Telugu cinema leads India’s global film rise, IMDb report shows

HYDERABAD: Telugu cinema has emerged as the driving force of India’s global film identity, according to a new report released by IMDb. The study, 25 Years of Indian Cinema (2000–2025), is based on data from over 250 million monthly users worldwide and analyses the five most popular Indian films released each year since 2000.

The findings underline how regional industries, particularly Tollywood, have redefined audience expectations and viewing patterns. Telugu and Kannada films dominate spectacle-driven entertainment, Malayalam cinema is rooted in realism, and Tamil films balance social themes with mass appeal. Audiences now see language as a marker of storytelling style rather than a barrier.

Rajamouli powers Telugu dominance abroad

Cross-industry collaborations are central to this shift, with directors S.S. Rajamouli and Lokesh Kanagaraj each featuring four titles in the dataset. Rajamouli’s RRR is the most popular Indian film in the United States, while Baahubali 2: The Conclusion leads in Singapore.

“Twelve out of the 25 most popular films from the last five years involve major collaborations across casting, music or distribution,” said Yaminie Patodia, Head, IMDb India. “This marks a coming of age for Indian cinema — one that embraces a richer tapestry of voices.”

Changing star dynamics

The report notes that while Shah Rukh Khan remains influential — with 20 appearances in the top 130 films — audiences now respond more to stories than star power. Aamir Khan dominates the crossover category, with Dangal, PK, Taare Zameen Par and 3 Idiots all achieving global popularity.

Among individual titles, 3 Idiots remains the most popular Indian film worldwide on IMDb with 4.68 lakh ratings. However, Telugu blockbusters have been key in expanding India’s reach abroad, cementing Tollywood’s role in reshaping Indian cinema.