Tollywood is witnessing a bloom in 2025, as it interprets the Telugu movie sector, featuring a mix of stars and rising talent. It is widely known as an industry that prides itself on original storytelling, big-budget projects, and many genres. It has also given supporters a lot of the best actresses in the Indian film industry. In this contextualization, a thorough list of each of the top actresses in Tollywood as of 2025 is listed, as well as showing our more recent success and achievements.
1. Samantha Ruth Prabhu
Samantha Ruth Prabhu is the lead actress in Tollywood. What sets her apart is her versatility and stage presence, which have seen her deliver great hits. In 2025, it is noted that Samantha is still very much a main player in commercial as well as what we may term as arthouse cinema. While her role in very character-intensive films has won her critical praise, it is also worth noting that she is into philanthropic work and does very well in brand endorsements.
2. Rashmika Mandanna
Rashmika Mandanna, famously referred to as the “National Crush of India,” has established herself as a household name with her delightful performances. By 2025, she is considered one of the busiest actresses in Tollywood, the Telugu film industry, and she is involved in a number of major projects. Rashmika is known for her expressive acting and excels at the romance and action segments, with her fan base expanding in the South Indian cinema and in Bollywood cinema.
3. Pooja Hegde
Pooja Hegde has created her own space in the Telugu film industry with her great looks and strong acting. In 2025, she is at it again which is to say that she is into a variety of roles from romantic to action films. Pooja’s acts do justice to the characters, which in turn endear her to the audience and the brands, which in turn see her as an asset for leading roles and brand ambassadors.
4. Keerthy Suresh
Keerthy Suresh is known for her depiction of real-life characters and very successful performances. In 2025, she will be a strong presence in Tollywood. What she brings to the table in terms of genre, from biopics to family dramas, is what makes her stand out, which in turn has gotten her multiple awards. Also, it is her dedication to her craft that made her the most respected actress in the industry.
5. Anushka Shetty
Anushka Shetty, while she is selective with which projects to be a part of, still does that which makes audiences’ hearts beat for her. Her stage presence is that of a performer, which can not be ignored. What we see in her is a preponderance of roles in epic films and fantasy dramas that have done very well at the box office, which in turn has kept her in the public eye through 2025. Also, what is very inspiring is her portrayal of strong female characters, which has almost set a benchmark in Telugu cinema, which in turn has inspired the audience as well as the up-and-coming actors.
6. Nithya Menen
Nithya Menen is a natural at her craft as well as a very versatile artist. Over time, she has built a strong following for what she brings to the table in terms of romance and drama films. In 2025, Nithya is to go on a tour with incredible character studies, which tend to complicate and, at times, turn upside down what we think of as traditional story structure. Also, which is very apparent in her work in Tollywood, is that she brings to every role nothing short of quality, which critics are also quick to note.
7. Tamannaah Bhatia
Tamannaah Bhatia is a favorite in Telugu cinema. What she brings to the table is a great set of dance skills and commercial appeal, which has seen her through many box office hits. In 2025, we see Tamannaah in a mix of commercial films and OTT projects, which is proof of her adaptability and lasting value to the industry.
8. Priyanka Arul Mohan
Priyanka Arul Mohan is a star on the rise in Tollywood. In 2025, which saw her portfolio of successful films grow, she won praise for the charm that she brought to the screen and the way she played complex characters. Priyanka’s growth is straddling what is popular with what has substance in cinema, and hence places her among the bright spots in the Telugu film industry.
9. Shruti Haasan
Shruti Haasan continues to juggle her acting profession and music skills. As of 2025, she is a powerhouse in Tollywood. The difference with Shruti is her skills, which she is able to use as a means to take bold steps and play unconventional roles without losing her audience appeal, setting her apart as a personality in the industry.
Conclusion
In 2025, there’s a unique blend in Tollywood culture, comprising both veterans and newcomers to the industry. Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Rashmika Mandanna, and Keerthy Suresh are still reigning at the box office while new acts like Priyanka Arul Mohan bring a new flavor into the mix. The industry is very much a living, breathing entity that we see grow via the doings of these actresses who, with their talent, charm, and versatility, capture the audience’s attention.
