In 2025, several small-budget Telugu films surprised everyone by achieving notable success at the box office. With strong content, fresh storytelling, and positive word of mouth, these films proved that good cinema doesn’t always need big stars or massive budgets.
1. Little Hearts
Little Hearts is a Telugu romantic drama about two coaching students, Akhil and Khatyayini, who fall in love while dealing with studies, family pressure, and personal struggles, blending youthful romance with emotional moments.
OTT: ETV Win
2. Raju Weds Rambai
Raju Weds Rambai is a Telugu rural love story about Raju, a carefree drummer, and Rambai, a compounder’s daughter, whose romance turns tragic due to ego, social pressure, and honor, ending with a shocking, hard-hitting climax.
OTT: ETV Win
3. Court: State vs. A Nobody
Court: State vs. A Nobody is a 2025 Telugu courtroom drama on Netflix about Chandu, a poor young man falsely accused under POCSO by his wealthy girlfriend’s influential uncle. Novice lawyer Surya fights corruption, with strong performances and social commentary on class and justice.
OTT: Netflix
4. Shambhala
Shambhala (2025) is a Telugu supernatural horror-thriller about geoscientist Vikram (Aadi Saikumar), who investigates mysterious deaths in a superstitious 1980s village after a meteor strike, facing a tense clash between science and local folklore.
OTT: Aha
5. Dhandoraa
Dhandoraa is a realistic Telugu drama set in a remote village, following one day after upper-caste man Shivaji’s death. Focusing on four characters, it blends dark humor, social insight, and raw authenticity, revealing chaos, rituals, emotions, and deep-rooted caste tensions during the cremation.
OTT: Amazon Prime Video
6. Mahavatar Narasimha
Mahavatar Narsimha became a major hit in 2025, blending Hindu mythology with high-quality animation. Its engaging storytelling, cultural resonance, and appeal to families made it one of the year’s biggest successes in Indian animation.
OTT: Netflix
7. Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra
Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra is a Malayalam superhero film starring Kalyani Priyadarshan as the immortal Chandra. Praised for its strong female lead, folklore roots, and visual effects, it became a pan-Indian hit and set the stage for a cinematic universe.
OTT: Jio Hotstar
8. Su From So
Su From So is a Kannada breakout hit by debut director JP Thuminad, celebrated for authentic local storytelling and fresh talent. Its success proved that content-driven cinema can triumph without big stars or heavy marketing.
OTT: Jio Hotstar
9. Tourist Family
Tourist Family is a Tamil film by debut director Abishan Jeevinth, praised for its emotional storytelling and portrayal of Sri Lankan refugees in India. It became a surprise hit, earning acclaim from audiences.
OTT: Amazon Prime Video
10. Single
Single is a Telugu romantic comedy that became one of the year’s biggest hits. Loved for its fun theme, strong promotions, and audience appeal, it emerged as a major success story in Telugu cinema.
OTT: Amazon Prime Video
