The Telugu film industry, popularly known as ‘Tollywood’, is the third largest film industry in India. The Telugu film industry is still in its infancy when it comes to making and accepting realistic, contemporary and offbeat cinema. Traditionally, Telugu audiences idolize their actors and like to see them in larger-than-life roles. This article is about the four most popular and still reigning actors in Telugu cinema.
Chiranjeevi: This ‘megastar’ of Telugu cinema had a modest start to his career in 1977, acting in supporting and villainous roles. He began playing leading roles in films in 1982. Films such as Intlo Ramayya Veedhilo Krishnyya, Khaidi, Abhilasha and Rudraveena earned him awards and accolades. And there was no going back after that. The ’90s further established him as a top hero, with films like Jagadeka Veerudu Atiloka Sundari, Gang Leader, Gharana Mogudu, and Aapadbhandavudu winning the hearts of the class and the mass audience. After some more super successful movies like Indra, Tagore, and Shankar Dada Zindabad in the 2000s, Chiranjeevi is now more focused on his political career. He founded an independent political party called Praja Rajyam (People’s Government), which later merged with the Congress party. He is also actively involved in social activities, running a blood bank named after the actor himself. Chiranjeevi is the most popular actor in Telugu cinema to date, loved by Telugu audiences around the world for his versatility, dance style, and charisma.
Balakrishna: ‘Yuvaratna’ (young diamond) Balakrishna is the son of legendary Telugu actor and former chief minister of Andhra Pradesh, NTRama Rao. Following in his father’s footsteps, he entered the film industry as a child actor in the film ‘Tatamma Kala’ in 1974. He made his debut as a lead in the 1984 film ‘Sahasame Jeevitham’. ‘Mangamma Gari Manavadu’, released in the same year, was a huge box office success. His popularity skyrocketed in the following years with several successful films such as Muddula Mavayya, Nari Nari Naduma Murari, Lorry Driver, Rowdy Inspector, and Aditya 369. The films had Balakrishna in various interesting roles that attracted the class and mass audiences, and particularly to youth. . The 2000s saw Balakrisha acting in various background films of factions such as Chenna Kesava Reddy, Narasimha Naidu, and Samara Simha Reddy. His last blockbuster film was Simha in 2011. When we talk about Balakrisha, we cannot forget his mythological films and socio-fantasies. Like his father, Balakrishna excels in those roles and it would not be an exaggeration to say that he is the only current hero who can do full justice to such films. Some of his noteworthy performances in such roles were in the films Bhairava Dweepam, Pandurangadu, and Sri Krishnarjuna Vijayam. Another film ‘Sri Rama Rajyam’ based on the life of Lord Rama is currently in the post-production stage and is scheduled for release in August 2011. Balakrishna is also involved in social causes and runs the Basavatharakam Indo American cancer hospital, which is a son from his father’s brain and his mother’s name.
Nagarjuna: Widely regarded as one of Tollywood’s most elegant actors, Nagarjuna entered the cinema with great expectations. His father is Akkineni Nageswar Rao, one of the legendary actors of Telugu cinema. He is one of the few Tollywood heroes who excels in romantic roles. Although his first film was ‘Sudigundalu’ (1967) when he was only 8 years old, his first film as a hero was Vikram in 1986. Two Nagarjuna films that were released in 1987, Geetanjali and Shiva, not only gave him commercial success, but also critical acclaim, and they remain among Nagarjuna’s best films to date. In the 90s, Nagarjuna acted in several successful films such as Killer, Varasudu, President Gari Pellam, Hello Brother, Criminal, and Gharana Bullodu. The roles he played in these films were a mix of sophisticated, urban characters and rural, massive characters, and he did justice to both types of roles equally. In 1996, Nagarjuna produced and starred alongside Tabu in ‘Ninne Pelladutha’, which is one of the best Telugu romance films ever made. His other light-hearted and romantic entertainers include Santhosham and Manmadhudu. Another interesting film by Nagarjuna was ‘Sisindri’ in which the story revolves around the life of a little boy who disappeared from his home. The role of the little boy was played by Nagarjuna’s son, Akhil. In the films Annamayya and Sri Ramadasu, audiences were able to see a different side of Nagarjuna’s acting skills. He played the role of a fervent devotee in both films and proved that he is also capable of excelling in a genre for which his father was well known. With a charming personality and unmatched style, Nagarjuna has captivated Telugu audiences for more than two decades. Nagarjuna’s son from his first marriage, Naga Chaitanya, has also entered the Telugu film industry and is doing well, with a recent hit ‘Ay Maya Chesave’. Nagarjuna is the co-founder of Blue Cross of Hyderabad, which is an animal welfare organization run by his wife Amala.
Venkatesh: ‘Victory’ Venkatesh, as he is popularly known, is the son of the famous producer D. Ramanaidu. Venkatesh debuted in the film ‘Kaliyuga Pandavulu’ in 1986. He then starred in the film Swarnakamalam, which is among the best Telugu films ever made. Beginning with this film, Venkatesh has always strived to act in meaningful cinema. However, he also acted in some massive movies, which earned him a following both in public and in class. The 90s saw some interesting movies like Bobbili Raja, Kshana Kshanam, Chanti, China Rayudu, Dharma Chakram, Preminchukundam Raa, Premante Idera. Some of these were romantic entertainers, some socio-fantasies, while others were set in a rural setting. This versatility makes Venkatesh stand out among his contemporaries and audiences have come to expect something good and different from him every time. Another specialty of the Venkatesh films is the scope they give the actresses to act on a par with the hero of the film. Examples of such films include Malleeswari, Adavari Maatalu Arthale Verule, and Nagavalli. Venkatesh keeps a low profile and avoids media attention except for his films. So not much is known about his other activities.