Looking glass: What is in store for Telugu cinema in 2025

Telugu cinema 2025 predictions include big releases, rescheduled films, and new collaborations with popular stars and directors.

Predictions are tricky since we most often go by films that have already been announced, boasting well-known directors and star casts. Yet, as the year goes by, there are almost always welcome surprises by new entrants. So this list is only based on what we know is on the cards.

Traditionally, Sankranti in mid-January and Dussehra later in the year have been the two most crucial box office windows for Telugu cinema, since the festive period guaranteed more footfalls in theatres. 

The lineup for Sankranti 2025 includes director Shankar’s Game Changer with Ram Charan and Kiara Advani, Bobby Kolli’s Daaku Maharaaj starring Nandamuri Balakrishna, Pragya Jaiswal and Shraddha Srinath, and Anil Ravipudi’s family drama Sankranthiki Vasthunam with Venkatesh, Aishwarya Rajesh and Meenakshi Chaudhary. 

In the aftermath of the tragic events at Sandhya Theatre during the premiere of Pushpa 2: The Rule, Telangana chief minister Revanth Reddy had stated in the State Assembly that he will not grant permission for early ‘benefit’ or premiere shows with inflated ticket prices. It remains to be seen if film industry representatives led by producer Dil Raju, who recently took over as chairman of Telangana Film Development Corporation, will be able to negotiate a rethink. Movie lovers stand to gain if permission to hike ticket prices is not granted.

Three films that rescheduled their release plans, owing to other biggies taking over their originally planned release dates, are Thandel, Sarangapani Jathakam and Robinhood. Director Chandu Mondeti’s Thandel starring Naga Chaitanya and Sai Pallavi is expected in February, while Venky Kudumula’s Robinhood starring Nithiin and Sreeleela, and director Mohanakrishna Indraganti’s Sarangapani Jathakam starring Priyadarshi and Roopa Koduvayur are yet to announce their new release plans.

2025 will see a few actors and directors who have not had a release in 2024 putting forth films they have been quietly working on for more than a year. 

G2, the sequel to the 2018 spy thriller Goodachari, is expected this year. Debut director Vinay Kumar Sirigineedi takes over the mantle from Sashi Kiran Tikka for this sequel starring Adivi Sesh, who is credited with the screenplay. Goodachari was appreciated for its riveting screenplay and deft execution that rose above its budget constraints. G2 is being made on a larger canvas and also stars Banita Sandhu. Meanwhile, Goodachari’s cinematographer Shaneil Deo turns director with the action drama Dacoit, starring Adivi Sesh and Mrunal Thakur.