Across all film industries, numerous movies are released every week. The Telugu film industry is no exception, with countless films coming and going. While some become hugely popular, others—which are excellent—often go unnoticed by many of us simply because we lack information about them. Those who do watch them thoroughly enjoy the experience. Here, we present a list of underrated Telugu movies released between 2025 and the present (2026) that you might have missed. If you haven’t seen them yet, you should definitely check them out. This list includes five movies streaming on Aha and another five on Netflix. So, let’s dive in and discover these hidden gems.
First, let’s look at the Top 5 Underrated Telugu Movies on Netflix (2025–2026).
1. With Love (2026)
Genre?
This movie falls under the romance and drama categories.
Why is it underrated?
The main reasons for its lack of popularity are its understated storytelling and a lack of promotional activity.
Why watch it?
It is a feel-good romantic movie with a story that resonates with everyone.
OTT Platform: Netflix
Analysis:
The story revolves around two individuals who go on a date due to pressure from their elders, only to discover that they were once senior and junior at the same school. From there, they share their past love stories and the journey of their relationship. Abhishan Jeevanth and Anaswara Rajan delivered strong performances in the lead roles. Directed by Madan, the film keeps the viewer engaged without becoming boring.
Who should avoid it?
It appeals to those who don’t mind a slightly slow pace as long as the film offers a “feel-good” experience. Those accustomed to high-octane “mass masala” action movies might want to skip it.
OTT: Netflix.
IMDb rating:
2. Court (2025)
What is the genre?
It is a courtroom drama.
Why was it underrated?
The film, released on OTT on April 11, 2025, suffered from minimal promotion. It eventually gained traction among audiences through word-of-mouth publicity.
Why watch it?
Since the implementation of the POCSO Act in India, many minor girls have found justice through it; this film sheds light on the injustices faced by young girls in society.
Analysis:
“Natural Star” Nani produced this film. Starring Priyadarshi as the lead, the story—driven by powerful emotions and legal loopholes—captivates the audience. Actors like Priyadarshi (as a junior lawyer), Shivaji (in a role with negative shades), Harsh Roshan, Sridevi, Saikumar, Rohini, and Harshavardhan are the film’s strengths. Director Ram Jagadeesh executed the story brilliantly.
Who should avoid it? This film may not appeal to those who prefer to avoid themes like societal issues, justice, or the plight of women, and instead seek to relax with movies featuring comedy, romance, and action.
OTT: Netflix
IMDb rating:
3. Officer On Duty (Telugu Dub – 2025)
Genre?
This is a suspense crime thriller originally made in Malayalam and dubbed into Telugu.
Why is it underrated?
The primary reason is its quiet release without much fanfare; additionally, audiences were focused on other direct Telugu releases at the time, and there was a lack of publicity.
Why watch it?
It is a well-known fact that our audience has greatly appreciated crime and investigation thrillers over the past five years. This film is excellent—I watched it myself. The screenplay is particularly tight, which is the film’s highlight, and the investigation process is very thrilling.
Analysis:
‘Officer On Duty’ premiered on OTT on March 20, 2025. Kunchacko Boban plays an honest police officer. While investigating a case, he discovers a massive criminal network involved in drugs, a sex racket, and illicit trade. How the officer and Priyamani team up to apprehend these criminals, and how he confronts the injustice inflicted upon his family, makes for a compelling watch.
Who shouldn’t watch it?
Even those who enjoy ‘mass masala’ entertainers and songs will appreciate this movie. Don’t watch it at high volume when you are alone at night; it can be scary. It is suitable for everyone to watch.
OTT: Netflix
IMDb rating:
4. Dragon (Telugu Dub – 2025)
Genre?
A romantic comedy entertainer.
Why is it underrated?
It was overshadowed by a flood of major movie releases.
Why watch it?
It features good cinematography and is entertaining. The film became available in Telugu on Netflix starting March 21, 2025. Give it a watch.
Analysis:
This movie was released in Telugu as ‘Return of the Dragon’. Pradeep Ranganathan, of ‘Love Today’ fame, delivered a great performance. It is a film that deals with college life, love, breakups, careers, and the youth’s tendency to seek success through misguided paths. It is a must-watch for the youth. The performances of Anupama Parameswaran and Kayadu Lohar add to the film’s appeal.
Who should avoid it?
Those who dislike love stories or are put off by the reckless behavior of youth should skip this movie.
OTT: Netflix
IMDb rating:
5. Sundarakanda (2025)
Genre?
This film, starring Nara Rohit in the lead role, is excellent. It is a romantic comedy.
Why is it underrated?
Its clean storytelling—devoid of vulgarity—and its consistent delivery of a message, combined with deep and weighty dialogues, failed to resonate with today’s youth. Why watch it?
It is excellent if you understand it. Many people don’t quite grasp the movie at first; watching it a second time reveals a lot of details.
Why watch it?
It is a great watch if you grasp the nuances. It might not click with everyone immediately; watching it a second time reveals many underlying details.
Analysis:
The central theme revolves around the life and romantic experiences of a software engineer who has crossed the age of 30. It serves as a solid family entertainer, featuring excellent comic timing from Satya and a fine performance by Rohit.
Who should skip it?
Those who dislike slow-paced or message-oriented films.
OTT: JioHotstar (September 23, 2025)
IMDb rating:
Top 5 Underrated Telugu Movies on Aha (2025–2026)
Shall we now look at some underrated gems on the Aha OTT platform from 2025–26?
6. Om Shanti Shanti Shantihi (2026)
Genre?
A delightful comedy-drama that portrays the playful bickering between a husband and wife, humor, and the lives of middle-class women.
Why is it underrated?
Lack of promotions; sometimes dubbed films come and go unnoticed; and other festivals or events diverting public attention.
Analysis:
This movie is the Telugu remake of the massive Malayalam hit Jaya Jaya Jaya Jaya Hey. Eesha Rebba, who aspires to pursue her education, unexpectedly ends up marrying a fishmonger named Tharun Bhascker. Unable to tolerate her husband’s harassment, she learns martial arts. The story unfolds from there.
Who should skip it?
Suitable for family audiences. So, who are not interested in family oriented movies, skip.
OTT: Released on Aha on March 4, 2026.
IMDb rating:
7. Anaganaga Australia Lo (2026)
Genre?
Political crime-suspense thriller.
Why was it underrated?
Audiences struggled to quickly grasp the concept of a “third type” of lifestyle—one that exists at the intersection of local and foreign cultures.
Analysis:
The story revolves around a powerful former Chief Minister in India receiving a threatening call from Melbourne, Australia. The film depicts how the lead pair uncovers the truth and saves the CM and the money involved.
Who should skip it?
Those who do not enjoy youth-oriented themes, comedy, or thrillers might want to avoid it.
OTT: Streaming on the popular platform ‘Aha’ since March 6, 2026.
IMDb rating:
8. Rekhachithram (Telugu – 2025)
Genre?
Investigative crime thriller. Originally released in Malayalam.
Why was it underrated?
It didn’t draw crowds during its theatrical release, as people were skeptical about its quality. It gained momentum and hype only after people watched it on OTT platforms.
Analysis:
A police officer (played by Asif Ali) agrees to solve the murder case of a young woman who went missing 40 years ago. The interesting details regarding how the investigation unfolded are impressive.
Who should skip it?
Those who do not enjoy suspense thrillers or police procedural stories.
OTT: Releasing on Aha on March 14, 2025.
IMDb rating:
9. Nawab Cafe (2026)
Genre?
An emotional father-son story.
Why was it underrated?
The timing of the release wasn’t right; Telugu audiences were focused on other matters at the time.
Analysis:
Shiva Kandukuri and Rajeev Kanakala delivered strong performances in the lead roles. Rajeev runs the ‘Nawab Cafe’ in the Old City with immense passion, a venture his son dislikes. The story revolves around how the son eventually realizes his father’s greatness and undergoes a change of heart.
Who shouldn’t watch it?
Those who dislike father-centric emotional dramas. Many people today seem allergic to family-oriented emotional stories; they prefer genres like crime, horror, or romance. There is a prevailing sentiment—”Who knows when our time is up? Are all these emotions really necessary?”—isn’t there?
OTT: Streaming on Aha starting March 12, 2026.
IMDb rating:
10. Dark Night (2026)
Genre?
Emotional drama involving an illicit affair and a crime thriller.
Why was it underrated?
Lack of promotions.
Analysis:
Vidarth, who is in an arranged marriage, strays from his wife Poorna to have an illicit affair with a colleague, Shubhashree. Before the situation can fully sink in, his wife leaves home to live independently. During this time, she meets a man named Trigun. The husband, who returns after realizing his mistake, is shocked when he sees Hema. The film vividly portrays the disastrous consequences that illicit relationships can bring to the lives of modern-day couples.
Who should not watch it?
Couples involved in illicit relationships. 🙂
OTT: Available on ‘Aha’ starting April 8, 2026.
IMDb rating:
Funkey (2026) is also a decent movie, but recieved mixed talk in theatres and OTT. But give a try on it too. let me know your thoughts on this toic and give your valuable suggestions in the comment box. Thank you.
Hey, Iam Santosh Kumar. Me and my editorial team dedicated to reporting the latest Telugu OTT updates, including release dates, streaming platforms, and official announcements related to Telugu movies and web series. Thank You..