Mahesh Babu: Difference between revisions

{{short description|Indian actor (born 1975)}}

 

{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2022}}

| image              = Mahesh Babu in Spyder.jpg

| caption            = Mahesh in [[Spyder (film)|Spyder]]

| birth_place        = [[Madras]], [[Tamil Nadu]], India

| alma_mater        = [[Loyola College Chennai]]

The younger son of veteran Telugu actor [[Krishna (Telugu actor)|Krishna]], Babu made his debut as a child artist in a cameo role in ''Needa'' (1979), at the age of four, and acted in eight other films as a child artist. He made his debut as a lead actor with ''[[Rajakumarudu]]'' (1999) which won him the Nandi Award for Best Male Debut. Babu achieved his breakthrough with the supernatural drama ''[[Murari (2001 film)|Murari]]'' (2001), and the action film ''[[Okkadu]]'' (2003). He went on to act in other commercially successful films such as ''[[Athadu]]'' (2005), ''[[Pokiri]]'' (2006), ''[[Dookudu]]'' (2011), ''[[Businessman (film)|Businessman]]'' (2012), ''[[Seethamma Vakitlo Sirimalle Chettu]]'' (2013), ''[[Srimanthudu]]'' (2015), ''[[Bharat Ane Nenu]]'' (2018), ''[[Maharshi (2019 film)|Maharshi]]'' (2019), ''[[Sarileru Neekevvaru]]'' (2020) and ''[[Sarkaru Vaari Paata]]'' (2022). ''Pokiri'' held the record of being the [[List of highest-grossing Telugu films|highest-grossing Telugu film]], ''Maharshi'' fetching the [[National Film Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment|National Film Award for Best Popular Film]], while ''Sarileru Neekevvaru'', his highest grosser, collected over {{INR|260 [[crore]]}} at the [[box office]].<ref>{{cite news |date=7 July 2006 |title=Half Yearly report! |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/half-yearly-report-news-telugu-kkfvjzgihiisi.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150808151141/http://www.sify.com/movies/half-yearly-report-news-telugu-kkfvjzgihiisi.html |archive-date=8 August 2015 |access-date=8 August 2015 |work=[[Sify]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=29 February 2020 |title=Sarileru Neekevvaru: Mahesh Babu celebrates 50 Days at box office |url=https://www.thestatesman.com/entertainment/southern_cinema/sarileru-neekevvaru-mahesh-babu-celebrates-50-days-box-office-1502861238.html |access-date=3 September 2020 |work=[[The Statesman (India)|The Statesman]] |language=en-US}}</ref>

Referred to in the media as the [[Prince]] of Tollywood, he is one of the most popular actors of Telugu cinema.<ref>{{cite web |title=Mahesh Babu: When heroes get real |url=http://www.forbesindia.com/article/2015-celebrity-100/mahesh-babu-when-heroes-get-real/41737/1.html |website=forbesindia.com |access-date=18 December 2015}}{{dead link|date=January 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Mahesh Babu turns 42 and fans break the Internet to wish him well |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/mahesh-babu-turns-42-and-fans-break-the-internet-to-wish-him/articleshow/59988625.cms |date=9 August 2017 |newspaper=The Times of India |access-date=4 February 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180603010605/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/mahesh-babu-turns-42-and-fans-break-the-internet-to-wish-him/articleshow/59988625.cms |archive-date=3 June 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> In addition to being an actor, he is a humanitarian and philanthropist – he runs a charitable trust and non-profit organisation, Heal-a-Child.<ref>{{cite web |title=Mahesh Babu |url=https://www.heal-a-child.org/mahesh-babu/ |website=Heal-a-Child |access-date=4 February 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171206111849/http://www.heal-a-child.org/mahesh-babu/ |archive-date=6 December 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref> He is also associated with [[Rainbow Hospitals]] as their goodwill ambassador.<ref>{{cite web |title=Rainbow Hospital announces superstar Mahesh Babu as goodwill ambassador |url=https://www.indiainfoline.com/article/news-sector-pharma-healthcare/rainbow-hospital-announces-superstar-mahesh-babu-as-goodwill-ambassador-115062500436_1.html |website=India Infoline |access-date=4 February 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180204212357/https://www.indiainfoline.com/article/news-sector-pharma-healthcare/rainbow-hospital-announces-superstar-mahesh-babu-as-goodwill-ambassador-115062500436_1.html |archive-date=4 February 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> He plunged into the film exhibition business along with Narayandas Narang of Asian Group with the inauguration of the seven-screen superplex at Gachibowli AMB Cinemas.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/asian-group-and-mahesh-babu-s-7-screen-superplex-amb-cinemas-opens-hyd-92668 |work=thenewsminute.com |title=Asian Group and Mahesh Babu's 7-screen superplex 'AMB Cinemas' opens in Hyd |access-date=1 June 2020}}</ref> He married actress [[Namrata Shirodkar]] in 2005, with whom he has a son and a daughter.

He was educated at [[St. Bede's Anglo Indian Higher Secondary School]], Chennai.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/i-am-in-love-with-hyderabad-news-telugu-mdtmrXbeibbsi.html |title=I am in love with Hyderabad |website=Sify |date=19 March 2012 |access-date=6 July 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150706070908/http://www.sify.com/movies/i-am-in-love-with-hyderabad-news-telugu-mdtmrXbeibbsi.html |archive-date=6 July 2015}}</ref> He obtained a bachelor's degree in commerce from the [[Loyola College, Chennai|Loyola College]], Chennai.{{Sfn|Bhaskar|2012|page=9}} He stated, he was unable to read and write Telugu and used to memorise the dialogues given by his directors during the [[Dubbing (filmmaking)|dubbing]] phase of his films.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/2015-08-06/Mahesh-Babus-confession-shocks-fans-168212 |title=Mahesh Babu's confession shocks fans |work=The Hans India |date=6 August 2015 |access-date=19 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150919055209/http://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/2015-08-06/Mahesh-Babus-confession-shocks-fans-168212 |archive-date=19 September 2015}}</ref>

In 1999, Babu made his debut as a lead actor with the romantic comedy ''[[Rajakumarudu]]'', directed by [[K. Raghavendra Rao]] and co-starring [[Preity Zinta]]. The film was commercially successful, and people began referring to him with the title Prince.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Mahesh-Babu-to-make-Bollywood-debut/articleshow/10215514.cms |title=Mahesh Babu to make Bollywood debut |last=M. Shah |first=Kunal |work=[[The Times of India]] |date=3 October 2011 |access-date=6 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150706084812/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Mahesh-Babu-to-make-Bollywood-debut/articleshow/10215514.cms |archive-date=6 July 2015}}</ref> The film had a 50-day run in 80 centres and a 100-day run in 44 centres. ''Rajakumarudu'' collected a share of {{INR}}10.51 crores from Andhra Pradesh.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://i28.tinypic.com/95y5br.jpg |title=Rajakumarudu shares |website=tinypic.com |access-date=16 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120209022821/http://i28.tinypic.com/95y5br.jpg |archive-date=9 February 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref> It was dubbed in Hindi as ''Prince No. 1'' and in Tamil as ''Kaadhal Vennila''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.easterneye.biz/mahesh-babu-21-fun-facts-about-the-telugu-megastar/|title=Mahesh Babu: 21 fun facts about the Telugu megastar|date=6 August 2020|website=[[Eastern Eye]]}}</ref> The film was again dubbed and released theatrically in Tamil during January 2017 as ''Ivan Oru Thunichalkaran''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=இவண் ஒரு துணிச்சல்காரன் |trans-title=Ivan is a brave man |url=http://cinema.maalaimalar.com/cinema/review/2017/01/28152847/1064763/Ivan-Oru-ThunichalKaran.vpf |date=28 January 2017 |website=Maalaimalar.com |language=ta |access-date=29 March 2022}}</ref> For his performance, he received the Nandi Award for Best Male Debut.<ref name="six nandi">{{cite web |date=14 November 2006 |title=Mahesh Babu Nandi awards list |url=http://www.idlebrain.com/news/2000march20/maheshbabu-nandiawards.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150706085030/http://www.idlebrain.com/news/2000march20/maheshbabu-nandiawards.html |archive-date=6 July 2015 |access-date=6 July 2015 |publisher=[[Idlebrain.com]]}}</ref> He starred in two films the following year&nbsp;– ''[[Yuvaraju (2000 film)|Yuvaraju]]'' and ''[[Vamsi (film)|Vamsi]]''.{{Cn|date=March 2023}} Following their poor performance at the box office,{{Cn|date=March 2023}} he starred in [[Krishna Vamsi]]{{'s}} ''[[Murari (2001 film)|Murari]]'' (2001). He regarded ''Murari'' an important film in his career and the role he played in it one of his favourites.<ref name="MB Int 2005">{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/fr/2005/06/03/stories/2005060302010100.htm |title=His father's son |last=Chowdary |first=Y. Sunita |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |date=3 June 2005 |access-date=6 July 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150706085335/http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/fr/2005/06/03/stories/2005060302010100.htm |archive-date=6 July 2015}}</ref>{{Failed verification|date=March 2023}}<ref>{{cite web |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/Murari-was-a-crucial-film-Mahesh-Babu/articleshow/17626453.cms |title=Murari was a crucial film: Mahesh Babu |last=Kavirayani |first=Suresh |work=The Times of India |date=15 December 2012 |access-date=6 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150706085426/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/Murari-was-a-crucial-film-Mahesh-Babu/articleshow/17626453.cms |archive-date=6 July 2015 |url-status=dead}}</ref> ''Murari'' was a commercial success{{Cn|date=March 2023}} and earned him the [[Nandi Special Jury Award]], in addition to his first nomination for the [[Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Telugu]].<ref name="six nandi" /> Though his 2002 releases ''[[Takkari Donga]]'' and ''[[Bobby (2002 film)|Bobby]]'' performed poorly at the box office,{{Cn|date=March 2023}} his performance in the former fetched him his second Nandi Special Jury Award.<ref name="six nandi" />

Babu had two film releases in 2003, the first one being [[Gunasekhar]]{{'s}} ''[[Okkadu]]'' co-starring [[Bhumika Chawla]], which went on to become the highest grossing Telugu film of the year collecting {{INR}}25–30 crores at the box office.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/mp/2003/07/24/stories/2003072400060202.htm |title=Telugu mid-year report |last=Pillai |first=Sreedhar |date=24 July 2003 |access-date=6 July 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150706085655/http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/mp/2003/07/24/stories/2003072400060202.htm |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |archive-date=6 July 2015}}</ref> He won his first Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Telugu for his performance in the film.<ref name="Okkadu FF">{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/2004/06/04/stories/2004060411680300.htm |title=Pithamagan bags six Filmfare awards |date=4 June 2004 |access-date=6 July 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140819171928/http://www.thehindu.com/2004/06/04/stories/2004060411680300.htm |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |archive-date=19 August 2014}}</ref> The other release was [[Teja (director)|Teja]]{{'s}} ''[[Nijam]]'' co-starring [[Rakshita]]. The film was noted for introducing [[Dolby EX]] surround system in Telugu cinema.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/mp/2003/05/12/stories/2003051201400301.htm |title=Promoting talent |last=Kumar |first=G. Manjula |date=4 June 2004 |access-date=6 July 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150706090523/http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/mp/2003/05/12/stories/2003051201400301.htm |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |archive-date=6 July 2015}}</ref> Though the film was a commercial failure,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/140925/entertainment-tollywood/article/can-ram-charan-break-jinx |title=Can Ram Charan break the jinx? |last=Kavirayani |first=Suresh |work=Deccan Chronicle |date=26 September 2014 |access-date=6 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150706090733/http://www.deccanchronicle.com/140925/entertainment-tollywood/article/can-ram-charan-break-jinx |archive-date=6 July 2015}}</ref> Babu received praise from critics for his performance in the film, with Vijayalaxmi of ''[[Rediff.com]]'' calling him the only reason to watch the film's second half which she termed "a routine tale of vendetta".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2003/may/26nijjam.htm |title=Nijam is a run of the mill tale |author=Vijayalaxmi |work=Rediff.com |date=26 May 2003 |access-date=6 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150706090913/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2003/may/26nijjam.htm |archive-date=6 July 2015}}</ref> He won his first [[Nandi Award for Best Actor]] for his performance in the film, in addition to his third nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Telugu.<ref name="Nijam Nandi">{{cite web |url=http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2004/09/30/stories/2004093002591900.htm |title=Nandi awards announced |work=The Hindu |date=30 September 2004 |access-date=6 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150706091247/http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2004/09/30/stories/2004093002591900.htm |archive-date=6 July 2015}}</ref>

In 2004, Manjula produced his next film,{{Citation needed|date=March 2023}} ''[[Naani]]'', directed by [[S. J. Surya]] co-starring [[Amisha Patel]]. While its simultaneously shot Tamil version ''[[New (film)|New]]'' featuring a different cast proved to be commercially successful, ''Naani'' flopped at the box office.<ref name="MB Int 2005" />{{Non-primary source needed|date=March 2023}} He received his third Nandi Special Jury Award for his performance in his next film, ''[[Arjun (2004 film)|Arjun]]'', directed by Gunasekhar and produced by Ramesh.<ref name="Arjun Nandi">{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/2005/10/10/stories/2005101017920100.htm |title='Anand' walks away with six Nandi awards |date=10 October 2005 |access-date=6 July 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150706091504/http://www.thehindu.com/2005/10/10/stories/2005101017920100.htm |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |archive-date=6 July 2015}}</ref> He chose to act in [[Trivikram Srinivas]]{{'s}} ''[[Athadu]]'' (2005), co-starring [[Trisha Krishnan]], whose script had been approved back in 2002 before the production of ''Naani'' and ''Arjun'' had begun.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.idlebrain.com/news/2000march20/chitchat-maheshbabu1.html |title=Chitchat with Mahesh Babu |publisher=Idlebrain.com |date=29 June 2005 |access-date=6 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150706091711/http://www.idlebrain.com/news/2000march20/chitchat-maheshbabu1.html |archive-date=6 July 2015}}</ref>{{Non-primary source needed|date=March 2023}} It emerged as one of the highest-grossing films of the year.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/fr/2005/12/30/stories/2005123002160100.htm |title=Dubbed films rule yet again |last=Narasimham |first=M. L. |date=30 December 2005 |access-date=6 July 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150706091816/http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/fr/2005/12/30/stories/2005123002160100.htm |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |archive-date=6 July 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Athadu continues to mint money - Telugu cinema news |url=https://www.idlebrain.com/news/2000march20/athadumintsmoney.html |access-date=2023-03-12 |website=www.idlebrain.com}}</ref> The film proved to be a major boost for Babu's career as he received his fourth nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Telugu, in addition to fetching his second Nandi Award for Best Actor for his performance in the role of a hired assassin.<ref name="Athadu Nandi">{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/nandi-awards-for-2005-announced/article3047107.ece |title=Nandi awards for 2005 announced |newspaper=The Hindu |date=12 November 2006 |access-date=6 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150706092137/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/nandi-awards-for-2005-announced/article3047107.ece |archive-date=6 July 2015}}</ref> The movie collected a share of {{INR}}22 crores at the box office.{{Citation needed|date=March 2023}} ''[[Idlebrain.com]]'' gave it a rating of 3.25/5 and mentioned Mahesh Babu is stylish and brilliant as professional killer.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.idlebrain.com/movie/archive/mr-athadu.html |title=Athadu review |publisher=idlebrain.com |date=10 August 2005 |access-date=2 August 2021}}</ref>

He then collaborated with [[Puri Jagannadh]] in 2006 for the film ''[[Pokiri]]'', which was jointly produced by Jagannadh and Manjula.<ref name="Prince TH">{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-fridayreview/the-prince-does-it-again/article3218139.ece |title=The 'Prince' does it again |last=Chowdary |first=Y. Sunita |newspaper=The Hindu |date=12 May 2006 |access-date=6 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150706092735/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-fridayreview/the-prince-does-it-again/article3218139.ece |archive-date=6 July 2015}}</ref> Made on a budget of {{INR}}10 crore and shot within six months,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/mahesh-in-sankranthi-race-news-news-lhvlLSjajbjsi.html |title=Mahesh in Sankranthi race |website=Sify |date=21 July 2011 |access-date=6 July 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150706093007/http://www.sify.com/movies/mahesh-in-sankranthi-race-news-news-lhvlLSjajbjsi.html |archive-date=6 July 2015}}</ref> the film grossed over {{INR}}67 crore at the box office and became the highest grossing Telugu film of all time by the end of its run.<ref>{{cite web |title=Pokiri Total Collections |url=http://www.tollywoodboxoffice.in/2013/10/pokiri-total-worldwide-collections.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180324103601/http://www.tollywoodboxoffice.in/2013/10/pokiri-total-worldwide-collections.html |archive-date=24 March 2018 |access-date=24 March 2018 |work=tollyboxoffice}}</ref>{{Better source needed|reason=The current source is insufficiently reliable ([[WP:NOTRS]]).|date=March 2023}} It was screened at the [[7th IIFA Awards]] held in [[Dubai]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/half-yearly-report-news-telugu-kkfvjzgihiisi.html |title=Half Yearly report! |website=Sify |date=7 July 2006 |access-date=6 July 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150706093459/http://www.sify.com/movies/half-yearly-report-news-telugu-kkfvjzgihiisi.html |archive-date=6 July 2015}}</ref> He received high praise for his performance, with Y.&nbsp;Sunita Chowdary of ''[[The Hindu]]'' opining that "Mahesh's understated performance in ''Pokiri'' allows him effortlessly to reclaim the title of a star, overshadowing his questionable career choices of late".<ref name="Prince TH" /> He won the his second Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Telugu for his performance in the film.<ref name="Pokiri FF">{{cite web |url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/telugu/article/32709.html |title=Prince Mahesh bags Filmfare award |website=IndiaGlitz |date=31 July 2007 |access-date=6 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150706093655/http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/telugu/article/32709.html |archive-date=6 July 2015}}</ref> That same year, his next film, ''[[Sainikudu]]'', co-starring Trisha, was released, but despite much hype, it flopped at the box office.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/telugu-films-a-year-of-few-hits-and-many-flops/article3037223.ece |title=Telugu films: a year of few hits and many flops |last=Madhav |first=K. V. S. |newspaper=The Hindu |date=22 December 2006 |access-date=6 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150706093826/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/telugu-films-a-year-of-few-hits-and-many-flops/article3037223.ece |archive-date=6 July 2015}}</ref>

The following year saw Babu acting in the film ''[[Athidhi]]'', co-starring [[Amrita Rao]], marking her Telugu debut. The film was produced by Mahesh Babu's's brother Ramesh.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/four-frames/article2242185.ece |title=Four Frames |last=Pillai |first=Sreedhar |newspaper=The Hindu |date=17 March 2007 |access-date=6 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150706094017/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/four-frames/article2242185.ece |archive-date=6 July 2015}}</ref> UTV Motion Pictures acquired the film's distribution rights for {{INR}}18.5 crore, which became its first Telugu film venture.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.businessofcinema.com/news.php?newsid=5016 |title=UTV eyes Telegu films; signs Mahesh Babu |publisher=Business of Cinema |date=3 September 2007 |access-date=6 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081012143521/http://www.businessofcinema.com/news.php?newsid=5016 |archive-date=12 October 2008 |url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2008, Babu provided voice-over for the film ''[[Jalsa]]'' directed by Trivikram Srinivas.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.filmibeat.com/telugu/news/2008/jalsa-commentary-mahesh-babu-180308.html |title=Jalsa begins with Mahesh Babu's voice-over |publisher=Oneindia Entertainment |date=18 March 2008 |access-date=6 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150706102205/http://www.filmibeat.com/telugu/news/2008/jalsa-commentary-mahesh-babu-180308.html |archive-date=6 July 2015}}</ref>

In 2011, Babu collaborated with [[Srinu Vaitla]] for the film ''[[Dookudu]]'', which was inspired in part by the 2003 German [[tragicomedy]] film ''[[Good Bye, Lenin!]]''.{{Non-primary source needed|date=March 2023}}<ref>{{cite web |last=Rajamani |first=Radhika |date=4 October 2011 |title=I knew Dookudu would be a blockbuster |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/slide-show/slide-show-1-south-director-seenu-vaitla-on-dookudu/20111004.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141227074407/http://www.rediff.com/movies/slide-show/slide-show-1-south-director-seenu-vaitla-on-dookudu/20111004.htm |archive-date=27 December 2014 |access-date=6 July 2015 |work=Rediff.com}}</ref> Co-starring [[Samantha Ruth Prabhu]], the film received positive reviews upon release and became one of the highest-grossing films of the year. ''Dookudu'' had the largest opening for a [[Telugu cinema|Telugu film]], and collected a share of {{INR}}10.11 crore and a gross of {{INR}}12.58 crore on the first day of its release.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/telugu/article/71379.html |title=Dookudu's first day gross: Rs. 12.58 cr. |website=IndiaGlitz |date=25 September 2011 |access-date=19 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141228070219/http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/telugu/article/71379.html |archive-date=28 December 2014 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'' called ''[[Dookudu]]'' the "biggest hit you've never heard of".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/movies/2011/09/dookudu-daring-dashing-showtimes-reviews-prince-mahesh-samantha.html |title='Dookudu,' the biggest hit you've never heard of |work=[[Los Angeles Times]] |date=29 September 2011 |access-date=6 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141228130035/http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/movies/2011/09/dookudu-daring-dashing-showtimes-reviews-prince-mahesh-samantha.html |archive-date=28 December 2014}}</ref> For his performance in the film, Babu won his third Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Telugu, his third Nandi Award for Best Actor,<ref name="Dookudu Nandi">{{cite news |date=14 October 2012 |title=Nandi awards: Mahesh Babu best actor |newspaper=The Hindu |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/nandi-awards-mahesh-babu-best-actor/article3995830.ece |access-date=6 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141228120745/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/nandi-awards-mahesh-babu-best-actor/article3995830.ece |archive-date=28 December 2014}}</ref> and his first [[SIIMA Award for Best Actor (Telugu)]].<ref name="Dookudu FF">{{cite web |url=http://www.filmibeat.com/telugu/news/2012/59th-south-filmfare-awards-2011-telugu-winners-list-097229.html |title=59th South Filmfare Awards 2011 – Telugu winners list |author=Shekhar |publisher=Oneindia Entertainment |date=9 July 2012 |access-date=6 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141228121819/http://www.filmibeat.com/telugu/news/2012/59th-south-filmfare-awards-2011-telugu-winners-list-097229.html |archive-date=28 December 2014}}</ref><ref name="Dookudu SIIMA">{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-cinemaplus/the-south-shines/article3589711.ece |title=The South Shines |last=Manigandan |first=K. R. |newspaper=The Hindu |date=1 July 2012 |access-date=6 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141228122750/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-cinemaplus/the-south-shines/article3589711.ece |archive-date=28 December 2014}}</ref> The film collected a distributor share of {{INR}}57.4&nbsp;crore in its lifetime and grossed more than {{INR}}100&nbsp;crore in its lifetime.<ref>{{cite web |title=Dookudu Worldwide Closing Collections |url=https://www.telugu360.com/tag/dookudu/ |access-date=4 June 2020 |website=telugu360.com}}</ref> After the film's gross crossed the {{INR}}100 crore mark, Income Tax Department officials conducted a raid on Babu's Jubilee Hills residence as he was rumoured of receiving a remuneration of more than {{INR}}12 crore for his next projects.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/it-raids-on-mahesh-babu-news-news-lmjqaqiehebsi.html |title=IT raids on Mahesh Babu |website=Sify |date=9 December 2011 |access-date=6 July 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141228131635/http://www.sify.com/movies/it-raids-on-mahesh-babu-news-news-lmjqaqiehebsi.html |archive-date=28 December 2014}}</ref> Suresh Kavirayani of ''[[The Times of India]]'' rated it 4 out of 5 and wrote "''Dookudu'' is a typical Srinu Vytla film with a generous sprinkling of comedy. His narrative manages to keep the audience engaged until the end of the movie. This movie comes as a blessing for not just Mahesh Babu, but also for Tollywood, which is badly in need of a hit, after the recent spate of box office debacles. Srinu Vytla and Mahesh Babu have come out with a winner in ''Dookudu''".<ref name="TOI Review">{{cite news |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movie-reviews/Dookudu/movie-review/10093005.cms |title=Dookudu movie review |last=Kavirayani |first=Suresh |newspaper=The Times of India |date=24 September 2011 |access-date=27 December 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141227072651/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movie-reviews/Dookudu/movie-review/10093005.cms |archive-date=27 December 2014}}</ref>

He later played the role of a mafia kingpin with a hidden personal agenda in the film ''[[Businessman (film)|Businessman]]'' (2012), co-starring [[Kajal Aggarwal]] and directed by Puri Jagannadh.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/businessman-review-this-tamil-film-is-for-the-masses/309332-40.html |title='Businessman' Review: This Tamil film is for the masses |author=IANS |publisher=IBN Live |date=7 December 2012 |access-date=6 July 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150222154516/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/businessman-review-this-tamil-film-is-for-the-masses/309332-40.html |archive-date=22 February 2015}}</ref> Upon the film's release, he received praise from critics for his performance in the film, with Y.&nbsp;Sunita Chowdary of ''The Hindu'' writing, "The film has no frills, no vulgar wastage and the hero is practically in every frame; you hear only his voice, he looks good, sounds good, he also steals the comedian's job. Mahesh plays it straight.".<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/article2798529.ece |title=The Businessman: Back in form |last=Chowdary |first=Y. Sunita |newspaper=The Hindu |date=14 January 2012 |access-date=6 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150222154328/http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/article2798529.ece |archive-date=22 February 2015}}</ref> It grossed approximately {{INR}}18.73 crore and collected a share of {{INR}}13.78 crore at the global box office on its first day creating an all-time record in terms of opening day collections.<ref name="Day 1">{{cite web |url=https://www.indiaglitz.com/businessmans-first-day-gross-rs-187354000-telugu-news-76731 |title=Businessman's first day gross: Rs. 18,73,54,000 |website=IndiaGlitz |date=16 January 2012 |access-date=18 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150225093924/http://www.indiaglitz.com/businessmans-first-day-gross-rs-187354000-telugu-news-76731 |archive-date=25 February 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref> Collecting a share of {{INR}}41 crore at the box office,<ref>{{cite web |title=''Business Man'' – Total Collections |url=http://www.tollywoodboxoffice.in/2014/01/business-man-total-worldwide-collections.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190216122518/http://www.tollywoodboxoffice.in/2014/01/business-man-total-worldwide-collections.html |archive-date=16 February 2019 |access-date=2 February 2019 |work=Tollywood Boxoffice}}</ref> ''Businessman'' became one of the highest grossing Telugu films of the year.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/Tollywoods-blockbuster-year/articleshow/17796046.cms |title=Tollywood's blockbuster year |last=Kavirayani |first=Suresh |work=The Times of India |date=28 December 2012 |access-date=6 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150706141646/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/Tollywoods-blockbuster-year/articleshow/17796046.cms |archive-date=6 July 2015 |url-status=dead}}</ref> He received his seventh nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Telugu and his second nomination for the SIIMA Award for Best Actor (Telugu) for his performance in the film.<ref name="TBM FF">{{cite magazine |url=http://www.filmfare.com/features/60th-idea-filmfare-awards-2013-south-nominations-3603-3.html |title=60th Idea Filmfare Awards 2013 (South) Nominations |magazine=Filmfare |date=4 July 2013 |access-date=6 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150225043817/http://www.filmfare.com/features/60th-idea-filmfare-awards-2013-south-nominations-3603-3.html |archive-date=25 February 2015}}</ref><ref name="TBM SIIMA">{{cite web |url=https://www.indiaglitz.com/pawan-kalyan-the-most-voted-for-siima-awards-telugu-news-96877.html |title=Pawan Kalyan, The Most Voted Fir SIIMA Awards |website=IndiaGlitz |date=27 August 2013 |access-date=6 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150617121834/http://m.indiaglitz.com/pawan-kalyan-the-most-voted-for-siima-awards-telugu-news-96877.html |archive-date=17 June 2015}}</ref> By then, Babu was reported to be the second highest-paid actor in [[South India]] after [[Rajinikanth]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/others/news-interviews/Mahesh-Babu-commands-an-eight-figure-pay-cheque/articleshow/11779741.cms |title=Mahesh Babu commands an eight figure pay cheque |work=The Times of India |date=6 February 2012 |access-date=6 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150706142228/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/others/news-interviews/Mahesh-Babu-commands-an-eight-figure-pay-cheque/articleshow/11779741.cms |archive-date=6 July 2015}}</ref>

Babu had two releases in 2014, the first one being [[Sukumar (director)|Sukumar]]{{'s}} ''[[1: Nenokkadine]]'', an action thriller focusing on a celebrity suffering from hallucinations related to the murder of his parents and the discovery of a special variety of rice. [[Kriti Sanon]] played the female lead in this film, marking her acting debut.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/Mahesh-Babu-to-romance-Kriti-Sanon/articleshow/16683552.cms |title=Mahesh Babu to romance Kriti Sanon |last=A. S. |first=Sashidhar |work=The Times of India |date=5 October 2012 |access-date=7 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150706150510/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/Mahesh-Babu-to-romance-Kriti-Sanon/articleshow/16683552.cms |archive-date=6 July 2015}}</ref> Made on a budget of around {{INR}}70 crore, ''1: Nenokkadine'' was released amid huge expectations, but received mixed reviews from the critics, turning out to be a box office bomb by incurring a loss of around {{INR}}26–27 crore.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/0391-nenokkadine039-box-office-collection-mahesh-babu-starrer-is-a-big-disaster-538409 |title='1 Nenokkadine' Box Office Collection: Mahesh Babu Starrer is a Big Disaster |last=Seshagiri |first=Sangeetha |work=International Business Times India |date=12 February 2014 |access-date=7 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150706150704/http://www.ibtimes.co.in/0391-nenokkadine039-box-office-collection-mahesh-babu-starrer-is-a-big-disaster-538409 |archive-date=6 July 2015}}</ref> However, Babu's performance received praise, with critics calling it one of his best performances.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/1-nenokkadine-review-telugu-pcmbhTjiijgch.html |title=Review : 1 Nenokkadine |website=Sify |date=10 January 2014 |access-date=7 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150706150855/http://www.sify.com/movies/1-nenokkadine-review-telugu-pcmbhTjiijgch.html |archive-date=6 July 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/cinema-reviews/1nenokkadine-games-the-mind-can-play/article5562253.ece |title=1-Nenokkadine: Games the mind can play |last=Dundoo |first=Sangeetha Devi |newspaper=The Hindu |date=10 January 2014 |access-date=7 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150706151148/http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/cinema-reviews/1nenokkadine-games-the-mind-can-play/article5562253.ece |archive-date=6 July 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/One-Nenokkadine-Telugu-movie-review-highlights/articleshow/28631278.cms |title=One&nbsp;– Nenokkadine Telugu movie review highlights |last=A. S. |first=Sashidhar |work=The Times of India |date=10 January 2014 |access-date=7 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150706151453/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/One-Nenokkadine-Telugu-movie-review-highlights/articleshow/28631278.cms |archive-date=6 July 2015 |url-status=dead}}</ref> For his performance, he received his fourth nomination for the SIIMA Award for Best Actor (Telugu).<ref name="1 NN SIIMA">{{cite web |url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/siima-awards-2015-nominations-manam-race-gurram-top-telugu-movie-list-636052 |title=SIIMA Awards 2015 Nominations: 'Manam', 'Race Gurram' Top Telugu Movie List |last=H. Hooli |first=Shekhar |work=International Business Times India |date=16 June 2015 |access-date=7 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150707020237/http://www.ibtimes.co.in/siima-awards-2015-nominations-manam-race-gurram-top-telugu-movie-list-636052 |archive-date=7 July 2015}}</ref> Grossing over $1.32 million,''[[1: Nenokkadine]]'' became the fourth-highest-grossing Telugu film in history at the United States box office at that time.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.greatandhra.com/articles/special-articles/prince-turns-king-rules-over-half-the-market-69355.html |title=prince turns king |work=Greatandhra |date=30 September 2015 |access-date=19 March 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180319151552/https://www.greatandhra.com/articles/special-articles/prince-turns-king-rules-over-half-the-market-69355.html |archive-date=19 March 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> Sangeetha Devi Dundoo of ''[[The Hindu]]'' wrote, "How often do we get to watch a Telugu film where the audience, along with the protagonist and supporting characters, is also required to think and distinguish between events unfolding in real and imaginary spaces?" and called ''1&nbsp;Nenokkadine'' a "visually stunning" film.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/cinema-reviews/1nenokkadine-games-the-mind-can-play/article5562253.ece |title=1-Nenokkadine: Games the mind can play |last=Devi Dundoo |first=Sangeetha |work=The Hindu |date=10 January 2014 |access-date=3 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150706151139/http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/cinema-reviews/1nenokkadine-games-the-mind-can-play/article5562253.ece |archive-date=6 July 2015}}</ref> The film earned a distributor share of about {{INR}}28.9 crore, on a budget of {{INR}}70 crore.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Seshagiri |first=Sangeetha |date=28 January 2014 |title='1 Nenokkadine' Box Office Collection: Mahesh Babu Starrer Earns over ₹28 Crore Worldwide Share |url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/0391-nenokkadine039-box-office-collection-mahesh-babu-starrer-earns-over-28-crore-worldwide-share-536174 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160129102440/http://www.ibtimes.co.in/0391-nenokkadine039-box-office-collection-mahesh-babu-starrer-earns-over-28-crore-worldwide-share-536174 |archive-date=29 January 2016 |access-date=29 January 2016 |website=[[International Business Times]] India}}</ref> The film is considered one of the "25 Greatest Telugu Films Of The Decade" by ''[[Film Companion]]''.<ref name="filmcompanion.in" /> The other release, ''[[Aagadu]]'', directed by Srinu Vaitla and co-starring [[Tamannaah]], flopped at the box office,<ref name="Aagadu">{{cite web |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/Aagadu-was-a-failure-Mahesh-Babu/articleshow/45326005.cms |title=Aagadu was a failure: Mahesh Babu |last=A. S. |first=Sashidhar |work=The Times of India |date=30 November 2014 |access-date=7 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150707020422/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/Aagadu-was-a-failure-Mahesh-Babu/articleshow/45326005.cms |archive-date=7 July 2015}}</ref> despite grossing {{INR}}60 crore.{{Citation needed|date=March 2023}} Karthik Pasupulate of ''[[The Times of India]]'' gave the film 3 out of 5 stars and called ''Aagadu'' "''Dookudu'' 2.0" in operating system parlance. Pasupulate added that it seems more like a remake of ''Dookudu'' with a "much louder Mahesh Babu, more banal jokes, and a few superficial twists in the screenplay", and that the end product is "more slapstick than funny".<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movie-reviews/Aagadu/movie-review/42891219.cms |title=Aagadu Movie Review |last=Pasupulate |first=Karthik |date=19 September 2014 |website=The Times of India |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140924140413/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movie-reviews/aagadu/movie-review/42891219.cms |archive-date=24 September 2014 |access-date=13 October 2014}} {{rating|3|5}}</ref>

In 2016, he acted in Srikanth Addala's film ''[[Brahmotsavam (film)|Brahmotsavam]]'' co-starring [[Kajal Aggarwal]], [[Samantha Ruth Prabhu]] and [[Pranitha Subhash]]. Originally produced as a bi-lingual, the film would've marked Babu's first straight-out Tamil film. However, later on the plan was altered due to its disastrous performance at the Telugu box office and the film wasn't released in Tamil.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Rakul-out-Samantha-Kajal-in-for-Mahesh-Babus-Tamil-debut/articleshow/47852246.cms |title=Rakul out, Samantha, Kajal in for Mahesh Babu's Tamil debut |last=Suganth |first=M. |work=The Times of India |date=29 June 2015 |access-date=7 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150629080831/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Rakul-out-Samantha-Kajal-in-for-Mahesh-Babus-Tamil-debut/articleshow/47852246.cms |archive-date=29 June 2015 |url-status=dead}}</ref> While the film underperformed at the [[Boxoffice|box office]], the ''[[Deccan Chronicle]]'' stated that Mahesh Babu was its saving grace. The film was criticised by the public, for its lack of a proper story.<ref>{{cite news |last=Kavirayani |first=Suresh |title=Brahmotsavam movie review: Mahesh Babu the saving grace |url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/movie-reviews/210516/brahmotsavam-movie-review-mahesh-babu-the-saving-grace.html |date=21 May 2016 |newspaper=[[Deccan Chronicle]] |access-date=14 August 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160924155144/http://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/movie-reviews/210516/brahmotsavam-movie-review-mahesh-babu-the-saving-grace.html |archive-date=24 September 2016}}</ref> Babu stated that this was an error of judgement, where he had picked the wrong director.<ref>{{cite web |title=I want to take the responsibility for Brahmotsavam's failure at the box office |url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/mahesh-babu-i-want-to-take-the-responsibility-for-brahmotsavams-failure-at-the-box-office/ |website=IndiaToday.in |access-date=13 October 2016}}</ref>

His next film was the political action drama ''[[Bharat Ane Nenu]]'' (2018), directed by [[Koratala Siva]] and co-starring [[Kiara Advani]]. In this film, he played the role of a chief minister. It went on to gross more than {{INR|172 crore}}, and was second highest-grossing film of that year.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Top 5 highest grossing Telugu films of 2018 – Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/top-5-highest-grossing-telugu-films-of-2018/articleshow/67301018.cms |access-date=3 September 2020 |website=The Times of India |language=en}}</ref> Hemanth Kumar of ''[[Firstpost]]'' wrote "Mahesh Babu and Koratala Siva deliver an intense political drama". Kumar also said, "Siva has shown yet again that there's plenty of drama when a normal guy takes an uncommon path. Bharat might have become the messiah of the state in the story, but it's Mahesh Babu who leaves a long lasting impression in the end. Two big thumbs up for the film. It delivers more than what it promises" giving 4 stars out of 5.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bharat Ane Nenu movie review: Mahesh Babu, Koratala Siva deliver an intense political drama |url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/bharat-ane-nenu-movie-review-mahesh-babu-koratala-siva-deliver-an-intense-political-drama-4439447.html |website=firstpost.com |date=20 April 2018 |access-date=26 October 2019}}</ref> His performance in the film earned him his tenth nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Telugu.{{Citation needed|date=March 2023}} His next film, ''[[Maharshi (2019 film)|Maharshi]]'' (2019) directed by [[Vamshi Paidipally]] and co-starring [[Pooja Hegde]] collected a total of {{INR|175 crore}} worldwide.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/maharshi-deleted-scene-mahesh-babu-flirts-with-multiple-girls-and-pooja-hegde-follows-him/articleshow/70807028.cms |title=Maharshi deleted scene: Mahesh Babu flirts with multiple girls and Pooja Hegde follows him – Times of India |website=The Times of India |date=23 August 2019 |access-date=9 November 2019}}</ref> Hemanth Kumar of ''[[Firstpost]]'' mentioned the film owes a lot to Mahesh Babu's conviction to pull off his role and he makes you believe in his characterisation so much that it doesn't feel like fiction. His flamboyance in the college sequences and the maturity with which he pulled off the village segments is noteworthy.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/maharshi-movie-review-mahesh-babus-conviction-holds-this-partly-underwritten-film-together-6598591.html |title=Maharshi movie review |date=9 May 2019 |access-date=2 May 2020}}</ref> The film was awarded the [[National Film Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment|Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment]] at the [[68th National Film Awards]] and Babu won the SIIMA Award for Best Actor – Telugu for his performance.<ref>{{Cite news |date=22 March 2021 |title=67th National Film Awards: Complete list of winners |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/67th-national-film-awards-complete-list-updating/article34131921.ece |access-date=22 March 2021 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=SIIMA 2021 Telugu winners' full list: Mahesh Babu, Allu Arjun, Nani, Rashmika Mandanna, and others win big |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/siima-2021-telugu-winners-full-list-mahesh-babu-allu-arjun-nani-rashmika-mandanna-and-others-win-big/articleshow/86350633.cms |website=The Times of India |date=20 September 2021}}</ref>

His 2020 film, ''[[Sarileru Neekevvaru]]'', collected {{INR|260 crores|link=yes}} in worldwide box office, becoming one of the highest-grossing Telugu films.<ref>{{cite news |title=Sarileru Neekevvaru: Mahesh Babu celebrates 50 Days at box office |url=https://www.thestatesman.com/entertainment/southern_cinema/sarileru-neekevvaru-mahesh-babu-celebrates-50-days-box-office-1502861238.html |access-date=5 March 2020 |work=The Statesman |date=29 February 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=26 June 2020 |title=Highest-grossing Telugu movies at WW box office |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/dh-galleries/photos/baahubali-2-to-khaidi-no-150-highest-grossing-telugu-movies-at-the-worldwide-box-office-854029 |access-date=3 September 2020 |website=Deccan Herald |language=en}}</ref> Hemanth Kumar of ''[[Firstpost]]'' mentioned ''[[Sarileru Neekevvaru]]'' packages oodles of humour and action in right measures for Babu to hit the ball out of the park. Everything else is just a bonus or a distraction.<ref>{{Citation |url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/sarileru-neekevvaru-movie-review-mahesh-babu-hits-it-out-of-the-park-in-anil-ravipudis-fine-blend-of-heroism-and-comedy-7892311.html |title=Sarileru Neekevvaru movie review |date=11 January 2020 |access-date=2 May 2020}}</ref> His performance in the film earned him his eleventh nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Telugu. He next began filming for ''[[Sarkaru Vaari Paata]],'' marking his maiden collaboration with director [[Parasuram (director)|Parasuram]] in January 2021.<ref>{{Cite news |author=Special Correspondent |date=25 January 2021 |title=Mahesh Babu's 'Sarkaru Vaari Paata' goes on floors |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/mahesh-babu-and-keerthy-sureshs-sarkaru-vaari-paata-goes-on-floors/article33656137.ece |access-date=25 January 2021 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> The film was released in May 2022 to mixed reviews from critics. Although the screenplay and story received criticism, Babu's performance in the film received praise from various critics including ''[[The Hindu]]'',''<ref>{{cite news |last1=Dundoo |first1=Sangeetha Devi |date=12 May 2022 |title='Sarkaru Vaari Paata' movie review: It's a formulaic thing! |website=[[The Hindu]] |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/reviews/sarkaru-vaari-paata-its-a-formulaic-thing/article65406850.ece/amp/ |access-date=12 May 2022}}</ref>'' ''[[Hindustan Times]],<ref>{{cite web |date=12 May 2022 |title=Sarkaru Vaari Paata review: Mahesh Babu's film checks all the boxes of a commercial entertainer |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/telugu-cinema/sarkaru-vaari-paata-review-mahesh-babu-s-film-checks-all-the-boxes-of-a-commercial-entertainer-101652327879025-amp.html |access-date=12 May 2022 |website=[[Hindustan Times]]}}</ref>'' ''[[India Today]]'',''<ref>{{cite web |title=Sarkaru Vaari Paata Movie Review: Mahesh Babu does the heavy lifting to sell this formula film |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/amp/movies/regional-cinema/story/sarkaru-vaari-paata-movie-review-mahesh-babu-does-the-heavy-lifting-to-sell-this-formula-film-1948562-2022-05-12 |access-date=12 May 2022 |website=[[India Today]]}}</ref>'' and ''[[Pinkvilla]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Sarkaru Vaari Paata Movie Review: Mahesh Babu's entertainment makes up for plain writing |url=https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/south/sarkaru-vaari-paata-movie-review-mahesh-babus-entertainment-makes-plain-writing-1089630%3famp |access-date=12 May 2022 |website=[[Pinkvilla]]}}</ref>''

Babu has two upcoming films in various stages production. Babu is set to re-unite with Trivikram Srinivas for their third collaboration from April 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |last=K. |first=Janani |date=3 February 2022 |title=Mahesh Babu and Trivikram Srinivas's film goes on floors with puja, shooting begins in April |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/mahesh-babu-and-trivikram-srinivas-s-film-goes-on-floors-with-puja-shooting-begins-in-april-1908221-2022-02-03 |website=India Today}}</ref> He is also committed to star in [[S. S. Rajamouli]]'s untitled film which is expected to begin its production in 2023. The film is touted to be a jungle adventure set in Africa.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Lohana |first1=Avinash |title=EXCLUSIVE: Mahesh Babu & SS Rajamouli's film to roll in first half of next year, confirms KV Vijayendra Prasad |url=https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/south/exclusive-mahesh-babu-ss-rajamoulis-film-roll-first-half-next-year-confirms-kv-vijayendra-prasad-1085309 |website=[[Pinkvilla]] |date=9 May 2022}}</ref>

His popularity has been documented in several Telugu films such as ''[[Ashta Chamma]]'' (2008),<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2008/sep/05ssa.htm |title=Ashta Chamma is pure fun |last=Rajamani |first=Radhika |work=Rediff.com |date=5 September 2008 |access-date=19 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150919163131/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2008/sep/05ssa.htm |archive-date=19 September 2015}}</ref> ''Kiraak'' (2014),<ref>{{cite web |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movie-reviews/Kiraak/movie-review/41855298.cms |title=Kiraak Movie Review |last=Kumar |first=Hemanth |work=The Times of India |date=6 September 2014 |access-date=19 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151219004637/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movie-reviews/Kiraak/movie-review/41855298.cms |url-status=live |archive-date=19 December 2015}}</ref> and ''Superstar Kidnap'' (2015).<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/superstar-kidnap-good-performaces-make-it-work/article7383032.ece |title=Superstar Kidnap: Good performances make it work |last=Chowdhary |first=Y. Sunita |newspaper=The Hindu |date=3 July 2015 |access-date=19 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150919162728/http://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/superstar-kidnap-good-performaces-make-it-work/article7383032.ece |archive-date=19 September 2015}}</ref>{{Weasel inline|date=March 2023}} He joined [[Twitter]] in April 2010 and has 12&nbsp;million followers {{As of|2021|7|lc=y}}.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://twitter.com/urstrulymahesh?lang=en |title=Mahesh Babu Official Twitter Account |access-date=4 May 2020 |website=[[Twitter]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327070020/https://twitter.com/urstrulymahesh?lang=en |archive-date=27 March 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref>{{Relevance inline|date=March 2023}}

Babu stood in 31st place on ''[[Forbes India]]''{{'}}s Celebrity 100 list for the year 2012, with annual earnings of {{INR}}42.25 crore.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://forbesindia.com/lists/2012-celebrity-100/1395/1 |title=2012 Celebrity 100 List |work=Forbes India |access-date=11 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150711071335/http://forbesindia.com/lists/2012-celebrity-100/1395/1 |archive-date=11 July 2015}}</ref> He slipped to 54th place on the same list for the year 2013, with his annual earnings dropping to {{INR}}28.96 crore.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://forbesindia.com/lists/2013-celebrity-100/1439/1 |title=2013 Celebrity 100 List |work=Forbes India |access-date=11 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150711071334/http://forbesindia.com/lists/2013-celebrity-100/1439/1 |archive-date=11 July 2015}}</ref> In the following year, he climbed to the 30th position with an annual earning figure of {{INR}}51 crore.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://forbesindia.com/lists/2014-celebrity-100/1489/1 |title=2014 Celebrity 100 List |work=Forbes India |access-date=11 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150711071333/http://forbesindia.com/lists/2014-celebrity-100/1489/1 |archive-date=11 July 2015}}</ref> In 2015, he placed 36th, the highest ranking [[Telugu cinema|Telugu]] celebrity, with an income of {{INR}}51 crore.<ref>{{cite news |last=DNA Web Team |title=Mahesh Babu leads in Forbes India 2015 celebrity list from Tollywood |url=http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-mahesh-babu-leads-in-forbes-india-2015-celebrity-list-from-tollywood-2154552 |date=11 December 2015 |newspaper=[[Daily News and Analysis|DNA India]] |access-date=25 September 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160818200411/http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-mahesh-babu-leads-in-forbes-india-2015-celebrity-list-from-tollywood-2154552 |archive-date=18 August 2016}}</ref> He was placed 37th, 33rd and 54th consecutively in the years leading up to 2019 with an annual earning of {{INR}}35 crore.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Mahesh Babu – Forbes India Magazine |url=https://www.forbesindia.com/celebprofile2019/mahesh-babu/1819/107 |access-date=3 September 2020 |website=Forbes India |language=en}}</ref> He was once criticized for his limited and predictable wardrobe when attending events.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/The-different-shades-of-Mahesh-Babu/articleshow/46339219.cms |title=The different shades of Mahesh Babu |work=The Times of India |date=23 February 2015 |access-date=11 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150711071723/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/The-different-shades-of-Mahesh-Babu/articleshow/46339219.cms |archive-date=11 July 2015}}</ref>{{Relevance inline|date=March 2023}}

Babu married his co-star [[Namrata Shirodkar]] on 10 February 2005 at the [[Marriott Hotel]], Mumbai during the shooting of ''[[Athadu]]'' (2005).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/mahesh-babu-weds-namrata-news-telugu-kkfv87aahbcsi.html |title=Mahesh Babu weds Namrata! |website=Sify |date=10 February 2005 |access-date=8 July 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150708133117/http://www.sify.com/movies/mahesh-babu-weds-namrata-news-telugu-kkfv87aahbcsi.html |archive-date=8 July 2015}}</ref> The couple's first child was born on 31 August 2006 at the Global Hospital in Hyderabad.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/mahesh-babu-is-a-daddy-news-telugu-kkfvirieahd.html |title=Mahesh Babu is a daddy! |website=Sify |date=2 September 2006 |access-date=8 July 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150708133108/http://www.sify.com/movies/mahesh-babu-is-a-daddy-news-telugu-kkfvirieahd.html |archive-date=8 July 2015}}</ref> The boy was named Gautam.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-08-31 |title=Mahesh Babu wishes son Gautam Ghattamaneni on 16th birthday: ‘I can’t wait to see you grow into your best self’ |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/telugu/mahesh-babu-wishes-his-son-gautam-ghattamaneni-on-16th-birthday-i-cant-wait-to-see-you-grow-into-your-best-self-8122966/ |access-date=2023-03-06 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref> On 20 July 2012, Shirodkar gave birth to a girl whom they named Sitara.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/Mahesh-Babu-names-his-daughter-Sitara/articleshow/15077305.cms |title=Mahesh Babu names his daughter Sitara |last=Kavirayani |first=Suresh |work=The Times of India |date=22 July 2012 |access-date=8 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150708133107/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/Mahesh-Babu-names-his-daughter-Sitara/articleshow/15077305.cms |archive-date=8 July 2015}}</ref> Before her delivery, they preserved her [[Stem cell|stem cells]] using stem cell banking to ensure a better immunity level.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/Im-the-bad-cop-at-home-Namrata-Shirodkar/articleshow/14555468.cms |title=I'm the bad cop at home: Namrata Shirodkar |last=Chowdary |first=Asha |work=The Times of India |date=2 July 2012 |access-date=8 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150708133105/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/Im-the-bad-cop-at-home-Namrata-Shirodkar/articleshow/14555468.cms |archive-date=8 July 2015}}</ref>

In September 2004, Babu and director [[Gunasekhar]] attended a rally organised by his fans at [[Warangal]] for the promotional activities of ''Arjun''. He and his fans allegedly raided two video libraries and assaulted their owners who were circulating unauthorised CDs of the film. Cases under [[Indian Penal Code|IPC]] section 448 (criminal trespass), section 427 (mischief) and section 366 (kidnap) were registered on him, who was the principal accused, and five others.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/Police-gun-for-star-after-piracy-stunt/articleshow/847244.cms |title=Police gun for star after piracy stunt |work=The Times of India |date=11 September 2004 |access-date=20 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150920052226/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/Police-gun-for-star-after-piracy-stunt/articleshow/847244.cms |archive-date=20 September 2015 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Later, a delegation from the Telugu film industry, including his father [[Krishna (Telugu actor)|Krishna]], [[Chiranjeevi]], [[Nagarjuna (actor)|Nagarjuna]], [[Allu Aravind]] and [[D. Suresh Babu]], approached the then chief minister [[Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy]] to intervene in this case. Regarding the issue, Babu said that while cases were booked against him on "the basis of wrong information," not a single case had been booked against the person dealing in bootlegged CDs, which he found the "funniest" thing.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sify.com/youth/fullstory.php?id=13565626 |title=Telegu film industry seeks action against piracy |website=Sify |date=13 September 2004 |access-date=20 September 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150920052236/http://www.sify.com/youth/fullstory.php?id=13565626 |archive-date=20 September 2015}}</ref> Actor [[Pawan Kalyan]] openly supported Babu throughout the episode.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/Pawan-Mahesh-to-promote-Allu-Arjun/articleshow/46229332.cms |title=Pawan, Mahesh to promote Allu Arjun? |work=The Times of India |date=14 February 2015 |access-date=20 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150214030146/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/Pawan-Mahesh-to-promote-Allu-Arjun/articleshow/46229332.cms |archive-date=14 February 2015}}</ref> Babu surrendered in the district court in September 2004 and appeared before the court again in April 2006. Babu and the others were exonerated after the final hearing in July 2006.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/court-acquits-film-actor-mahesh-babu/article3101649.ece |title=Court acquits film actor Mahesh Babu |newspaper=The Hindu |date=7 July 2006 |access-date=20 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150920052215/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/court-acquits-film-actor-mahesh-babu/article3101649.ece |archive-date=20 September 2015}}</ref>

{{Main|List of awards and nominations received by Mahesh Babu}}Mahesh Babu is a recipient of eight [[Nandi Awards]], five [[Filmfare Awards South|Filmfare South Awards]], three [[CineMAA Awards]], three [[Santosham Film Awards]], four [[South Indian International Movie Awards|SIIMA Awards]] and one [[1st IIFA Utsavam|IIFA Utsavam Award]].{{Notelist}}