Career Break Movies of Star Heroes

Every star has a defining moment in their career, a movie that serves as a stepping stone to success. In this article, we will explore the first movie that brought recognition and fame to some of the biggest star heroes in Tollywood.

• Mahesh Babu – “Okkadu” (2003):

Mahesh Babu, fondly known as the “Prince of Tollywood,” had already established himself as a promising actor before his career-defining movie “Okkadu.” Directed by Gunasekhar, this action-packed romantic drama garnered commercial success and showcased Mahesh Babu’s versatility and acting prowess. His portrayal of Ajay Varma, a kabaddi player who fights against all odds, captivated the audience and elevated him to new heights of stardom. “Okkadu” set the stage for Mahesh Babu’s subsequent blockbuster hits and solidified his position as one of the leading stars in Tollywood.

• Jr. NTR – “Simhadri” (2003):

Jr. NTR, the powerhouse performer and scion of the Nandamuri family, delivered a knockout performance in his breakthrough movie, “Simhadri.” This action drama, directed by S.S. Rajamouli, showcased Jr. NTR’s impeccable acting skills and intense screen presence. His role as Simhadri, a loyal and fearless man, struck a chord with the audience and propelled him to instant stardom. The film’s success not only established Jr. NTR as a bankable hero but also marked the beginning of his fruitful collaboration with director Rajamouli, leading to many more successful ventures in the future.

• Allu Arjun – “Arya” (2004):

Allu Arjun, known for his charismatic screen presence and exceptional dance moves, gained national recognition with his debut film, “Arya.” This romantic drama, Directed by Sukumar, showcased Allu Arjun’s natural talent and paved the way for his unique style and mass appeal. His portrayal of Arya, a young man deeply in love, resonated with the audience and earned him a massive fan following. “Arya” catapulted Allu Arjun to stardom in Tollywood and established his brand as a trendsetting actor with a loyal fan base.

• Prabhas – “Varsham” (2004):

Prabhas, the “Rebel Star” of Tollywood, made a significant impact with his breakthrough movie, “Varsham.” Directed by Shobhan, this romantic drama showcased Prabhas’ charm, ruggedness, and acting prowess. His portrayal of Venkat, a carefree youth who falls in love, struck a chord with the audience and proved his mettle as a versatile actor. “Varsham” earned critical acclaim and propelled Prabhas into the league of top actors in Tollywood. It laid the foundation for his subsequent blockbuster hits and ultimately paved the way for his iconic role as Baahubali.

• Ram Charan – “Magadheera” (2009):

Ram Charan, the son of legendary actor Chiranjeevi, made a remarkable entry into the industry with the epic fantasy film “Magadheera.” This high-budget extravaganza was directed by S.S. Rajamouli; this one showcased Ram Charan’s impressive acting skills, intense action sequences, and mesmerizing dance moves. The film’s massive success established Ram Charan as a bankable star and earned him widespread acclaim and an enormous fan following.

• Nani – “Ala Modalaindi” (2011):

Nani, known for his natural acting style and relatable characters, gained recognition with the romantic comedy “Ala Modalaindi.” This lighthearted entertainer, directed by Nandini Reddy, showcased Nani’s impeccable comic timing and ability to connect with the audience. The success of the film established Nani as a talented actor and set the stage for his subsequent critically acclaimed performances in films like “Eega” and “Bhale Bhale Magadivoy.”

• Rana Daggubati – “Leader” (2010):

Rana Daggubati, with his towering presence and powerful screen persona, made an impactful debut with the political drama “Leader.” Directed by Sekhar Kammula, this thought-provoking film showcased Rana’s acting prowess and ability to easily carry a complex role. “Leader” not only earned critical acclaim but also established Rana as an actor capable of handling diverse roles and laid the foundation for his successful career in both Tollywood and Bollywood.

• Vijay Deverakonda – “Arjun Reddy” (2017):

Vijay Deverakonda rose to prominence with his intense portrayal of the titular character in the romantic drama “Arjun Reddy.” Directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, this bold and unconventional film garnered both critical acclaim and commercial success. Vijay’s raw and uninhibited performance as a self-destructive surgeon struck a chord with the audience and catapulted him to overnight stardom. “Arjun Reddy” established Vijay as a promising talent and made him a youth icon.

• Naga Chaitanya – “Ye Maaya Chesave” (2010):

Naga Chaitanya, son of famous actor Akkineni Nagarjuna, marked his entry into the industry with the romantic drama “Ye Maaya Chesave.” Directed by Gautham Menon, this heartwarming love story showcased Naga Chaitanya’s subtle acting skills and boyish charm. The film’s soulful music and the chemistry between Naga Chaitanya and Samantha Akkineni struck a chord with the audience and established him as a promising talent in Tollywood.

• Sharwanand – “Prasthanam” (2010):

Sharwanand gained recognition with the political drama “Prasthanam.” Directed by Deva Katta, this intense film showcased Sharwanand’s versatility and ability to portray complex emotions. His role as Mitra, a young man caught in the web of politics and family dynamics, earned him critical acclaim and showcased his acting prowess. “Prasthanam” marked a turning point in Sharwanand’s career, establishing him as an actor capable of delivering powerful performances in commercial and content-driven films.