Sahhasame Jeevitham Release Year: 1984
Long before he became known as the "God of Masses" or the fiery "Yamadonga" of Tollywood, Nandamuri Balakrishna was just a young boy stepping into the colossal shadow of his legendary father, Dr. N. T. Rama Rao (NTR).
Balakrishna’s official debut in the film industry was as a child artist in the movie , released in 1974. At just 14 years old, he made his first appearance under the direction of his legendary father, N.T. Rama Rao (NTR) . Key Details of Tatamma Kala : balakrishna first movie
Dana Veera Sura Karna Release Year: 1977
This was his first film as a solo lead actor . It was quickly followed by massive hits in the same year, such as Mangammagari Manavadu , which established him as a commercial star. Quick Stats & Legacy Total Career Span 50+ Years (as of 2024–2025) Total Films Over 100 films 100th Film Gautamiputra Satakarni (2017) Major Awards Padma Bhushan (2025), Nandi Awards, SIIMA Awards AI responses may include mistakes. Learn more Sahhasame Jeevitham Release Year: 1984 Long before he
At just 18 years old, Balakrishna played the role of Prince Vijaya. The film was directed by his father, NTR, who also played a dual role in the movie. For a debutant, carrying a scene opposite NTR—arguably the biggest star in South India at the time—was a trial by fire. Balakrishna survived that fire, showcasing the intense dialogue delivery and powerful screen presence that would later become his trademark.
Nearly five decades and over 100 films later, that young boy from Tatamma Kala has become one of the most bankable and loyal stars in Indian cinema. His first movie may have been a small step, but it set the stage for a legendary marathon. Rama Rao (NTR)
The film was directed by his father, the legendary N. T. Rama Rao (NTR) . It marked the beginning of a career that has now spanned over 50 years , leading to his recent induction into the World Book of Records in August 2025. 2. Debut as Solo Lead Hero
The movie centers on Ravamma (played by Bhanumathi), an indomitable woman protecting her family’s land and values against modern societal shifts. Balakrishna's character provides a glimmer of hope toward the end of the film as he returns to help his great-grandmother during a severe drought.
While Balakrishna grew up on film sets, his official debut as an actor is often a topic of gentle debate among fans. However, according to classic Telugu cinema records, his first appearance was as a child artist, with his proper lead debut arriving a few years later.