Telugu cinema has a film for each taste, from big action blockbusters and emotional dramas to romances, thrillers, and experimental films. No matter which category you fall into, Netflix India has an extensive choice of Telugu movies, from the latest hits to the critically acclaimed classics and fan-favourite films. If this July, you are going out in search of quality films to watch, here is a list of 10 of the best Telugu movies to stream on Netflix in 2026.
- RRR
Directed by S. S. Rajamouli, RRR is in a class of its own as a Telugu film that took the international circuit by storm. In the lead as Ramu and the younger version of legendary actor NTR, we have Ram Charan and N. T. Rama Rao Jr. The film tells the story of two fictional freedom fighters who, at a very young age, become close friends during British Rule. What you get is a large-scale action that is matched with elements of emotion and drama and a great soundtrack. Also, the film’s “Naatu Naatu”, which featured in the film, won the Oscar for Best Original Song. For a movie that is to be remembered, RRR is your answer.
2. Pushpa: The Rule – 2nd Part
The Rule Part 2 is the second in Sukumar’s action franchise. We see Pushpa’s ascent in the red sandalwood smuggling business, which in turn puts him at odds with powerful enemies, including Fahadh Faasil as Bhanwar Singh Shekhawat. With over-the-top action, great performances and dramatic sequences, the film is a strong watch for fans of commercial Telugu cinema.
3. Kalki 2898 AD
For fans of sci-fi with an East twist, Kalki 2898 AD is the most ambitious Telugu film on Netflix. Directed by Nag Ashwin, the movie is set in a broken future and puts forth characters from futuristic tellings and Indian mythological stories. Prabhas, Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan and Deepika Padukone star in it. With its great world-building, VFX and offbeat plot, the film is a very interesting watch.
4. Fortunate Baskhar
Lucky Baskhar is a crime drama that also serves as a look back at the 1980s; the star here is Dulquer Salmaan. In the film, we follow Baskhar Kumar, a broken bank worker who gets caught up in one risk after another as he tries to better his family’s situation. As he rises in the criminal world, so do the risks he takes. This film is a mix of crime, ambition, family issues and suspense, which makes it a great choice for those into character-driven thrillers.
5. Thandel
Starring Naga Chaitanya and Sai Pallavi, in Thandel, we see a mix of romance, action and drama against a present-day inspired background. We follow a fisherman who is arrested after he goes into Pakistani waters, which in turn has him struggle to get back home to the woman he loves. The emotional aspect of the story, which is at the core of it all, gives the film a more personal feel, while elements of survival and patriotism add a greater intensity.
6. Shyam Singha Roy
Shyam Singha Roy is a visual treat which jumps between various timelines and also looks at issues of reincarnation, love and social reform. Nani plays two very different characters, Vasu and Shyam Singha Roy, who also see Sai Pallavi, Krithi Shetty and Madonna Sebastian in key roles. The film, which has a period setting, does excellent emotional storytelling and also has great performances, which are the film’s strong points, especially Nani’s dual role.
7. Hi Nanna
If you are in the mood for an emotional take on romance, then put Hi Nanna on your Netflix watch list. We see Nani play the role of Viraj, a single father who has been raising his son alone after the absence of his wife. He meets Yashna, who is played by Mrunal Thakur, a point that marks a turn in his life. As the story unfolds, the film also tells us about the past of the family and also does a study of issues related to love, parenting, loss and second chances.
8. Court – State vs. A Nobody
Court In State vs. A Nobody, we are presented with the story of a young man caught up in a tough legal battle. We follow advocate Surya Teja as he takes up the case of 19-year-old Chandrashekar, who is charged with the crime of harassing a 17-year-old girl. What we get is a very intense fight for justice in which the young lawyer must question the facts of the case. The film does very well at presenting social and courtroom drama, which will appeal to that audience.
9. Cinema Bandi
For a different take on the film industry, we have Cinema Bandi. It is a great choice. We follow a rickshaw driver who has come into possession of an expensive camera left in his car. By the camera’s contents, he and a friend are inspired to pick up filmmaking, with which they also include members of their village. What we get is a very charming and at the same time funny journey which is full of ambition, inexperience and the unexpected. The film’s basic premise and rural setting put it in a class of its own when compared to what is put out by the commercial film industry.
10. Uma Maheswara Ugra Roopasya
Uma Maheswara Ugra Roopasya is a thoughtful comedy that also falls in the drama category. It is the story of Mahesh, a quiet photographer, who is turned upside down one day when he is publicly humiliated. Determined to get back at those who did it, he makes a personal vow and begins to prepare for the fight. But situation after situation causes him to question which way he is going. Starring Satyadev, this film, which uses humour and everyday happenings, puts out a very emotional story around themes of pride, anger and personal growth. It was directed by Venkatesh Maha and is a Telugu version of the Malayalam film Maheshinte Prathikaaram.
Final Thoughts
The Rule Part 2 and Kalki 2898 AD do very well for audiences who prefer spectacle and action; in Lucky Baskhar, Court State vs. A Nobody and Uma Maheswara Ugra Roopasya, we see a better reception of a more in-depth story. For what is put forth in the realm of romance and emotion, we put forward Thandel, Hi Nanna and Shyam Singha Roy as excellent options.
Netflix has a large Telugu collection in India, in addition to the 10 titles they may already be aware of.
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