Balakrishna's Double Role Telugu Movies: A Record-Breaking Achievement in Tollywood

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In the realm of Telugu cinema, Balakrishna stands out for his exceptional number of dual roles, surpassing his contemporaries. Featuring in dual roles in 18 films, he set a record in Tollywood. His performances in dual roles have been widely celebrated. Let's explore Balakrishna's dual role films, where he showcased his remarkable versatility. Balakrishna's legacy in dual roles within the Telugu cinema landscape illustrates his extraordinary talent and lasting appeal.

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1 . Apoorva Sahodarulu(October 21 , 1949)

U/A|Adventure,Drama

Separated at birth, twins Vijayan and Vikram learn about the death of their parents through a doctor. They embark on a journey of vengeance against those responsible for their parents' demise.

Balakrishna's initial foray into dual roles was in 'Apoorva Sahodarulu,' directed by K Raghavendra Rao. He portrayed the characters of Ramu and Arun Kumar in this film.

2 . Ramudu Bheemudu(November 17 , 1988)

U|141 minutes|Drama

Ramudu Bheemudu is a 1988 Telugu-language drama film, produced by CHVV Satyanarayana under the Satyam Cine Enterprises banner and directed by K. Murali Mohana Rao. Starring Nandamuri Balakrishna, Radha, Suhasini and music composed by Chakravarthy.

In 'Ramudu Bheemudu,' under the direction of K Murili Mohan Rao, Balakrishna excelled in the roles of Rama and Bhima. His performance, paired with Suhasini and Radha, was well-received.

3 . Brahmarshi Viswamitra(April 19 , 1991)

U|148 minutes|Drama,Musical

Based on the life of Vishwamitra, this movie was directed by NTR, who also played as Vishwamitra. This film marked the debut of Taraka as a child actor.

This film, directed by Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao, featured Balakrishna as Satyaharishchandra and Dusyanthu. However, it did not achieve commercial success.

4 . Aditya 369(July 18 , 1991)

U|141 minutes|Adventure,Science Fiction

Aditya 369 is a 1991 Indian Telugu-language science fiction film written and directed by Singeetam Srinivasa Rao. It is considered to be the first time travel film made in Indian cinema. The film stars Nandamuri Balakrishna and Mohini while Amrish Puri, Tinnu Anand, and Suthivelu play supporting roles.The music was composed by Ilaiyaraaja and Jandhyala wrote the dialogues. The film was produced by S. Anitha Krishna on Sridevi Movies banner with S. P. Balasubrahmanyam as the presenter. Upon release, the film received critical acclaim and was a commercial success. It received two Nandi Awards. Aditya 369 is considered a landmark film in the science fiction genre in Indian cinema.The film explored dystopian and post-apocalyptic themes in a satirical manner.

In 'Aditya 369,' directed by Singeetham Srinivas Rao, Balakrishna impressed audiences in the dual roles of Srikrishna Devaraya and Krishna Kumar, contributing to its box office triumph.

5 . Maatho Pettukoku(July 28 , 1995)

U|147 min|Action,Comedy

SP Arjun and his twin brother Kittayya vow to eradicate criminals. However, a gangster challenges them. The story unfolds how they defeated him.

Directed by A Kodandarami Reddy, Balakrishna's dual roles as SP Arjun and Kishtaiah were complemented by Roja and Rambhalu.

6 . Sri Krishnarjuna Vijayam(May 15 , 1996)

U|157 minutes|Drama,Fantasy

This film, based on a small part of the Mahabharata called "Paanchali Parinayam", features Balakrishna in dual roles as Krishna and Arjuna, with Roja as Draupadi.

In this successful film directed by Singeetham Srinivas, Balakrishna portrayed Arjuna and Lord Krishna, with Roja, Rambha, and Priyaraman in other significant roles.

7 . Peddannayya(January 10 , 1997)

U|146 minutes|Drama

Ramakrishna Prasad wishes to settle his younger brothers. The story takes a turn when his youngest brother marries a prostitute.

A box office hit, Balakrishna played the dual roles of Ramakrishna Prasad and Bhavani Prasad, with Roja and Indraja as the leading ladies.

8 . Sultan(May 27 , 1999)

U|143 minutes|Action

The task of capturing a terrorist named Sultan is assigned to a police officer, Ashok. Ashok devises multiple plans to catch Sultan, who is in disguise. The story takes a turn when Ashok arrests Sultan's identical twin brother, Prithvi.

'Sultan,' directed by Sarath, showcased Balakrishna in a negative role and another character, Prithvi. He shared the screen with Krishnamraju and superstar Krishna.

9 . Chennakesava Reddy(September 25 , 2002)

U/A|145 minutes|Action,Drama

Chennakesava Reddy, serving a prison sentence for a crime he didn't commit, is released with a jailer's help. He heads to Rayalaseema to seek revenge against those who framed him. His police officer son, unaware of his father's past, opposes his criminal activities but eventually learns the truth and helps him.

Directed by V. V. Vinayak, Balakrishna appeared as Chennakesava Reddy and Bharat Reddy in this commercially successful film, with Tabu and Shriya Saran as co-stars.

10 . Allari Pidugu(October 05 , 2005)

U|171 minutes|Drama

Ranjith and Giri are twin brothers. Ranjith, a powerful police officer, is tough on criminals, while Giri leads a simple life. When GK, a don, decides to take revenge on Ranjith, Giri joins his brother.

Directed by Jayant C. Paranji, Balakrishna took on the roles of ACP Ranjith Kumar and Giri. The film, however, was not a commercial success, despite featuring Katrina Kaif and Charmi Kaur.

11 . Okka Magaadu(January 10 , 2008)

A|178 minutes|Drama

Ramu arranges a marriage for a couple. The groom, being the son of the state's Chief Minister, sets his sights on Ramu. Meanwhile, an elderly man, who looks just like Ramu, is killing corrupt individuals. Who is this old man? What is his relation to Ramu? How do they confront the CM's conspiracies? That is the story.

'Okka Magadu,' directed by YVS Chaudhary, saw Balakrishna in dual roles, alongside Simran and Anushka Shetty, but the movie didn't fare commercially.

12 . Pandurangadu(May 30 , 2008)

U/A|156 minutes|Drama

Pundarikudu, a womanizer, neglects his parents and wife, spending time with a prostitute. She eventually poisons him. How does Pundarikudu recover and realize his mistakes?

In this K Raghavendra Rao-directed film, Balakrishna portrayed Pandu Rangadu and Lord Krishna, but the movie didn't perform well at the box office. Tabu and Sneha were his co-stars.

13 . Simha(April 30 , 2010)

A|156 minutes|Action

Srimannarayana, a college professor, sees a new girl, Janaki, join his college. Janaki falls in love with him at first sight. However, Janaki's past is linked to Srimannarayana's father's past. Who is Janaki, and what is the story of Srimannarayana's father? This forms the rest of the story.

Directed by Boyapati Srinu, 'Simha' marked a turning point for Balakrishna. His roles as Simha and Srimannarayana played a significant part in the film's success.

14 . Parama Veera Chakra(January 12 , 2011)

U/A|Action,Drama

Major Jayasimha captures a cruel terrorist but becomes a victim of a conspiracy by terrorists and some army officers, ending up in a hospital. Chakradhar, resembling him, takes his place. What did Chakradhar do next?

In this Dasari Narayana Rao-directed film, Balakrishna played Major Jayasimha and Chakradhar. However, it didn't meet success at the box office.

15 . Adhinayakudu(June 01 , 2012)

A|151 mins|Action,Romance

Harishchandra Prasad tries to set up a steel factory in Rayalaseema, but villains plot against it. What happens next? That's the story.

Balakrishna's triple role in Paruchuri Murali's 'Adhinayakudu' was a bold attempt, but it failed to make a mark at the box office. Saloni, Lakshmirai, and Jayasudha co-starred.

16 . Legend(March 28 , 2014)

A|161 minutes|Action,Drama

Krishna (Balakrishna) comes to India and gets into a conflict with Jitender’s (Jagapathi Babu) son. Seeing Krishna, Jitender is shocked. Did Jitender and Krishna know each other before? What role does Jayadev (Senior Balakrishna) play in the story? That is the story.

'Legend,' under Boyapati's direction, was a blockbuster where Balakrishna shined in dual roles as Jayadev and Krishna, with Sonal Chavan and Radhika Apte.

17 . Akhanda(December 02 , 2021)

U/A|167 minutes|Action,Drama

Murali Krishna (Balakrishna), a village elder, supports the poor. Varada Rajulu (Srikanth) starts uranium mining in the village, endangering the lives of local people. What did Murali Krishna do? Why did he have to go to jail? Who is Akhanda? How did he confront the mining mafia? That's the story.

In the Balakrishna-Boyapati hit 'Akhanda,' Balakrishna mesmerized audiences as Rudra Aghora and Muralikrishna, with Pragya Jaiswal as the female lead.

18 . Veera Simha Reddy(January 12 , 2023)

U/A|172 minutes|Action,Drama

In "Veera Simha Reddy," Balakrishna plays dual roles as father and son. Senior Balakrishna (Veerasimha Reddy) is a godlike figure to the people of Rayalaseema. He would do anything for his step-sister Bhanumathi (Varalaxmi), who he loves dearly. However, Bhanumathi eagerly awaits Balakrishna's death. Meanwhile, Junior Balakrishna lives abroad with his mother. The story unfolds why Veerasimha Reddy distances himself from his family and why his beloved sister wants to kill him.

Directed by Gopichand Malineni, this film was a box office success, featuring Balakrishna in the roles of Pulicharla Veerasimha Reddy and Jaya Simha Reddy, alongside Honeyroj and Shruti Haasan.

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