In Tollywood, when we talk about a young hero who made it without any film background, the first name that comes to everyone’s mind is Natural Star Nani. With no connections in the industry, Nani carved a niche for himself with his acting talent. He climbed the ladder of success with each film, proving his mettle with unforgettable roles.
Making his debut with the film “Ashta Chamma,” Nani eventually rose to become a Pan India star with the success of “Dasara.” Recently, with “Hi Nanna,” he has etched an indelible mark in the hearts of family audiences. With these two films, Nani has proven that he is not just a Tier 2 hero but a major force in cinema. He is now ready to create a stir in theaters with his latest film, “Saripodhaa Sanivaaram.”
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Nani’s journey to success (Happy Birthday Nani) wasn’t overnight. His choice of stories, the challenges he faced in the film industry, have all contributed to his standing today. On Nani’s birthday, let’s take a moment to revisit his cinematic journey, his hit films, and the roles that have helped him establish himself in the industry.
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Ashta Chamma (2008)
Nani’s natural acting talent was first introduced to Telugu audiences through “Ashta Chamma.” This film not only showcased Nani’s acting capabilities but also tagged him as the boy-next-door. His performance as Mahesh was so natural that it left a strong impression right from his debut film, opening doors to numerous opportunities.
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Ride (2009)
In “Ride,” Nani’s portrayal of Arjun brought out his acting prowess. Playing a young man battling life’s challenges, Nani’s expressions and emotional depth were commendable. This role further established him as an emerging actor in the industry.
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Ala Modalaindi (2011)
With “Ala Modalaindi,” Nani made his mark as a solo hero for the first time. His role as Gautham, filled with comedy, introduced a new facet of Nani to the audience. His excellent comic timing was a major highlight, and the chemistry with heroine Nithya made the film a super hit, cementing Nani’s career path.
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Pilla Zamindar (2011)
“Pilla Zamindar” showcased Nani as a comedy star. His performance in every scene was notable for its humor and emotional depth, making the film a box office success.
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Eega (2012)
Working with director Rajamouli in “Eega” was a turning point in Nani’s career. Though he appeared on screen for a short duration, his role as a reincarnated fly was memorable and contributed significantly to the film’s success.
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Bhale Bhale Magadivoy (2015)
In “Bhale Bhale Magadivoy,” Nani played a character with a forgetful nature, entertaining audiences with his impeccable comedy timing and emotional expressions. His role as Lucky received praise from critics, significantly boosting his fan following.
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Nenu Local (2017)
“Nenu Local” elevated Nani to the league of leading heroes. His performance was a standout, making him a favorite among producers. The film’s success proved that a movie with Nani is a guaranteed hit at the box office.
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MCA (Middle Class Abbayi) (2017)
In MCA, Nani portrayed a middle-class boy, earning high praise for his performance. The film, made on a budget of Rs. 25 crores, grossed Rs. 70 crores at the box office, thanks to Nani’s popularity.
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Ninnu Kori (2017)
“Ninnu Kori” took Nani’s acting to another level. Playing a lover and a heartbroken man, he captivated the audience, especially in the climax, where his performance was emotionally stirring.
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Jersey (2019)
“Jersey” showcased Nani’s full potential as an actor. Playing a failed cricketer, he delivered a performance so convincing that it was hard to imagine anyone else in the role. His portrayal in emotional scenes was particularly powerful, earning him widespread acclaim.
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Gang Leader (2019)
In “Gang Leader,” Nani appears as a person who assists a group of five women, a character completely different from the one he played in “Jersey” released the same year. As Pencil Parthasarathy, Nani brings laughter and in the second half, excites as a young man who outsmarts the antagonist.
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V (2020)
In the film “V,” Nani is seen in a negative role, delivering a performance that does justice to the challenging character. This film proved Nani’s versatility, showcasing his ability to excel in any given role.
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Tuck Jagadish (2021)
Nani fully embodies the character in “Tuck Jagadish,” once again proving his unparalleled skills in emotional scenes. In a nutshell, Nani carried this film on his shoulders.
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Shyam Singha Roy (2021)
In “Shyam Singha Roy,” featuring a reincarnation storyline, Nani performs dual roles as Vasu and Shyam Singha Roy, excelling in both. His appearance, dialogue delivery, and expressions in this film are refreshingly new.
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Ante… Sundaraniki! (2022)
In “Ante… Sundaraniki!” released last year, Nani plays a young man from a Brahmin family, fully immersing himself in the character of Sundar Prasad. His impeccable comedy timing once again wins over the audience.
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Dasara (2023)
In “Dasara,” Nani portrays a rustic character, capturing hearts with his portrayal of Dharni. This pan-India film has won over Bollywood audiences as well, with expectations high for it to become one of the best in terms of collections and performance in Nani’s career.
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Hi Nanna (2023)
“Hi Nanna,” directed by young director Shauryuv and starring Nani and Mrunal Thakur, is filled with heart-touching emotions, greatly appealing to family audiences. Nani’s exceptional performance has once again captured hearts.
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From “Ashta Chamma” to “Hi Nanna,” Nani’s cinematic journey is nothing short of remarkable. Utilizing every opportunity to grow, Nani’s rise serves as an inspiration to current and future generations of actors. His string of successes in the industry stands as a testament to his dedication, hard work, and talent.
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Here’s wishing Natural Star Nani to reach even greater heights in his career, with heartfelt wishes from YOUSAY.