Akhanda, Narasimha Naidu and more: Nandamuri Balakrishna’s biggest box office blockbusters ahead of ‘Akhanda 2’ release

The highly anticipated Nandamuri Balakrishna film, the sequel 'Akhanda 2', is set to release on December 12th. The movie features a massive star cast including Nandamuri Balakrishna (in a dual role), Samyuktha Menon, Aadhi Pinisetty, and Harshaali Malhotra in the lead roles. As fans gear up for the release, this moment offers the perfect opportunity to look back at the superstar’s incredible box office legacy. Here’s a look at some of his highest-grossing films.

This action drama was a massive hit, reportedly collecting around Rs150 crore gross. Balakrishna delivered a powerful dual role, playing both a devoted farmer and the fierce Aghora, Akhanda. The film starred Pragya Jaiswal and Jagapathi Babu. The plot follows the Aghora as he fights illegal uranium mining and corporate corruption.

Released during Sankranti 2023, this was another major success, grossing an estimated Rs134 crore. Balakrishna played dual roles as Veera Simha Reddy and his son Jai. The film also featured Shruti Haasan and Varalaxmi Sarathkumar. The story centers on a respected Rayalaseema leader and his son, caught in a brutal faction rivalry.

This historical epic, released in 2017, grossed an estimated Rs90 crore. Balakrishna played the iconic Satavahana ruler, Gautamiputra Satakarni. The film starred Shriya Saran and Hema Malini. The story traces the warrior king’s journey to unify 32 fragmented kingdoms across ancient India against invading forces.

This 2001 industry hit was a landmark faction film. It earned a distributor’s share of Rs30 crore on a modest budget of Rs6–9 crore. Balakrishna won a Nandi Award for his powerful portrayal of Narasimha Naidu. The film starred Simran and Preeti Jhangiani and revolved around a quiet city man whose violent past as a formidable protector resurfaces.

A Dussehra blockbuster in 2023, this film collected an estimated Rs 138 crore gross. Balakrishna starred as ex-cop Nelakonda Bhagavanth Kesari. The cast included Sreeleela, Kajal Aggarwal, and Arjun Rampal. The story revolves around Kesari training his niece Viji for the Indian Army while protecting her from a ruthless businessman.

Released in 2025, this action thriller turned out to be a high grosser, earning over Rs130 crore worldwide. Balakrishna appeared in multiple avatars as Sitaram/Daaku Maharaaj/Nanaji. The cast included Pragya Jaiswal, Shraddha Srinath, and Sachin Khedekar. The plot follows Sitaram, an engineer who becomes a dacoit to protect a young girl and her village from an evil prince.