The year saw some fine content in Telugu cinema. We have selected 10 films that stood out from the rest. They tried experimental audience. But, for the most part, they played safe. If 'Jersey' took courage to be made, the likes of 'Maharshi' and 'F2' had success written all over them. If there were huge films like 'Sye Raa', there were humble outings like 'Agent Sai Srinivas Athreya' and 'Brochevarevarura'. Surprisingly, there were too many remakes, too.

We also give a list of Special Mentions.

Jersey:

Easily the best film of the year in terms of quality content, this one was directed by Gowtam Tinnanuri. Starring Nani in the role of a helpless father who had to quit his passion (cricket) due to a health issue, this one came with a stunning narration and heart-touching scene. Apt performances and sound technical values helped a great deal.

Agent Sai Srinivas Athreya:

Debutant director RSJ Swaroop made this one as a detective comedy. But it was not just any other comedy. It tried to be a 'Chantabbayi'; at the same time, it went beyond. Naveen Polishetty's intelligent performance decorated the proceedings with charm. The first half was a laugh riot. The climax was gripping. This one was almost perfect barring the first half of second half.

Evaru:

No. This one was not a remake. Adivi Sesh and debutant director Venkat Ramji made this as an adaptation of the Spanish Original 'The Invisible Guest'. Not just Sesh (in a suspenseful role), but also Regina Cassandra and Murli Sharma gave awesome performances. Sricharan Pakala's BGM was classy. This one had one of the best climaxes. Slick editing and pleasing visuals made it all the more special.

Majili:

Starring Naga Chaitanya and Samantha Akkineni, this rom-com tried to be a coming-of-age one. Director-writer Shiva Nirvana didn't insert sublime scenes anywhere. However, this film was not that bad as per Tollywoodian standards. Gopi Sundar's music was splendid. Rao Ramesh was great. Posani Krishna Murali did try to elevate the film. But, when it comes to performances, it was Samantha and the Akkineni hero all the way.

Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy:

The biopic, co-written and directed by Surender Reddy, was quite old-school in several respects. The template couldn't rise above the bad landlord-versus-damned farmer zone. However, Megastar Chiranjeevi's performance, the excellent art direction, Rathnavelu's fabulous cinematography and the rousing climax made this biopic a special one. Paruchuri Brothers and dialogue-writer Sai Madhav Burra could have been better.

F2:

Writer-director Anil Ravipudi wanted to sympathize with the plight of married men and he made this film, filling it with wifey jokes and all. Yes, this one was thoroughly sexist. Yes, it had a below-average second half. But the comedy in the first half was amazing. Venkatesh, Varun Tej, Mehreen and Tamannaah, in that order, had us convulsing with laughter. Even Prakash Raj, Raghu Babu, and others were good. And, yes, who can forget the 'Anthega Anthega' mannerism and the 'Venky Asana'?

Brochevarevarura:

This one was a crime comedy-drama directed by Vivek Athreya. Unarguably Sree Vishnu's best performance, this one had Nivetha Thomas and Sreekanth Iyengar in thoroughly engaging roles. Situational comedy, apt characterizations, breezy screenplay were its merits. The second half was a bit confusing, though.

Maharshi:

Directed by Vamsi Paidipally, this one was over-rated but the emotional connect was strong, as its success proved. The film did peddle ignorance about agriculture, but it did play its commercial cards with smartness. For example, the elements of friendship (involving Mahesh Babu and Allari Naresh), heroism, sacrifice and love were deployed effectively.

Gaddalakonda Ganesh:

This one was another remake (of the Tamil film 'Jigarthanda'). Director Harish Shankar reimagined the protagonist's character and made it as an unapologetically mass entertainer. This one was not exactly beautiful. The first half was rudderless. It's only the second half that told the actual story. The comedy worked in fits and starts. However, something clicked with the audience. They gave a thumbs-up to Varun Tej's performance.

Oh Baby:

Yet another remake (of a Korean movie), this one had a fascinating storyline. Thanks to Samantha Akkineni, director Nandini Reddy and the writing department, this one had heart-tugging emotions in the second half. With better story-telling, imagination and music, 'Oh Baby' would have been even more winsome.

Special Mentions:

The year had more. Rajinikanth-starrer 'Peta' was an under-rated movie in Telugu. Karthi gave a hit in the form of 'Khaidi'. Nandamuri Kalyanram's '118' received the audience's applause. Taapsee Pannu's 'Game Over' and Priyadarshi-starrer 'Mallesham' were critically acclaimed. 'Rakshasudu' was another hit.