Although Bollywood saw one of the most successful box office years in 2023, the next year, 2024,, had a different story to tell. In recent years, the Telugu film industry, popularly known as Tollywood, has come out to dominate Bollywood and other regional industries to become the highest-grossing film industry in 2024 and 2025. This has been due to the pan-India appeal, rather intriguing storytelling, global reach, and the way it connects with audiences.
Tollywood's box office supremacy
Tollywood's rise to box office dominance has been nothing short of extraordinary. In January 2025 alone, the industry achieved worldwide gross earnings of Rs 412.15 crore, with Rs 291.65 crore coming from Indian collections, which included films like 'Sankranthiki Vasthunam,' 'Daaku Maharaaj,' 'Mad Square,,' and more.
In 2024, films like ' Pushpa 2 : The Rule,,' minting more than Rs 1,500 crore; Kalki 2898 AD ,, around Rs 1,040 crore; and Devara: Part 1,, around Rs 550 crore,, have set new standards for success. These numbers are showing the consistency in delivering blockbusters.
The Ormax Box Office report for 2024 shows that Tollywood maintained its box office share while Bollywood saw a significant decline. Notably, 31% of Hindi cinema’s revenue came from dubbed South Indian films, which gives an image of the growing influence of regional cinema on the national stage.
Key factors behind Tollywood's success
Pan-India Appeal
Tollywood has mastered the art of creating films that appeal to audiences beyond the Telugu-speaking states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. By dubbing films in multiple languages and using universal themes, filmmakers have successfully bridged regional divides. For instance, 'Pushpa: The Rise' and its sequel became cultural phenomena across India, with Allu Arjun ’s portrayal of a rugged protagonist enjoyed by viewers nationwide.
Storytelling
Tollywood has now embraced its unique stories that are dissimilar from traditional formulas. Films like 'Kalki 2898 AD,' a science fiction epic blending futuristic elements with Hindu mythology. Directed by Nag Ashwin, the film not only captivated Indian audiences but also was praised internationally. According to a Sacnilk report, the film's overseas collection is Rs 275 crore.
During an interview with TOI,, when Mahesh Babu was once asked about being a part of a Hindi film, the 'SSMB29' star said, "No. I am not doing that film. Actually, I won't do any Hindi films in the near future. As long as I am acting, I will do only Telugu films. I want to take Telugu films to the world. Everyone should talk about our films. The response I get from the fans and people here is amazing; I would never want to leave that."
Star Power
Tollywood has a roster of charismatic actors like Allu Arjun, Jr.. NTR, Prabhas, Mahesh Babu, Ram Charan, Samantha Ruth Prabhu , Nayanthara,, and more who have become familiar names across India and the world. This also became a factor thatdraws audiences to theaters. For instance, Prabhas’ performance in 'Baahubali' catapulted him to global fame, while Jr.. NTR and Ram Charan's roles in 'RRR' nd Allu Arjun's's in the the 'Pushpa' franchise earned them widespread acclaim.
High Production Values
Tollywood filmmakers are not afraid to invest heavily in their projects. With budgets rivalingthose of Hollywood productions, films like 'Kalki 2898 AD,,' which had a budget of over Rs 600 crore, had cutting-edge technology and world-class visuals. Similarly, films like 'Pushpa 2' andand 'Devara,,' made on a big budget and carefully using the visuals and stories, made big profits.
The upcoming film starring Tollywood superstar Mahesh Babu and the ace director SS Rajamouli are working on their magnum opus project,, which is expected to be a globetrotter and will be made on a rumoredbudget of a staggering Rs 1000 crore. These high production values have elevated the industry’s reputation on the global stage.
Strategic marketing
Effective promotional strategies have played a crucial role in expanding Tollywood's reach. From leveraging social media platforms to organizing grand pre-release events, filmmakers ensure maximum visibility for their projects. For example, the makers of 'Pushpa 2: The Rule' made a bold decision by launching the film's trailer in Patna, Bihar, marking a first for a big-budget Telugu film, and they got a tremendous hype, response doing that.
Global reach
Tollywood's influence also stretches far beyond India's borders. The success of films like 'RRR,' 'Baahubali, 'Pushpa, 'Kalki2898 AD,,' and many more in international markets. The Telugu diaspora in countries like the United States has also contributed hugely to this success.
Challenges for Bollywood
Factors thatalso led to it are over-reliance on remakes and formulaic storytelling, failure to adapt to changing audience preferences,, and increased competition from regional industries offering fresh content.
Telugu producer Naga Vamsi recently remarked that Bollywood seems "stuck" making films for Mumbai’s upscale neighborhoods like Bandra and Juhu, implying that its storytelling lacks broader appeal.
The Indian film industry is witnessing a transformative phase as collaborations between Bollywood and Tollywood gain momentum.
Filmmaker Nikkhil Advani said said during an interview with Galatta Plus that Allu Arjun expressed to to him is belief that Bollywood has lost its touch in portraying heroes on screen.
Nikhil said, "Everyone thinks about South cinema being mythology and everything, but they take the core emotion. Like water irrigation, let’s make a film about it, and now they have packaged that with incredible action and incredible moments of heroism."
Tollywood's box office supremacy
Tollywood's rise to box office dominance has been nothing short of extraordinary. In January 2025 alone, the industry achieved worldwide gross earnings of Rs 412.15 crore, with Rs 291.65 crore coming from Indian collections, which included films like 'Sankranthiki Vasthunam,' 'Daaku Maharaaj,' 'Mad Square,,' and more.
In 2024, films like ' Pushpa 2 : The Rule,,' minting more than Rs 1,500 crore; Kalki 2898 AD ,, around Rs 1,040 crore; and Devara: Part 1,, around Rs 550 crore,, have set new standards for success. These numbers are showing the consistency in delivering blockbusters.
The Ormax Box Office report for 2024 shows that Tollywood maintained its box office share while Bollywood saw a significant decline. Notably, 31% of Hindi cinema’s revenue came from dubbed South Indian films, which gives an image of the growing influence of regional cinema on the national stage.
Key factors behind Tollywood's success
Pan-India Appeal
Tollywood has mastered the art of creating films that appeal to audiences beyond the Telugu-speaking states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. By dubbing films in multiple languages and using universal themes, filmmakers have successfully bridged regional divides. For instance, 'Pushpa: The Rise' and its sequel became cultural phenomena across India, with Allu Arjun ’s portrayal of a rugged protagonist enjoyed by viewers nationwide.
Storytelling
Tollywood has now embraced its unique stories that are dissimilar from traditional formulas. Films like 'Kalki 2898 AD,' a science fiction epic blending futuristic elements with Hindu mythology. Directed by Nag Ashwin, the film not only captivated Indian audiences but also was praised internationally. According to a Sacnilk report, the film's overseas collection is Rs 275 crore.
During an interview with TOI,, when Mahesh Babu was once asked about being a part of a Hindi film, the 'SSMB29' star said, "No. I am not doing that film. Actually, I won't do any Hindi films in the near future. As long as I am acting, I will do only Telugu films. I want to take Telugu films to the world. Everyone should talk about our films. The response I get from the fans and people here is amazing; I would never want to leave that."
Star Power
Tollywood has a roster of charismatic actors like Allu Arjun, Jr.. NTR, Prabhas, Mahesh Babu, Ram Charan, Samantha Ruth Prabhu , Nayanthara,, and more who have become familiar names across India and the world. This also became a factor thatdraws audiences to theaters. For instance, Prabhas’ performance in 'Baahubali' catapulted him to global fame, while Jr.. NTR and Ram Charan's roles in 'RRR' nd Allu Arjun's's in the the 'Pushpa' franchise earned them widespread acclaim.
High Production Values
Tollywood filmmakers are not afraid to invest heavily in their projects. With budgets rivalingthose of Hollywood productions, films like 'Kalki 2898 AD,,' which had a budget of over Rs 600 crore, had cutting-edge technology and world-class visuals. Similarly, films like 'Pushpa 2' andand 'Devara,,' made on a big budget and carefully using the visuals and stories, made big profits.
The upcoming film starring Tollywood superstar Mahesh Babu and the ace director SS Rajamouli are working on their magnum opus project,, which is expected to be a globetrotter and will be made on a rumoredbudget of a staggering Rs 1000 crore. These high production values have elevated the industry’s reputation on the global stage.
Strategic marketing
Effective promotional strategies have played a crucial role in expanding Tollywood's reach. From leveraging social media platforms to organizing grand pre-release events, filmmakers ensure maximum visibility for their projects. For example, the makers of 'Pushpa 2: The Rule' made a bold decision by launching the film's trailer in Patna, Bihar, marking a first for a big-budget Telugu film, and they got a tremendous hype, response doing that.
Global reach
Tollywood's influence also stretches far beyond India's borders. The success of films like 'RRR,' 'Baahubali, 'Pushpa, 'Kalki2898 AD,,' and many more in international markets. The Telugu diaspora in countries like the United States has also contributed hugely to this success.
Challenges for Bollywood
Factors thatalso led to it are over-reliance on remakes and formulaic storytelling, failure to adapt to changing audience preferences,, and increased competition from regional industries offering fresh content.
Telugu producer Naga Vamsi recently remarked that Bollywood seems "stuck" making films for Mumbai’s upscale neighborhoods like Bandra and Juhu, implying that its storytelling lacks broader appeal.
The Indian film industry is witnessing a transformative phase as collaborations between Bollywood and Tollywood gain momentum.
Filmmaker Nikkhil Advani said said during an interview with Galatta Plus that Allu Arjun expressed to to him is belief that Bollywood has lost its touch in portraying heroes on screen.
Nikhil said, "Everyone thinks about South cinema being mythology and everything, but they take the core emotion. Like water irrigation, let’s make a film about it, and now they have packaged that with incredible action and incredible moments of heroism."
You may also like
Over 114 civilians killed in paramilitary forces attacks in Sudan: Local official
Bryson DeChambeau makes 6-word defiant Masters statement before facing Rory McIlroy
US conducts fresh airstrikes on Yemen
Rory McIlroy makes his feelings clear on facing Bryson DeChambeau at the Masters
The Breakfast Club cast reunite and share memories 40 years after iconic film release
