The following are the Top 10 Telugu movies of 2018. The list is not based on the box office collections or the critical appreciation but is based on several aspects of filmmaking such as script, production, performances, technical standards, and economics such as marketing and profits.
- Rangasthalam
Rangasthalam is undoubtedly the best Telugu film of 2018 in all aspects. While the low-budget films are consistently experimenting with various themes, the big-budget Telugu movies are mostly restricted to urban action movies and playing the safe game for so long. Rangasthalam has broken the myth that the Telugu audience won’t encourage rural backdrops, flawed characters, realistic films, etc. The film has been worrisome for the makers for many reasons before its release. The first look of the actors received praises as well as backlash. But the film relied only on its content and performances and turned out to be the most successful film of the year. - Mahanati
Mahanati has an impressive script but it’s the performances and technical values that attracted the audience. Let it be the realistic portrayal of Keerthy Suresh, the retro look of the cinematography, or the phenomenal background score, everything helped the film to stand out and leave its mark. Mahanati is not just a blockbuster but is a classic to remember for the decades to come. The Telugu movies of the coming decades have a lot to take away from Mahanati. - C/o Kancharapalem
C/o Kancharapalem is an extremely low-budget film with non-actors. Most of the actors in the film faced the camera for the first time in their life. The film is extremely realistic in its portrayal of life in a suburban. C/o Kancharapalem is one of the most powerful Telugu movies in recent times with an extremely subtle underlying theme. - Geetha Govindam
Geetha Govindam is a complete entertainer with pleasant visuals and music. The film brought back the forgotten trend of rom-com in Telugu movies. It has been several years since such a pleasant romantic entertainer has been seen in Tollywood. The film has remarkable success at the box office. - Bharat Ane Nenu
Bharat Ane Nenu is a commercial entertainer with a social message. It has a weak script but good technical standards. The film is a direct attack on the current trend in politics and media. Bharat ane nenu points out the flaws like politicians focusing on their businesses, TRP hungry media, feudalism, etc. It has been a blockbuster at the box office with positive critical reception. It is one of the top 10 Telugu movies of 2018. - Goodachari
Goodachari is a low-budget spy thriller that focuses on the system instead of a specific mission. The film has heavy plot holes and many inconsistencies. It has attained both critical and commercial success. Goodachari is one of the top 10 Telugu movies of 2018. - U Turn
U-Turn is the remake of the Kannada thriller film of the same title. The film is gripping till the end but the climax offers nothing special. The original Kannada version was made on a low budget but despite the heavy budget, the remake doesn’t improve much from its original and many scenes are shot by shot replacement. It is still a good watch for those who didn’t watch the original. - RX 100
RX 100 is an alternate take on the love stories which appealed to youth, mostly to men. The film is based on real events and has good production values. It deals with mature content and is not meant for everyone. The audience well received the performances and music. The film went on to become one of the most successful films of the year following the success of low-budget Telugu movies. - Manu
Manu is an experimental film that tried many new things for the first time. But the film is inherently flawed with intentionally complex narration and the unnecessary tutorials on catching rats, making perfume, lock picking, etc. However, the film is better than many illogical films made on high budgets. Manu marks the changing trends in Telugu movies. - Ee Nagaraniki Emaindi
Ee Nagaraniki Emaindi is a pleasant buddy comedy with a not-so-serious script. The film lacks an engaging script otherwise it’s an interesting watch for some youthful humor and the presentation of friendship. Ee Nagaraniki Emaindi followed the trend of low-budget Telugu movies without unnecessary commercial elements.
