Katika Shiva Kumar
Memes have quietly become the new language of this generation. What started as just funny pictures and internet jokes has now evolved into a full-blown culture. With the rise of Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts, memes are no longer just static images—they’re videos, voiceovers, edits with punch dialogues, and clever background music that capture mood and message in just 15 seconds.
In Telugu meme circles, some templates and lines have become iconic. For example, the “Sairam sairam sairam” voice by Unq Gamer Raju has become a dramatic response for any situation that’s too much to handle. Mouli Talks’ “Marendhuku ra neeku” is often quoted when someone is overreacting or arguing without reason. A random cinema reviewer once said, “Kindhi sthaayi vallaki ardham kaadhu,” and that line turned into a viral roast used when people try to “act smart.”
The list goes on. Got overloaded with work? Share a reel that screams “Abba sairam!” from Dubai Seenu. Tired of people pretending to be sweet? Send “Your smile is not real” from the movie, Seethamma Vaakitlo Sirimalle Chettu. Even for those random moments where words fall short, memes fill the gap.
The iconic “Manadhey idhantha” from Idiot movie is now used to poke fun at people showing off over things that don’t belong to them. “Adantha appudu andi” from Raja fits perfectly when someone falsly alleges. There’s even a meme trend based on cricketer Mohammed Siraj’s line “We believe only in Jassi Bhai,” often used to joke about blind loyalty. And interestingly, even a serious political line like “Kitna tejaswi log hai hamare paas” from PM Modi was transformed into a sarcastic meme mocking forced appreciation or cringe-worthy achievements.
These phrases, though originally from movies, interviews, or real-life moments, have taken on new life in the meme world. They’re no longer just lines—they’re expressions, emotions, and sometimes even comebacks in real-life conversations.
Memes are now part of everyday talk. Someone messes up? You throw a meme. Something unexpected happens? You reply with a trending reel. Even friendships are being formed over a shared sense of humour through memes. They bring people closer, without needing deep conversations or big explanations. One meme is enough to create a vibe.
They’re short, funny, emotional, and precise. That’s the beauty of them. For many, memes are the digital version of an inside joke. You see it and you just get it. It feels like someone out there understands exactly what you’re feeling—and that kind of connection matters, especially in today’s fast, sometimes overwhelming world.
But while memes are fun and connect people in beautiful ways, they also come with a few risks. Since they spread quickly and are often shared without checking facts, they can sometimes promote misinformation or harmful stereotypes. A meme meant as a joke might hurt someone if the tone or context is misunderstood. That’s why digital literacy is more important than ever. Before forwarding a meme, it helps to pause and ask: Is it funny and responsible?