Birthday Special! Mohan Babu: Blockbuster films the veteran actor produced and starred in

One of the most respected actors of the Telugu film industry of all time and an effortless performer, Mohan Babu Manchu turns 69 on March 19. Known for his whistle worthy performances, looks, warmth and one of the most important facts is his simplicity, the ace veteran actor has always stayed away from the media glare, depriving fans of the chance to see him and read about him. In the career span of over 40 years, he has starred in more than 500 films so far.

On the occasion of his birthday, take a look at the blockbuster films the veteran actor produced and starred in.

Mohan Babu shared screen space with late legendary actor-cum-politician Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao in several films, and ‘Major Chandrakanth’ is one among the best. The actor had starred in and funded the film under his home banner Sree Lakshmi Prasanna Pictures. This is the story of a retired army major who fed up with the corruption and chaos in the society decides to bring change in the society. The duo played father and son in the film, which was directed by K Raghavendra Rao. This was the last outing of Sr NTR, who came back to power in 1992. Apart from them, the film also stars Ramya Krishnan, Nagma, Sharada, Amrish Puri, Brahmanandam, and among others.

The ace actor had a dual role, Pedarayudu and Raja (Father & Son) in the Ravi Raja Pinisetty directorial film ‘Pedarayudu’. He shared screen space with Tamil superstar Rajinikanth in the film. Indeed, both are good friends even off-screen. The film tells the story of a kindhearted and disciplined village head who always strictly delivers the right verdict for the issues in the village, never hesitates to curse whether family members or himself. Mohan Babu had bankrolled the film under his successful production banner Sree Lakshmi Prasanna Pictures. The film has also Soundarya, Bhanupriya, Raja Ravindra, Brahmanandam, Subhashri, Chalapathi Rao, Kaikala Satyanarayana in the star cast.

Mohan Babu played a young man Vishnu who desperately needs money, who accepts a deal to pretend to be another woman’s husband. Actress-cum-Bharatanatyam dancer Shobana had played his love interest in the film, which was directed by K Raghavendra Rao and produced by Mohan Babu himself. The family drama was the official remake of Malayalam blockbuster ‘Chithram’, starring Mohanlal directed by Priyadarshan. However, the Telugu version was commercially successful and ran for more than 100 days. Legendary music composer KV Mahadevan had scored evergreen music for this flick. Besides Mohan Babu and Shobana, the film also features Kongara Jaggaiah, Chandramohan and Gollapudi Maruthi Rao.

One of the most challenging roles the actor played so far. He played a slacker who passes time for his own sake, falsely implicated in a murder case and tries to gain an acquittal in it. He contests in the assembly elections and discovers the criminal links in the region. Bollywood actress Divya Bharti played his love interest in the political drama, which was directed by B Gopal and produced by Mohan Babu himself. This was the remake of the 1990 Tamil film ‘Velai Kidaichuduchu’, directed by P Vasu. The film also stars Jaggayya, Gollapudi Maruti Rao, Annapoorna, Brahmanandam, Kaikala Satyanarayana and Mohan Raj in pivotal roles.

Whenever the title of the film is mentioned, the first thing that anyone remembers is the actor’s portrayal of a street thug Rambabu, who has been hired by a local corrupt politician to rape a bride named Anjali and has been convinced that he is sitting the wrong way on a path. His transformation as a good Samaritan is one of the major highlights in the film. Shobana is the female lead of the movie, where she successfully convinced him to change his ways. Mohan Babu had funded this film under Sree Lakshmi Prasanna Pictures banner. Narra Venkateswara Rao, Kota Srinivasa Rao, Prasad Babu as Anjali's elder brother, Annapoorna and Brahmanandam have played supporting roles in the film.

The B Gopal directorial is said to be the remake of 1991 Tamil blockbuster film of the same name. Mohan Babu had acquired the Telugu remake rights and remade it under his home banner Sree Lakshmi Prasanna Pictures banner. Besides Mohan Babu, the film also stars Aishwarya, Brahmanandam, Jaggayya, Shilpa Shirodkar and Jeeva in key roles. The film’s music, given by MM Keeravani establishes setting, creates atmosphere and emotion, calls attention to elements and translates the director’s thoughts, and encouraging the audience into the narrative deployment.