From playing a charming, obsessive lover in Arya to a rugged red sandalwood smuggler in Pushpa: The Rise, Allu Arjun’s filmography is as dynamic as his fanbase. He’s never shied away from experimenting — whether it’s a multi-narrative drama, an action-packed family entertainer, or a role that requires complete transformation.
This list celebrates the 10 best Allu Arjun films — ones that not only showcase his evolution as an actor but also helped redefine mainstream Telugu cinema in the last two decades. If you’re new to his work or just want to revisit the highlights of his career, these are the must-watch titles that cemented his place as one of India’s top stars.
1. Arya (2004)
2. Desamuduru (2007)
3. Parugu (2008)
4. Vedam (2010)
5. Race Gurram (2014)
6. S/O Satyamurthy (2015)
7. Sarrainodu (2016)
8. Duvvada Jagannadham (2017)
9. Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo (2020)
10. Pushpa: The Rise (2021)
1. Arya (2004)
Director: Sukumar
Cast: Allu Arjun, Anuradha Mehta, Siva Balaji
The film that turned him into an overnight sensation, Arya redefined the romantic hero in Telugu cinema. Playing a free-spirited and obsessive lover who believes in pure, unconditional love, Allu Arjun’s breakout performance was energetic, unpredictable, and utterly magnetic. This wasn’t just a hit — it was a cultural moment that announced the arrival of a future superstar.
2. Desamuduru (2007)
Director: Puri Jagannadh
Cast: Allu Arjun, Hansika Motwani, Pradeep Rawat
In this action-packed flick, Allu Arjun plays a crime reporter who ends up protecting a girl with a dark past. With slick action sequences, a fast-paced narrative, and Bunny’s now-iconic long-haired look, Desamuduru gave fans the perfect mix of mass heroism and emotional vulnerability. It’s one of his most stylish and energetic performances from the 2000s.
3. Parugu (2008)
Director: Bhaskar
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4. Vedam (2010)
Director: Krish
A genre-defying film that explored five interconnected lives, Vedam saw Allu Arjun in one of his most restrained and powerful roles. As Cable Raju, a lower-middle-class man pretending to be rich, he brought subtlety, humor, and pathos to the screen. This was a turning point that proved his capability as a serious actor willing to take artistic risks.
5. Race Gurram (2014)
Director: Surender Reddy
The ultimate commercial entertainer, Race Gurram is packed with comedy, action, and style. Allu Arjun plays Lucky, the playful younger brother of a strict cop. His comic timing, high-octane energy, and dance numbers (especially Cinema Choopistha Mama) made this film a mega blockbuster. It’s mass cinema done right — and Allu Arjun at his most effortless.
6. S/O Satyamurthy (2015)
Director: Trivikram Srinivas
A film that blended family values with star appeal, S/O Satyamurthy features Allu Arjun as a principled son navigating family honour, love, and business ethics. It may not be his flashiest role, but his earnest performance, powerful monologues, and smooth chemistry with the ensemble cast gave it a strong emotional impact. It’s a wholesome drama with moral weight.
7. Sarrainodu (2016)
Director: Boyapati Srinu
8. Duvvada Jagannadham (2017)
Director: Harish Shankar
This film offered a double dose of Allu Arjun — as a sweet Brahmin caterer and as a secret vigilante. While the tone fluctuated between comedy and intense action, his dual performance brought in both laughs and applause. Though polarising among critics, it was a box office hit and gave his fans a quirky, fun action-comedy to relish.
9. Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo (2020)
Director: Trivikram Srinivas
Cast: Allu Arjun, Pooja Hegde, Tabu, Jayaram, Murali Sharma
A career-defining blockbuster, Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo saw Allu Arjun at his stylish best. With foot-tapping music, lavish visuals, and a heartwarming story about family, identity, and belonging, he charmed audiences across demographics. His cool, confident presence combined with his emotional range made this an instant classic — and an all-India favourite. The song, Butta Bomma, became a cult favourite and got plaudits for its choreography. The film was later remade as Shehzada (2023), starring Kartik Aaryan. However, it didn’t perform to expectations.
10. Pushpa: The Rise (2021)
Director: Sukumar Cast: Allu Arjun, Rashmika Mandanna, Fahadh Faasil Allu Arjun’s most transformative role to date, Pushpa is gritty, raw, and unapologetically intense. Playing a red sandalwood smuggler from humble roots, he completely changed his body language, diction, and screen energy. The film became a nationwide phenomenon, and his performance was widely praised for its authenticity and mass appeal. It’s a milestone in Indian commercial cinema. The film’s songs, especially Oo Antava Oo Oo Antava featuring Samantha Ruth Prabhu, became hugely famous. Songs like Srivalli and Saami Saami too got mass appreciation. A sequel titled Pushpa 2: The Rule was released in 2024 and proved to be an equally big blockbuster. The film’s ending speculated another sequel.
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