Tollywood actors have carved a unique position in the Indian diaspora. Contemporary Tollywood actors have gained so much cult following and stardom that even Bollywood veterans are no match in comparison.
Bahubali, RRR, Enthiran and Pushpa are a few of the movies that have helped cement the aura of the best Tollywood actors in India across all regions. Actors like Prabhas, Allu Arjun and Ram Charan have been critically acclaimed for their touching roles.
In popular media, Tollywood actors are trending much more and making headlines day after day with compelling acting and movies. Tollywood has produced marvellous stars in its glorifying history, and Flickonclik has picked the best Tollywood actors among a plethora of talented individuals working in the Tollywood industry.
Here are the 10 greatest Tollywood actors of all time:
1- Rajinikanth
Rajinikanth is perhaps the biggest superstar in the Indian film industry. His trademark stylish moves and patterns have inspired countless emulations by the fans and actors alike.
He has also worked in Bollywood and has won manifold nominations and awards in his illustrious career spanning over 45 years. Rajinikanth began his journey as an antagonist in Tamil films but soon rebranded himself as an actor worth portraying the protagonist.
He has acted in innumerable blockbusters over the years, including Enthiran, Shivaji: The Boss and Chandramukhi. His legend is unparalleled, and as an actor, his calibre is hard to find again.
2- Akkineni Nagarjuna
Nagarjuna is also a legend in the Indian film fraternity who has acted in both Tollywood and Bollywood films. In his splendid career spanning over three decades, he has acted in more than 100 films.
He started as a child artist in 1967 and made appearances in movies starring his father. Later in 1986, he got his break to debut as the main lead in Vikram, directed by V. Madhusudhan Rao.
Since then, he has never looked back and established himself as a bankable and one of the best actors in Tollywood with his prominent roles in superhits like- Don No.1, Mass, Manam and many more.
3- Kamal Hassan
Kamal Hassan is one of the pioneers in the South Indian film industry. He has worked as an actor, filmmaker, choreographer, director and playback singer in several movies in his career of more than five decades.
He started his journey as a child artist in the 1960 film Kalathur Kannamma. Hassan received a Presidential gold medal for his role in the movie and went on to register a breakthrough performance as the lead in Apoorva Raagangal in 1975.
He is honoured by the French government for his contributions to the arts and cinema. France conferred upon him The Ordre des Arts et des Lettres in 2016 for his outstanding contribution to theatre arts.
4- Chiranjeevi
Chiranjeevi is a legendary actor who has featured in more than 150 films in his acting career of more than 40 years. He is the first Telugu star to start his own personal website.
He began his illustrious career in 1978, but his breakthrough role came in 1987 when he starred in Swayamkrushi, a film that got dubbed into Russian and premiered at Moscow Film Festival.
The reputed star has also performed many philanthropic deeds and once held the Ministry of Tourism in India. In the 90s, he was dubbed as bigger than the Bollywood behemoth Amitabh Bachchan.
5- Ajith Kumar
Ajith Kumar is widely regarded as Thala in Tamil Nadu due to the mass launching of his films on a large scale. He is a popular South Indian actor who has starred in more than 60 films.
He began his career as a supporting actor in the 1990s and later transformed into a larger than life actor in South Indian cinema. He has starred in blockbusters like Mankatha, Amarkalam and Kaadhal Mannan.
Ajith has also ventured into Formula one racing and actively competed in race car competitions around Delhi and Mumbai.
6- Allu Arjun
The icon star of South cinema, famous for his fantastic dancing skills and fabulous acting, has established himself as one of the most popular actors in Tollywood cinema.
His recent release Pushpa: The Rise became a phenomenon at the box office and reiterated his spot as one of the best actors in Tollywood cinema.
He has acted in more than 30 films and is one of the highest-paid actors in South cinema. He is loved across all regions of India, and fans regularly trend him on social media platforms.
7- Prabhas
Prabhas came to the limelight with his epic-historical-fiction Bahubali, which shattered all the previous records in Indian cinema’s history.
His fandom has grown considerably over the years and has established him as on of the most-sought after actor in Tollywood. Fans are eagerly waiting for his next release, Adipurush, which is scheduled to release later in 2022.
8- Jr NTR
Jr NTR is known as the young tiger of Tollywood. He has starred in more than 30 films and has received critical acclaim for his versatile roles over the years.
His recent release RRR has transformed him into a global phenomenon and announced the mettle of his acting methods all over India.
His next movie NTR 30, has created a lot of buzzes even before the poster or teaser of the movie has been officially released.
9- Ram Charan
Chiranjeevi’s son, Ram Charan, has made his own unique identity in the film industry. Currently, he is one of the best actors in Tollywood, who loves to experiment with different genres.
Recently, he starred in RRR alongside Jr NTR, and the movie has turned out to be a box office behemoth. Ram Charan is being praised for his surreal role in the film, and suddenly his stature has climbed up a million miles in Tollywood.
10- Pawan Kalyan
The younger brother of superstar Cheeranjivi occupies tenth place in the list of best Tollywood actors of all time. He predominantly works in Telugu movies and has successfully created a huge fan following with his impactful performances.
Kalyan is also a philanthropist and has worked and donated for the betterment of society. He is adored by fans for his endearing and welcoming personality. Kalyan is dominantly viewed as an action star, but he has acted brilliantly in some dramas as well.
Other than that, Pawan Kalyan is also a martial artist who excels in the art of self-defence. He holds a black belt in Karate and uses the techniques in his various movies.
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