Village-based thrillers with secrets and dark mysteries have indeed become a successful formula in recent Telugu cinema. The rural backdrop adds a layer of authenticity and intrigue, as the remoteness amplifies suspense and mystery.
In Virupaksha, Sai Dharam Tej’s character steps into a forested, remote village, which helps build an intense, dark atmosphere. This well-crafted thriller struck a chord with the audience, especially with its unexpected twists.
Similarly, Ma Voori Polimera 2 transitioned from an OTT success to a theatrical release, demonstrating the genre’s potential to thrive even without big-name star power.
Even the films like Ajay Bhupathi’s Mangalavaram and Sandeep Kishan’s Oori Peru Bhairavakona Uriperu Bhairavakona are further examples where village thrillers succeeded by blending crime, suspense, and supernatural undertones.
This trend has roots going back to classics like Vamsi’s Anveshana, which captivated audiences with its exploration of forests and mysterious events in isolated hamlets.
The latest film, Ka, continues this trend with its suspenseful tale set in the darkly atmospheric town of Krishnagiri. It’s proving to be a crowd-pleaser, reinforcing that village-based mysteries, with their blend of suspense, folklore, and local flavor, remain a hit formula for Telugu cinema.