Nani Movies List: Every Film From Ashta Chamma to HIT 3

Telugu cinema has seen a distinct shift in how stories are narrated over the last two decades, and the Nani movies list provides a clear map of this evolution. Known professionally as the "Natural Star," Nani has built a filmography that balances high-concept experiments with relatable middle-class dramas. Transitioning from an assistant director to one of the most bankable lead actors in the industry, his journey reflects a conscious effort to pick scripts that offer both commercial viability and narrative depth.

As of April 2026, his body of work spans nearly four dozen films, encompassing roles as an actor, producer, and voice artist. This comprehensive breakdown explores the milestones that defined his career, the technical growth in his performances, and the latest releases that continue to shape his legacy.

The early years and the commercial breakthrough (2008–2011)

The inception of the Nani movies list began with the 2008 comedy Ashta Chamma, directed by Mohana Krishna Indraganti. An adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest, the film was a surprise hit, establishing Nani as an actor with impeccable comic timing. Unlike many of his contemporaries who relied on heavy action tropes, the focus here was on wit and relatable characterization.

Following this debut, films like Ride (2009) and Snehituda (2009) catered to a younger audience. However, it was Bheemli Kabaddi Jattu (2010) that showcased his range in serious drama. A remake of the Tamil film Vennila Kabadi Kuzhu, this sports drama featured a tragic ending that was rare for mainstream heroes at the time, earning him critical respect.

By 2011, Ala Modalaindi became a cultural phenomenon in the romantic comedy genre. Directed by Nandini Reddy, the film’s naturalistic dialogues and the chemistry between the leads helped it achieve sleeper hit status. This era concluded with his Tamil debut in Veppam, showing an early intent to cross linguistic borders.

Global recognition and experimental narratives (2012–2015)

2012 marked a significant turning point in the Nani movies list with the release of Eega. Directed by S.S. Rajamouli, this fantasy action film featured Nani in a unique role where he is murdered and reincarnated as a housefly. Despite limited screen time in human form, his performance in the first act set the emotional stakes for the entire movie. Eega was a massive success across India and received international acclaim at various film festivals.

During this period, Nani also collaborated with Gautham Vasudev Menon for Yeto Vellipoyindhi Manasu (2012). The film explored a romance across different stages of life—school, college, and adulthood. His performance as Varun Krishna earned him the Nandi Award for Best Actor, cementing his reputation as a performer who could handle complex emotional nuances.

After a brief lull with films like Paisa and Aaha Kalyanam, he returned to form with Yevade Subramanyam (2015). This philosophical drama, set against the backdrop of the Himalayas, focused on self-discovery and life’s meaning beyond corporate success. It was followed by Bhale Bhale Magadivoy, a blockbuster comedy where he played a scientist with a memory loss condition. The film’s success proved that Nani could carry a movie to major box office heights through humor alone.

Consistency and the "Natural Star" era (2016–2018)

From 2016 to 2017, the Nani movies list saw an unprecedented streak of commercial successes. This phase is often referred to by industry analysts as his peak consistency period.

• Krishna Gaadi Veera Prema Gaadha (2016): A mix of romance and factional drama set in the Rayalaseema region.
• Gentleman (2016): A mystery thriller that experimented with shades of grey in characterization.
• Ninnu Kori (2017): A mature take on heartbreak and moving on, which resonated deeply with urban audiences.
• MCA (Middle Class Abbayi) (2017): A traditional family entertainer that solidified his reach among the masses, becoming one of his highest-grossing films.

In 2018, he ventured into hosting with Bigg Boss Telugu Season 2, expanding his domestic presence. On the film front, Devadas, a multi-starrer with veteran actor Nagarjuna, showed his ability to hold his own alongside established legends in a buddy-comedy format.

The critical peak: Jersey and beyond (2019–2022)

If one film in the Nani movies list is frequently cited as a masterpiece, it is Jersey (2019). Directed by Gowtam Tinnanuri, the film is a sports drama about Arjun, a failed cricketer who decides to return to the sport in his late 30s for the sake of his son. The portrayal was hailed for its vulnerability and restrained intensity. Jersey won two National Film Awards and is considered a benchmark for sports cinema in India.

Post-Jersey, Nani began prioritizing more diverse and challenging scripts:

• Gang Leader (2019): A quirky revenge comedy where he played a crime novelist leading a group of women from different age groups.
• V (2020): His 25th film, where he took on a full-fledged antagonist role as a serial killer challenging a celebrated cop. This was his first direct-to-OTT release during the global pandemic.
• Shyam Singha Roy (2021): A period drama involving themes of reincarnation and social reform in Kolkata. Nani played dual roles, with the character of the revolutionary writer Shyam Singha Roy receiving immense praise for its dignity and screen presence.
• Ante Sundaraniki (2022): A satirical take on inter-faith marriages and the lies people tell to appease traditional families. The film was noted for its lengthy but engaging screenplay and nuanced performances.

The Mass transformation and current status (2023–2026)

In recent years, the Nani movies list has shifted toward "raw and rustic" storytelling, starting with Dasara (2023). Set in the coal mines of Telangana, Nani underwent a complete physical transformation to play Dharani. The film was a massive commercial success and showcased his ability to lead a large-scale action spectacle.

He quickly followed this with Hi Nanna (2023), an emotional drama about a single father. The contrast between the rugged Dasara and the sophisticated, emotional Hi Nanna highlighted his versatility within a single calendar year.

In 2024, Saripodhaa Sanivaaram brought a unique "vigilante" concept to the screen, where the protagonist only unleashes his anger on Saturdays. The film was praised for its innovative editing and the face-off between Nani and S.J. Suryah.

Latest and Upcoming Releases (2025–2026)

As of April 2026, the Nani movies list has expanded with highly anticipated projects that push the boundaries of genre cinema.

• HIT: The Third Case (2025): Stepping into the "HIT Universe" created by Sailesh Kolanu, Nani took on the role of Arjun Sarkaar, a fierce officer from Visakhapatnam. The film involves a high-stakes investigation in the terrains of Jammu and Kashmir. Reports indicate this installment is the most intense in the franchise, connecting various plot threads from previous movies.
• The Paradise (2026): Collaborating again with Dasara director Srikanth Odela, this film is set against the backdrop of 1980s Secunderabad. It deals with a marginalized tribe's struggle for citizenship and justice. The project has gained attention for its scale and historical relevance.
• Untitled Sujeeth Project: Announced as a high-octane action film, this collaboration is expected to showcase Nani in a stylish, fast-paced narrative unlike his previous rural or emotional dramas.

Nani as a Producer and Voice Artist

Beyond acting, Nani’s contribution to cinema includes his production house, Wall Poster Cinema. The banner has gained a reputation for backing experimental films that might otherwise struggle in the mainstream market. Notable productions include:

1. Awe! (2018): A psychological thriller featuring multiple storylines that converge in a surreal climax.
2. HIT: The First Case (2020) & HIT: The Second Case (2022): A successful franchise of investigative thrillers.
3. Meet Cute (2022): An anthology series focusing on simple, heart-warming conversations between strangers.

As a voice artist, he famously voiced the character of Simba in the Telugu version of The Lion King and provided the voice for the protagonist "fly" in the Tamil version of Eega (titled Naan Ee). His distinctive voice has also been used for narration in several other projects, adding a layer of familiarity to regional content.

Comprehensive Nani Movies List (By Year)

Impact on Telugu Cinema

The Nani movies list is more than just a collection of titles; it represents the rise of the "middle-class hero." At a time when Telugu cinema was dominated by larger-than-life personas, Nani offered an alternative where the audience could see themselves on screen. Whether it was the struggling cricketer in Jersey or the forgetful scientist in Bhale Bhale Magadivoy, the relatability factor remained his strongest asset.

His shift towards production has also allowed for a new wave of storytelling. By presenting films like Awe! and HIT, he has used his stardom to provide a platform for debutant directors and unconventional plots. This dual role as an actor and a producer ensures that his filmography remains fresh, avoiding the stagnation often seen in long-term careers.

Looking ahead, the inclusion of high-budget spectacles like The Paradise alongside gritty investigative thrillers suggests that the Nani movies list will continue to be a significant part of the Indian cinematic landscape. The transition from "Natural Star" to a pan-Indian performer is well underway, marked by a commitment to quality over quantity.