At the pinnacle of his career at 48, Mahesh Babu, one of the most lucratively compensated actors in the South Indian film industry, is basking in the glory of his recent success. Commencing his acting journey at the tender age of four with Needa (1979), Mahesh Babu transitioned into a lead actor with the 1999 release Rajakumarudu, marking the inception of a two-decade-long journey filled with numerous blockbusters like Murari (2001), Okkadu (2003), Arjun (2004), Pokiri (2006), Dookudu (2011), Bharat Ane Nenu (2018), Maharshi (2019), and the latest addition, Sarkaru Vaari Paata (2022).
A luminary in the Telugu film arena, Mahesh Babu returns to the big screen with the adrenaline-pumping action film, Guntur Kaaram. Helmed and scripted by Trivikram Srinivas, this film represents their third collaboration, following Athadu (2005) and Khaleja (2010). The recently unveiled Telugu spectacle, revolving around a gangster’s life, features Meenakshi Chaudhary and Sreeleela in pivotal roles.
Renowned as an actor, producer, and philanthropist, Mahesh Babu commands one of the highest paychecks in the South Indian film industry. As per a report by Times of India, the versatile actor has pocketed a staggering sum of approximately Rs 78 crore (plus GST) for portraying the character of Venkata Ramana, a gangster abandoned by his mother early in life. The film intricately unfolds Ramana’s transformative journey, triggered by his love for a journalist determined to expose the criminal underbelly of Guntur City. Alongside Mahesh Babu, the cast includes Ramya Krishna, Jayaram, Prakash Raj, and Jagapathi Babu in significant roles.
At the pre-release event of Guntur Kaaram, director Trivikram Srinivas showered accolades on Mahesh Babu’s unwavering commitment. Srinivas remarked, “Mahesh is poised to infuse 100 percent dedication into roles that Krishna Garu could not venture into. Despite 24 years in the cinematic realm, Mahesh radiates the same energy showcased in Khaleja. His youthful vigor remains intact, reminiscent of his early years.”
Beyond the silver screen, Mahesh Babu’s financial empire extends to a reported net worth of $33 million (approximately Rs 273 crore), according to CNBC TV18. Besides his acting endeavors, the 48-year-old actor rakes in substantial earnings from diverse business ventures, including the AN Restaurant, AMB Cinemas multiplex, The Humbl Co apparel brand, and numerous brand endorsements.
