8 blockbusters rejected by Venkatesh

Arshi Khanam

Venkatesh’s missed opportunities  

South megastar Venkatesh has a stunning filmography with a string of major hits. However, he missed out on several blockbusters as he turned down the offers. Take a look here: 

Gharshana (Airtel Xstream)  

Mani Ratnam’s blockbuster Agni Natchathiram a.k.a. Gharshana first approached Venkatesh as a lead actor but after his rejection, it went to Prabhu and Karthik.

Roja (ZEE5)  

Another Mani Ratnam’s critical and commercial success that offered Venkatesh the lead character. However, he rejected the role, and it was later passed on to Arvind Swamy.  

Indian (Bharateeyudu) - Aha 

This gripping vigilante action by S Shankar initially tried to rope in Venkatesh before Kamal Haasan, who played dual roles in the superhit film.  

Oke Okkadu (YouTube) 

Venkatesh was the first choice for this blockbuster political action film featuring Manisha Koirala. Director Shankar later offered it to Arjun Sarja.  

Santosham (YouTube)  

This Telugu dramedy emerged as a blockbuster; it is one of the missed superhits for Venkatesh as he rejected the role that later proved a turning point for Nagarjuna.  

Govindudu Andarivadele (Prime)

Krishna Vamsi’s actioner had a star-studded cast and became one of the highest-grossing Telugu films. The filmmaker offered a role to Venkatesh but after his rejection, it went to Srikanth.  

Krack (ZEE5, Aha)  

Gopichand Malineni’s action film proved to be a game-changer for Ravi Teja. However, it was Venkatesh who was the first choice for the filmmaker.  

Krishnam Vande Jagadgurum (Prime Video)  

Krish Jagarlamudi first offered the lead role of Babu to Venkatesh but after he declined the offer, the film was headlined by Rana Daggubati and emerged as a hit.