In Telugu, Telusa means “do you know?” — not quite a statement, not quite an answer, but something in between. And it was with this word that the story of a space began to unfold. Unlike most restaurants born from their cuisine, Telusa began with language and curiosity. Its name laid Indian Restaurant the first brick of the 5,000 sq. ft. space on the first floor of a commercial building in Hyderabad. More than a dining destination, it was envisioned as a living tapestry of Telugu culture — past, present, and imagined — crafted by FellowYellow Design Studio.
An Indian Restaurant That Redefines Tradition | FellowYellow
The stone pillar, chandelier, and painting wall stand in contrast to the cluster of miniatures around them—reflecting the multiplicity of Telugu culture. At Telusa, art isn’t decoration but a true spectacle. As you leave, your footsteps echo the stories of Kakatiya, Kadapa, Kondapalli, and Kalamkari, returning you to the very question that began the journey
Against the dark flooring and rich wood of the entryway, warm light pools strategically, drawing the eye to intricate details with the same focused intimacy as your phone switching to dark mode. You are greeted by figures adorned in Kalamkari, Ikat and gold — deep in conversation, they embody the cultural threads that connect the regions of Andhra, Telangana and Rayalaseema.
Suspended above is a 7ft Nimmalakunta leather chandelier, created in collaboration with national award-winning Dr. Dalavai Kullayappa. Guided by the traditional light/shadow vocabulary of leather puppetry, it is a functional fixture that promises enlightenment of all kinds.
Inspired by Warangal Fort and its Kakatiya columns, a central pillar anchors the 5000 sq. ft. space, rising from basalt tiles to evoke a lineage built on stone. A meditative path of terracotta pots leads beneath a lotus-inspired ceiling, drawing visitors inward toward seating and conversation. The palette softens with light wood and playful Kondapalli toys, while lanterns reminiscent of simpler times welcome you home.
The bar is a play of contrasts — a vivid red Kalamkari-inspired chandelier crowns the island, while silverware and martini glasses shimmer beneath it. A panoramic window frames the Hyderabad skyline, the only hint of the city beyond.
The sheer scale of things continues into the Private Dining Room, where 15-foot-tall Cheriyal paintings command attention. Each of these thirty hand-drawn, custom naturally-dyed panels celebrate Telugu way of life. Commissioned from national award-winning artist Shri Rakesh Varma, a generational master of the craft, the works command attention without objectification.
Fact File
Designed by: FellowYellow
Project Type: Restaurant Design
Project Name: Telusa
Location: Hyderabad
Built-up Area: 5000 sq. ft.
Principal Architects: Geethu Gangadharan & Sreyas Vidhu
Photography Credits: Syam Sreesylam & Jubin Johnson
Firm’s Website Link: FellowYellow
Firm’s Instagram Link: FellowYellow
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