On the last day of the decade, we take a look at the stars of Telugu cinema and how they fared through the decade. We have 6 top league stars (not including the seniors). Each one had a unique thing going at the box office. Here we take a look at them.
Prabhas:
Prabhas had the most successful decade among all the stars in Telugu. He started the decade with Darling and followed it up with successes like Mr Perfect and Mirchi (his first in all-time top 5). However, his decision to star in Baahubali movies changed his life forever. It was a risk well worth, and now Prabhas enjoys pan-India stardom like no one else before. For the sheer impact and high-value stakes, he is the star of the decade by miles. Saaho proves his stardom beyond any shadow of a doubt.
Mahesh Babu: King of Big Earners
Superstar Mahesh Babu had a sabbatical during the second half of the last decade. He hit back with a vengeance scoring a hat-trick early in the decade with Dookudu, Businessman and Seethamma Vakitlo Sirimalle Chettu. These movies also gave him a hat-trick for opening week record as well. Then he had a down phase involving back to back duds. However, he ended the decade with a bang with Srimanthudu, Bharat Ane Nenu and Maharshi in the second half of the decade. If a Mahesh Babu film gets a decent talk, it will find a place in the top earners has gone strongly into the trade.
Jr NTR: King of Averages
Young Tiger NTRhas had an eventful decade that can be divided into two halves right at the centre in 2015. Tarak before 2015 has been inconsistent, however, starting from Temper, he has changed track and has been consistent all the way until the end of the decade. He has had the highest number of movies in the top 5 in the decade and also second-highest opening days (including non-Baahubali).
Ram Charan:
Ram Charan is also a mirror image of Jr NTR regarding consistency. The only difference is unlike Tarak, he has less opening records. But, Charan makes up for them with a long run when he gets the right talk.
Pawan Kalyan: King of Openings
Powerstar Pawan Kalyan dominated the first half of the decade. He had the openings, and also the long run. He was the first star, who crossed the mighty Magadheera (worldwide). He has the most opening day records (including non-Baahubali). The second half has been disastrous with back to back disaster movies.
Allu Arjun: Mr Consistent
Prabhas and Allu Arjun was sailing on the same boat the start of the decade. In fact, Stylish Star Allu Arjun was in a better position. The difference between them is `the Baahubali movies which helped Prabhas earn pan-India fame and made him the “Star of The Decade”. On his part, Allu Arjun has been highly consistent. After Jr NTR he has had the most number of films in top 5 over the decade.
