Mumbai (Commonwealth Union)_ The 2005 Telugu movie Athadu, starring Mahesh Babu and Trisha Krishnan, has achieved a remarkable milestone in the world of Indian cinema. Despite the growing dominance of digital platforms, Athadu continues to captivate audiences, recently setting a world record for being telecast over 1500 times on the popular channel Star Maa. This record-breaking feat has cemented the film’s position as a timeless classic in the hearts of fans and is a testament to its enduring popularity. Directed by Trivikram Srinivas, Athadu was released on August 10, 2005, and quickly gained a strong fan following. The action thriller, which became one of the highest-grossing Telugu films of the year, impressed both critics and audiences alike with its compelling storyline, gripping action sequences, and memorable dialogues.
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The movie, which has been consistently re-aired over the years, is a rare example of a film that continues to maintain relevance in an era where OTT viewership is on the rise. Starring Mahesh Babu as Nandu, a professional killer with a mysterious past, and Trisha Krishnan as his romantic interest, Athadu tells the tale of a man who, after being falsely implicated in a murder, must adopt a new identity and go into hiding. As the story unfolds, it expertly blends action with suspense, keeping viewers at the edge of their seats. The film’s clever writing, combined with Mahesh Babu’s stellar performance, made it an instant hit. Mahesh Babu’s portrayal of the complex character of Nandu earned him the prestigious Nandi Award for Best Actor, marking his second win in the category.
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The film’s music, composed by Mani Sharma, also played a significant role in its success. The soundtrack, with its captivating songs, complemented the film’s narrative, further enhancing the viewing experience. Additionally, the direction by Trivikram Srinivas was widely appreciated for its tight screenplay and engaging execution, earning him both the Filmfare Award for Best Director in Telugu and a Nandi Award for Best Dialogue Writer. In terms of box office performance, Athadu was a massive success, collecting nearly Rs 22 crore during its initial release. Its seamless blend of action, drama, and suspense, along with its high production value, has kept it relevant to this day, as evidenced by its record-breaking TV telecasts.
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Looking ahead, Mahesh Babu continues to build on his legacy in the film industry. Currently, he is working with renowned director SS Rajamouli on the highly anticipated movie SSMB29. The film is expected to be a large-scale action-adventure entertainer, with its release scheduled in two parts. The first part is slated for 2027 and the second part for 2029. The project has already attracted significant attention, particularly with the involvement of Bollywood actress Priyanka Chopra.
On the other hand, Trisha Krishnan remains a prominent figure in South Indian cinema, proving her versatility and staying power. Despite being over 40, Trisha continues to be in demand, with upcoming projects such as Good Bad Ugly alongside Ajith Kumar and the eagerly awaited Thuh Life. As Athadu continues to make history on television with 1500 telecasts, its legacy lives on, proving that some films are timeless and continue to captivate audiences for generations. The film’s impressive TV telecast record is just another feather in the cap of Mahesh Babu and Trisha Krishnan, both of whom continue to be major forces in the South Indian film industry.
