas contributions. Its action-packed narrative and Prabhas’ star power drove its box office success.
Worldwide Gross: ₹700 crores (US$ 81 million)
6. Baahubali: The Beginning
Baahubali: The Beginning opened with ₹50 crore+ on its first day, setting the stage for its historic success. It performed exceptionally in Telugu states, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka, with strong collections in the Hindi belt. The film’s global box office crossed ₹600 crore, laying the foundation for its sequel’s monumental success and establishing SS Rajamouli as a pan-India director.
Worldwide Gross: ₹650 crores (US$ 75million)
7. Devara: Part 1
Devara: Part 1, starring Jr NTR, is one of the most anticipated Telugu films. Expected to open with ₹50-60 crore on its first day, it will dominate Telugu states (Andhra Pradesh and Telangana) and perform well in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. With a massive budget and pan-India appeal, it aims for a ₹500 crore+ worldwide collection.
Worldwide Gross: ₹509 crores 3 (US$ 58 million)
8. Saaho
Saaho, starring Prabhas, opened with ₹88 crore globally on its first day, including ₹48 crore in India. It dominated Telugu states and performed well in Hindi, Tamil, and Malayalam markets. Despite mixed reviews, the film grossed over ₹400 crore worldwide, with significant contributions from overseas markets like the US and the Middle East, showcasing Prabhas’ global appeal.
Worldwide Gross: ₹439 crores (US$ 50 million)
9. Pushpa: The Rise
Pushpa: The Rise opened with ₹35 crore+ on its first day, with strong collections in Telugu states, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. Its Hindi dubbed version also contributed significantly. The film grossed ₹365 crore+ worldwide, becoming a cultural phenomenon and setting the stage for Pushpa: The Rule – Part 2.
Worldwide Gross: ₹393 crores (US$ 45 million)
10. Hanu-Man
Hanu-Man, a superhero film, opened with ₹8 crore+ on its first day, performing well in Telugu states and Karnataka. Despite a modest budget, it gained popularity for its unique concept and VFX, grossing ₹650 crore+ worldwide. Its success has paved the way for more Telugu superhero films.
Worldwide Gross: ₹350 crores 4 (US$ 40 million)
List of Highest Grossing Telugu Movies
| Rank | Movie | Box Office Collection | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | Adipurush | ₹350 crore | 2023 |
| 12 | Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo | ₹262–280 crore | 2020 |
| 13 | Sarileru Neekevvaru | ₹260 crore | 2020 |
| 14 | Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy | ₹240 crore | 2019 |
| 15 | Waltair Veerayya | ₹236.15 crore | 2023 |
| 16 | Bharat Ane Nenu | ₹225 crore | 2018 |
| 17 | Rangasthalam | ₹216 crore | 2018 |
| 18 | Radhe Shyam | ₹200–214 crore | 2022 |
| 19 | Maharshi | ₹200 crore | 2019 |
| 20 | Srimanthudu | ₹200 crore | 2015 |
Interesting Facts About Telugu Movies Box Office Success
- Allu Arjun’s Global Fanbase: After Pushpa, Allu Arjun became the first Telugu actor to win a National Award for Best Actor, further boosting his global appeal.
- Pan-India Appeal: Telugu films like Baahubali, RRR, and Pushpa have redefined Indian cinema by achieving massive success across India and globally, breaking language barriers.
- SS Rajamouli’s Magic: Baahubali 2 became the first Indian film to cross ₹1,000 crore worldwide, while RRR won a Golden Globe and an Oscar, putting Telugu cinema on the global map.
- Prabhas’ Stardom: Prabhas, after Baahubali, became the first South Indian actor to achieve pan-India fame, with films like Saaho and Salaar performing well globally.
- Pushpa’s Phenomenon: Pushpa: The Rise became a cultural phenomenon, with its dialogues, songs, and Allu Arjun’s swag going viral, contributing to its ₹365 crore+ box office success.
- Overseas Dominance: Telugu films like Baahubali and RRR performed exceptionally well in the US, Japan, and China, earning millions in foreign markets.
- Big Budgets, Big Returns: Films like Kalki 2898 AD and Salaar are made with budgets exceeding ₹500 crore, showcasing the industry’s confidence in high-concept storytelling.
FAQs
Telugu films combine grand visuals, strong storytelling, and universal themes, making them appealing to a wider audience. Directors like SS Rajamouli and stars like Prabhas and Allu Arjun have also helped bridge the gap between regional and pan-Indian cinema.
Films like Baahubali, RRR, and Pushpa have performed exceptionally well in Hindi, Tamil, and Kannada markets due to their dubbed versions and universal appeal.
Rajamouli’s success lies in his ability to blend Indian mythology with grand visuals, emotional storytelling, and larger-than-life characters, appealing to both Indian and international audiences.
Telugu films earn through theatrical releases, digital streaming rights, and merchandise. Films like RRR and Baahubali have performed exceptionally well in the US, Europe, and East Asia.
Prabhas, after Baahubali, has a massive global fanbase, especially in China, Japan, and the US.
Baahubali 2 holds the record with ₹121 crore in India, followed by RRR (₹75 crore) and Salaar (₹90 crore).
References:
- Pushpa 2 vs Baahubali 2 Worldwide Box Office Comparison: Allu Arjun starrer to remain 3rd highest global Indian grosser UNLESS it breaks out in phase 2 on Jan 16, 2025 ↩︎
- Box office report card: Indian films score ₹5000 crore; Kalki 2898 AD emerges as the winner on Jul 17, 2024 ↩︎
- Devara part 1 OTT release date out, Bollywood fans not happy, here’s why Updated : Nov 07 2024 ↩︎
- Top 10 Highest Grossing Indian Films Of 1st Half Of 2024 Worldwide Box Office Collections: Kalki 2898 AD leads by a huge margin; Fighter, Hanuman follow Jul 30, 2024 ↩︎
Note: Above list of highest-grossing movies of Telugu by total collections worldwide from all version, the collection analyzed from notable sources, do not use it for official references. and converted rate of US$ may different than current price vs Rupees.
