Mahesh Babu, a titan of Telugu cinema, has captivated audiences for decades. As of today, October 26, 2023, Mahesh Babu has starred as the lead actor in 29 feature films. His consistent box office success and dedicated fan base solidify his position as one of the industry’s biggest stars.
A Journey Through Mahesh Babu’s Illustrious Career
Mahesh Babu’s filmography as a hero is a testament to his versatility and star power. From his early roles to his more recent critically acclaimed performances, each film contributes to his legacy in Telugu cinema. This section will explore his journey, highlighting key milestones and the evolution of his on-screen persona.
Early Years and Breakthrough Roles
Mahesh Babu started his career as a child actor, appearing in several films before taking a break to focus on his education. His debut as a lead actor came with Rajakumarudu (1999), a romantic drama that quickly established him as a promising young talent. This film showcased his charisma and screen presence, marking the beginning of his successful career.
Following his debut, he starred in films like Yuvaraju (2000) and Vamsi (2000), further solidifying his position in the industry. While these films achieved moderate success, they provided him with valuable experience and helped him refine his acting skills. However, it was Murari (2001) that truly catapulted him to stardom. This film, a family drama with supernatural elements, resonated with audiences and critics alike, earning him significant recognition.
Consolidation of Stardom and Box Office Success
The early 2000s witnessed Mahesh Babu’s rise as a bonafide superstar. Films like Okkadu (2003), an action-packed romantic drama, became a massive blockbuster, cementing his position as a leading man. This film showcased his action prowess and romantic appeal, further expanding his fan base.
He continued his success streak with films such as Athadu (2005), directed by Trivikram Srinivas. This action comedy is considered a cult classic and is known for its witty dialogues and stylish direction. Pokiri (2006), directed by Puri Jagannadh, became a massive hit, breaking numerous box office records and solidifying Mahesh Babu’s image as a mass hero. This film is often credited with popularizing the “mass” genre in Telugu cinema.
Exploring Diverse Roles and Critical Acclaim
In the later stages of his career, Mahesh Babu started experimenting with different genres and roles, showcasing his versatility as an actor. He starred in films like Dookudu (2011), a high-energy action comedy that became a blockbuster.
His performance in Srimanthudu (2015), a social drama, earned him critical acclaim and accolades. This film addressed social issues and showcased his ability to portray complex characters with depth and emotion. Films like Bharat Ane Nenu (2018), where he played a young Chief Minister, further demonstrated his willingness to take on challenging roles and explore different themes. He consistently balanced commercial appeal with meaningful storytelling.
Recent Ventures and Ongoing Projects
Mahesh Babu’s more recent films include Maharshi (2019), which addressed issues related to farming and rural development, and Sarileru Neekevvaru (2020), an action comedy that was a box office success. These films continue to showcase his ability to connect with audiences on both a personal and societal level.
His latest release, Sarkaru Vaari Paata (2022), an action-packed entertainer, reaffirmed his status as a box office draw. Currently, he is working on Guntur Kaaram (2024), directed by Trivikram Srinivas, raising expectations among fans and industry insiders alike. This upcoming project promises to further solidify his legacy in Telugu cinema.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Mahesh Babu’s Movies
This section aims to address common queries about Mahesh Babu’s filmography, providing valuable insights and clarifications for fans and enthusiasts.
FAQ 1: What was Mahesh Babu’s debut film as a lead actor?
Mahesh Babu’s debut film as a lead actor was Rajakumarudu, released in 1999. This marked the beginning of his illustrious career in Telugu cinema.
FAQ 2: Which Mahesh Babu movie is considered a turning point in his career?
Okkadu (2003) is often cited as a turning point in Mahesh Babu’s career. Its immense success established him as a top-tier actor and box office draw.
FAQ 3: In how many films has Mahesh Babu worked with director Trivikram Srinivas?
As of now, Mahesh Babu has collaborated with director Trivikram Srinivas in three films: Athadu (2005), Khaleja (2010), and the upcoming Guntur Kaaram (2024).
FAQ 4: Which Mahesh Babu movie was a remake of a Bollywood film?
Pokiri (2006) was later remade in Hindi as Wanted (2009), starring Salman Khan. However, the original Telugu version starring Mahesh Babu came first.
FAQ 5: What genre is most common in Mahesh Babu’s filmography?
While he has explored various genres, action dramas and romantic comedies are arguably the most prevalent genres in Mahesh Babu’s filmography. He excels in portraying both intense action sequences and charming romantic leads.
FAQ 6: Has Mahesh Babu ever won a National Film Award for acting?
While he has received numerous state awards and Filmfare Awards South, Mahesh Babu has not yet won a National Film Award for acting. However, his film “Srimanthudu” won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Telugu.
FAQ 7: Which of Mahesh Babu’s films focused on social issues?
Srimanthudu (2015) and Bharat Ane Nenu (2018) are notable examples of Mahesh Babu films that addressed important social issues. These films highlighted his commitment to using his platform to raise awareness and inspire positive change.
FAQ 8: How many times has Mahesh Babu played a police officer on screen?
Mahesh Babu has played a police officer in multiple films, including Dookudu (2011) and Sarileru Neekevvaru (2020). He has effectively portrayed the role with both intensity and humor.
FAQ 9: What is Mahesh Babu’s highest-grossing film to date?
While box office collections fluctuate and are often debated, Sarileru Neekevvaru (2020) is often considered one of Mahesh Babu’s highest-grossing films. However, figures can vary depending on the source.
FAQ 10: Has Mahesh Babu worked with any directors multiple times?
Yes, Mahesh Babu has frequently collaborated with directors like Trivikram Srinivas, Puri Jagannadh, and Koratala Siva. These collaborations have often resulted in commercially successful and critically acclaimed films.
FAQ 11: What is Mahesh Babu’s production company called?
Mahesh Babu’s production company is called G. Mahesh Babu Entertainment Pvt. Ltd. It has produced films like Srimanthudu and Bharat Ane Nenu, showcasing his commitment to supporting quality cinema.
FAQ 12: What is the average box office success rate of Mahesh Babu’s films?
Mahesh Babu enjoys a remarkably high success rate. While not every film is a blockbuster, a significant majority of his films have been commercially successful, cementing his status as a bankable star in Telugu cinema.