The trend that was witnessed in Telugu cinema in 2025 was not new. Big releases came with the presence of big stars in them, while some smaller films also found their space in the cinema industry. Though the success in the box office was not consistent, one aspect that grabbed everyoneâs attention in the year was the acting performances that looked natural.
Except in roles that were theatrical in nature, there were a few actors who performed so well that the impact of their work lingered in the minds of the audience long after the movies had concluded. The reason such acts were so successful is that they relied not on being boisterous or dramatic but on being quiet in their approach to detail and emotional expression. This is a list of five actors who performed well in Telugu movies of 2025.
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Priyadarshi Pulikonda - Court: State vs A Nobody
Priyadarshi did better in Court: State vs A Nobody because it gave him space to act in ways that were less charming. As Teja, a junior lawyer who finds himself handling an important case under the POCSO Act, he is a man who lacks confidence in himself but refuses to leave the case.
The key to his portrayal is his moderation. In trial scenes, he does not resort to drama, thereby creating conviction through slow buildup. In other scenes, his body language exudes a sense of constantly trying to measure his own value alongside others. The success of his performance lies in the fact that it does not try to seek sympathy from anywhere; it simply receives it.
Rashmika Mandanna - The Girlfriend
In âThe Girlfriend,â Rashmika Mandanna portrays Bhooma, a character written with emotional contradictions rather than clean arcs. Mandanna embodies the character not with a sense of vulnerability or strength but through hesitation and ambiguity.
Her Bhooma is titled back, retreats, and reacts before she asserts herself. This is a performance that is marked not by dialogue or words, but by pause and tone. This is what keeps the performance from ever being reduced or otherwise symbolized.
Dhanush - Kubera
Dhanush's performance in "Kuberaa" comes together through sheer physical presence and emotion. His character, who is a beggar and lives in a world defined by survival, never masks or highlights suffering for the sake of effect.
Thereâs a quality of small moments in this performance like how Deva occupies space in a frame, his reactions to kindness, his ability to switch between poverty and comfort without any trace of awe in his eyes. Dhanush allows the character to breathe without commentary in a way that lends the film an emotional standpoint.
Mouli â Little Hearts
Little Hearts treaded on very thin ice on issues of a romantic relationship between a younger person and an elderly person. It was all because of the excellent acting by Mouli in the role of Akhil.
Akhilâs tenacity never comes off as aggressive, as he brings an openness to the character instead of an entitlement. His timing is perfect, making it so the movie can handle gender dynamics without ever becoming awkward.
Sudhakar Reddy - Muthayya
Sudhakar Reddy has delivered one of the yearâs finest performances as Muthayya, a 70-year-old man who is chasing his dream of becoming an actor. The performance radiates a sense of warmth that never overspills into sentimentality.
Muthayyaâs positive attitude is genuine, but Reddy also brings in the tiredness and disappointment that can creep in. His acting ability brings in the dignity of a hopeful person when thereâs no certainty about achieving the desired results.
A quieter strength
Their performances have remained remarkable not because they tried to carry entire films on their shoulders, but for being so confident in their script and their moment. In a year which was all about scale and visibility, these actors showed fans that subtlety, understanding, and attention have their equal place in Telugu cinema as well.
