Have you ever watched a scene that sent shivers down your spine, but when you rewatched it on mute, it felt flat? That’s the magic of background music (BGM). It’s the unsung hero of cinema, transforming ordinary moments into something legendary. Telugu cinema has been blessed with musical geniuses like M.M. Keeravani, Devi Sri Prasad (DSP), S. Thaman, and Mani Sharma, who have given us some of the most unforgettable BGMs in Indian cinema.
Think about it—some moments in Telugu movies don’t even need dialogue. The music alone speaks volumes. So, let’s take a journey through the top 10 Telugu BGMs that left us all with goosebumps.
10. RRR (2022) – M.M. Keeravani
Key BGM: Dosti Theme, Komaram Bheemudo
Imagine two warriors fighting for a cause, bound by friendship but destined for conflict. The ‘Dosti Theme’ in RRR gave us that raw emotion—one that stays with you long after the movie ends. Then there’s the ‘Komaram Bheemudo’ score, which turned an already powerful scene into something sacred. M.M. Keeravani knew exactly how to make every heartbeat sync with the moment, making this one of the most impactful BGMs in Telugu cinema.
9. Akhanda (2021) – S. Thaman
Key BGM: Akhanda Roar
Power. Divinity. Goosebumps. That’s what ‘Akhanda Roar’ brought to the screens. Imagine Balakrishna standing tall, exuding an aura of god-like strength—this BGM made him feel invincible. The fusion of orchestral and traditional Indian sounds turned this into a BGM that still rings in the ears of fans.
8. Sarkaru Vaari Paata (2022) – S. Thaman
Key BGM: SVP Theme
Swagger overload! If there’s one thing that Telugu cinema excels at, it’s hero elevation moments, and Mahesh Babu’s entry in Sarkaru Vaari Paata was nothing short of legendary. The ‘SVP Theme’ made sure of that. The music builds, the beat drops, and before you know it—you’re clapping and whistling in the theater. That’s the power of a well-crafted BGM.
7. Sarileru Neekevvaru (2020) – Devi Sri Prasad
Key BGM: Mind Block Theme
Mass moments require mass music. Enter DSP’s ‘Mind Block Theme’ from Sarileru Neekevvaru. Whether it’s a fight scene, a punch dialogue, or just Mahesh Babu walking like a boss, this BGM gave us energy that lasted long after the credits rolled.
6. Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo (2020) – S. Thaman
Key BGM: Samajavaragamana Theme
What if a BGM could feel like poetry? That’s exactly what Thaman’s ‘Samajavaragamana Theme’ did. It wasn’t just about music; it was about emotions. Every scene it touched became more graceful, more intense, and more unforgettable.
5. Khaleja (2010) – Mani Sharma
Key BGM: Interval Block Theme
Ever had a moment when the hero walks in, and you know something legendary is about to happen? That’s exactly what Mani Sharma gave us with the ‘Khaleja Interval BGM’. Mahesh Babu’s character transformation was taken to another level with this electrifying score. A true game-changer in background music.
4. 1: Nenokkadine (2014) – Devi Sri Prasad
Key BGM: Psycho Thriller Theme
Mystery, intensity, and psychological tension—DSP’s ‘Psycho Thriller Theme’ was the perfect fit for 1: Nenokkadine. The eerie tones made sure that the audience felt the protagonist’s struggles. If there’s a BGM that could make your heart race, this is it.
3. Baahubali Series (2015 & 2017) – M.M. Keeravani
Key BGM: Shivudu’s Rise, Mahishmati Theme
Goosebumps. That’s the only word for Baahubali’s BGM. The moment Shivudu lifts the Shivalinga? The background score turns it into a divine experience. The Mahishmati theme? It cemented the grandeur of the kingdom. Without Keeravani’s score, Baahubali wouldn’t have felt this legendary.
2. Pushpa: The Rise (2021) – Devi Sri Prasad
Key BGM: Pushpa Raj Theme
Rugged. Rebellious. Raw. That’s what the ‘Pushpa Raj Theme’ gave us. This wasn’t just music—it was an attitude. Allu Arjun’s portrayal of Pushpa was elevated by DSP’s folk-infused, intense BGM, making it one of the best character-defining scores in Telugu cinema.
1. Athadu (2005) – Mani Sharma
Key BGM: Homecoming Theme
Some BGMs don’t just stay with you—they become memories. That’s what Mani Sharma’s ‘Homecoming Theme’ from Athadu did. It wasn’t just background music; it was emotion in melody, making every rewatch of the film feel special.
Honorable Mentions
Not including these would be a crime! Here are some other legendary BGMs that deserve a mention:
- Arjun Reddy (2017) – Harshavardhan Rameshwar
- Gabbar Singh (2012) – DSP
- Magadheera (2009) – M.M. Keeravani
- Eega (2012) – M.M. Keeravani
Conclusion
So, what’s the takeaway? Telugu cinema isn’t just about stunning visuals and powerful dialogues—it’s also about the music that stays with us forever. From hero elevations to emotional heartbreaks, from mass action to legendary war sequences, BGM is the heartbeat of storytelling.
What’s your favorite Telugu BGM of all time? Drop it in the comments—I’d love to hear your thoughts!