“Mahesh Babu: The Life, Films, and Impact of a Telugu Icon”
“Renowned as the ‘Prince of Tollywood, ‘Mahesh Babu‘s story is one of passion, dedication, and success. With a film career spanning decades, he has become a household name known for his memorable performances and philanthropic endeavors. This website explores the life and legacy of Mahesh Babu, covering his cinematic milestones, personal life, and lasting contributions to society.”
Here are the top movies of Mahesh Babu :
1. Pokiri (2006)
- Director: Puri Jagannadh
- Plot: A ruthless undercover cop infiltrates the mafia to take down the criminals while maintaining his secret identity.
- Highlights: Mahesh Babu’s iconic dialogue delivery, gripping action sequences, and the lead pairing with Ileana D’Cruz. It was a major trendsetter in Telugu cinema.
- Streaming: Available on Disney+ Hotstar.
2. Okkadu (2003)
- Director: Gunasekhar
- Plot: A young kabaddi player rescues a woman from a violent faction leader and takes her to safety, leading to a series of thrilling events.
- Highlights: Famous for Mahesh Babu’s intense performance, the action-packed narrative, and its memorable climax.
- Streaming: Available on Amazon Prime Video.
3. Dookudu (2011)
- Director: Srinu Vaitla
- Plot: An undercover cop, driven by his father’s ambitions, goes on a mission to capture a dangerous criminal.
- Highlights: A perfect blend of action and comedy, strong supporting cast, and Mahesh Babu’s charismatic portrayal. It was one of the biggest hits of his career.
- Streaming: Available on Disney+ Hotstar.
4. Bharat Ane Nenu (2018)
- Director: Koratala Siva
- Plot: A young man reluctantly steps into politics and becomes Chief Minister to fulfill his late father’s political vision.
- Highlights: Mahesh Babu’s authoritative performance, political dialogues, and the impactful message about leadership.
- Streaming: Available on Amazon Prime Video.
5. Srimanthudu (2015)
- Director: Koratala Siva
- Plot: A billionaire, dissatisfied with his luxurious life, adopts a village and strives to develop it against all odds.
- Highlights: A socially relevant story, stunning visuals, and a strong message on rural development.
- Streaming: Available on Disney+ Hotstar.
6. Maharshi (2019)
- Director: Vamsi Paidipally
- Plot: A successful CEO returns to his village to support the local farmers, inspired by his college friend’s struggles.
- Highlights: Emotional storyline, emphasis on social issues, and Mahesh Babu’s role as a philanthropist.
- Streaming: Available on Amazon Prime Video.
7. Businessman (2012)
- Director: Puri Jagannadh
- Plot: A man with a criminal mindset sets out to control Mumbai’s underworld by any means necessary.
- Highlights: Fast-paced narrative, edgy dialogues, and Mahesh’s portrayal of an anti-hero.
- Streaming: Available on Disney+ Hotstar.
8. Athadu (2005)
- Director: Trivikram Srinivas
- Plot: A professional assassin’s life takes a turn when he is mistaken for a deceased man in a small village, leading to unexpected consequences.
- Highlights: Sharp dialogues, gripping screenplay, and a strong blend of drama and action.
- Streaming: Available on Disney+ Hotstar and YouTube.
9. Seethamma Vakitlo Sirimalle Chettu (2013)
- Director: Srikanth Addala
- Plot: A family drama focusing on two brothers with contrasting personalities and their relationship dynamics within a traditional family setting.
- Highlights: Strong ensemble cast with Venkatesh, heartwarming family moments, and the theme of brotherhood.
- Streaming: Available on Disney+ Hotstar.
10. 1 Nenokkadine (2014)
- Director: Sukumar
- Plot: A rock star suffering from psychological issues embarks on a mission to uncover the truth about his parents’ mysterious death.
- Highlights: Complex storyline, psychological thriller elements, and Mahesh’s intense performance. The film gained cult status post its release.
- Streaming: Available on Disney+ Hotstar.
11. Khaleja (2010)
- Director: Trivikram Srinivas
- Plot: A taxi driver takes on a mission to save a village cursed with a deadly disease.
- Highlights: Comedy, supernatural elements, and Mahesh’s effortless performance.
- Platform: Amazon Prime Video.
12. Sarileru Neekevvaru (2020)
- Director: Anil Ravipudi
- Plot: Major Ajay Krishna, an army officer, is sent to protect a fellow officer’s family while uncovering a political conspiracy. The film combines action, comedy, and emotional moments as he battles corrupt forces.
- Highlights:
- Mahesh Babu shines in a dual role of action and humor.
- The film features a strong performance by Vijayashanti, marking her comeback.
- It was a box office success, noted for its patriotic themes and engaging screenplay.
- Streaming: Available on Amazon Prime Video.
13. Nijam (2003)
- Director: Teja
- Plot: A young man takes the law into his own hands to avenge his father’s wrongful death.
- Highlights: Intense drama, social themes, and Mahesh’s remarkable performance.
- Platform: YouTube (paid).
14. Murari (2001)
- Director: Krishna Vamsi
- Plot: A family curse endangers the life of Murari, a fun-loving young man, leading to a battle between tradition and modernity.
- Highlights: Strong storytelling, family values, and Mahesh’s captivating performance.
- Platform: Sun NXT.
15. Takkari Donga (2002)
- Director: Jayant Paranji
- Plot: A cowboy-themed adventure where a thief gets involved in a treasure hunt and encounters various enemies.
- Highlights: Western theme, Mahesh’s cowboy role, and action-packed sequences.
- Platform: Disney+ Hotstar.
These films showcase Mahesh Babu’s range from action hero roles to family dramas, highlighting his versatility as a top Telugu cinema star.
“Mahesh Babu: The Journey of a Cinematic Icon – Biography”
1. Early Life and Entry into Cinema
Mahesh Babu, born on August 9, 1975, in Chennai, India, is a prominent Telugu film actor, producer, and philanthropist. He is the son of veteran actor Krishna, a celebrated figure in Telugu cinema, which made Mahesh Babu part of a renowned film family. Growing up, Mahesh was often on movie sets with his father, which fueled his passion for acting. He started his career as a child artist at the age of four in the film Needa (1979) and appeared in several other movies throughout his childhood. Despite his early exposure to cinema, Mahesh prioritized education, eventually earning a degree in Commerce from Loyola College, Chennai.
2. Rise to Stardom in Telugu Cinema
Mahesh Babu made his official debut as a lead actor in 1999 with Raja Kumarudu, co-starring Preity Zinta. The film’s success gave him the title “Prince of Tollywood.” He quickly became known for his unique style and screen presence. Throughout the 2000s and 2010s, Mahesh starred in a series of box office hits and critically acclaimed films, showcasing his versatility as an actor. With movies like Okkadu, Pokiri, Dookudu, Srimanthudu, and Bharat Ane Nenu, Mahesh Babu cemented his status as a leading actor in the Telugu film industry. He is particularly noted for his ability to switch effortlessly between action-packed roles, romantic leads, and characters with emotional depth.
3. Accolades and Dedication to Craft
Mahesh Babu’s dedication to his craft has been acknowledged with several prestigious awards, including multiple Filmfare Awards South, Nandi Awards, and SIIMA Awards. His meticulous approach to acting often involves significant physical and mental preparation, such as undergoing intense training and learning new skills for specific roles. His work in movies like 1 Nenokkadine, where he played a character with psychological complexities, and Maharshi, which highlighted the plight of farmers, demonstrates his commitment to selecting diverse and impactful roles. Beyond cinema, Mahesh has been praised for his consistent efforts to promote Telugu culture and language through his films.
4. Philanthropy, Charity Work, and Endorsements
Mahesh Babu is known for his philanthropic efforts, particularly in the areas of health and rural development. He has collaborated with the Andhra Hospitals to sponsor heart surgeries for underprivileged children, directly funding over 1,000 surgeries. His charity work extends to educational initiatives, including supporting schools in underdeveloped regions. Inspired by his movie Srimanthudu, Mahesh adopted his ancestral village Burripalem in Andhra Pradesh, focusing on improving infrastructure, healthcare, and education. He later adopted another village, Siddapuram, in Telangana, continuing his development projects. These initiatives have significantly impacted the local communities, earning him accolades beyond the film industry.
In addition to his charity work, Mahesh Babu is a sought-after brand ambassador, endorsing numerous products and brands across various industries. His popularity and charisma have made him one of the highest-paid celebrity endorsers in India. Despite his star status, Mahesh maintains a reputation for humility and professionalism, both on and off-screen. He has a loyal fan base not only in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana but also among the global Telugu-speaking diaspora, making him a beloved figure in Indian cinema.
Here’s a comprehensive list of Mahesh Babu’s movies as a lead actor, along with his performances as a child artist:
As a Child Artist
- Needa (1979)
- Poratam (1983)
- Sankharavam (1987)
- Bazaar Rowdy (1988)
- Mugguru Kodukulu (1988)
- Gudachari 117 (1989)
- Koduku Diddina Kapuram (1989)
- Bala Chandrudu (1990)
- Anna Thammudu (1990)
As a Lead Actor
- Raja Kumarudu (1999)
- Yuvaraju (2000)
- Vamsi (2000)
- Murari (2001)
- Takkari Donga (2002)
- Bobby (2002)
- Okkadu (2003)
- Nijam (2003)
- Naani (2004)
- Arjun (2004)
- Athadu (2005)
- Pokiri (2006)
- Sainikudu (2006)
- Athidhi (2007)
- Khaleja (2010)
- Dookudu (2011)
- Businessman (2012)
- Seethamma Vakitlo Sirimalle Chettu (2013)
- 1 Nenokkadine (2014)
- Aagadu (2014)
- Srimanthudu (2015)
- Brahmotsavam (2016)
- Spyder (2017)
- Bharat Ane Nenu (2018)
- Maharshi (2019)
- Sarileru Neekevvaru (2020)
- Sarkaru Vaari Paata (2022)
- Guntur Kaaram (2024)
- SSMB29(Upcoming)