25 Best Mahesh Babu Movies and Where to Watch Them
Mahesh Babu, occasionally hailed as the "Prince of Tollywood," has made his mark in the Telugu film industry with his dynamic performances and captivating on-screen persona.
Where can you watch Mahesh Babu’s filmography?
Netflix and Prime Video are good places to watch most of Mahesh Babu’s recent hits along with ZEE5. You can stream the rest of his filmography on OTT platforms like Sun NXT, Jio Cinema, Eros NOW, Lionsgate Play, and Aha. Some are even available to stream for free on MX Player like Okkadu, Khaleja, and Pokiri.
Mahesh Babu’s Movie Career at a Glance
Mahesh Babu embarked on his cinematic journey with the debut feature Raja Kumarudu in 1999, exhibiting early glimpses of his acting finesse. However, it was his breakthrough role as a cursed lover in the poignant supernatural fantasy drama Murari (2001) that catapulted him to prominence, showcasing his versatility across genres, be it romance, action, or familial narratives.
The trajectory of Mahesh's career soared with the monumental success of the crime thriller Pokiri (2006), a cult classic that solidified his superstar status. His portrayal of an undercover cop in the guise of a goon in this film earned widespread acclaim, demonstrating his ability to seamlessly transition between various character archetypes.
Subsequently, Mahesh mesmerized audiences with his multifaceted portrayals in a myriad of blockbusters. From the suave spy in Spyder (2017) to the endearing rogue in Khaleja (2010), he continuously pushed boundaries and explored diverse roles with aplomb. His filmography boasts an array of iconic characters, including the righteous journalist in Nijam (2003), the charming yet enigmatic contract killer in Athadu (2005), and the revenge-seeking policeman in Dookudu (2011).
Mahesh's cinematic repertoire extends beyond conventional boundaries, with films like Srimanthudu (2015) and Maharshi (2019) showcasing his prowess as a socially conscious actor-producer. Through these projects, he not only entertained audiences but also imparted profound messages on societal issues.
The former found him playing an inheritor of a business empire who sets out to improve the living standards of his ancestral town. Maharshi, offering another critically acclaimed performance, followed the actor in a similar role as an NRI businessman who returns to India to aid the downtrodden farmers of his friends’ village.
Why is Athadu Mahesh Babu’s best movie to watch?
Athadu is a gripping thriller that allowed Mahesh Babu to shed his romantic hero image and take on more nuanced, morally grey characters as well. Starring as a contract killer hired to take out a politician, the film finds his protagonist embroiled in a larger conspiracy as he’s later framed for the hit job. The web of lies plays out with intriguing performances from the supporting cast as well including veterans like Nassar and Prakash Raj. The movie remains a cult favorite among Mahesh Babu fans and has aged way better than his other early 2000s movies (that might today fall under an excessively over-the-top “masala” territory).
We’ve got you covered with the best of Mahesh Babu’s film career along with a handy guide to stream them all.
