Murari: This entertainer starring Mahesh Babu and Sonali Bendre, directed by Krishna Vamsi, was released in 2001, two years after Mahesh made his debut as a lead actor. Among many other things, this film is still remembered for its unforgettable wedding song ‘Alanati Rama Chandrudu’. Composed by Mani Sharma, the song was sung by Jikki, Sunitha and Sandhya.
Okkadu: The racy entertainer directed by Gunasekhar marked the rise of Mahesh in the early years of his career. Also starring Bhumika and Prakash Raj, the film follows the lead actors on a run, seeking refuge inside Charminar. The film was remade as Ghilli in Tamil with Vijay and Trisha.
Athadu: The 2005 film directed by Trivikram Srinivas would probably find its place among the most frequently telecast films on television. Still enjoying a loyal repeat audience, the film that also starred Trisha has Mahesh playing a professional hitman.
Khaleja: This movie was a damp squib at the box office but with time, found an appreciative audience that tunes into the film each time it’s aired on television. Starring Mahesh and Anushka Shetty, the movie was written and directed by Trivikram Srinivas.
Seethamma Vaakitlo Sirimalle Chettu: Starring Mahesh and Venkatesh simply referred to as Chinnodu (the younger one) and Peddodu (the older one), this slice-of-life family drama directed by Srikanth Addala traced the somewhat strained relationship between brothers and how the family comes together at the right moment, fuelled by the words of the father (Prakash Raj).
Pokiri: Two warring groups and an undercover cop masquerading as a small-time thug guarantee plenty of high-adrenaline action sequences. One of the biggest hits in Mahesh’s career, Pokiri , directed by Puri Jagannadh also starred Ileana and Prakash Raj. Vijay and Asin starred in the Tamil remake titled Pokkiri .
Dookudu: The action-comedy film by Sreenu Vaitla has Mahesh seeking revenge with tact and style. The comic portions involving Brahmanandam and M.S. Narayana, especially the reality television episodes, are a laugh riot.
Businessman: Director Puri Jagannadh’s Businessman has Mahesh arriving in Mumbai and wanting to shake up the mafia. His rise to a position of power in the underworld is interspersed with him falling in love with Kajal Aggarwal.
1-Nenokkadine: The film may not have fared well at the box office, but its complex narrative slowly found its following. In director Sukumar’s film, Mahesh played a troubled rockstar with a psychological condition termed Interpretation Disorder, which blurs his capability of differentiating reality and imagination. Haunted by recurring images of his parents being killed, he sets to hunt them down.
Srimanthudu: From K. Balachander’s Rudraveena to Ashutosh Gowariker’s Swades , we’ve had heroes who go back and do their bit for their hometown. Directed by Koratla Siva, Srimanthudu saw Mahesh as a scion of a business empire. Only, he isn’t interested in taking on the mantle and multiplying the riches. Instead, he takes a course on rural development, meets Shruti Haasan and learns about his roots. He adopts his native village and becomes its saviour.