Among the few we have had, director Nandini Reddy’sĪla Modalaindi (2011) and Tharun Bhascker’s

There aren’t too many romantic comedies in Telugu cinema. Manmadhudu (2002) for the comic banter between Nagarjuna and Brahmanandam. Srivariki Premalekha (1984) could be your cup of tea, or if you want something from the later decades, revisit Give those WhatsApp forwards a break and turn to the good old comedies. Pelli Pustakam (1991) among director Bapu’s films make for repeat viewing, and who can forget director Kamalakara Kameswara Rao’sĪ good dose of humour is welcome in times like these. NTR, SV Ranga Rao and ANR in ‘Gundamma Katha’ Many of director K Vishwanath’s films continue to endear generations of viewers. The casting was spot on, as Keerthy Suresh walked that fine line between mimicking and imbibing Savitri’s body language, and the charming Dulquer Salmaan portrayed Gemini Ganesan. Mayabazar and a host of other Telugu films that starred Savitri. In this compelling biopic, the team managed to recreate iconic scenes from Mayabazar, it’s imperative to mention director Nag Ashwin’s biopic of Savitri, Characters from ‘Sasirekha Parinayam’, the folk tale inspired by ‘Mahabharata’, became mortals that we could relate to. Mayabazar (1957) is an eternal favourite and had an eclectic cast including Savitri, Akkineni Nageswara Rao, NT Rama Rao and S V Ranga Rao.

The storylines offer a social commentary of an era, and the films have commendable performances and music that’s pleasing on the ears these films are lessons in filmmaking as well. Like good wine, these films keep getting better with time and merit repeat viewing with the family. So don’t take offence and outrage if your favourite star’s movie isn’t listed. Note: This is not an all-encompassing list. Here’s a mix of contemporary and older Telugu films to add some cheer: If you’ve missed out on any of the older films, or the newer ones, this is the time to catch up. But there’s something comforting about revisiting much-loved movies. There are podcasts, e-books and audio books, and of course web series. While we work from home, we need something to lift our spirits. None of us is used to a lockdown, but we know it needs to be done to break the COVID-19 chain and flatten the curve.

Watch sasirekha parinayam movie