Mahesh Babu, also known as the “Prince of Tollywood,” is one of the most popular and accomplished actors in the Indian film industry. Mahesh Babu’s first movie as a lead actor was “Raja Kumarudu,” released in 1999. The film began his journey as a leading star in the Telugu film industry. Directed by K. Raghavendra Rao and produced by C. Ashwini Dutt under the Vyjayanthi Movies banner, “Raja Kumarudu” became a commercial success and set the stage for Mahesh Babu’s illustrious career.
In “Raja Kumarudu,” Mahesh Babu showcased his natural flair for acting and charmed the audience with his endearing on-screen presence. His chemistry with Preity Zinta was well-received, and their pairing garnered much appreciation. Despite being a debutant in a leading role, Mahesh Babu displayed remarkable confidence and maturity in his performance, leaving a lasting impression on the viewers.
As mentioned earlier, “Raja Kumarudu” was Mahesh Babu’s debut film as a lead actor. His performance as a carefree and charming young man won hearts, and the film was a commercial success. It set the foundation for his career in the film industry.
In “Murari,” Mahesh Babu portrayed the titular character of Murari, a responsible and caring man from a joint family. The film was praised for its emotional content, and Mahesh’s performance was widely appreciated. It became a box office hit and further strengthened his position as a bankable actor.
“Okkadu” is one of the most iconic films in Mahesh Babu’s career. In this action-packed romantic drama, he played the role of Ajay Varma, a reluctant yet valiant young man who saves a girl from a dangerous situation. The movie was a massive success and firmly established Mahesh Babu as a leading actor in the Telugu film industry.
In “Athadu,” Mahesh Babu portrayed Nanda Gopal / Pardhu, a professional assassin. His performance as a hitman on a mission received critical acclaim, and the film’s screenplay and action sequences were also highly praised. It was a commercial success and added to Mahesh’s growing popularity.
“Pokiri” was another milestone in Mahesh Babu’s career. He played the role of Pandu, an undercover police officer who infiltrates a mafia gang. The film was a massive blockbuster and created a sensation at the box office. Mahesh’s portrayal of a challenging and fearless cop garnered widespread acclaim.
In “Dookudu,” Mahesh Babu portrayed the character of G. Ajay Kumar, a cop trying to clear his father’s name. The film perfectly blended action, comedy, and drama, and Mahesh’s energetic performance was a significant highlight. “Dookudu” became one of the highest-grossing Telugu films of that time, earning a share of ₹57.4 crore.
“Srimanthudu” was a socially relevant film in which Mahesh Babu played Harsha, a wealthy young man who adopts a village to bring about positive changes. The movie emphasized the importance of rural development and corporate responsibility. Mahesh’s earnest performance and the film’s strong message resonated with audiences, making it a commercial success with a total gross of ₹1.655 billion.
In “Bharat Ane Nenu,” Mahesh Babu portrayed Bharat Ram, a university graduate who becomes the Chief Minister and sets out to transform society. The film received widespread acclaim for its compelling storyline and Mahesh’s powerful performance. It was a blockbuster at the box office, grossing between ₹187.6–225 crore, and further solidified Mahesh’s stature as a top actor in the industry.
Guntur Kaaram, an upcoming Telugu-language action comedy-drama, is directed by Trivikram Srinivas and produced by S. Radha Krishna. Starring Mahesh Babu, Ramya Krishna, Meenakshi Chaudhary, Sreeleela, and Jagapathi Babu, the film is a tribute to Babu’s father. It will be released in January 2024, and SSMB 28 is expected to be a hit.
