The Story Of Mahesh Babu’s Second-Time Trysts

It’s the sixth time in his career that Mahesh Babu is working with a director for the second time.  Ahead of the release of ‘Bharat Ane Nenu’, we take stock of how the second trysts turned out to be for the actor.

1.  It was Gunasekhar’s ‘Okkadu’ that made Mahesh a commodity worthy of massy films.  Released in 2003, the action-romantic-comedy is one of the top five best films in his career.  But when they teamed up for ‘Arjun’ in 2004, the experience was mixed.  This time, it was a family-action entertainer.  Although Mahesh’s performance is splendid in ‘Arjun’, the BO collections were not so.  (The director-hero duo teamed up again in 2006 for ‘Sainikudu’, which was a disaster).

Result: Mixed

2.  ’Athadu’ might well be the most-watched Mahesh film ever, if you take into consideration the TV viewings.  Released in 2005, it was a hit at the box office and has been a blockbuster on TV.  But when Trivikram Srinivas teamed up with the hero for ‘Khaleja’ (2010), disaster waited for them at the theatre.

Result: Decisively unfavorable 

3.  ’Pokiri’ in 2006 crystallized Mahesh’s superstardom.  Puri Jagannadh’s punch dialogues were awaited with enthusiasm in ‘Businessman’ (2012).  This time, however, the response was lukewarm from some sections.  However, the film did fairly well at the box office.

Result: Fairly good

4.  Srinu Vaitla’s ‘Dookudu’ was a blockbuster in 2011.  Mahesh Babu’s comic timing came out with a flourish.  But when the duo teamed up for ‘Aagadu’ in 2014, it was a disaster.

Result: Don’t even ask!

5.  Srikanth Addala delivered a hit with Mahesh Babu and Venkatesh when he made ‘Seethamma Vakitlo Sirimalle Chettu’.  That was in 2013.  Three years later, however, ‘Brahmotsavam’ was a ‘Flopotsavam’.  

Result: Miserable experience

6.  ’Srimanthudu’ in 2015 is considered one of the most respected films of the decade.  So, Koratala Siva is expected to dish out a more-than-worthy film this time.  The verdict will be out on April 20.  

Result: Our wait is as long as yours

Note: The ‘Result’ segment speaks of the second-time associations.