: A successful comedy sequel starring Venkatesh and Varun Tej, collecting around ₹134 crore.
The year 2022 was a monumental era for Tollywood (Telugu cinema), shifting the industry from a regional powerhouse into a dominant force on the global stage. Led by monumental global hits, ground-breaking experimental thrillers, and heartwarming romantic dramas, the "kotha movies" (new movies) of this period redefined cinematic excellence.
: New directors and actors gained recognition, signaling a shift towards younger, fresher content.
For horror enthusiasts, Masooda , directed by debutant Sai Kiran, was the biggest surprise of 2022. The film centers on a timid physics teacher who risks everything to help his neighbor save her possessed daughter. kotha movies telugu 2022 top
What made Major one of the list was its authenticity. The 20-minute Taj Hotel sequence, shot in real-time, left audiences breathless. The film was released in Telugu, Hindi, and Malayalam simultaneously, and it succeeded in making every Indian proud.
Originally a Tamil film, the Telugu dubbed version of Prince (released alongside the original) earned a solid spot due to its hilarious comedy of errors. The film followed a carefree young man who pretends to be a prince to win a girl’s heart, only to discover the real royals are after him.
: Directed by S.S. Rajamouli, this epic period drama follows two revolutionaries and gained international fame, including an Oscar for "Naatu Naatu". Sita Ramam : A successful comedy sequel starring Venkatesh and
A nostalgic, old-school romance told with modern filmmaking techniques, making it a cult favorite. 3. Karthikeya 2 - Supernatural Adventure
2022 was truly a year where kotha cinemalu (new movies) delivered both in terms of art and commerce.
: A horror-thriller that arrived with minimal fanfare but won over audiences and critics alike, becoming one of the most talked-about films in the genre that year. : New directors and actors gained recognition, signaling
Director Vivek Athreya proved he is a master of quirky dialogue and layered storytelling. While the film underperformed at the box office initially, it became a massive hit on OTT (Netflix). For sophisticated comedy-drama lovers, this remains a hidden gem in the lineup.
Mass Maharaja Ravi Teja delivered a vintage commercial entertainer with Dhamaka . Relying heavily on comedy, high-energy dance numbers, and double-identity tropes, the film raked in massive numbers at the box office, proving that standard Tollywood mass formulas still hold incredible entertainment value when executed with the right energy. Compelling Thrillers HIT: The Second Case
Samantha Ruth Prabhu carried this edge-of-your-seat action thriller entirely on her shoulders. Playing a pregnant woman who uncovers a dark, illegal surrogacy racket operating out of a luxury medical facility, Samantha delivered powerful stunt choreography and an engaging performance that resonated well with audiences. Summary Checklist: Must-Watch 2022 Telugu Movies Movie Title Key Highlights Period Action Oscar-winning music, grand action, global hit Sita Ramam Romantic Drama Beautiful visuals, emotional plot, classic songs Major Biographical Action Heart-wrenching tribute, gripping screenplay DJ Tillu Dark Comedy Iconic character, hilarious local dialogue Oke Oka Jeevitham Sci-Fi Drama Heartwarming mother-son bond, time travel Masooda Genuinely scary, atmospheric storytelling HIT 2 Crime Thriller Sharp investigation, unexpected twists
Sita Ramam emerged as the classical romance of the decade. Set against the backdrop of the 1960s, it follows an orphan soldier, Lieutenant Ram, who receives secret love letters from a woman named Sita. The film is a visual poetry featuring soulful music by Vishal Chandrashekhar and breathtaking cinematography. It won the hearts of millions and proved that pure, emotional love stories still hold massive power at the box office. Sashi Kiran Tikka Cast: Adivi Sesh, Saiee Manjrekar, Prakash Raj Genre: Biographical Action Drama Where to Watch: Netflix
