Before you watch Project K, take a look at Kamal Haasan’s best Telugu films

Kamal Haasan has largely distanced himself from Telugu cinema post the early 90s where he did films like Subha Sankalpam and Drohi. He returned to the industry only in 2009 with Eenadu alongside Venkatesh and followed it with Cheekati Rajyam in 2015. Eight years after his direct Telugu release, he’s given his nod to another Telugu film with Nag Ashwin’s Project K, that also stars Prabhas, Deepika Padukone, Disha Patani, Amitabh Bachchan.

Before you watch Project K on the big screen in 2024, take a look at the most celebrated Telugu films of the ‘Ulaganayagan’ over the years.

Maro Charitra

Kamal’s career-changing hit, directed by K Balachander, established him as a commercially bankable star in Telugu cinema. His terrific performance, ably matched by his Telugu diction, the iconic album by MS Viswanathan immensely contributed to its success.

Platform: Amazon Prime Video

Idi Katha Kaadu

A remake of Balachander’s Tamil hit Avargal, Kamal remarkably reprised his role from the original playing the enthusiastic admirer and Malayali colleague of the traumatised female protagonist, played by Jayasudha. The innocence and the vulnerability in his act charm us even today.

Platform: Youtube

Aakali Rajyam

Another Kamal-Balachander collaboration, this drama, capturing the restlessness of jobless yet educated youngsters from the 70s, was simultaneously filmed in Tamil as Varumayin Niram Sivappu. Also stars Sridevi, Pratap Pothan, YG Mahendra and others with a blockbuster album by MSV.

Platform: Amazon Prime Video

Sommokadidhi Sokokadidhi

Trust Singeetham Srinivasa Rao to bring out the best of Kamal Haasan in comedy! A simple lost-and-found story revolving around identical twins - a doctor and a thief - the film established Kamal’s versatility as an actor. Also stars Jayasudha, Roja Ramani, Prabhakar Reddy and others.

Platforms: Eros Now, Amazon Prime Video

Sagara Sangamam

Sans any debate, filmmaker K Viswanath gave Kamal Haasan his career-best film in Telugu. The story of a failed classical dancer who rediscovers his purpose in the last phases of his life came with the right blend of drama, romance, humour and mellifluous music by Ilaiyaraaja. Also stars Jayaprada.

Platforms: Voot, Amazon Prime Video

Swathi Muthyam

The simple story of a romance between a specially abled man and a widowed woman with a son was India’s official selection for the Academy Awards in 1986. Need we say more? In this K Viswanath directorial, Kamal Haasan shares screen space with Radhika, Nirmalamma, Gollapudi Maruthi Rao and JV Somayajulu.

Platform: Sun NXT

Indrudu Chandrudu

The story where an abandoned son of a corrupt mayor postures like his dead father for immediate gains is a laugh riot. Kamal Haasan in a double role was ably complemented by a superb Vijayashanti in this Suresh Krissna-directed dramedy. Also stars Charan Raj, Nagesh, Srividya.

Platform: Youtube

Drohi

Simultaneously filmed in Tamil as Kuruthipunal, Kamal Haasan joined forces with Arjun, Gauthami, Nasser for the PC Sreeram directorial. An official remake of the Hindi hit Drohkaal, the drama does justice in capturing the vicious equation between the police force and naxals.

Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Eros Now