Chennai, Dec 26: With most big-budget films biting the dust, it was the turn of the small-budget and non-stars films to take the pedestal. Out of the 113 Telugu films released, only a few elicited a positive response at the box office.
List of five notable Telugu films of 2012:
"Eega": Who would've possibly imagined that filmmaker S.S Rajamouli can strike gold at the box office with a computer generated housefly? Undoubtedly, one of most successful films of 2012, "Eega" was an effort worth appreciation. The film may have had a wafer-thin story line, but thanks to breathtaking visual effects and impeccable acting by the lead actors, it is very unlikely to ignore it. It is the only film of 2012, which managed to be successful in its Malayalam and Hindi dubbed versions too.
"Ee Rojullo": Neither does this film boast of a star actor nor an item song. Yet, it was highly successful and well-received at the box office. The hero doesn't have a grand entry, nor does he have a glamorous heroine. "Ee Rojullo" is most probably the first film in Telugu to taste success solely with newcomers. Targeted at young adults, with romance and comedy as its ingredients, this film stands testimony to the potential of new age filmmakers. When most mega budget films are finding it difficult to even sustain for 50 days at the ticket window, this film managed to run for 175 days.
"Love Failure": A Tamil-Telugu bilingual, "Love Failure" by debutant Balaji Mohan, based on his eponymous short film, is an impressive tale of love and forgiveness. Revolving around characters in love, the film dives into the psyche, trying to bring forth the expectations of people in a relationship. Aptly performed by Siddharth and Amala Paul, this love story worked mostly because of its sensible screenplay and unusual-yet-amusing characterisation. Music by S.S Thaman and cinematography by Nirav Shah were the perfect icing on the cake.
"Avunu": Known for his offbeat films such as "Anasuya" and "Nuvvila", "Avunu" by Ravi Babu, is a taut horror-thriller that succeeds in implanting fear in the psyche of the audience without exploiting the characters in the film. Revolving around the lead character Mohini, played by Poorna, the story is about the realisation of an unknown presence in Mohini's apartment that indulges in voyeuristic pleasure. Shot under a budget of Rs.50 lakh, this film tasted success at the box office, and it is likely to be remade in Hindi soon. With no songs to entertain, it was very important for the film to keep the audience engaged and thanks to Ravi Babu, it succeeded.
"Midhunam": Based on the Telugu novel of the same name, "Midhunam", revolves around two characters played by S.P Balasubrahmanyam and Lakshmi Narayan. The story revolves around elderly couple, Appa Das and Butchi, who instead of waiting to hear from their children abroad, spend life to the fullest in the company of each other. An ode to marriage, this film harps on the importance of enjoying life's smallest triumphs with one's significant other. This film is proof to the fun and frolic married couple above 60 indulge in. Performances by S.P.B and Lakshmiwere outstanding, while Tanikella Bharani's direction hits the right chord.
