If Bollywood is well known for cheesy romance and Malayalam cinema for a realistic take on love, Telugu cinema lies somewhere in between when it comes to creating romantic movies. At least the ones mentioned in this list fall in that category. I have watched only a handful of romantic movies so far and these Telugu romantic movies are an absolute favorite of mine. In this blog post, I take you through some of the best romantic Telugu movies I have enjoyed over the years. These films have the best of both larger than life cinematic appeal and a touch with reality which makes it all the more loveable to watch.

1.Dear Comrade (2019)

Love isn’t always a bed of roses, and Dear Comrade shows us just that. This heart-warming romantic drama directed by Bharat Kamma takes us on a rollercoaster ride of emotions as we witness the complex relationship between Bobby (Vijay Deverakonda) and Lilly (Rashmika Mandanna). Bobby and Lilly meet in their prime and Cupid does its magic instantly. They both fall hopelessly in love with each other but what follows is a challenging path for them. After many years, they finally find each other again, but still things are from perfect

The film is a poignant exploration of love’s many facets, delving into the emotional turmoil and the fight for one’s principles. The outstanding performances and soul-stirring music make Dear Comrade an unforgettable cinematic experience.

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2. Fidaa (2017)

Varun Tej and Sai Pallavi come together in Fidaa, a love story that bridges the gap between two different worlds. Director Shekhar Kammula crafts a touching narrative that explores the complexities of love and relationships. The film’s greatest strength lies in its genuine and relatable characters. Fidaa is a heartwarming tale that will make you laugh, cry, and root for its endearing characters from start to finish.

Also Read: Hidden Telugu Gems on Netflix

3. Geetha Govindam (2018)

Geetha Govindam is a delightful romantic comedy starring Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna. Directed by Parasuram, the film narrates the story of a young and somewhat naive professor who finds himself embroiled in a series of comic mishaps. The movie’s charm lies in its simplicity and humor, combined with strong chemistry between the lead actors. Geetha Govindam is best if you are looking for a no-brainer Telugu romance film. With some good songs, charming Rashmika and Vijay, and some good laughs, Geetha Govindam is a film I enjoyed watching.

4. Shyam Singha Roy (2021)

A love story wrapped in a period drama, Shyama Singha Roy is a treat to watch. Starring Nani as the titular character and Sai Pallavi as his romantic counterpart Rosy, Shyama Singha Roy adds several layers to the romantic relationship between the lead characters, making it very exciting and entertaining. Both Nani and Sai Pallavi have an electrifying chemistry that intensifies the plot of the film. The scenic locations make for another exciting element in Shyama Singha Roy, adding to the already intense and endearing romantic canvas.

5. Magadheera (2009)

No list of romantic Telugu movies would be complete without mentioning Magadheera. Directed by the visionary filmmaker S.S. Rajamouli, this epic tale of love and reincarnation is a cinematic masterpiece. Ram Charan and Kajal Aggarwal’s sizzling chemistry and Rajamouli’s grandeur make Magadheera a true visual spectacle. It’s a love story that transcends time and destiny, and it still stands as a testament to the timeless power of love.

6. Ante Sundaraniki (2022)

Ante Sundaraniki brings together a fresh pairing of Nazriya and Nani to give us a wholesome romantic Telugu movie. Sundar and Leela our an interfaith couple and fall into a mess while trying to convince their parents for their wedding. Nani always has a way of charming us with his endearing screen presence and he does the same effortlessly in Ante Sundaraniki as well. Nazriya joins him to make the whole film more endearing and entertaining. Packed with humor, fresh chemistry, and an interesting storyline, Ante Sundaraniki turned out to be a huge commercial success last year.

7. Sita Ramam (2022)

Set in war-ridden India in 1964, Sita Ramam tells the tale of poetic romance between Sita Mahalakshmi and Lieutenant Ram. The film is nothing less than visual poetry. One of the most celebrated romantic films of recent times, Sita Ramam will melt your heart with its poignant narrative and soulful music. Contrary to many of my friends who tagged this film as a “fairy-tale” drama, I found Sita Ramam moving and beautiful in every frame.

8. Miss Shetty Mr Polishetty (2023)

A Telugu romantic film I watched most recently, Miss Shetty Mr Polishetty has my whole heart. I can watch the whole film again just for Naveen Polishetty who nails his role as Siddhu Polishetty. Anushka Shetty is no less in her mesmerizing screen presence. Anvitha (Anushka Shetty) doesn’t believe in love while Siddhu is a hopeless romantic. Destiny brings them together but things aren’t as smooth as Siddhu thinks. Filled with a lot of humor and heartwarming moments, this is one of the best romantic Telugu movies you will see this year.

Each film mentioned here has its unique charm and a story that will tug at your heartstrings. In case I missed a romantic Telugu film that deserves a mention here, do let me know in the comments.