Several films were also targeted for digital premieres during the festival window to capture the holiday audience at home.
Varasudu was a throwback to 90s family melodramas. While Vijay was charming, Telugu audiences found the plot slightly too predictable and "soap-opera-ish." The action sequences were toned down compared to Vijay’s usual standards.
Sankranthi 2023 season was a monumental period for Telugu cinema, featuring a rare head-to-head clash between two "top-tier" veterans, Chiranjeevi and Nandamuri Balakrishna, alongside a high-stakes entry from Tamil superstar Vijay. Major Theatrical Releases
The Telugu film industry, also known as Tollywood, is known for its grand celebrations and releases around the festive season of Sankranthi. Sankranthi, a four-day harvest festival, is a significant occasion in Telugu cinema, where filmmakers and producers consider it an auspicious time to release their movies. The year 2023 is no exception, with several highly anticipated Telugu movies lined up for release during the Sankranthi season. Sankranthi Release Telugu Movies 2023
Unlike previous years where four or five mid-range films would compete, 2023 was a battle of three titans. On paper, it looked like an unstoppable force meeting an immovable object. The three films were: Waltair Veerayya , Veera Simha Reddy , and Varisu (the dubbed Tamil version Varasudu ).
While the season delivered massive openings, it also taught the industry a hard lesson about content versus star power. Let’s take a detailed look at the major players, the box office results, and the critical reception of the films that fought for the 2023 Sankranthi pie.
The Sankranthi releases in Telugu cinema are a grand celebration of cinema, with filmmakers and producers pulling out all the stops to create engaging and entertaining films. The year 2023 promises to be an exciting one, with several highly anticipated movies lined up for release during the Sankranthi season. Several films were also targeted for digital premieres
As the festival season approaches, fans and audiences are eagerly waiting to see which movie will emerge as the biggest hit. Will it be Veera Simha Reddy, Anyade Nuvve, Ooru Ooru, or Project K? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain – the Sankranthi releases in Telugu cinema are going to be a treat for film lovers.
A quintessential family drama. Vijay plays a youngest son who is considered a "black sheep" by his business tycoon father. When a crisis hits the family business, he returns to save the day, juggling family emotions and a mild villain.
The biggest selling point of this film was the combination of Chiranjeevi and Ravi Teja sharing the screen for the first time. The song "Boss Party" became an instant anthem. Expectations were stratospheric because this was Chiru’s third straight Sankranthi release after Khaidi No. 150 and Sye Raa . Sankranthi 2023 season was a monumental period for
Over the years, Sankranthi has become synonymous with big-budget movies, star-studded casts, and high-octane action sequences. The festival season has also become a benchmark for measuring a movie's success, with films that perform well during Sankranthi often going on to become major hits.
The defining feature of Sankranthi 2023 was the return of the "mass" hero in full force. Leading the charge was the "God of Masses," Nandamuri Balakrishna, with Veera Simha Reddy . Directed by Gopichand Malineni, the film was a quintessential Balakrishna affair: a high-octane, emotional family drama wrapped in factional violence. Balakrishna delivered a dual role, showcasing both a subdued father and a ferocious son, appealing directly to his loyal fan base. The film’s strength lay in its devotional tone and raw energy, making it a perfect festive offering for audiences seeking unapologetic, larger-than-life action.
The film opened to mixed-to-positive reviews. Critics praised Balakrishna's energetic performance and the high-octane action sequences but criticized the lengthy runtime and predictable plot. However, for the mass audience in the B and C centers, Veera Simha Reddy was a festival feast.