As 2024 comes to a close, the year’s success rate at the box office stands at a steady 10%, which, as always, has been the case in recent years. However, what stands out this time is the dominance of rural-themed films. These movies, set against the backdrop of villages, have taken over the box office, offering a refreshing break from the city-centric stories that have been popular for a while. The audience, tired of the fast-paced, urban narratives, has embraced the simplicity of narrow dirt roads, fields, and rustic landscapes that come with these rural stories.
The Shift to Rural Narratives
This trend began with Hanuman and continued with Kiran Abbavaram’s “Ka”, which capitalized on the rural sentiment. Rural-themed films not only gained a significant share of the market but also resonated deeply with the audience, earning impressive returns. Teju, a visual spectacle created by Prashant Varma, is an example of this trend, with a modest budget of Rs. 30 crore but earning an impressive Rs. 148 crore in shares. Films set in the countryside, even with lesser-known heroines and directors, have gained popularity as love stories or light-hearted entertainment with a rural backdrop.
Small Films, Big Successes
While many small-budget films tried their hand at the rural setting, only a few were able to capitalize on the theme’s potential. Srivishnu, Priyadarshi, and Rahul Ramakrishna’s “Om Bheem Bush” emerged as a hit, proving that it’s not the genre, but the film’s quality that makes a difference. The audience has shown that it values a good story, regardless of the backdrop.
The Village Sentiment in Bigger Films
Not limited to smaller projects, even big stars have embraced the village setting this year. Nagarjuna and Allari Naresh’s “Naa Samiranga Sankranti” enjoyed success with the rural backdrop, much like Nagarjuna’s earlier hits like Soggade Chinni Nayana and Bangarraju. Additionally, Koratala Siva’s “Devara”, which takes place in a rare village setting, integrated VFX to bring the village and sea to life, further pushing the boundaries of the rural narrative. Despite mixed reviews, Devara managed to make a solid profit at the box office.
A New Era for Rural Cinema
This year has proven that the rural backdrop, whether in suspense thrillers or period dramas, is a successful narrative tool in Telugu cinema. Whether through atmospheric village settings or a nostalgic reminder of village life, films with rural themes have performed well, making the countryside a crucial part of the cinematic storytelling in 2024.