Telugu cinema, popularly known as , has evolved from its humble beginnings in the early 20th century into a global cinematic powerhouse. Based in Hyderabad—home to the world's largest studio complex, Ramoji Film City —the industry now leads India in ticket sales and technical innovation. The Pillars of Telugu Film History

The 1970s to 1990s are often referred to as the Golden Era of Telugu cinema. This period saw the emergence of superstars like NTR, ANR, and Chiranjeevi, who dominated the industry with their charismatic on-screen presence and versatile acting skills. Some notable films from this era include:

The most significant development in Telugu filmography is the direct-to-digital release and the dominance of music labels like Aditya Music and T-Series Telugu . Today, a film’s commercial fate is often sealed in the first 24 hours of its song releases on YouTube. The "trending" page has become the new box office report.