Rao Ramesh & Mahesh Babu Movies Together List — 5 Films
Complete Movies List & Collaboration History
Last updated: 2026-06-04 · Data sources: Wikipedia, TMDB
Rao Ramesh and Mahesh Babu appeared together in 5 Telugu films between 2010 and 2020. Their highest-rated collaboration was Khaleja (2010 — 7.8/10). Films span Khaleja (2010) through Sarileru Neekevvaru (2020).
The Rao Ramesh & Mahesh Babu partnership
From Khaleja (2010) to Sarileru Neekevvaru (2020). Khaleja is the one most viewers reach for. It started with Khaleja (2010).
The shape of the work
The 2010s account for 80% of everything they made together. The 2010s belonged to Khaleja; the 2020s to Sarileru Neekevvaru. Rao Ramesh acted in every film; Mahesh Babu acted in all of them. Strictly Telugu cinema — they never crossed industries together.
Partnership facts
- Rao Ramesh was Mahesh Babu's first choice for the role of the Chief Minister in 'Bharath Ane Nenu' (2018). Mahesh personally called him and said, 'I want you to play the CM. No one else.'
- In 'Maharshi' (2019), Rao Ramesh played a corporate villain opposite Mahesh Babu. Mahesh deliberately underplayed his scenes in their confrontations, letting Ramesh's loud, theatrical energy do the heavy lifting — a rare move from a star who usually dominates every frame.
- During the shoot of 'Sarileru Neekevvaru' (2020), Rao Ramesh and Mahesh Babu would share a cup of tea between takes. Ramesh later said Mahesh never once made him feel like a supporting actor — they'd discuss scenes as equals.
- Rao Ramesh said about Mahesh Babu: 'He is the only hero who, after a scene, will come to me and ask, 'How was I? Did I do it right?' That humility is rare.'
- Their three-film run (2018-2020) established a template for Telugu star-hero vs. character-actor dynamics. After 'Bharath Ane Nenu', several other heroes started specifically casting Rao Ramesh as their on-screen rival or mentor, directly copying the Mahesh-Ramesh formula.
5 films across 2 decades
The 2010s brought 4 films together, anchored by Khaleja (7.8/10).
The 2020s accounted for 1 film, averaging 6.0/10.
- Khaleja
- Seethamma Vakitlo Sirimalle Chettu
- Sarileru Neekevvaru
The partnership in numbers
Partnership Pattern
5 films across 10 years represents consistent collaboration.
Language Distribution
Linguistic diversity: 1 language, with Telugu being their primary medium.
Where each was in their career
After Sarileru Neekevvaru, Rao Ramesh kept going for 44 more films; Mahesh Babu stepped back.
Before Khaleja, Rao Ramesh had starred in 4 films, including Kotha Bangaru Lokam (2008) and Gamyam (2008).
After Sarileru Neekevvaru, Rao Ramesh went on to appear in 44 more films, including Jai Bhim (2021) and Kiss (2025).
Before Khaleja, Mahesh Babu had starred in 14 films, including Athadu (2005) and Pokiri (2006).
After Sarileru Neekevvaru, Mahesh Babu went on to appear in 2 more films, including Guntur Kaaram (2024) and Sarkaru Vaari Paata (2022).
Collaboration Journey
A chronological view of Rao Ramesh & Mahesh Babu's professional partnership
Actors and musicians who worked on most of their films
Prakash Raj is the through-line — cast on 5 of their 5 films. Prakash Raj appears alongside them in 5 films — practically a third lead. Devi Sri Prasad scored 3 of them.
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