The Telangana Effect: A paradigm shift in Tollywood

A decade in, Telangana is celebrating its statehood with a cinematic coming-of-age story. Stereotypical portrayals are fading, replaced by a nuanced exploration of the region’s identity. Filmmakers and actors are redefining Telangana identity on screen, weaving its rich culture and distinctive dialects into captivating narratives. Fuelled by local pride and audience demand for authenticity, this shift is paving the way for a new wave of to take center stage. Hyderabad Times delves into this evolution, talking to the movers and shakers who are heralding this cinematic makeover.

‘Vijay, Siddhu & Tharun have made Telangana dialects mainstream’
For many years, Telugu cinema primarily showcased the dialects spoken in the Andhra region. However, actors like Vijay Deverakonda, Siddhu Jonnalagadda, Vishwak Sen, and directors like Tharun Bhascker, have changed the game. They’ve unapologetically incorporated the local Telangana dialects, habits, idiosyncrasies, festivals, and even the cuss words into their movies, injecting a new authenticity.
- Sai Rajesh, filmmaker

‘It is my dialect, this is how I will always speak’
Before the formation of Telangana, the Telangana dialect was often mocked in mainstream Telugu cinema. When I started out, I was even told not to speak it. Back then, films used a very neutral version of Telugu - it was widely understood but lacked regional flavour. Now, because of my natural way of speaking, the Telangana dialect is welcomed. People even ask me if I make a conscious effort to use it! But this is just me, this is how I’ve always spoken. It’s my dialect.
- Vijay Deverakonda, actor

‘Telangana artistes are being appreciated’
Telangana has gained importance in various aspects — culturally, linguistically, in its art forms, thought processes, and ideologically. We have progressed and the world is looking at Telangana. Representation of artistes from Telangana has gone up by leaps and bounds. Since the love towards Telangana dialect is being recognised, love and support comes from all corners.
- Mangli, singer

'Authentic portrayals of local lingo & culture are resonating with the audience'
Actress Vaishnavi Chaitanya’s portrayal of an Telangana girl in director Sai Rajesh’s Baby won many accolades. The director believes, it’s authenticity that did the trick. “Vaishnavi is a Telangana girl in real life, and I tried to showcase exactly that in my film. Her dialect and teenmaar dance resonated deeply with the audience.” Actor Nani, who embraced Telangana dialect in Dasara, echoes his sentiments. “The Telangana slang really caught me off guard the first time I heard it. I remember calling my friend’s mom to ask about him, and her tone sounded so intense, I thought she was mad at me! I realised that’s just how they speak, full of warmth and affection. The Telangana dialect is pure.”

‘ has given me the confidence to make films rooted in Telangana’
The formation of Telangana has instilled confidence in filmmakers, assuring them that movies deeply connected to Telangana’s identity will be embraced. I believe films like Balagam, which explore the customs and narratives specific to rural Telangana, are a direct outcome of this new found self-belief. It’s evident that the audience desires to see their culture celebrated and acknowledged on screen, and to me, that indicates brighter days ahead.
- Venu Yeldandi, actor and director

‘There’s been a rapid surge in adoption of Telangana art & culture in T’wood’
Having been in the industry for quite some time, I’ve personally observed a significant shift in how Telangana elements are integrated into films. The infusion of culture and language has seen a rapid rise, unlike anything we’ve seen before. This wasn’t as prevalent in the past, but since the formation of the state, there’s been a collective pride in showcasing our roots and heritage. It’s become crucial because audiences feel a strong connection with these portrayals, resulting in a surge of movies highlighting these aspects.
- Anish Kuruvilla, actor and filmmaker

: A Bollywood ode to Telangana’s floral festival
The recent Hindi film Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan also acknowledged Telangana culture by featuring a song dedicated to the Bathukamma festival. Titled Bathukamma, the song celebrates the annual flower festival observed by women in Telangana for nine days. Starring Salman Khan, Pooja Hegde, and Venkatesh Daggubati, the film showcases the essence of this traditional Telangana celebration.

Inputs by: M Priyanka Goud, Shweta Watson and Paul Nicodemus


Discover what drives your weight management journey. Take the survey Now.