Mahesh Babu, one of Telugu cinema’s most charismatic stars, has made a significant mark in the action genre with his captivating performances and intense screen presence. From adrenaline-pumping sequences to compelling storylines, his films have consistently thrilled audiences. This article delves into some of his most iconic action-packed films, ranging from Guntur Kaaram to Spyder.
Guntur Kaaram
Guntur Kaaram, Mahesh Babu’s much-anticipated release of 2024, hit theaters on January 12 under the direction of Trivikram Srinivas. The film features a stellar cast, including Sreeleela, Meenakshi Chaudhary, Prakash Raj, and Ramya Krishnan, among others. This marks Mahesh Babu’s third collaboration with Srinivas after the successful Athadu and Khaleja.
The story follows Ramana, who confronts a life-altering situation when asked to sign a document disowning his status as the son of Ramya Krishnan. The story unfolds at a very young age, Ramana’s mother abandoned him and married another man. Despite earlier high expectations, Guntur Kaaram fell short of audience expectations. However, it still performed decently at the box office, grossing approximately $21.62 million worldwide. It is available for streaming on Netflix.
Bharath Ane Nenu
Directed by Koratala Siva, Bharath Ane Nenu is a 2018 Telugu political action drama that features Mahesh Babu in a powerful lead role. The film also stars Kiara Advani, Prakash Raj, R. Sarathkumar, Aamani, Devaraj, Rao Ramesh, Jeeva, and Yashpal Sharma.
It centers around Bharath, an Oxford University graduate who returns to India following his father’s death and becomes the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh. Determined to bring about meaningful change in the system, his efforts led to increased complications and enmity in his life. Bharath Ane Nenu is currently available for streaming on Hotstar and Amazon Prime Video.
Pokiri
Pokiri, released in 2006, is one of Mahesh Babu’s most iconic and blockbuster hits. Directed by Puri Jagannadh, the film’s success led to remakes in multiple languages: Pokkiri in Tamil, Wanted in Hindi, and Porki in Kannada. Mahesh Babu plays the lead role, supported by a cast that includes Ileana D’Cruz, Prakash Raj, Nassar, Ashish Vidyarthi, and others.
The story follows a fearless thug who accepts any assignment for the right price. His life takes a complicated turn when he falls in love. For those interested, this hit film is available for streaming on Hotstar and MX Player.
Spyder
Spyder, directed by A. R. Murugadoss, was released worldwide in 2017 in multiple languages, marking Mahesh Babu’s debut in the Tamil film industry. The film was simultaneously shot in Telugu and Tamil, showcasing Mahesh Babu in a dual-language role. The storyline revolves around an intelligence officer who develops a particular software to track people in need. This invention leads him into a high-stakes mission to protect Hyderabad from a ruthless, psychotic serial killer.
With a strong supporting cast that includes Rakul Preet Singh, S. J. Suryah, Bharath, and Priyadarshi, Spyder combines intense action with psychological intrigue. Spyder is currently available for streaming on Netflix, ZEE5, and Amazon Prime Video for those interested in watching it.
Khaleja
Khaleja, released in 2010, marks another successful collaboration between Mahesh Babu and director Trivikram Srinivas. The film features a stellar cast including Mahesh Babu, Prakash Raj, Anushka Shetty, Sunil, Brahmanandam, and Ali. Produced under the Kanakaratna Movies banner with a budget of approximately $3.5 million. On the technical front, Mani Sharma composed the music, while Yash Bhatt and Sunil Patel handled cinematography, and A. Sreekar Prasad edited the film.
The story centers on a remote village suffering from a mysterious plague that has claimed many lives. The arrival of a cab driver, who the villagers believe to be their savior, sets the stage for a confrontation with the powerful industrialist GK. The film blends action, drama, and humor, offering a unique and engaging narrative. Khaleja is currently available for streaming on Hotstar, Amazon Prime Video, and MX Player.
