Actor Vijay Deverakonda, who made his Bollywood debut with Liger last year, will see the release of his next Telugu movie Kushi with Samantha Ruth Prabhu on September 1. As the Hyderabad-born star turned 34 today, we list five Telugu films headlined by him which made us fall in love with his boyish charm and impish grin.

Arjun Reddy (2017)

Vijay rose to superstardom with Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s romantic drama Arjun Reddy in 2017. The movie is the breakout hit of the actor’s career and established him as one of the most bankable leading actors in the Telugu film industry.

Vijay’s Arjun Reddy is a brilliant medical student with severe anger issues. He falls in love with a medical school junior, Preethi (Shalini Pandey), and goes on the path of self-destruction following their break up. Things hit rock bottom when Arjun makes a deadly mistake on the operation table under the influence of alcohol and drugs. Vijay’s portrayal of a psychotic, abusive and megalomaniacal doctor, who obsesses over a girl, received plaudits from critics and audiences alike.

Available on: Disney+Hotstar

NOTA (2018)

Vijay’s performance in Anand Shankar’s 2018 political thriller NOTA, which explores the world of political lineage, was highly praised.

The Telugu star plays Varun, a video game designer in the UK and the son of Tamil Nadu’s chief minister. When he returns to India to celebrate his birthday, he is suddenly nabbed by the police and brought to the party headquarters. It is then revealed that Varun’s father has been charged in a corruption case and he must be sworn-in as the new chief minister to save the ruling party. The film follows how a reluctant Varun learns about various social issues and starts taking his responsibilities seriously.

Available on: Amazon Prime Video

Mahanati (2018)

Vijay plays photojournalist Vijay Anthony opposite Samantha Ruth Prabhu’s Madhuravani in Nag Ashwin’s biographical drama Mahanati, which also features Dulquer Salmaan, Rajendra Prasad, Prakash Raj. Naga Chaitanya and Mohan Babu.

Despite playing a supporting role in the film, which chronicles the rise and fall of popular yesteryear actress Nissankara Savitri (played by Keerthy Suresh), Vijay gained praise for his subdued performance and his cracking chemistry with Samantha. Mahanati focuses on Savitri’s childhood, her initial years in the film industry, her relationship with her husband and their downfall owing to alcoholism.

Available on: Amazon Prime Video

Geetha Govindam (2018)

Parasuram’s 2018 romcom, starring Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna, went on to become one of the biggest blockbusters of Telugu cinema in that year. Vijay’s comic timing and his chemistry with Rashmika are the main highlights of the film alongside Gopi Sunder’s mesmerising soundtrack.

Vijay plays a timid college lecturer, who accidentally kisses a girl in her sleep (played by Rashmika) while returning to his hometown for his sister’s wedding. However, upon reaching home, Vijay learns that the girl is his would-be brother-in-law’s sister. He tries to apologise to her and falls in love with her.

Available on: Zee5/ Disney+Hotstar

World Famous Lover (2020)

Vijay portrays two characters in Kranthi Madhav’s romantic drama World Famous Lover. Though the movie didn’t fare well at the box office, Vijay’s nuanced performance received appreciation from critics.

Vijay plays an aspiring writer, Gautham, in a live-in relationship with Yamini. However, owing to Gautham’s irresponsible nature, Yamini breaks up with him. This prompts him to write a story where Vijay plays Srinu, a cole union leader in a forced marriage. He also plays an alternate version of Gautham in another of his stories. The film also featured Raashii Khanna, Aishwarya Rajesh, Catherine Tresa and Izabelle Leite.

Available on: Netflix/ Sony Liv