Though Malayalis often see him as a troll-worthy figure, for Telugus, Balakrishna is nothing short of a legendary icon.”

In the vast and vibrant landscape of Indian cinema, few personalities have carved as polarizing a niche as Nandamuri Balakrishna. For Malayalis scrolling through meme pages or watching dubbed action scenes with gravity-defying stunts, Balakrishna often appears as an object of comic exaggeration — a walking-talking meme. But beyond the laughter and viral clips, lies the story of a man revered by millions in the Telugu-speaking states. For Telugus, Balakrishna is not just an actor — he is a legacy, a lion-hearted performer, and a symbol of Nandamuri pride.

This blog attempts to understand the dichotomy of perception surrounding Balakrishna — a troll character to some, a demi-god to others — and explores the journey of a man who continues to dominate screens, stages, and the hearts of his fans.


From a Star Kid to a Star Performer

Born on June 10, 1960, Nandamuri Balakrishna, also known as NBK or Balayya, is the sixth son of Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao (NTR), the legendary actor and founder of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP). NTR was not just a titan of Telugu cinema, but also a political icon who became the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh three times. Growing up in the towering shadow of such a father meant Balakrishna was always destined for a life in the spotlight.

Balakrishna entered the film industry as a child actor at the age of 14. His debut was in the 1974 film Tatamma Kala, directed by his father NTR. This marked the beginning of an extensive filmography that would, over the decades, include more than 100 films, making him one of the most prolific actors in Telugu cinema.


1984: The Birth of a Mass Hero

While he appeared in supporting roles throughout the late 1970s and early ’80s, Balakrishna’s official solo hero debut came in 1984 with Sahasame Jeevitham, directed by Bharathi Vasu. The film was aptly titled — “Life is an Adventure” — and that statement has remained prophetic for his entire career.

The film established Balakrishna as a viable leading man, one capable of carrying an entire movie on his shoulders. From there, he embarked on a remarkable run through the late ’80s and ’90s, starring in a series of action-packed entertainers, mythological epics, and emotional dramas.

Films like:

Mangammagari Manavadu (1984)

Muddula Krishnayya (1986)

Muvva Gopaludu (1987)

Apoorva Sahodarulu (1986)

Aditya 369 (1991) – India’s first science fiction film

Bhairava Dweepam (1994) – a fantasy classic


cemented his reputation as a versatile and dynamic actor.


The Meme Machine: Balakrishna and Malayalam Social Media

In Kerala, Balakrishna is known less for his serious performances and more for his unintentionally hilarious fight scenes. Thanks to dubbed versions of Telugu movies airing on channels like Kairali TV and Asianet, Malayali audiences got a steady dose of Balakrishna’s over-the-top action sequences. Add YouTube to the mix, and you have a new generation exposed to slow-motion punches, enemies flying like rag dolls, and dialogues that defy the laws of physics and logic.

From viral clips of Balayya “punching trains off tracks” to doing somersaults with a slight head nod, these scenes have become a treasure trove for meme creators. Troll Malayalam pages on Instagram and Facebook often feature Balakrishna clips to elicit laughs.

Yet, what Malayalis see as “troll content,” Telugus see as mass entertainment. It’s a cultural difference in how larger-than-life action is perceived. Telugu audiences have long embraced the masala aesthetic — stylized fights, dramatic punchlines, and heroic elevation — something that might feel excessive or hilarious to the more “realism-driven” Malayalam film audience.


Legacy, Loyalty, and the Lion’s Roar

Despite the online trolling, Balakrishna’s fan base remains unshakeable. His fans — known as Balayya Bhakthulu — worship him with an almost religious fervor. First-day shows of his movies are festivals. Milk is poured over his cutouts, and theaters turn into temples.

He is seen not just as an actor, but as a torchbearer of the Nandamuri legacy. His connection to his father, NTR, is sacred to fans of both cinema and the Telugu Desam Party. Balakrishna often takes on roles that project him as a savior, leader, or mythic figure — characters that align closely with the emotional values of his core audience.

Some of his more recent mass hits include:

Simha (2010)

Legend (2014)

Gautamiputra Satakarni (2017)

Akhanda (2021)

Veera Simha Reddy (2023)


In Akhanda, directed by Boyapati Srinu, Balakrishna plays a powerful Aghora — a role that struck a chord with fans for its spiritual and action-packed grandeur. The film became a major box office success and inspired fans to chant “Jai Balayya” across the Telugu states.


Beyond the Silver Screen: Balakrishna, the Politician

Following in his father’s footsteps, Balakrishna entered politics and became a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Hindupur constituency in Andhra Pradesh in 2014. He retained the seat in 2019 as a representative of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP).

Though not as dominant a political figure as his father, his political career is intertwined with his star power. His presence at party rallies draws massive crowds, and his speeches — often as dramatic as his film dialogues — are covered widely.


The Nandamuri Brand and Balayya’s Endurance

It’s important to understand that Balakrishna represents more than a single actor’s journey. He embodies:

Dynastic continuity in the Telugu cinema-politics ecosystem

A link between mythological past and commercial present

A style of performance that is now rare — loud, grand, almost operatic


In an era where Telugu cinema is expanding with pan-Indian stars like Prabhas, Ram Charan, and Allu Arjun, Balakrishna stays rooted in region-specific mass cinema. He doesn’t adapt to trends — he is the trend in his circle.

That stubbornness is also his charm. While others rebrand and reshape for new markets, Balakrishna delivers the same theatrical punches and dramatic sermons that made him a star in the first place.


Akhanda to Bhagavanth Kesari: Reinvention in the 60s

In his 60s, Balakrishna is still playing lead roles in high-octane action films. Bhagavanth Kesari (2023), directed by Anil Ravipudi, was praised for giving him a slightly toned-down but emotionally strong role, proving he can adapt when needed.

His talk show, “Unstoppable with NBK” on Aha TV, has also shown his playful, humorous side — far from the roaring lion image of his films. The show features Balakrishna interviewing stars, political leaders, and industry insiders, and it’s one of the most streamed talk shows in Telugu OTT.


Final Word: The Man, the Meme, the Myth

To Malayalis, Balakrishna might remain an internet curiosity — a quirky, outdated mass hero whose scenes are ripe for trolling. But to millions of Telugus, he is a cultural institution. His loyalty to his fans, his father’s ideals, and his unwavering devotion to the mass film formula make him one of the last true embodiments of old-school stardom.

In the end, whether you laugh at his films or cheer during their screenings, Balakrishna is impossible to ignore.

He is not just an actor. He is a phenomenon — loud, proud, and larger than life.