The 1980s and 1990s saw a shift in Telugu cinema with the emergence of masala films, which combined action, comedy, romance, and drama. Love stories became more complex, with the introduction of triangular love stories, love triangles, and tragic love tales. Movies like , "Khatam" (1987) , and "Sankeertana" (1987) exemplified this trend. This era also saw the rise of new actors, including Venkatesh, Mahesh Babu, and Siddique.
– Dir. Gautham Menon
The 1950s to 1970s are considered the golden age of Telugu cinema. During this period, romantic films were often based on literary works, folklore, and mythology. Movies like , "Ilavelu" (1964) , and "Sakshi" (1967) showcased the innocence and simplicity of love stories. These films were characterized by melodious music, poetic dialogues, and performances by legendary actors like N.T. Rama Rao (NTR) and Akkineni Nageswara Rao (ANR). telugu movies love story