Based on the trade data put out by Daily Culture, we make a qualitative analysis of the box-office track record of Telugu cinema's most-happening actors in terms of how many Rs 50 Cr (Share) movies they have.
Allu Arjun: Tied for the most Rs 50 Cr+ films (9), with unmatched pan-India success (Pushpa series) and consistent hits. His youth appeal and versatility give him an edge.
Mahesh Babu: Also with 9 films, his consistent box office record and strong urban/overseas pull place him just behind Allu Arjun. Lacks the same pan-India scale. Strong in Telugu states and overseas, but he is behind Bunny and Prabhas when it comes to pan-Indian pull. SSMB29 should change that.
Prabhas: With 7 films, his pan-India dominance (Baahubali, Salaar, Kalki 2898 AD) and overseas appeal make him a top contender, though inconsistency holds him back.
Pawan Kalyan: Eight films and a massive fan base ensure strong regional performance, but limited pan-India reach and political commitments lower his rank.
Jr. NTR: Six films, bolstered by RRR’s optic impact and strong performances. Fewer releases limit his tally, but his potential is immense. War 2 and Dragon will put him in a different league, hopefully. Devara last year was a blockbuster.
Ram Charan: Five films, with RRR and Rangasthalam showcasing his range. His growing pan-India presence is promising, though slightly less consistent than Jr NTR. Peddi is anticipated to register massive openings.
Balakrishna: Five films, with a loyal mass following. His appeal is regional, limiting his rank compared to younger, pan-India stars. Akhanda 2 is expected to register smash openings this Dasara. Lately, he has been promising his fans that his second innings is on the anvil after four back-to-back box-office hits.
Chiranjeevi: Four films, a legend whose star power remains strong but is outpaced by younger actors in box office scale and consistency. Vishwambhara and his yet-to-be-shot movies with Anil Ravipudi and Srikanth Odela are his next three releases. Each of these is expected to earn a share of more than Rs 50 Cr.
Nani: Four films, impressive for a mid-budget star. His content-driven approach earns respect, but he lacks the mass appeal of others. HIT 3, in gross terms remains his biggest box-office performer. The Paradise is expected to make him a semi-mass hero.
Venkatesh: Four films, with steady family-oriented hits. His limited mass or pan-India pull places him last among this group. His most recent release, Sankranthiki Vasthunam, was a triple blockbuster.
