'Vikram’, ‘Oopiri’, ‘Geethanjali’: Breakthrough performances of Akkineni Nagarjuna

Akkineni Nagarjuna is one of the most popular and respected actors in Telugu cinema and some films not only made him famous but also changed his career completely so now let’s look at some of Nagarjuna’s breakout roles that made him the star he is today.

‘Vikram’ marked Nagarjuna’s debut as a hero in a full-length film. Before this, he had been seen as a child artist and in ‘Vikram’, he played the central role and proved that he could carry a movie on his shoulders. Audiences and critics took note, and this gave him a strong start in the film industry. This debut laid the foundation for his future stardom.

After his debut, ‘Majnu’ became a major breakthrough for Nagarjuna. The film made him popular and established him as a successful romantic hero. Also its success showed that he could handle both romance and drama, and it earned him a strong fan following early in his career.

In ‘Oopiri’, a Telugu remake of the French film ‘The Intouchables’ and in this Nagarjuna portrayed a wealthy quadriplegic who forms a bond with his caregiver. His performance was emotionally deep and sensitive and also it showed how well he could carry complex, moving roles, winning widespread acclaim and cementing his versatility.

Directed by Ram Gopal Varma, ‘Siva’ was a gritty action film that changed Telugu cinema. Nagarjuna played a college student who fights against corruption and his powerful and emotional performance made him a household name. This role gave him critical acclaim and marked a turning point in his career.

In ‘Geethanjali’, directed by Mani Ratnam, Nagarjuna became known as a romantic icon and his sensitive, heartfelt performance alongside soulful music made young audiences fall in love with him and also the film's popularity helped him become a favourite among romantically inclined viewers, cementing his charm and also his screen presence.