Who Are The Top Authors Of Telugu Popular Stories Now?

If you’re into Telugu stories at all, my Bookshelf and phone both shout the same few names — the mix of old-school giants and modern voices keeps the scene lively. I curl up with long novels one week and binge short web serials the next, and what’s always clear is that readership is spread across several kinds of writers: the classic novelists whose work still sells in print, the witty storytellers who give you laugh-and-chuckle thrillers, the socially sharp essayists and short-story writers, and the new digital stars who publish on platforms and build communities.

For me, a few names always float to the top. Yandamuri Veerendranath remains a household read for people who like emotional thrillers and social drama — his pacing and dialogue are crowd-pleasers. Malladi Venkata Krishna Murthy keeps the lighter, humorous side alive; his plots are perfect if you want humor with a little mystery and a lot of heart. Volga stands out on the contemporary literary-sociopolitical side — sharp, unapologetic, and brilliant with feminist themes and essays that provoke conversation. Ravuri Bharadwaja and Chalam are authors whose short stories and essays still get passed around and taught; their emotional depth and distinct voices make them evergreen. Ranganayakamma brings strong socio-political critique and is someone readers turn to when they want a sharp, reflective read. Viswanatha Satyanarayana belongs to the canon that modern readers revisit for classical richness and cultural depth.

Beyond names, what I love about the current landscape is how these established voices coexist with a booming indie scene. Platforms like Pratilipi and local literary festivals are constantly showcasing new Telugu storytellers who write romance, slice-of-life, mythic retellings, and urban thrillers. If you follow Telugu book pages on social media, you’ll find weekly recommendations of both the old masters and the newest hits. Personally, I hop between Malladi for a laugh, Yandamuri when I want drama, and Volga when I want to be challenged — it’s a deliciously diverse reading diet that keeps me excited every week.

Okay, here's the short and punchy take I give my friends: the Telugu scene right now is equal parts classic and new — people still read giants and they gobble up web fiction.

Top names I keep recommending: Yandamuri Veerendranath for addictive, dramatic storytelling; Malladi Venkata Krishna Murthy for witty, fun reads; Volga for sharp feminist and social commentary; Ravuri Bharadwaja and Chalam for deeply felt short stories; and Ranganayakamma for political and social critique. Those authors are the anchors — they show up in bookstores, college syllabi, and casual reading lists.

I also tell folks to peek at Pratilipi and local book clubs because fresh writers drop hot short series there all the time. My vibe changes week to week: one week it's a Malladi laugh-fest, the next it's Volga making me rethink things. Keeps reading interesting, and honestly, that’s what I love most about Telugu storytelling right now.