1.
Brahmanandam
- Full Name:
Brahmanandam Kanneganti
- Born:
1 February 1956, Sattenapalli, Andhra Pradesh
- Career Span:
1987–present
- About:
Brahmanandam is regarded as the greatest comedian in the history of
Tollywood. With over 1,000 film appearances, he holds the Guinness
World Record for the most screen credits for a living actor.
- Style:
His humor is rooted in expressive face reactions, perfect comic timing,
and the ability to switch from subtle sarcasm to full-blown slapstick
effortlessly.
- Popular Films:
Money, Manmadhudu, Ready, Dookudu, Raccha,
Jalsa, Kick, Race Gurram.
- Recognition:
Padma Shri Award (2009). Often called the “Comedy King” and “Face of
Telugu Comedy.”
2.
Ali
- Full Name:
Ali Basha
- Born:
10 October 1967, Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh
- Career Span:
Over 45 years
- About:
Starting as a child actor in Nindu Noorellu (1979), Ali
transitioned into a full-fledged comedian with Yamaleela (1994).
His long-standing collaboration with directors like Puri Jagannadh and
Trivikram Srinivas made him a household name.
- Style:
Known for spontaneous one-liners, unique slang, and emotional-comic
balance. Ali often brings a grounded, relatable energy to his roles.
- Popular Films:
Pokiri, Super, Kick, Amrutham Chandamamalo, Happy,
Julayi, Desamuduru.
- Awards:
Two Nandi Awards for Best Comedian.
3.
Sunil Varma
- Full Name:
Sunil Varma Indukuri
- Born:
28 February 1974, Bhimavaram, Andhra Pradesh
- Career Span:
1995–present
- About:
Sunil began as a comedian but rose to become a lead actor with films like Maryada
Ramanna and Andala Ramudu. His transition proved how a comedian
could become a bankable hero.
- Style:
His humor blends physical comedy with emotional undertones, often playing
the “innocent common man” caught in absurd situations.
- Popular Films:
Nuvvu Nenu, Ready, Maryada Ramanna, Pushpaka
Vimanam, Jakkanna.
- Awards:
Nandi Award for Best Comedian and Filmfare Award for Best Supporting
Actor.
4.
Vennela Kishore
- Full Name:
Bokkala Kishore Kumar
- Born:
19 September 1980, Kamareddy, Telangana
- Career Span:
2005–present
- About:
Debuted in Vennela (2005), which gave him his screen name. A
software engineer turned actor, Kishore became known for portraying
sarcastic, modern-age characters.
- Style:
Dry humor, subtle sarcasm, and deadpan delivery make him a favorite in
contemporary Telugu cinema.
- Popular Films:
Dookudu, Bheeshma, Eega, Majnu, F2, Ala
Vaikunthapurramuloo, Sarkaru Vaari Paata.
- Awards:
SIIMA Award for Best Comedian.
5.
Raghu Babu
- Full Name:
Yerra Raghu Babu
- Born:
23 June 1964, Prakasam, Andhra Pradesh
- About:
Son of legendary comedian Giri Babu, Raghu entered the industry in the
late 1990s and quickly became known for his high-energy performances.
- Style:
Loud, expressive, and often the center of chaos in comic scenes. He
combines verbal humor with exaggerated expressions.
- Popular Films:
Kick, Race Gurram, Julayi, Naayak, Aagadu,
Ala Modalaindi.
- Traits:
Always plays side characters that add liveliness and punch to serious
sequences.
6.
Allari Naresh
- Full Name:
Edara Naresh
- Born:
30 June 1982, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
- About:
Son of director E. V. V. Satyanarayana, he started as a hero in Allari
(2002) but is famous for combining comedy and heroism. His movies often
revolve around situational humor and social messages.
- Style:
Clean, situational comedy with witty dialogue delivery. Known for parody
roles and light-hearted entertainers.
- Popular Films:
Allari, Kitha Kithalu, Sudigadu, Blade Babji, Samajavaragamana
(2023).
- Awards:
Two Nandi Awards for Best Comedy Performance.
7.
Prudhvi Raj (30 Years Industry Prudhvi)
- Full Name:
Ballireddy Prudhvi Raj
- Born:
6 August 1964, Andhra Pradesh
- About:
Famous for his catchphrase “30 years industry” from Khadgam, which
became his nickname. His comedic roles often involve satire and political
humor.
- Style:
Known for his strong voice, mimicry, and quick-witted dialogue delivery.
- Popular Films:
Khadgam, Loukyam, Dookudu, Legend, Srimanthudu,
Temper.
- Traits:
One of the most politically aware comedians in Tollywood.
8.
Saptagiri
- Full Name:
Venkata Prabhu Prasad
- Born:
1 May 1989, Amalapuram, Andhra Pradesh
- About:
A junior artist turned comedian, Saptagiri rose to fame with his
energetic, fast-talking characters. He also became a lead actor in Saptagiri
Express.
- Style:
Hyperactive dialogue delivery and physical humor make him a modern-day
favorite.
- Popular Films:
Prema Katha Chitram, Saptagiri Express, DJ (Duvvada
Jagannadham), Chalo, Agent Sai Srinivasa Athreya.
- Awards:
Nandi Award for Best Comedian (2016).
9.
Shakalaka Shankar
- Full Name:
Seshu Shankar
- Born:
17 April 1988, Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh
- About:
Rose to fame from the TV show Jabardasth before entering films. His
journey from stage performer to movie comedian is inspiring.
- Style:
Rural dialects, imitations, and over-the-top physical comedy. Appeals to
mass audiences.
- Popular Films:
Patel S.I.R., Raju Gari Gadhi, Geetha Govindam, Taxiwala.
- Traits:
Combines mimicry, dance, and spontaneous jokes.
10.
Chitti Babu
- Full Name:
Punyamurthula Suryanarayana Murthy (Chitti Babu)
- About:
Belongs to a legendary comedy family — brother of actors Raja Babu and
Ananth Babu. He began acting in the 1970s and was active in both films and
TV serials.
- Style:
Clean family humor, expressive face comedy, and a mix of innocence with
timing.
- Popular Films:
Aa Okkati Adakku, Allari Mogudu, Chitram Bhalare
Vichitram.
- Legacy:
Represents the golden era of Tollywood comedy alongside his family.
Summary
|
Rank |
Comedian |
Specialty |
Era |
|
1 |
Brahmanandam |
Universal comedy, expressions,
timing |
1980s–present |
|
2 |
Ali |
One-liners, emotional comedy |
1980s–present |
|
3 |
Sunil |
Physical comedy, hero transition |
1990s–present |
|
4 |
Vennela Kishore |
Sarcasm, modern humor |
2000s–present |
|
5 |
Raghu Babu |
Loud and energetic |
1990s–present |
|
6 |
Allari Naresh |
Comic hero roles |
2000s–present |
|
7 |
Prudhvi Raj |
Political satire |
2000s–present |
|
8 |
Saptagiri |
Hyperactive physical comedy |
2010s–present |
|
9 |
Shakalaka Shankar |
Rural & TV background |
2010s–present |
|
10 |
Chitti Babu |
Family humor, legacy artist |
1970s–2000s |
Conclusion
Tollywood comedy has evolved from
family-friendly humor (Chitti Babu, Ali) to urban sarcasm (Vennela Kishore) and
high-energy modern humor (Saptagiri, Shankar).
Yet, Brahmanandam remains the eternal face of Telugu comedy, having
influenced every generation that followed him.
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