​'Simha', 'Legend', 'Narasimha Naidu' and others: Nandamuri Balakrishna films to revisit while you wait for 'Akhanda 2'

Nandamuri Balakrishna starrer much-awaited film, 'Akhanda 2' was postponed just hours before its announced release. The makers announced it on X (formerly Twitter), stating "unavoidable circumstances," apologizing to fans and promising quick resolution. Meanwhile, let's take a look at five films starring the Tollywood veteran to watch.

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Nandamuri Balakrishna's 2021 film 'Akhanda' directed by Boyapati Srinu, is a socio-political drama film that includes supernatural elements. In the film, Balakrishna plays dual roles as Murali Krishna, a principled farmer who is helping villagers in Anantapur against illegal uranium mining by gangster Varadarajulu and Akhanda, his invincible twin brother empowered by Shiva. The story further goes as Murali's family faces threats from villains like Gajendra, played by Jagapathi Babu, leading to Akhanda's explosive intervention with brutal action sequences and divine rituals.

Released in 2010, 'Simha', directed by Boyapati Srinu, features Nandamuri Balakrishna in a powerful dual role as Srimannarayana 'Simha,' a fearless college lecturer in Hyderabad who upholds justice by thrashing lawbreakers, and his father Dr. Narasimha, a heroic doctor from Bobbili. Living with his grandmother, Simha rescues student Janaki from gangster Gopi, son of the tyrannical Veerakesavudu.

Directed by B. Gopal the film stars Nandamuri Balakrishna as a peaceful man who lives as a dance teacher after his wife's tragic death in a village feud. Later, he is forced to face his violent past after his new love Anjali gets involved with his old enemies. This leads to a clash between his quiet life and the relentless violence of his past, especially as her family tries to force her into marriage with an opponent's clan.

'Gautamiputra Satakarni' stars Nandamuri Balakrishna as the 2nd-century Satavahana emperor of Amaravati, driven to unite India's 32 kingdoms for peace. Vowing to his mother Gautami Balasri at 18, he offers rulers surrender or war, conquering South India over 18 years. He marries Vasishta Devi, fathers Pulumavi, and defeats Western Kshatrapa ruler Nahapana, rescuing imprisoned princes and forging a mighty sword from 32 enemy blades. The film was directed by Krish Jagarlamudi.

Nandamuri Balakrishna is seen in dual roles as the fiery Jaidev and his younger brother Krishna. Krishna, living in Dubai, falls for Sneha played Sonal Chauhan and returns to India for family blessings, unaware of ruthless don Jeetendra played Jagapati Babu's vendetta against their powerful joint family. Jeetendra's gang ambushes them en route to a temple, shooting Krishna and targeting relatives.