What are the top ten iconic villian performances in Telugu cinema?

 List of top 10 iconic villain performance in Telugu cinema especially leading stars

1. Gopichand

Gopichand also acted in villain role, while his iconic villain role is Varsham movie, His commanding body language, intense dialogue delivery, and on-screen rivalry with Prabhas established him as an unstoppable antagonist before he transitioned into a solo action hero

Other noticable villain role:- Jayam, Nijam, Varsham

2. Nani

Nani played a villain role as Vishnu (grey-shaded role) V movie (2020), serial killer.

3. Jr Ntr

Jai (negative character) in Jai Lava Kusa movie

The main conflict in the movie actually revolves around one of the identical triplets, Jai Character played by Jr NTR, who serves as the overacting antagonist/anti hero due to his bitter past and Vengeful nature.

4. Vishwak Sen

He has portrayed characters with grey or negative shade, villain role

Most noticeable film is Das Ka Dhamki,

Where he played at dual role one of which is the main antagonist (Dr. Sanjay Rudra) while also playing the protagonist (Krishna Das). This is his clearrst villain performance

Other prominent villain roles In Falaknuma Das and Gangs of Godavari

5. Rana Daggubati

Bhallaladeva

Baahubali: The Beginning, Baahubali 2: The Conclusion

6. Varun Tej

Gaddalakonda Ganesh (gangster) anti-hero role

Stepping out of his romantic and boy next door roles, he delivered and electrifying rustic performance as the ruthless, charismatic antagonist, proving his remarkable versatility as a mainstream Telugu actor

7. Adivi Sesh

Adivi Sesh is best known for his iconic antagonist role as

the psychopathic and unhinged "Munna" in the 2011 action-thriller film Panjaa, most of us would know him as Hero Protagonist roles, but antagonist role is such rare example how he can shine in villain role, with brilliant twist.

8. Jagapathi Babu

Jagapathi Babu’s transformation from a romantic hero to one of South Indian cinema’s most sought-after villains is a legendary career

His stylish salt and paper look commanding voice and nuanced, unapologetic train presents bring immense death and swagger to antagonist characters across Telugu Tamil Kannada and Hindi films

His villain role especially Sarileru Neekevvaru, Jai Bolo Telangana, Acharya

9. Chiranjeevi

Before rising to mega-stardom, Chiranjeevi built a formidable reputation by playing negative roles and antagonists early in his career. He showcased his versatility as an actor through gripping, nuanced, and ruthless villain performances that set the foundation for his legendary status in Indian cinema.

His Notable film:- 1981 Telugu film Rani Kasula Rangamma,

10. Nassar

Nassar is one of the most respected actors to have played villains and powerful supporting characters in Telugu cinema.

Some of his notable Telugu negative or antagonist roles include

Baahubali: The Beginning & Baahubali 2: The Conclusion; Bijjaladeva, one of his most iconic villain roles, Athadu, Golimaar (Fake Police Officer)

He has also appeared in many Telugu films as a father, mentor, police officer, judge, and politician, showing great versatility.

Although he is from Tamilnadu, he is too most iconic villain actor in Telugu film industry like Prakash Raj.

Which are the best South Indian movies apart from Bahubali?

 I don't know much about Mollywood, kollywood and sandal wood. I am not a movie lover. But still I recommend you the entire RAJAMOULI series if you want the best south Indian (Telugu) movies apart from Baahubali.

2001 – STUDENT NO . 1

First movie - starring Jr.NTR - classic movie

2003 – SIMHADRI

Starring Jr.NTR

Simhadri , A loyal servant in a landlord’s house also leads a secret life as Singamalai. A powerful leader in the state of Kerala.

2004 – SYE

Action - comedy - Romance

Staring- Nitin.

Students of a college form a Rugby team and play against a violent gang of thugs to get back their college land.

2005 – CHATRAPATHI.

Starring - Prabhas.

Action - Mother sentimental

Displaced Sri Lankans in a Vizag port are ruled by a local rowdy. This is the story of Chatrapati Sivaji who overcomes this oppression and how he reunites with his long lost mother and brother.

2006 – VIKRAMARKUDU.

Action - comedy - Romance

Vikram Rathod, a policeman, joins with a small time thief Satthi Babu (funny and thief by profession) who looks identical to him to avenge his own destruction.

2007 – YAMADONGA.

Action - comedy entertainer

A lovable scoundrel's life is cut short when he angers the god of death; however, he still has a few tricks up his sleeve.

2009 – MAGADERA.

Starring - Ramcharan.

Epic - Action - Romance - Reincarnation

A bike stuntman recalls his previous life as a warrior, and pursues his love's reincarnation. A sinister figure from their shared past threatens to separate them forever.

2010 – MARYADA RAMANNA.

Comedy - Action

A man returns to his parents' village to claim his land. Along the way, he befriends a charming young woman. Unbeknownst to him, her family has a long-standing feud with his family.

2012 – EEGA.

VFX - Action - comedy - Revange story

A murdered man is reincarnated as a housefly and seeks to avenge his death.

What are some Telugu movies that are worth watching just for the villain?

 Some Telugu movies are worth watching for the villain alone.

Image courtesy :Google

Gopichand as Devudu Sharma in Nijam
People often remember Gopichand's iconic villain roles in Varsham and Jayam, but I believe his performance in Nijam is his finest and one of the greatest villain portrayals in Telugu cinema history. The character's transformation is even more compelling than the hero's journey.

Image courtesy :Google

Raghuvaran as Bhavani in Shiva
Raghuvaran delivered an iconic performance as the ruthless political goon Bhavani, creating one of Telugu cinema's most memorable antagonists.

Prakash Raj as Obul Reddy in Okkadu
Although I enjoyed Prakash Raj reprising the role as Muthupandi in the Tamil remake Ghilli, the original Obul Reddy remains unmatched and truly iconic in Tollywood history .

Image courtesy :Google

Prakash Raj as Narasimha in Anthapuram
Prakash Raj was terrific as Narasimha, portraying a layered and intimidating villain in this rural faction-based drama.

Image courtesy :Google

Samuthirakani as Katari Krishna in Krack
A powerful and menacing antagonist whose presence elevates the film significantly.

Image courtesy :Google

Mukesh Rishi as Damodar Reddy in Jalsa
The scene where Damodar Reddy deals with the press before forcefully vacating a property until land vacating scene is enough to show how well-written and effective the character is.

Sushant Singh as Bukka Reddy in Rakta Charitra
One of the most violent and terrifying villains in Telugu cinema, inspired by the real-life faction leader Obul Reddy.

Image courtesy :google

Kota Srinivasa Rao as Kotiya in Yogi
Kota Srinivasa Rao has played many legendary villains, but Kotiya feels uniquely memorable even within his illustrious career.

Image courtesy :Google

Pradeep Rawat as Bikshu Yadav in Sye
A complete commercial-movie villain package—menacing, charismatic, and unforgettable.

Kartikeya Gummakonda as Dev in Gang Leader
Dev is a determined, intelligent, and thoroughly wicked antagonist whose motivations make him especially effective.

Image courtesy :Google

Dev Gill as Rana Dev Billa / Raghuveer in Magadheera
Playing villains across two different eras, Dev Gill delivered terrific performances in both roles and provided a worthy challenge to the hero.

All Images Courtesy :Google

Did Telugu ever make classy love stories sans skin show or vulgarity like Tamil movie 96?

 Telugu Film Industry or Tollywood is one of the biggest film industries in India. It is prolific and produces films in a variety of genres. Romance is one of the oldest and one of the most popular genres of Tollywood. Few actors like Akkineni Nageshwar Rao, Shoban Babu, Nagarjuna, Uday Kiran are famous for starring in Romantic films.

Some of classy “platonic” love stories made by Telugu film industry are;

Source: Google

#1. Saptapadi (1981)

One of the classic films directed by the legendary K Viswanath, Saptapadi is a story which revolves around the relation between a Brahmin Classical Dancer (Hema) and a Dalit Flutist (Haribabu). It is remembered for its bold take on caste system at a time when the society was still conservative. The relationship between Hema and Haribabu was presented beautifully and there wasn't even a single scene, where Haribabu proposed Hema! The film was later remade in Hindi in 1984 as Jaag Utha Insaan.

Source: Google/IMDB

#2. Sagara Sangamam (1983)

Another cult film made by K Viswanath, Sagara Sangamam chronicles the story of a male classical dancer Balakrishna (portrayed by Kamal Hassan). The story mainly revolves around the character of Balakrishna, but there was a portion where his relationship with Madhavi (portrayed by Jaya Prada) is shown. Balakrishna developed feelings for Madhavi but later discovered that she is married and is seperated from her husband! He gets a chance of marrying Madhavi but chooses to unite Madhavi with her husband. Not completely a romantic film, but the bond between Balakrishna and Madhavi is considered to be platonic and matured.

Source: Google/ The Indian Express

#3. Swathi Mutyam (1986)

The second collaboration of K Viswanath and Kamal Hassan, Swathi Mutyam till date remains the only Telugu film to be sent as India's official entry to Oscars. Swathi Mutyam follows the story of Shivayya (Kamal Hassan) and Lalitha (Radhika). The films chronicles how Shivayya, a person suffering with autism rescues Radhika, a widow from the atrocities of widowhood by marrying her! Except for the song, Manasu Pallike (where both had a romantic intercourse), Shivayya and Lalitha are shown sharing a very deep and platonic relationship with each other.

Source: Google/Reddit

#4. Anand (2004)

One of the most popular romantic film of the modern era, Anand was directed by Shekhar Kammula and was released in 2004. Anand follows the story of Roopa (portrayed by Kamalini Mukherjee) who starts living independently after her family dies in a car accident and Anand (potrayed by Raja Able) who is a rich man, falls in love with her and moves into her neighbourhood to win her over. The film is liked by youngsters and adults alike and is considered to be one of the modern classy love stories of Tollywood.

Source: Google/ Prime Video

#5. Godavari (2006)

The second film directed by Shekhar Kammula after Anand, Godavari follows the story of Ram (potrayed by Sumanth) and Sita (potrayed by Kamalini Mukherjee) who meet under different circumstances in a boat trip to Badrachalam in the river Godavari. It became an industry hit at the time of its release and attained the status of classic over the years.

These are some of the evergreen love stories made in Tollywood.

What are some of the most underrated Telugu movies?

 

1. Paper Boy(6.5): Classical love story. The movie passes in a gentle way. Almost new cast in this movie. Famous “Bombay Pothavura” song from this film only. “Everybody has a purpose in his life.”

2.Mental Madilo(7.4): A well-portrayed story of a confusing guy. Light comedy in between Father and Son is so good. Perfectly apt for this generation of youth.

3.Kanche(7.8): Such a classic film from Krish Jagarlamudi. Well put down about Casteism in WW2 backdrop. Dialogues are awesome.

4.Dear comrade(7.3): Don't know why it failed at box office, maybe fans expected another Geeta Govindam like a love story. This movie touched about Sexual harassment of women, Student unions, Love, etc. very well. Even the songs are good.

5.Appatlo Okadundevaadu(7.8): Most underrated movie in this list. Sree Vishnu’s best performance so far. How an aspiring cricketer turns into Rowdy and then….what watch it. No spoiler’s alert.

6.Needi Naadi Okate Katha(7.8): Another gem of a movie from Sree Vishnu. It talks about a Father’s expectations from a son, Who is not interested in studies.

7.Adavi Sesh’s all latest films: Kshanam, Gudachari, Evaru. All these are the best suspense thriller from TFI. Give 6 crores to him, he will produce best. The best thing is his gripping story telling.

8.Ninnu Kori(7.5): Natural star Nani’s one of the best performances. How ex-Lover Uma tried to

9.Project Z(7.3): Sandip Kishan’s Sci-Fi thriller about memory transfer. It is much better than Ram’s “Ismart Shankar” in story-wise.

10.Bluff Master(6.5): A movie about common man’s greediness. How people are being foolish in the name Short term returns. Telugu people connect with it after the “Karakkayal Podi” incident.

11.Jagadam(6.8): Sukumar’s mark. The life of a gang star Ram. How events turn in his journey are shown.

12.Pilla Jamindar(PJ)(7.7): Heart touching Rom-Com from Nani. In a few scenes, you literally cry. A grandson’s journey to fulfill his grandfather’s condition to attain his properties after his death.

13) O Pittakatha(6.9): A village backdrop love story. The story is designed with very few characters almost all are new cast. The screenplay is so good. You would definitely love the twists in the plot.

Your favorite??

Image source: gOOGLe.