The first Telugu film, "Bhishma Pratigna," was released in 1921. However, it was the 1950s and 1960s that saw the rise of Telugu cinema, with films like "Peda Rayudu" (1952) and "Mayabazar" (1957) becoming huge hits. The 1980s and 1990s saw the emergence of stars like N.T. Rama Rao, Chiranjeevi, and Nagarjuna, who dominated the industry for decades. Today, Telugu cinema is known for its high production values, engaging storylines, and talented actors.