Mahesh Babu, often referred to as the Superstar of Telugu cinema, has redefined the industry with his charm, intense performances, and impeccable action sequences. Known for his effortless screen presence, stylish looks, and powerful storytelling choices, Mahesh Babu continues to be a dominant force in Tollywood as of 2025. With a career spanning over two decades, he has delivered some of the most memorable films in Telugu cinema history.
Let’s take a look at the top 10 movies of Mahesh Babu that have shaped his legacy.
1. Pokiri (2006)
Director: Puri Jagannadh
One of the biggest milestones in Mahesh Babu’s career, Pokiri was a game-changer in Telugu cinema. Playing the role of an undercover cop posing as a ruthless assassin, Mahesh delivered a career-defining performance. The film’s gripping action, powerful dialogues, and chartbuster songs made it a pan-Indian success. It became the highest-grossing Telugu film at the time and later inspired remakes in multiple languages, including Salman Khan’s Wanted in Bollywood.
2. Okkadu (2003)
Director: Gunasekhar
A cult classic, Okkadu showcased Mahesh Babu as a young kabaddi player who rescues a woman from a ruthless villain. The film’s engaging storyline, intense action, and emotional depth made it an industry hit. His chemistry with Bhumika Chawla and the powerful antagonist role played by Prakash Raj contributed to the film’s success.
3. Businessman (2012)
Director: Puri Jagannadh
A slick and stylish action thriller, Businessman presented Mahesh Babu in a never-seen-before gangster avatar. His power-packed dialogue delivery and attitude-driven performance made this film a huge success. The film’s tagline, “Guns don’t need agreements,” became a cult phrase, and the film cemented Mahesh Babu’s mass appeal across India.
4. Srimanthudu (2015)
Director: Koratala Siva
A perfect blend of commercial cinema and social responsibility, Srimanthudu was a milestone film in Mahesh Babu’s career. He played the role of a billionaire who adopts a village and fights against corruption. The film’s meaningful storyline, strong emotional core, and Mahesh’s stellar performance made it a blockbuster. It also inspired many real-life village adoption initiatives in India.
5. Maharshi (2019)
Director: Vamshi Paidipally
A thought-provoking drama, Maharshi featured Mahesh Babu in the role of an NRI entrepreneur who returns to India to fight for farmers’ rights. The film was widely appreciated for its message, emotional depth, and powerful performances. It won multiple awards, including the National Film Award for Best Popular Film.
6. Dookudu (2011)
Director: Srinu Vaitla
An action-packed entertainer with a perfect mix of comedy, drama, and action, Dookudu was one of the biggest hits of Mahesh Babu’s career. His role as an undercover cop seeking revenge for his father’s tragedy was well received. The film’s witty dialogues, high-energy sequences, and Mahesh’s stylish presence made it a fan favorite.
7. Bharat Ane Nenu (2018)
Director: Koratala Siva
A political drama with a gripping storyline, Bharat Ane Nenu saw Mahesh Babu in the role of a young Chief Minister who brings radical changes in governance. His commanding screen presence, intense dialogues, and patriotic theme struck a chord with audiences. The film’s success further established him as an actor who could blend entertainment with meaningful storytelling.
8. Sarkaru Vaari Paata (2022)
Director: Parasuram
An action-packed commercial entertainer, Sarkaru Vaari Paata showcased Mahesh Babu in a stylish role with a social message about banking fraud. The film’s engaging screenplay, high-energy songs, and mass elements made it a blockbuster. His chemistry with Keerthy Suresh and the action-packed climax were highlights of the film.
9. Guntur Kaaram (2024)
Director: Trivikram Srinivas
A highly anticipated film that lived up to the hype, Guntur Kaaram featured Mahesh Babu in a full-fledged mass role with intense action sequences. Trivikram’s signature dialogues, Mahesh’s effortless charm, and high-octane fight scenes made this film one of the biggest hits of 2024. The film’s music also became a sensation among fans.
10. Athadu (2005)
Director: Trivikram Srinivas
A stylish action thriller, Athadu remains one of Mahesh Babu’s most critically acclaimed films. He played the role of a professional assassin who is forced to go into hiding, assuming a new identity in a rural village. The film was praised for its gripping screenplay, sharp dialogues, and Mahesh’s subtle yet powerful performance. The chemistry between Mahesh Babu and Trisha, along with the thrilling action sequences, made Athadu a cult classic over the years.
This film further strengthened Mahesh Babu’s image as a superstar who could effortlessly blend action with emotional depth, making it one of the most rewatchable films in his career.
Mahesh Babu’s Legacy and Future
Mahesh Babu is more than just a superstar; he is a trendsetter in Telugu cinema. His choice of films reflects his ability to balance commercial mass entertainers with socially relevant cinema. Whether it’s playing a rugged action hero, a responsible citizen, or a stylish gangster, he has proven his versatility time and again.
As of 2025, Mahesh Babu’s upcoming collaboration with S.S. Rajamouli in SSMB 29 is expected to be a historic moment for Indian cinema. With his continuous evolution as an actor and his ever-growing fan base, Mahesh Babu remains one of the most influential and bankable stars in the country.
Which of Mahesh Babu’s movies is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!
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