Nassar & Mahesh Babu Movies Together List — 11 Films
Complete Movies List & Collaboration History
Last updated: 2026-06-04 · Data sources: Wikipedia, TMDB
Nassar and Mahesh Babu appeared together in 11 Telugu films between 2000 and 2019. Their highest-rated collaboration was Athadu (2005 — 7.7/10). Films span Vamsi (2000) through Maharshi (2019).
The Nassar & Mahesh Babu partnership
From Vamsi (2000) to Maharshi (2019). Pokiri (2006, 7.5/10) is the underseen one in the catalogue. Athadu is the one most viewers reach for.
It started with Vamsi (2000).
The shape of the work
The 2000s belonged to Athadu; the 2010s to Businessman. Nassar acted in every film; Mahesh Babu acted in all of them. Strictly Telugu cinema — they never crossed industries together.
Partnership facts
- Nassar was the one who suggested Mahesh Babu for 'Vamsi' (2000). The director wasn't sure about casting a newcomer, but Nassar pushed for him. That film became Mahesh's first hit.
- In 'Dookudu' (2011), Nassar played Mahesh's father. Their scenes together had a specific rhythm: Mahesh would deliver rapid-fire dialogue, and Nassar would react with silent, expressive pauses. That contrast became the emotional anchor of the blockbuster.
- For '1: Nenokkadine' (2014), Nassar played a psychiatrist. Mahesh insisted on rehearsing their confrontation scene for two hours before the shoot. Nassar later said Mahesh's intensity pushed him to bring a sharper, more clinical edge to his performance.
- Nassar and Mahesh share a real-life bond that goes beyond films. Nassar has said Mahesh calls him 'Nassar garu' with genuine respect, and they often discuss family and farming — not just cinema — when they meet.
- Nassar once said about Mahesh: 'He is the only hero who asks me, “Sir, is this okay?” even after 20 years. That humility is rare.'
- Their father-son dynamic in 'Dookudu' (2011) set a template for Telugu commercial films. After that, multiple blockbusters copied the formula of a hero with a loving, supportive father figure — a trend that lasted through the 2010s.
11 films across 2 decades
The 2000s brought 6 films together, anchored by Athadu (7.7/10).
The 2010s brought 5 films together, anchored by Businessman (7.4/10).
- Athadu
- Naani
- Businessman
- Dookudu
The partnership in numbers
Partnership Pattern
11 films across 19 years represents consistent collaboration.
Language Distribution
Linguistic diversity: 1 language, with Telugu being their primary medium.
Where each was in their career
73% of Mahesh Babu's screen credits are with Nassar. When they first worked together, Nassar had 52 films behind them; Mahesh Babu had 1. After Maharshi, Nassar kept going for 52 more films; Mahesh Babu stepped back.
Before Vamsi, Nassar had starred in 52 films, including Mugam (1999) and Indira (1995).
After Maharshi, Nassar went on to appear in 52 more films, including 10th Class Diaries (2022) and 800 (2023).
Before Vamsi, Mahesh Babu had starred in 1 film, including Raja Kumaradu (1999).
After Maharshi, Mahesh Babu went on to appear in 3 more films, including Guntur Kaaram (2024) and Sarileru Neekevvaru (2020).
Collaboration Journey
A chronological view of Nassar & Mahesh Babu's professional partnership
Actors and musicians who worked on most of their films
Prakash Raj is the through-line — cast on 7 of their 11 films. Thaman scored 3 of them. They worked with the same 11 people again and again — a small repertory company.
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