As we celebrate the 44th birthday of Prabhas, it’s impossible to ignore the romantic charm he has brought to the screen over the years. His versatile portrayal of lovers in different shades, from epic historical romances to contemporary love stories, have made him one of the most sought-after actors in the Indian film industry. Happy birthday to the Telugu ‘darling’ who has stolen our hearts, on and off screen.
Radhe Shyam
Radhe Shyam is a 2022 Indian period romantic drama film set in 1978 Italy. The story follows Vikramaditya (Prabhas), a renowned astrologer who doesn’t believe in love until he meets Dr Prerana (Pooja Hegde). When his prediction about a train accident comes true, Prerana starts believing in him. But then, Aditya’s prediction of a bright future for Prerana contradicts her dire medical diagnosis. Prerana’s attempt to end her life finally makes say-no-to-love Aditya confront his true feelings. He then overcomes a life-threatening storm and reunites with Prerana. Yes, this was a box-office disaster but it’s still worth a shot while lounging at home.
Watch it on: ZEE5
Mirchi
In Koratala Siva’s 2013 action-packed romantic drama Mirchi, Prabhas plays Jai, a charismatic and fearless architect, who falls for Manasa (Richa Gangopadhyay) in Milan after saving her from goons. However, Jai and Manasa’s families have a running feud, and so he must gain their trust first. Jai’s charming persona and the chemistry with Richa woo the audience, till the twist in the tale – Jai actually loves Vennela (Anushka Shetty), and Manasa sacrifices her love.
Watch it on: Disney+ Hotstar
Mr. Perfect
In the 2011 romantic comedy Mr. Perfect, directed by Dasaradh, Prabhas plays Vicky, an uncompromising businessman in Australia who believes in staying true to oneself in a relationship. When his parents arrange a marriage proposal with Priya (Kajal Aggarwal), his childhood friend, she changes her ways to adapt to Vicky's lifestyle. Disturbed by the compromises she makes, he rejects the marriage proposal. In Australia, he meets Maggie (Taapsee Pannu), who shares his no-compromise attitude, but her father is a stumbling block for Vicky. To marry Maggie, Vicky must win over her family during a four-day stay. While doing so, Vicky understands the true value of compromise or adjustment in a relationship and returns to India to win back Priya.
Watch it on: Prime Video
Darling
Helmed by A. Karunakaran, the 2010 romantic drama showcases Prabhas as Prabha, a happy-go-lucky guy who falls in love with the vivacious Nandini (Kajal Aggarwal). Prabha, a musician, tries to win Nandini's heart, but faces competition from Rishi (Vamsi Krishna). The story takes a twist when it's revealed that Prabha and Nisha (Shraddha Das) must marry due to a complicated family sub-plot. Prabha suppresses his feelings for Nandini for the sake of his father’s reputation. Ultimately, of course, love prevails in this box-office blockbuster that earned Prabhas the moniker ‘Darling’.
Watch it on: Disney+ Hotstar
Pournami
Pournami, a 2006 musical drama directed by Prabhu Deva, features Prabhas as Siva Kesava, a western-style dance instructor who is deeply passionate about the art form. Siva falls in love with Pournami, played by Trisha. The film explores themes of love, passion, tradition, and destiny as Pournami is torn between her love for Siva and her responsibility to fulfil her family's legacy by performing the Pournami dance during a village festival.
Watch it on: Prime Video
PS: Okay okay, if you don’t have the time to watch these today, just fast-forward your way through the epic love story of Amarendra Baahubali (Prabhas) and Devasena (Anushka Shetty), yet again – on Netflix or Prime Video or Disney+ Hotstar