This research offers an in-depth exploration of biopics in Telugu cinema—an underexamined yet culturally rich segment within Indian film studies. While Bollywood and Western films often dominate academic discourse, this study shifts focus to the Telugu film industry's portrayal of real-life figures, tracing the genre’s evolution from hagiographic accounts of saints and royals to complex depictions of modern icons. By analyzing seven representative films—Mahanati (2018), Yatra (2019), Rudhramadevi (2015), George Reddy (2019), Gautamiputra Satakarni (2017), Mallesham (2019), and Major (2022)—the study uncovers how narrative style, ethical framing, and cultural resonance shape both audience engagement and critical reception.
Combining qualitative content analysis with quantitative data (e.g., box office performance, IMDb ratings), the research reveals distinct narrative strategies: non-linear emotional storytelling in Mahanati, versus the straightforward, earnest tone of Yatra. It examines how films like Rudhramadevi evoke historical pride, while Mallesham highlights grassroots resilience, together contributing to regional identity construction. The study also addresses ethical tensions around historical exaggeration and the balance between factual accuracy and dramatization. Ultimately, this work positions Telugu biopics as vital cultural texts that negotiate identity, memory, and cinematic storytelling. It encourages filmmakers to blend narrative depth with ethical sensitivity and calls for further exploration of lesser-known titles, diaspora influences, and streaming-era transformations.
- Quote paper
- A Prabhu (Author), 2024, Biopics in Telugu Cinema. Narrative Strategies, Cultural Identity, and Ethical Challenges, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/1581727
