South Indian cinema is home to some of the biggest superstars, and two names that often spark debate among fans are Thalapathy Vijay and Mahesh Babu. Both actors have ruled their respective industries, delivered multiple blockbusters, and amassed millions of fans. But who truly holds the crown? Let’s break it down!
1. Early Life and Career Beginnings of Thalapathy Vijay and Mahesh Babu.
| Actor | Full Name | Date of Birth | Debut Film | Industry |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vijay | Joseph Vijay Chandrasekhar | June 22, 1974 | Naalaiya Theerpu (1992) | Tamil |
| Mahesh Babu | Ghattamaneni Mahesh Babu | August 9, 1975 | Raja Kumarudu (1999) | Telugu |
- Vijay started as a child artist before making his debut as a lead actor.
- Mahesh Babu, the son of superstar Krishna, also began his career as a child artist before stepping into lead roles.
2. Rise to Stardom of Thalapathy Vijay and Mahesh Babu.
Thalapathy Vijay: The Energetic Entertainer
- Mass Appeal: Known for his high-energy performances, Vijay has a massive fan following, especially among the youth. His movies are often packed with action, comedy, and romance, making them a perfect blend of entertainment.
- Dance Prowess: Vijay’s exceptional dancing skills are legendary. His dance numbers are a highlight of his films, and he often sets new trends with his innovative choreography.
- Box Office Dominance: Vijay has consistently delivered blockbuster hits, making him one of the highest-paid actors in the Tamil film industry. His movies often break box office records.
- ✅ Became a household name with Ghilli (2004).
✅ Established himself with blockbusters like Thuppakki (2012), Mersal (2017), and Leo (2023).
✅ Known for his charismatic screen presence, exceptional dance skills, and socially relevant films.
Mahesh Babu: The Stylish Superstar
- Class Appeal: Mahesh Babu is often referred to as the “Prince of Tollywood.” His stylish looks and suave demeanor have earned him a dedicated fan base.
- Method Acting: Unlike Vijay, Mahesh Babu is known for his method acting approach. He often immerses himself in his roles, delivering nuanced and realistic performances.
- Critical Acclaim: While Vijay’s films are primarily commercial entertainers, Mahesh Babu has received critical acclaim for his performances in movies like “Srimanthudu” and “Maharshi.”
- ✅ Gained recognition with Murari (2001) and Okkadu (2003).
✅ Cemented his place as a Telugu cinema superstar with Pokiri (2006) and Srimanthudu (2015).
✅ Known for his classy performances, charming persona, and family-friendly movies.
3. Box Office Performances of Thalapathy Vijay and Mahesh Babu.
| Actor | Highest-Grossing Film | Total Box Office Collection (Approx) |
| Vijay | Leo (₹615 crore) | ₹2,500+ crore worldwide |
| Mahesh Babu | Sarileru Neekevvaru (₹260 crore) | ₹2,000+ crore worldwide |
- Vijay has delivered 8 consecutive ₹200 crore+ films.
- Mahesh Babu is the undisputed king of Telugu family entertainers.
4. List of Movies and Their Box Office Collections of Thalapathy Vijay and Mahesh Babu.
Thalapathy Vijay’s Filmography
| Year | Movie | Box Office Collection | Verdict |
| 2004 | Ghilli | ₹50 crore | Blockbuster |
| 2012 | Thuppakki | ₹180 crore | Blockbuster |
| 2017 | Mersal | ₹260 crore | Super Hit |
| 2021 | Master | ₹300 crore | Blockbuster |
| 2023 | Leo | ₹615 crore | Blockbuster |
Mahesh Babu’s Filmography
| Year | Movie | Box Office Collection | Verdict |
| 2003 | Okkadu | ₹40 crore | Super Hit |
| 2006 | Pokiri | ₹66 crore | Blockbuster |
| 2015 | Srimanthudu | ₹200 crore | Blockbuster |
| 2019 | Maharshi | ₹175 crore | Super Hit |
| 2020 | Sarileru Neekevvaru | ₹260 crore | Blockbuster |
5. Fan Following and Social Media Presence of Thalapathy Vijay and Mahesh Babu.
| Actor | Instagram Followers | Twitter Followers |
| Vijay | Not active | 4M+ |
| Mahesh Babu | 10M+ | 13M+ |
- Vijay has an insane offline fan following, especially in Tamil Nadu.
- Mahesh Babu enjoys a massive online presence and international fan base.
6. Awards and Recognition Thalapathy Vijay and Mahesh Babu.
| Award Category | Vijay | Mahesh Babu |
| Filmfare Awards (South) | 4 Wins, 10+ Nominations | 8 Wins, 15+ Nominations |
| SIIMA Awards | 5 Wins | 5 Wins |
| State Awards | Tamil Nadu State Award | Nandi Awards (Telugu) |
- Mahesh Babu has won more Filmfare Awards, while Vijay has state awards to his name.
7. Affairs and Personal Life of Thalapathy Vijay and Mahesh Babu.
Thalapathy Vijay:
- Happily married to Sangeetha Sornalingam since 1999.
- Has two children, Jason Sanjay and Divya Saasha.
Mahesh Babu:
- Married to actress Namrata Shirodkar in 2005.
- Has two children, Gautham Krishna and Sitara Ghattamaneni.
8. Upcoming Projects of Thalapathy Vijay and Mahesh Babu.
| Actor | Upcoming Films | Release Year |
| Vijay | Jana Nayagan | TBD |
| Mahesh Babu | SSMB29 (Directed by Rajamouli) | 2025 |
- Vijay continues to work on mass action entertainers.
- Mahesh Babu is set to collaborate with SS Rajamouli, creating high expectations.
9. Who is the Bigger Superstar Thalapathy Vijay or Mahesh Babu ?
Final Verdict:
- If we look at Tamil Nadu dominance, Vijay wins hands down.
- If we consider pan-Indian reach and social media presence, Mahesh Babu has an edge.
- In terms of consistent blockbusters, Vijay leads with back-to-back ₹200 crore+ films.
Conclusion:
Both actors have different styles and fan bases. While Vijay dominates Tamil Nadu with mass-oriented action films, Mahesh Babu is a family entertainer king with massive social media influence. Ultimately, the bigger superstar depends on whether you prefer mass appeal or class performances!
10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Thalapathy Vijay and Mahesh Babu.
1. Who has given more blockbusters, Vijay or Mahesh Babu?
✅ Vijay has delivered more ₹200 crore+ blockbusters, but Mahesh Babu is one of the most consistent stars in Telugu cinema.
2. Who has more awards, Vijay or Mahesh Babu?
✅ Mahesh Babu has won more Filmfare Awards, while Vijay has won more Tamil Nadu State Awards.
3. Is Vijay or Mahesh Babu richer?
✅ Both actors are among the highest-paid in Indian cinema, with Vijay reportedly earning more per film.
4. Who has a bigger fan following?
✅ Vijay dominates Tamil Nadu, whereas Mahesh Babu has a larger global presence.
5. Which actor is more active on social media?
✅ Mahesh Babu is very active, while Vijay stays away from social media
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Disclaimer:
The box office collections and other details mentioned in this article are based on publicly available sources and estimations. These numbers are subject to change as official reports are released. The information provided here is for informational purposes only, and the author does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of these figures.