Increased space-time resolution of hydrologic information in combination with better understanding of hydrologic processes allowed evolution of rainfall-runoff modeling from lumped mode to distributed mode. Relatively, lumped modeling is simple, less data intensive and use less computing resources; typically, semi-distributed modeling falls between lumped- and distributed modeling on a scale of various parameters including modeling complexity, data and computing resources. To understand the influence modeling complexity and hydrologic information on performance of hydrologic models in monsoon driven river basins, we performed a hydrological study on Sabari River Basin, from a tributary of Godavari river basin, delineated at three different spatial scales. Then, The Hydrologic Engineering Center- Hydrologic Modeling System (HEC-HMS) model driven in both event- and continuous modes in lumped and semi-distributed modes. The model calibrated and then validated using various verification metrics. Analysis of verification metrics provided insights on different aspects of flood forecasting