Akhilesh C.
5. Katamarayudu
In a rejoice for Pawan Kalyan’s fans, ‘Katamarayudu’ has all the elements of a typical Telugu action film and the presence of Pawan Kalyan merely takes everything to another level altogether. In and as Kattula Katamarayudu, this Rayalaseema-centric action-romance is an undying evidence of the immense popularity and clout that Pawan Kalyan has and continues to have. Revolving around a volley of characters – Katamarayudu, Narsappa, Linga, Avanti and many others set in a troubled village, Katama is the saviour of Oddaanchatram from greedy businessmen and goons alike, while he longs for a wife and a settled life ahead for himself. Throughout the movie, the romance between Pawan Kalyan and Shruti Hassan forms the inseparable core, while the action and the valiant acts of Katama to repel his adversaries form the outer shell, with ample laughter conjured up by Katama’s brothers all the while. A wholesome entertainer, ‘Katamarayudu’ is reminiscent of victory, valour, love, and honour over oppression, greed, and hate.
4. Jai Lava Kusa
Marking his first and only entry of 2017, Jr. NTR’s ‘Jai Lava Kusa’ also featured Ronit Roy in his Tollywood debut as an antagonist in the movie, and Niveda Thomas, who seems to be on her Box Office hit spree as far as her appearances in Telugu movies are concerned. The movie primarily revolves around Jr. NTR in his triple roles of Jai, Lava, and Kusa. The demarcation in his characterization for all the three roles is impeccable and yet again proves Jr. NTR’s mettle as a seasoned, evolved actor. The movie emphasizes the importance of upbringing of one’s children despite the stark similarities in their behaviour and age and it is quite evident in each and every frame of the movie. While a stammering and timid Jai grows up to be a frightful gangster, Lava and Kusa turn out to be completely different from what they were in their childhood. A film with an amalgamation of action, comedy and drama, ‘Jai Lava Kusa’ might as well be the most anticipated blockbuster of the year.
3. Gautamiputra Satakarni (“Son of Gautami, Satakarni“)
History buffs and Balayya’s fans couldn’t have asked for anything more than ‘Gautamiputra Satakarni’. The telltale of the fearsome 2nd Century ruler of the Satvahana Empire Gautamiputra Satakarni and his successors, namely Vasisthiputra Sri Pulamavi and Vasisthiputra Satakarni, the movie is a befitting tribute to the culture, traditions, and the descent of the millions of Telugu-speaking populace thriving today. Balakrishna’s Gautamiputra Satakarni is valiant, ambitious, and equitable and as he vows to unite all the 32 kingdoms under his empire, he has to face multiple adversaries from Greeks to the enemies within. Perhaps the first-ever visionary of a united India, ‘Gautamiputra Satakarni’ invokes a deep sense of patriotism and leaves you spellbound, thanks to the convincing Balayya and the charming Shriya Saran. This one should go down in history as one of the best on-screen appearances of Balakrishna. Ever.
2. Baahubali 2: The Conclusion
The saga of Mahendra Baahubali alias Sivudu and the telltale of becoming of the Baahubali held us all at the edge of our seats, not to mention the forever-awaited answer to the zillion-dollar question – Why did Kattappa kill (Amarendra) Baahubali? The movie follows the aftermath of the Kalakeya battle, with Amarendra Baahubali being crowned as the King of Mahishmati, and Bhallaladeva, the Commander-in-Chief. With Devasena coming in, amidst a grave misunderstanding, followed by Bhallaladeva’s anointment as the King, and Kattappa slaying Amarendra Baahubali being the stepping stones to the anguish of Sivudu, none could’ve stopped him in waging war against the kingdom and slaying his uncle Bhallaladeva, thus restoring the order and bringing the perpetrators of his father’s and grandmother’s death to justice. With more than $250 million in revenues at the Box Office and counting, ‘Baahubali 2: The Conclusion’ has become a phenomenon and is still one of the highest grossing Indian movies since the beginning of time.
1. Arjun Reddy
I am out of both praiseworthy adjectives and superlatives for this one. If there’s one single movie, that is worth the appreciation, appeal, and every ounce of critical acclaim it has garnered, it is this. ‘Arjun Reddy’ is clearly Vijay Deverakonda’s biggest film of his career and has raised his bar as an actor, beyond everyone else. After his 2016 blockbuster that was ‘Pelli Choopulu’, Deverakonda’s venture into playing an alcoholic, deplorable, short-tempered medical surgeon is true to his potential. As the story goes, Arjun Reddy, a topper of his class and an ace medical doctor has his life turned upside down when things go south and he witnesses the girl he loves marrying someone else. The raw, realistic portrayal is the show-stopper and it is difficult to come out of the movie’s realm even hours after we’re done watching it. The sadistic and ignominious Arjun Reddy finds solace in casual sex, drugs, and alcohol, until, he finds back his love. Or so it seems. The music, screenplay, direction and the performances are absolute winners, not to forget the story which is the film’s only protagonist and antagonist in all its senses.
Read More: Marathi Movies 2017
