In 2023, audiences have been treated to a stellar lineup of Telugu films that have not only dominated the box office but also captured the hearts of the viewers. If you’re contemplating a leisurely Sunday afternoon, it’s time to grab a tub of popcorn and indulge in these cinematic gems available on various OTT platforms. In this list, we present some of the best Telugu movies of 2023, each accompanied by a brief and succinct introduction. Explore details such as cast members, director, genre, IMDb rating, streaming platform, and more.
Our selection of the top 20 Telugu films is based on thorough evaluations from both box office performance and reviews across diverse platforms. Get ready for a cinematic experience that promises entertainment and excellence.
Salaar: Part 1 – Ceasefire
Salaar a.k.a Deva, a mechanic from Tinsukia, Assam is forced to go back to his old life of violence and warfare. The story revolves around Deva and Varada Raja Mannar’s friendship in the powerful place of Khansaar.
Cast: Prabhas, Prithviraj Sukumaran, Easwari Rao, Shruti Hassan, Sriya Reddy
IMDB Rating: 6.8
Where to watch:
Director: Prashanth Neel
Genre: Action, Drama and Thriller
Hi Nanna
Viraj is a single dad, living with his daughter Mahi. She is curious about her mother, but Viraj isn’t ready to reveal the story, causing a rift between them. The girl goes missing but is saved by a girl named Yashna. They force Viraj to tell the story of his wife, Varsha.
Cast: Nani, Mrunal Thakur, Kiara Khanna, Nassar, Jayaram, Priyadarshini Pulikonda
IMDB Rating: 8.4
Where to watch: Netflix (Tentative release date – January 5, 2024)
Director: Shouryuv
Genre: Drama and Romance
Waltair Veerayya
Waltair Veerayya, a drug dealer in need of money, receives an offer that could potentially get him out of his current situation. He receives a call from a mysterious acquaintance who offers to pay him for bringing a notorious drug lord from Malaysia to India. Veerayya considers the hazardous endeavour that lies ahead, and the offer leads to a dangerous undertaking that has the potential to change his destiny.
Cast: Chiranjeevi, Ravi Teja, Shruti Haasan, Catherine Tresa, Bobby Simha, and Prakash Raj
IMDB Rating: 6.2
Where to watch: Netflix
Director: Bobby Kolli
Genre: Action and Thriller
Dasara
Three childhood friends in a coal-dependent village experience difficulty following an argument with the town’s headman’s son overturns their lives as well as throws their longstanding friendship in danger between the intricate details associated with their coal-centric culture.
Cast: Nani, Keerthy Suresh, and Dheekshith Shetty
IMDb Rating: 6.6
Where to Watch: Netflix
Director: Srikanth Odela
Genre: Action and Thriller
Baby
The relationship between childhood sweethearts who also happen to be neighbours are put to the test shortly after they enter college and make new friends. Their affection for one another is tested amid the difficulties of adjusting to new social dynamics, compelling them to face the intricacies of love in the changing context of college life.
Cast: Anand Devarakonda and Vaishnavi Chaitanya
IMDb Rating: 7.3
Where to Watch: Aha
Director: Sai Rajesh Neelam
Genre: Romance and Drama
Samajavaragamana
Bala Subramanyam, working as a ticketing clerk at a cinema theatre, is his family’s sole breadwinner. His father is trying hard to get a degree so that he will inherit the ancestral property. The heroine, Sarayu is also trying hard to pass the degree exams, and Balu agrees to take tuition for his dad and Sarayu.
Cast: Sree Vishnu, Reba Monica John, Naresh, Pramodini, Keyuri, Sudharshan, Srikanth Iyyengar
IMDB Rating: 7.4
Where to watch: Aha
Director: Ram Abbaraju
Genre: Romance and Comedy
Virupaksha
Assigned the daunting assignment of demonstrating a perplexing pattern of terrifying murders that have rendered the town residents terrified and confused, a human being embarks on an investigation that demonstrates rather than only the graphic incidents but also an underground plot that demonstrates an entirely different reality hidden beneath the seemingly peaceful surface of civilization.
Cast: Sai Dharam Tej, Samyuktha, Sunil, Brahmaji, Rajeev Kanakala, Ajay, and Ravi Krishna
IMDB Rating: 7.2
Where to watch: Netflix
Director: Karthik Varma Dandu
Genre: Mystery and Horror
Bro
After meeting with a fatal accident, a young man bargains with a god for more time on Earth. Soon, he learns the importance of humility and family, realizing that second chances come with lessons that reshape the essence of his existence.
Cast: Pawan Kalyan, Sai Dharam Tej, Ketika Sharma, Urvashi Rautela, Priya Prakash Varrier.
IMDB Rating: 6.7
Where to watch: Netflix
Director: Samuthirakani
Genre: Comedy and Action
Bhagvanth Kesari
An ex-prisoner Nelakonda Bhagavanth Kesari becomes the guardian angel of Vijayalakshmi after her father and Kesari’s friend dies in an accident. Kesari wants Viji to join the army, but she wants to marry her boyfriend Rahul Sanghvi. Rahul is a ruthless businessman who even assassinates the Deputy CM of the state.
Cast: Nandamuri Balakrishna, Sreeleela, Kajal Aggarwal, Arjun Rampal, Aadukalam Naren, Pallak Lalwani, R. Sarathkumar
IMDB Rating: 6.3
Where to watch: Prime Video
Director: Anil Ravipudi
Genre: Action and Thriller
Balagam
After the family patriarch dies, a young man turns to manipulation as a way to deal with his problems. Nevertheless, as he plans his schemes to succeed, he over time, realizes the price of his own personal avarice.
Cast: Priyadarshi, Kavya Kalyanram, Sudhakar Reddy, Kota Jayaram, Muralidhar Goud, and Mime Madhu
IMDb Rating: 8
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
Director: Venu Yeldandi
Genre: Drama and Comedy
Writer Padmabhushan
An aspiring writer finds out an individual has secretly released a popular book under his name after his first attempt at publication fails. As he works to identify the real author and piece together a story of literary intrigue and self-discovery, the plot becomes more complex.
Cast: Suhas, Tina Shilparaj, Rohini, and Ashish Vidyarthi
IMDb Rating: 7.6
Where to Watch: Zee 5
Director: Shanmukha Prasanth
Genre: Comedy and Drama
Rangamarthanda
After giving away his fortune to his two children, a stepped-down theatre artist known as “Rangamarthanda” faces an upsetting development: both of his children mistreat him and his spouse. The story explores the nuanced aspects of family dynamics.
Cast: Prakash Raj, Ramya Krishna, Brahmanandam, Rahul Sipligunj, Ali Reza, Anasuya Bharadwaj, and Aadarsh Balakrishna.
IMDb Rating: 8.2
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
Director: Krishna Vamsi
Genre: Drama
Martin Luther King
After obtaining a voter ID, an anonymous man attracts the attention of rival factions, raising the question of whether to use the privilege for one’s own benefit or as an agent for social transformation.
Cast: Sampoornesh Babu, V.K. Naresh, and Venkatesh Maha
IMDb Rating: 8.8
Where to Watch: SonyLiv
Director: Puja Kolluru
Genre: Drama
Bhola Shankar
Cab driver Shankar departs from Hyderabad towards Kolkata with his beloved sister Mahalakshmi, while they are travelling to get her admitted into an arts college. They become friends with an unexpected stranger, who surprisingly ends up as being their companion and helpful helper.
Cast: Chiranjeevi, Tamannaah Bhatia, Keerthy Suresh, and Sushanth
IMDB Rating: 3.2
Where to watch: Netflix
Director: Meher Ramesh
Genre: Action and Thriller
Mad
The narrative takes place in an engineering college, depicting the amusing shenanigans displayed by the male students who enjoy making fun of the dorm room warden. The story illustrates the special relationship that exists in friendship inside the academic setting, capturing the colourful energy of student life amongst all the chaos and fun.
Cast: Sangeeth Shobhan, Narne Nithin, Ram Nithin, Sri Gouri Priya Reddy, Ananathika Sanilkumar, Gopika Udayan.
IMDb Rating: 7.5
Where to Watch: Netflix
Director: Kalyan Shankar
Genre: Drama
Tiger Nageswara Rao
Against the historical setting of the 1970s, the legendary criminal Tiger Nageswara Rao masterminds a series of bold heists, becoming legendary for his devious tactics that constantly outwit the police. The story explores the exciting realm of crime and mystery as his adventures take place, highlighting the skilled craftsmanship behind Tiger Nageswara Rao’s audacious adventures.
Cast: Ravi Teja, Anupam Kher, Jisshu Sengupta, Renu Desai, and Nupur Sanon
IMDb Rating: 6.5
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
Director: Vamasi Krishna Naidu and Vamsi Krishna Akella
Genre: Action and Thriller
Khushi
A young man who comes from an agnostic household falls head over heel in love with the daughter of his father’s dedicated Hindu rival in this tale of forbidden love. In spite of expectations from society, the couple seeks respect and acceptance while dealing with the difficult waters of their relationship amid conflicts between their differing religious beliefs and families.
Cast: Vijay Devarakonda and Samantha
IMDb Rating: 5.4
Where to Watch: Netflix
Director: Shiva Nirvana
Genre: Romance and Comedy
Miss Shetty Mr Polishetty
Miss Shetty and Mr. Polishetty is a delightful and hilarious comedy duo, known for their witty banter, comedic sketches, and entertaining content. Their dynamic performances bring joy and laughter, making them a popular duo in the world of entertainment, leaving audiences in splits with their unique blend of humor.
Cast: Keshav Deepak, Abhinav Gomatam, Harshavardhan
IMDb Rating: 7
Where to Watch: Netflix
Director: Mahesh Babu P.
Genre: Comedy, Romantic
Asalu
Childhood sweethearts Vaasu and Saavi experience a tragic turn in their lives when Vaasu’s memory fades away due to an accident very soon before they tie the knot. Vaasu has been sent to spend time with his brother in Vizag without first knowing where Saavi is. Interestingly, Saavi, who is engaged to Vivek, also lives there.
Cast: Karunya Chowdary, KarronyaKatrynn and Mahendran
IMDb Rating: 3.4
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
Director: Srinivas Bandari
Genre: Thriller and Drama
Mem Famous
Take off on an energetic and colourful journey brimming with unforgettable experiences of loved ones, romance, and friendship, all set against the backdrop of a bustling, beautiful village. As the story progresses, lose yourself amid the alluring hues of daily existence, where bonds are formed and relationships thrive.
Cast: Sumanth Prabhas and Saarya Laxman
IMDb Rating: 7.2
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
Director: Sumanth Prabhas
Genre: Romance and Comedy
Also Read: Upcoming Telugu Movies on OTT With Release Dates [December 2023]: 800, Saindhav, and more
Best Telugu Movies of 2023 on OTT
| Movie Name | Language | IMDb Rating | Release Date |
| Waltair Veerayya | Telugu | 6.2 | 12 January 2023 |
| Dasara | Telugu | 6.6 | 30 March 2023 |
| Baby | Telugu | 7.3 | 14 July 2023 |
| Virupaksha | Telugu | 7.2 | 21 April 2023 |
| Bro | Telugu | 6.7 | 28 July 2023 |
| Balagam | Telugu | 8 | 3 March 2023 |
| Writer Padmabhushan | Telugu | 7.6 | 3 February 2023 |
| Rangamarthanda | Telugu | 8.2 | 22 March 2023 |
| Martin Luther King | Telugu | 8.8 | 27 October 2023 |
| Bhola Shankar | Telugu | 3.2 | 1 August 2023 |
| Mad | Telugu | 7.5 | 6 October 2023 |
| Tiger Nageswara Rao | Telugu | 6.5 | 20 October 2023 |
| Khushi | Telugu | 5.4 | 1 September 2023 |
| Miss Shetty Mr Polishetty | Telugu | 7 | 7 September 2023 |
| Asalu | Telugu | 3.4 | 13 April 2023 |
| Mem Famous | Telugu | 7.2 | 6 May 2023 |
