Tholi Prema (transl. First Love) is a 1998 Indian Telugu-language romantic drama film written and directed by A. Karunakaran. It stars Pawan Kalyan and Keerthi Reddy, with music composed by Deva. The cinematography was done by Y. Maheedhar and Chota K. Naidu.
The film was a super blockbuster at the box-office and considered to be a breakthrough for Pawan Kalyan. It is considered as one of the most iconic romantic films in Telugu cinema. It won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Telugu, six state Nandi Awards, and was featured in the Indian Panorama mainstream section at the 30th International Film Festival of India. The film was later dubbed into Tamil as Anandha Mazhai, remade in Kannada as Preethsu Thappenilla (2000), and in Hindi as Mujhe Kucch Kehna Hai (2001).
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Plot
Balu is the youngest son in his family and carefree. His father often scolds him, but his uncle and mother dote on him, and so does his brother. He has a bunch of friends to hang around. On a late Diwali night, Balu's father is angry with him, and he goes out for a stroll. On this night, Balu happens to see a girl Anu playing with children. He instantly falls for her. Later, he encounters various circumstances but can't reach her.
Meanwhile, Anu is impressed with Balu when he saves a child's life on the motorway unknown to him; she tries to get his autograph but fails. Balu leaves for Ooty for his studies and accidentally meets Anu on the way when his taxi breaks down. Anu gives Balu a lift and leaves her driver to help the taxi driver. While on the way, Anu's car slips into a valley due to a rash lorry driver. Enraged, Balu makes an effort to save Anu and rescues her to safer ground. Trying to save Anu, Balu slips off into a valley. Anu is depressed that Balu sacrificed himself to save her, searches for him, and loses hope. Balu is saved by a truck driver and admitted to a hospital.