Nani (actor)

Nani was born on 24 February 1984 in a Telugu family and was brought up in Hyderabad.{{cite web |date=5 June 2009 |title=Nani interview – Telugu Cinema interview – Telugu film actor |url=http://www.idlebrain.com/celeb/interview/nani.html |access-date=30 October 2013 |work=Idlebrain.com |archive-date=26 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181226092138/http://www.idlebrain.com/celeb/interview/nani.html%20 |url-status=live }} His family hails from Challapalli, Andhra Pradesh. Nani did his schooling from St. Alphonsa's High School, Hyderabad,{{cite news |title=KTUC 4: Host Pradeep Machiraju reveals his school connection with Nani, his next guest on the show |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/telugu/ktuc-4-host-pradeep-machiraju-reveals-his-school-connection-with-nani-his-next-guest-on-the-show/articleshow/71065654.cms |work=The Times of India |date=10 September 2019}} and then did his intermediate from Narayana Junior College, S. R. Nagar before graduating from Wesley Degree College, Secunderabad.{{cite web |date=5 June 2009 |title=Wesley Degree College – Alumni |url=https://wesleydegreecollege.com/aboutus.htm |access-date=30 September 2021 |work=Wesley Degree College |archive-date=16 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210516023502/https://wesleydegreecollege.com/aboutus.htm |url-status=live }}

After five years of courtship, Nani married Anjana Yelavarthy on 27 October 2012.{{Cite web |date=7 June 2022 |title=Ante Sundaraniki actor Nani reveals how he got married to wife Anjana |url=https://www.news18.com/news/movies/ante-sundaraniki-actor-nani-reveals-how-he-got-married-to-wife-anjana-5328337.html |access-date=27 September 2022 |website=News18 India |archive-date=20 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220620043102/https://www.news18.com/news/movies/ante-sundaraniki-actor-nani-reveals-how-he-got-married-to-wife-anjana-5328337.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=27 October 2023 |title=Nani wishes wife Anjana on their wedding anniversary with a beautiful picture |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/telugu/nani-wishes-wife-anjana-on-their-wedding-anniversary-with-a-beautiful-picture-11-years-9002087/lite/ |access-date=12 January 2024 |website=Indian Express |archive-date=2 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231102004945/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/telugu/nani-wishes-wife-anjana-on-their-wedding-anniversary-with-a-beautiful-picture-11-years-9002087/lite/ |url-status=live }} Their son Arjun, was born in 2017.{{Cite web |date=29 March 2017 |title=Nani is dad to a baby boy: Nenu Local star and wife Anjana have had their first child |url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/nani-is-dad-to-a-baby-boy-nenu-local-star-and-wife-anjana-have-had-their-first-child-3357742.html |access-date=23 September 2020 |website=Firstpost |archive-date=17 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210917221609/https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/nani-is-dad-to-a-baby-boy-nenu-local-star-and-wife-anjana-have-had-their-first-child-3357742.html |url-status=live }}

As an undergraduate, Nani got addicted to movies, citing Mani Ratnam as a major influence. He wanted to become a director; however, producer Anil Kumar Koneru allowed him to work on his production, Radha Gopalam (2005), as a "clap director", alongside director Bapu. He then worked for films including Allari Bullodu (2005), Astram (2006), and Dhee (2007). Nani took a break, to work on a film script. Bhargavi Mallela, a friend of his, who was then working as a RJ for World Space Satellite, offered Nani work as an RJ. He accepted the offer and worked there for one year, hosting a program named "Non-Stop Nani".{{cite web |url=http://www.idlebrain.com/news/2000march20/nani.html |title=Introducing Nani (Astha Chemma film) – Telugu cinema news |publisher=Idlebrain.com |access-date=30 October 2013 |archive-date=26 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181226092150/http://www.idlebrain.com/news/2000march20/nani.html%20 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=సంక్రాంతికి 'దసరా' అప్డేట్.. లుక్ మార్చిన నాని |url=https://telugu.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/nani-and-keerthy-suresh-wrapped-up-dasara-movie-121673575447323.html |access-date=13 January 2023 |publisher=Hindustan Times Telugu |archive-date=13 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230113072134/https://telugu.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/nani-and-keerthy-suresh-wrapped-up-dasara-movie-121673575447323.html |url-status=live }}

Director Mohan Krishna Indraganti noticed Nani in an advertisement and offered him a role in the aforementioned film Ashta Chamma, also starring Swati Reddy. Ashta Chamma was well received by critics and Nani's performance was praised by them. Sify.com wrote "Nani has a very good screen presence. He has good emotions and dances well, though his body language sometimes reminds of Subhalekha Sudhakar – May this be treated as a compliment to the ease that the veteran actor shows on the screen! His addiction is good too."{{cite web |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/ashta-chamma-review-telugu-14753580.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140409013402/http://www.sify.com/movies/ashta-chamma-review-telugu-14753580.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=9 April 2014 |title=Movie Review : Ashta Chamma |website=Sify |date=5 September 2008 |access-date=24 February 2014}}{{cite web |url=http://www.hindu.com/2008/12/17/stories/2008121759950500.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140305173045/http://www.hindu.com/2008/12/17/stories/2008121759950500.htm |archive-date=5 March 2014 |title='Ashta Chamma' unit shocked |date=17 December 2008 |url-status=dead |work=The Hindu |access-date=24 February 2014}} His second film, Ride, was produced by Bellamkonda Suresh, with Tanish, Swetha Basu Prasad and Aksha Pardasany playing important roles. Ride was also a notable success at the box office.{{cite web |url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/telugu-producer-bellam-konda-says-the-future-belongs-to-the-younger-generation/370583-71-181.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131015223354/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/telugu-producer-bellam-konda-says-the-future-belongs-to-the-younger-generation/370583-71-181.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=15 October 2013 |title='Telugu producer Bellam Konda says the future belongs to the younger generation |publisher=IBN Live |date=4 February 2013 |access-date=24 February 2014}} He next starred in Satyam Bellamkonda's film Snehituda... opposite Maadhavi Latha. Snehituda... opened to negative reviews and the film was a flop at the box office.{{cite web |url=http://telugu.way2movies.com/exclusivesingle_telugu/Hits-and-Flops-of-2009-11-3864.html |title=Hits and Flops of 2009 – Exclusive |publisher=way2movies.com |date=1 January 2010 |access-date=24 February 2014 |archive-date=26 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181226092057/http://telugu.way2movies.com/exclusivesingle_telugu/Hits-and-Flops-of-2009-11-3864.html |url-status=dead}} In 2010, he played the main role in the film Bheemili Kabaddi Jattu, a remake of Vennila Kabadi Kuzhu, with Saranya Mohan reprising her role as the heroine. The film opened to positive reviews with Nani's performance receiving appreciation. Rediff.com said Nani "perfectly fits into the role" and commended him for selecting the script,{{cite web |url=http://movies.rediff.com/review/2010/jul/09/south-review-bheemili-kabaddi-jattu.htm |title='Bheemili Kabaddi Jattu is gripping |work=Rediff.com |date=9 July 2010 |access-date=24 February 2014 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170715014251/http://movies.rediff.com/review/2010/jul/09/south-review-bheemili-kabaddi-jattu.htm |archive-date=15 July 2017 |url-status=dead}} and One India commented that Nani "has given his best" and was "suited perfectly to the role".{{cite web |url=http://entertainment.oneindia.in/telugu/reviews/2010/bheemili-kabaddi-jattu-review-090710.html |title=Bheemili Kabaddi – Review |publisher=Oneindia Entertainment |date=9 July 2010 |access-date=24 February 2014 |archive-date=26 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181226092027/https://www.filmibeat.com/telugu/reviews/2010/bheemili-kabaddi-jattu-review-090710.html |url-status=live }} The film was a surprise hit at the box office.{{cite web |url=http://telugu.way2movies.com/exclusivesingle_telugu/2010-Roundup--Hits-and-Flops-11-77514.html |title=2010 Roundup- Hits and Flops – Exclusive |publisher=way2movies.com |date=29 December 2010 |access-date=24 February 2014 |archive-date=26 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181226092136/http://telugu.way2movies.com/exclusivesingle_telugu/2010-Roundup--Hits-and-Flops-11-77514.html |url-status=dead}}

His first release in 2011, Ala Modalaindi, was a romantic comedy written and directed by Nandini Reddy, where he was cast opposite Nithya Menen. Nani's performance in the film received positive reviews, with critics noting that he was "completely natural" and "living [his] role".{{cite web |url=http://www.idlebrain.com/movie/archive/mr-alamodalaindi.html |title=Ala Modalaindi film review – Telugu cinema Review – Nani & Nitya Menon |publisher=Idlebrain.com |date=21 January 2011 |access-date=13 July 2012 |archive-date=9 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191209130910/http://www.idlebrain.com/movie/archive/mr-alamodalaindi.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/south-review-ala-modalaindi/20110121.htm |title=Ala Modalaindi is entertaining |work=Rediff.com |date=21 January 2011 |access-date=13 July 2012 |archive-date=15 July 2017 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170715082145/http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/south-review-ala-modalaindi/20110121.htm |url-status=live }} The film was a blockbuster at the box office.{{cite web |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/regional/ala-modalaindis-success-party/articleshow/8126783.cms |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120614053251/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-05-01/regional/29491113_1_success-party-new-lease-film-personalities |url-status=live |archive-date=14 June 2012 |title=Ala Modalaindi's success party |date=1 May 2011 |work=The Times of India |access-date=24 February 2014}} Simultaneously he did a Tamil film, Veppam, which marked his debut in Tamil cinema. Veppam received mixed reviews, but Nani was appreciated, The Times of India critic called his debut "confident", while Sify called his performance "riveting".{{cite web |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movie-reviews/Veppam/movie-review/9431933.cms |title=Veppam Review |work=The Times of India |date=30 July 2011 |access-date=24 February 2014 |archive-date=26 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181226092232/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movie-reviews/veppam/movie-review/9431933.cms%20 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/veppam-review-tamil-14975595.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130412003022/http://www.sify.com/movies/veppam-review-tamil-14975595.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=12 April 2013 |title=Movie Review : Veppam |website=Sify |date=30 July 2011 |access-date=24 February 2014}} It was dubbed into Telugu as Sega. Both the versions were box-office failures.{{cite web |url=http://www.supergoodmovies.com/23317/tollywood/nani-and-nithya-bags-a-flop-with-sega-news-details |title=Nani and Nithya bags a flop with Sega |publisher=supergoodmovies.com |date=30 July 2011 |access-date=24 February 2014 |archive-date=4 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304103325/http://www.supergoodmovies.com/23317/tollywood/nani-and-nithya-bags-a-flop-with-sega-news-details |url-status=dead}} Nani's final release of the year was Pilla Zamindar, which opened to mostly positive reviews from critics, and Nani's performance as a spoilt-brat-turned-leader was well appreciated. Radhika Rajamani stated "It is Nani's show all the way. He lives up to the role and is able to portray the kaleidoscope of emotions demanded of him."{{cite web |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/review/review-pilla-zamindar/20111014.htm |title=Review: Pilla Zamindar is Nani's show all the way |work=Rediff.com |date=14 October 2011 |access-date=24 February 2014 |archive-date=26 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181226092046/https://www.rediff.com/movies/review/review-pilla-zamindar/20111014.htm |url-status=live }} IndiaGlitz wrote, "Performance-wise, Nani delivers a matured output in the second half as a youth in self-introspecting and self-correcting mode."{{cite web |url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/telugu/review/13125.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111016151306/http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/telugu/review/13125.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=16 October 2011 |title=Pilla Zamindar – College set-up scores, routine screenplay mars |website=IndiaGlitz |date=15 October 2011 |access-date=24 February 2014}} The film was a hit at the box office, prompting a Tamil dubbed release under the title Jameen.

File:Nani at the special screening of 'Makkhi'.jpg, Nani and Rajamouli during the special screening of Makkhi in 2012]]

Nani's first release of 2012, was S. S. Rajamouli's live action project Eega. Shot simultaneously in Tamil as Naan Ee, it featured him opposite Samantha Ruth Prabhu and opened to mostly positive response. Rajeev Masand opined that "Nani sizzles as the lover boy in the few scenes he is seen.", while other critics also added that he leaves a mark in the limited screen time.{{cite web |url=https://www.news18.com/news/india/telugu-review-eega-is-a-cerebral-revenge-486176.html |title=Telugu Review: 'Eega' is a cerebral revenge |website=IBN Live |date=6 July 2012 |access-date=2 February 2019 |archive-date=2 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190202095443/https://www.news18.com/news/india/telugu-review-eega-is-a-cerebral-revenge-486176.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/review/south-review-eega-is-brilliant-cinema/20120706.htm |title=Review: Eega is brilliant cinema |work=Rediff.com |date=6 July 2012 |access-date=24 February 2014 |archive-date=26 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181226092249/https://www.rediff.com/movies/review/south-review-eega-is-brilliant-cinema/20120706.htm |url-status=live }} The film was a blockbuster at the box office and was dubbed into Hindi as Makkhi and into Malayalam as Eecha.{{cite web |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/telugu/news-interviews/Eega-beats-Mahesh-Babus-Businessman-collections/articleshow/15408365.cms |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130717074424/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-08-08/news-interviews/33099637_1_eega-rajamouli-telugu-and-tamil |url-status=live |archive-date=17 July 2013 |title=Eega beats Mahesh Babu's Businessman collections |date=8 August 2012 |work=The Times of India |access-date=24 February 2014}} His other release that year Gautham Vasudev Menon's Yeto Vellipoyindhi Manasu, where he played a college student reuniting with Samantha Ruth Prabhu. He also made a special appearance in its Tamil version, Neethane En Ponvasantham, where Jiiva replaced him. His portrayal of Varun Krishna was highly appreciated by critics. Sangeetha Dundoo from The Hindu noted, "Nani rises to the occasion with a mature performance. He speaks volumes through his eyes and conveys Varun's thoughts through the smallest of mannerisms. The climax completely belongs to him."{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/yeto-vellipoyindhi-manasu-like-a-gentle-breeze/article4199688.ece |title=Yeto Vellipoyindhi Manasu: Like a gentle breeze |work=The Hindu |date=14 December 2012 |access-date=24 February 2014 |last1=Dundoo |first1=Sangeetha Devi |archive-date=26 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181226092247/https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/yeto-vellipoyindhi-manasu-like-a-gentle-breeze/article4199688.ece%20/ |url-status=live }} CNN-IBN found him to be "quintessentially natural".{{cite web|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/yeto-vellipoyindi-manasu-review-this-telugu-film-is-a-complex-romantic-drama/310618-71-218.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121218073949/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/yeto-vellipoyindi-manasu-review-this-telugu-film-is-a-complex-romantic-drama/310618-71-218.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=18 December 2012|title='Yeto Vellipoyindi Manasu' Review: This Telugu film is a complex romantic drama|work=CNN-IBN|accessdate=11 November 2021}} Though the film received mixed reviews from film critics,{{cite web |url=http://entertainment.oneindia.in/telugu/news/2012/yeto-vellipoyindi-manasu-reviews-rating-critics-verdict-101971.html |title=Yeto Vellipoyindi Manasu bags mostly positive reviews from film critics |publisher=Oneindia Entertainment |date=15 December 2012 |access-date=24 February 2014 |archive-date=26 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181226092122/https://www.filmibeat.com/telugu/news/2012/yeto-vellipoyindi-manasu-reviews-rating-critics-verdict-101971.html |url-status=dead }} it had a positive response at the box office, due to Nani and Samantha's performances and won Nani his first and only Nandi Award for Best Actor till date.{{cite web |url=http://www.idlebrain.com/news/today/yvm-samantha.html |title=YVM: Samantha casting a spell on audiences |publisher=idlebrain.com |access-date=15 December 2012 |archive-date=26 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181226092142/http://www.idlebrain.com/news/today/yvm-samantha.html |url-status=live }}

In 2014, Nani was first seen in Krishna Vamsi's Paisa. The film revolved around the power of money and its influence over everything in society.{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/in-the-end-krishna-vamsis-paisa-is-all-about-the-moolah/article5661409.ece?homepage=true |title=In the end, Krishna Vamsi's Paisa is all about the moolah |work=The Hindu |date=6 February 2014 |access-date=24 February 2014 |last1=Krishnamoorthy |first1=Suresh |archive-date=26 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181226092005/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/in-the-end-krishna-vamsis-paisa-is-all-about-the-moolah/article5661409.ece?homepage=true |url-status=live }} Nani played the role of Prakash, a Sherwani model who is obsessed with earning money.{{cite web |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/telugu/news-interviews/Nani-as-Prakash-Catherine-as-Noor-in-Paisa/articleshow/19125885.cms |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130419052431/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-03-22/news-interviews/37935565_1_paisa-noor-catherine-tresa |url-status=live |archive-date=19 April 2013 |title=Nani as Prakash, Catherine as Noor in Paisa |date=22 March 2013 |work=The Times of India |access-date=24 February 2014}} The film opened to negative reviews, yet Nani's performance was appreciated by critics. The Hindu critic notedthat he "holds the film together" and proves his merit yet again.{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/cinema-reviews/paisa-dance-of-money/article5664640.ece |title=Paisa: Dance of money |work=The Hindu |date=8 February 2014 |access-date=24 February 2014 |last1=Dundoo |first1=Sangeetha Devi |archive-date=26 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181226092038/https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/cinema-reviews/paisa-dance-of-money/article5664640.ece%20/ |url-status=live }} The film was a disaster at the box office.{{cite web |url=http://www.123telugu.com/slideshow/movies/B/Box_Office_Report_16_02_2014/Box_Office_Report_Paisa.html |title=Exclusive: Box office report for the week ending 16/02/14 |publisher=123telugu.com |date=16 February 2014 |access-date=24 February 2014 |archive-date=26 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181226092230/https://www.123telugu.com/slideshow/movies/B/Box_Office_Report_16_02_2014/Box_Office_Report_Paisa.html |url-status=dead }} He next starred in Yash Raj Films' maiden south Indian production Aaha Kalyanam, the Tamil remake of the 2010 Hindi film Band Baaja Baaraat. The film received mixed to negative reviews, but Nani's performance as Shakti was well received. Sify called his performance "pitch-perfect"{{cite web |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/aaha-kalyanam-review-tamil-15049790.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222192412/http://www.sify.com/movies/aaha-kalyanam-review-tamil-15049790.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=22 February 2014 |title=Movie Review: Aaha Kalyanam |website=Sify |date=18 February 2014 |access-date=24 February 2014}} It again emerged a commercial failure.{{cite web |url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies/aaha-kalyanam/aaha-kalyanam-review.html |title=Aaha Kalyanam Movie Review |website=Behindwoods.com |access-date=16 November 2014 |archive-date=26 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181226092138/http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies/aaha-kalyanam/aaha-kalyanam-review.html |url-status=live }}

Nani's first played dual roles in the political thriller Janda Pai Kapiraju, alongside Amala Paul, which was simultaneously made in Tamil as Nimirndhu Nil with Jayam Ravi in Nani's role. This movie was a disaster at the box office.{{cite web |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news-interviews/Jenda-Pai-Kapiraju-to-release-on-March-7/articleshow/30683270.cms |title=Jenda Pai Kapiraju to release on March 7? |work=The Times of India |date=19 February 2014 |access-date=24 February 2014 |archive-date=26 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181226092256/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news-interviews/Jenda-Pai-Kapiraju-to-release-on-March-7/articleshow/30683270.cms |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.iqlikmovies.com/news/article/2015/03/21/nani-janda-pai-kapiraju-movie-review-and-ratings/8037 |title=Jandapai Kapiraju releasing finally |publisher=Iqlikmovies |access-date=30 July 2018 |archive-date=26 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181226092123/https://www.iqlikmovies.com/news/article/2015/03/21/nani-janda-pai-kapiraju-movie-review-and-ratings/8037 |url-status=live }} He then portrayed an IIM graduate in Yevade Subramanyam, which opened to positive response and was commercially successful.{{cite news|last1=staff|title=When Nani shot at the base camp of Mt Everest for 'Yevade Subramanyam'|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/when-nani-shot-at-the-base-camp-of-mt-everest-for-yevade-subramanyam/517636-71-177.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150422022013/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/when-nani-shot-at-the-base-camp-of-mt-everest-for-yevade-subramanyam/517636-71-177.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=22 April 2015|access-date=14 January 2015|work=IBN Live|date=11 December 2014}} Reviewing the film, Hemanth Kumar termed it as one of his best and added, "Nani digs deep into his arsenal of talent to stay true to the character throughout the film."{{cite news|last1=Hemanth Kumar|title=Yevade Subramanyam Movie Review|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movie-reviews/yevade-subramanyam-movie-review/movie-review/46646813.cms|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160428022013/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movie-reviews/yevade-subramanyam-movie-review/movie-review/46646813.cms|url-status=dead|archive-date=28 April 2016|access-date=14 January 2015|work=IBN Live|date=11 December 2014}} His final release of the year was Bhale Bhale Magadivoy. Nani played an absent-minded junior botanist opposite Lavanya Tripathi.{{Cite web |last=Devi Dundoo |first=Sangeetha |date=1 September 2015 |title=Nani plays a character close to reality |url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/nani-bale-bale-magadivoy/article7603597.ece |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151125152550/http://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/nani-bale-bale-magadivoy/article7603597.ece |archive-date=25 November 2015 |access-date=25 November 2015 |website=The Hindu}} The film was a blockbuster and went on to become the fourth-highest grossing Telugu film of all time at the United States box-office.{{Cite web |last=H. Hooli |first=Shekhar |date=15 September 2015 |title=Box office collection: 'Bhale Bhale Magadivoi' tops US business chart again beating 'Hero', 'Welcome Back' |url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/box-office-collection-bhale-bhale-magadivoi-tops-us-business-chart-again-beating-hero-646647 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925072739/http://www.ibtimes.co.in/box-office-collection-bhale-bhale-magadivoi-tops-us-business-chart-again-beating-hero-646647 |archive-date=25 September 2015 |access-date=28 November 2015 |website=International Business Times India}}{{cite web |url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/us-box-office-collection-bhale-bhale-magadivoy-unlikely-beat-pawan-kalyans-attarintiki-650307 |title=US box office collection: 'Bhale Bhale Magadivoy' unlikely to beat Pawan Kalyan's 'Attarintiki Daredi' record |work=International Business Times |date=13 October 2015 |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151128122712/http://www.ibtimes.co.in/us-box-office-collection-bhale-bhale-magadivoy-unlikely-beat-pawan-kalyans-attarintiki-650307 |archive-date=28 November 2015}} N. Sethumadhavan of the Bangalore Mirror termed Nani "refreshing", "talent to watch" and praised his chemistry with Tripathi. Suresh Kavirayani of the Deccan Chronicle noted, "A complete Nani’s show, whether it’s humour, emotion or romance, Nani does it with ease."{{Cite web |last=N. |first=Sethumadhavan |date=10 September 2015 |title=Movie Review: Bale Bale Magadivoy |url=https://bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/reviews/Movie-Review-Bale-Bale-Magadivoy/articleshow/48903569.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151116035416/http://www.bangaloremirror.com/entertainment/reviews/Movie-Review-Bale-Bale-Magadivoy/articleshow/48903569.cms |archive-date=16 November 2015 |access-date=26 November 2015 |website=Bangalore Mirror}}{{Cite web |last=Kavirayani |first=Suresh |date=5 September 2015 |title=Movie Review 'Bhale Bhale Mogadivoy': Nani rules with memory loss |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/150905/entertainment-movie-review/article/movie-review-bhale-bhale-mogadivoy-nani-rules-memory-loss |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151126140341/http://www.deccanchronicle.com/150905/entertainment-movie-review/article/movie-review-bhale-bhale-mogadivoy-nani-rules-memory-loss |archive-date=26 November 2015 |access-date=26 November 2015 |url-status=live |website=Deccan Chronicle}} His performance earned him the Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actor – Telugu.{{Cite news |date=16 January 2017 |title=Nani wins Critics Award for Best Actor (Male) at 63rd Filmfare Awards South 2016 |work=The Times of India |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/Nani-wins-Critics-Award-for-Best-Actor-Male-at-63rd-Filmfare-Awards-South-2016/articleshow/52813442.cms |url-status=dead |access-date=15 July 2017 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170715180541/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/Nani-wins-Critics-Award-for-Best-Actor-Male-at-63rd-Filmfare-Awards-South-2016/articleshow/52813442.cms |archive-date=15 July 2017}}

Post, Bhale Bhale Mogadivoy, Nani earned more critical praises in 2016. His first release was Krishna Gaadi Veera Prema Gaadha, opposite Mehreen Pirzada.{{Cite web|title=25 Greatest Telugu Films Of The Decade {{!}} Film Companion|url=https://www.filmcompanion.in/fc-decades/pages/telugu.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191017163531/https://www.filmcompanion.in/fc-decades/pages/telugu.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=17 October 2019|access-date=26 June 2021|website=www.filmcompanion.in|language=en}} The film opened to positive response from critics, The Hans India said, "A truly stand out performance from Nani for sure, who plays to his strength and exudes a natural feel to his character on screen."{{cite news |url=https://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Cinema/2016-02-13/Krishna-Gaadi-Veera-Prema-Gaadha-ReviewTwists-one-too-many/206868 |title=Krishna Gaadi Veera Prema Gaadha Review:Twists one too many |work=The Hans India |accessdate=13 February 2016 |archive-date=19 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210519022347/https://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Cinema/2016-02-13/Krishna-Gaadi-Veera-Prema-Gaadha-ReviewTwists-one-too-many/206868 |url-status=live }} It became Nani's biggest opener in India, beating the records of Bhale Bhale Magadivoy.{{cite web |url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/box-office-collection-krishna-gadi-veera-prema-gadha-nanis-biggest-opener-garam-starts-well-666890#FyAgobg4MZAbDhs7.97 |title=Box office collection: 'Krishna Gadi Veera Prema Gadha' is Nani's biggest opener; 'Garam' starts well |work=International Business Times |date=13 February 2016 |access-date=27 July 2016 |archive-date=26 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181226092205/https://www.ibtimes.co.in/box-office-collection-krishna-gadi-veera-prema-gadha-nanis-biggest-opener-garam-starts-well-666890#FyAgobg4MZAbDhs7.97 |url-status=live }} In his next film, Nani played dual roles of a businessman and IIM graduate opposite Surbhi and Nivetha Thomas in Gentleman.{{cite web | url=http://gulfnews.com/life-style/celebrity/desi-news/south-india/hero-or-villain-the-tagline-of-gentleman-keeps-nani-s-fans-wondering-1.1846537 | title=Hero or Villain: The tagline of 'Gentleman' keeps Nani's fans wondering | work=Gulf News | date=15 June 2016 | access-date=21 June 2016 | last=Ramachandran | first=Mythily | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160621160342/http://gulfnews.com/life-style/celebrity/desi-news/south-india/hero-or-villain-the-tagline-of-gentleman-keeps-nani-s-fans-wondering-1.1846537 | archive-date=21 June 2016}} Purnima Sriram of The New Indian Express termed it a "game-changer" for Nani and added, "Nani nailed both the roles. He has shouted out loud to the world that he can play any role flawlessly and effortlessly."{{cite web | url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/reviews/Review-This-Gentleman-is-a-game-changer/2016/06/19/article3487505.ece | title=Review: This Gentleman is a game-changer | work=The New Indian Express | date=19 June 2016 | access-date=19 June 2016 | last=Sriram | first=Purnima | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160619063856/http://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/reviews/Review-This-Gentleman-is-a-game-changer/2016/06/19/article3487505.ece | archive-date=19 June 2016}} It went onto become his third highest grosser after Eega and Bhale Bhale Magadivoy. It won him the Nandi Special Jury Award.{{cite web |url=http://www.telugusquare.com/nanis-top-5-films-ww-shares/ |title=Nani's Top 5 films World Wide shares |work=TeluguSquare |access-date=6 April 2017 |archive-date=19 May 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170519163824/http://www.telugusquare.com/nanis-top-5-films-ww-shares/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/13-nandi-awards-for-baahubali/articleshow/61655551.cms|title=Andhra Pradesh government announces Nandi awards for 2014-2016|work=The Times of India|date=15 November 2017|archive-date=22 December 2017|access-date=13 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222065941/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/13-nandi-awards-for-baahubali/articleshow/61655551.cms|url-status=live}} After playing Regina Cassandra's boyfriend in Jyo Achyutananda, Nani played an assistant director alongside Anu Emmanuel in Majnu, his last film that year. It was a commercial success.{{Cite web |last=Arikatla |first=Venkat |date=23 September 2016 |title=Majnu movie review |url=https://www.greatandhra.com/movies/reviews/majnu-review-nani-makes-it-watchable-77111 |access-date=12 June 2023 |website=greatandhra.com |language=en |archive-date=12 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230612161651/https://www.greatandhra.com/movies/reviews/majnu-review-nani-makes-it-watchable-77111 |url-status=live }}{{cite news | url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/majnu-total-worldwide-box-office-collection-nanis-film-fails-cross-rs-30-crore-mark-702454 | title=Majnu total worldwide box office collection: Nani's film fails to cross Rs 30 crore mark | date=3 November 2016 | newspaper=International Business Times | first=Shekhar H | last=Hooli | accessdate=14 March 2019 | archive-date=12 August 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220812133649/https://www.ibtimes.co.in/majnu-total-worldwide-box-office-collection-nanis-film-fails-cross-rs-30-crore-mark-702454 | url-status=live }}

File:Nani at Aaha Kalyanam audio launch (cropped).jpg

Nani further established himself with commercial successess in 2017. Nenu Local, directed by Trinadha Rao Nakkina, was Nani's first release of the year, where he appeared opposite Keerthy Suresh.{{cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/regional/nenu-local-first-look-nani-moves-from-romcoms-to-action-title-3727344/|title=Nenu Local first look: Nani moves from romc inoms to action title|accessdate=28 October 2016|website=The Indian Express|date=28 October 2016|archive-date=29 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161029104950/http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/regional/nenu-local-first-look-nani-moves-from-romcoms-to-action-title-3727344/|url-status=live}} Idlebrain was appreciative of his performance and added that he carries the film "single handedly".{{cite web|url=https://www.idlebrain.com/movie/archive/nenulocal.html|title=Nenu Local review by jeevi - Telugu cinema review - Nani & Keerthy Suresh|website=Idlebrain|access-date=13 May 2024|archive-date=17 April 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240417054800/https://www.idlebrain.com/movie/archive/nenulocal.html|url-status=live}} The film became Nani's highest-grossing film to date.{{cite web|url=https://www.ibtimes.co.in/tollywood-2017-15-highest-grossing-telugu-movies-year-baahubali-2-khaidi-no-150-jlk-dj-753526|title=Tollywood in 2017: 15 highest grossing Telugu movies of the year - Baahubali 2, Khaidi No 150, JLK, DJ and others|work=International Business Times|date=17 December 2017|accessdate=17 December 2017|archive-date=30 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200630044059/https://www.ibtimes.co.in/tollywood-2017-15-highest-grossing-telugu-movies-year-baahubali-2-khaidi-no-150-jlk-dj-753526|url-status=live}} Nani played a doctor, in Ninnu Kori reuniting with Nivetha Thomas. While, a critic of Firstpost stated, "Nani is terrific. Although he has a funny side, there’s plenty of emotional weight that he carries throughout the film.", Priyanka Sundar of The Indian Express found him to be "repetitive".{{Cite web|date=7 July 2017|title=Ninnu Kori movie review: Nani, Nivetha Thomas in a slice-of-life drama about love and life|url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/ninnu-kori-movie-review-nani-nivetha-thomas-in-a-slice-of-life-drama-about-love-and-life-3786513.html|access-date=7 September 2020|website=Firstpost|archive-date=30 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200830185951/https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/ninnu-kori-movie-review-nani-nivetha-thomas-in-a-slice-of-life-drama-about-love-and-life-3786513.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|date=8 July 2017|title=Ninnu Kori movie review: Aadhi's performance is impressive, while there is nothing new about Nani|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/movie-review/ninnu-kori-movie-review-nani-aadhi-pinisetty-nivetha-thomas-star-rating-4740201/|access-date=7 September 2020|website=The Indian Express|language=en|archive-date=30 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190730010413/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/movie-review/ninnu-kori-movie-review-nani-aadhi-pinisetty-nivetha-thomas-star-rating-4740201/|url-status=live}} A commercial success, it became his second-highest-grosser after Nenu Local.{{Cite web|last=Hooli|first=Shekhar H.|date=11 July 2017|title=Ninnu Kori worldwide box office collection: Shiva Nirvana's film turns biggest money spinner in Nani's career|url=https://www.ibtimes.co.in/ninnu-kori-worldwide-box-office-collection-shiva-nirvanas-film-turns-biggest-money-spinner-734180|access-date=28 June 2020|website=International Business Times, India Edition|language=en|archive-date=30 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200630002444/https://www.ibtimes.co.in/ninnu-kori-worldwide-box-office-collection-shiva-nirvanas-film-turns-biggest-money-spinner-734180|url-status=live}} Later the year, he played a boy with eidetic memory in Middle Class Abbayi, opposite Sai Pallavi. The film became a major commercial success, breaking Nenu Local's record to become his highest-grossing release.{{Cite web |date=23 December 2017 |title=Nani's MCA takes exceptional opening, mints over Rs 15 crore on first day |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/regional-movies/nani-s-mca-takes-exceptional-opening-mints-over-rs-15-crore-on-first-day/story-tPiV987rM45ivcVME7p4BI.html |access-date=18 May 2022 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en |archive-date=18 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220518170422/https://www.hindustantimes.com/regional-movies/nani-s-mca-takes-exceptional-opening-mints-over-rs-15-crore-on-first-day/story-tPiV987rM45ivcVME7p4BI.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=9 January 2018 |title=Middle Class Abbayi Total US Box office collections |url=https://english.sakshi.com/middle-class-abbayi-total-us-box-office-collections |access-date=18 May 2022 |website=Sakshi Post |language=en}}

In his first film of 2018, Nani played dual roles in Krishnarjuna Yudham, alongside Anupama Parameswaran and Rukshar Dhillon. The film was his a box office failure after eight consecutive successes.{{cite web |url=http://www.tollywood.net/topstories/nanis-double-hat-trick-with-nenu-local |title=nani's double hat-trick with nenu local |publisher=tollywood.net |date=3 February 2017 |access-date=6 April 2017 |archive-date=5 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180105214552/http://www.tollywood.net/topstories/nanis-double-hat-trick-with-nenu-local |url-status=dead}}Kavirayani, Suresh (21 April 2018) [https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/tollywood/210418/nanis-successful-run-interrupted.html Nani’s successful run interrupted] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180702180451/https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/tollywood/210418/nanis-successful-run-interrupted.html |date=2 July 2018 }}. Deccan Chronicle. Retrieved 10 August 2018. Nani again played a doctor in Devadas, where he appeared alongside Nagarjuna, Aakanksha Singh and Rashmika Mandanna.{{cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/regional-movies/nani-akkineni-nagarjuna-starrer-is-the-first-film-to-be-shot-in-hyderabad-metro/story-BOKNlmq4ZOR81qChTmrxvI.html|title=Nani- Akkineni Nagarjuna starrer is the first film to be shot in Hyderabad Metro|date=28 March 2018|access-date=13 May 2024|archive-date=17 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190817183005/https://www.hindustantimes.com/regional-movies/nani-akkineni-nagarjuna-starrer-is-the-first-film-to-be-shot-in-hyderabad-metro/story-BOKNlmq4ZOR81qChTmrxvI.html|url-status=live}} The film became a box office average, due to its big budget.{{Cite news |url=https://www.telugu360.com/devadas-worldwide-closing-collections/ |title='Devadas' Worldwide Closing Collections – Nag & Nani's FLOP Streak Continues |date=26 October 2018 |work=Telugu360.com |access-date=29 October 2018 |language=en-US |archive-date=29 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181029191635/https://www.telugu360.com/devadas-worldwide-closing-collections/ |url-status=live }} Krishna Sripada of The Indian Express noted, "Nani gets into the skin of the character and gives his best to the make the lousy writing tolerable."{{Cite news |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/movie-review/devadas-movie-review-nani-star-rating-5377263/ |title=Devadas Movie Review |date=27 September 2018 |work=The Indian Express |access-date=29 November 2018 |language=en-US |archive-date=18 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231118213312/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/movie-review/devadas-movie-review-nani-star-rating-5377263/ |url-status=live }} In 2018, Nani also turned narrator for the films, Amoli and Ee Maaya Peremito.{{Cite news |date=6 May 2018 |title=Kamal Haasan, Rajkummar Rao lend voice to film on sexual exploitation titled Amoli: Priceless |work=The Indian Express |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/entertainment-others/kamal-haasan-rajkummar-rao-amoli-priceless-documentary-5165545/ |url-status=live |access-date=30 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190430032856/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/entertainment-others/kamal-haasan-rajkummar-rao-amoli-priceless-documentary-5165545/ |archive-date=30 April 2019}}{{Cite web |first1=Suresh |last1=Kavirayani |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/tollywood/010718/nani-gives-voice-for-ee-maya-peremito.html |title=Nani gives voice for Ee Maya Peremito |date=1 July 2018 |newspaper=Deccan Chronicle |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180922215333/https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/tollywood/010718/nani-gives-voice-for-ee-maya-peremito.html |archive-date=22 September 2018}}

Nani's first release in 2019 was Jersey, opposite Shraddha Srinath, where he played a former cricketer who restart cricket for his son.{{Cite web|date=17 November 2018|title=Nani's Jersey deals with late bloomers and their aspirations|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/telugu/nani-movie-jersey-late-bloomers-5451536/|access-date=28 November 2020|website=The Indian Express|archive-date=20 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181120011140/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/telugu/nani-movie-jersey-late-bloomers-5451536/|url-status=live}} A critical and commercial success, it is considered as the most important film of his career and was listed as one of the "Best Telugu films of 2019".{{Cite web|date=31 December 2019|title=2019లో భారీ వసూళ్లు రాబట్టిన సినిమాలివే..|trans-title=Highest grossing films of 2019|url=https://www.sakshi.com/news/family/roundup-2019-special-story-tollywood-movies-1252065|access-date=6 August 2020|website=Sakshi|language=te|archive-date=31 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191231040059/https://www.sakshi.com/news/family/roundup-2019-special-story-tollywood-movies-1252065|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/best-telugu-cinema-2019-oh-baby-mallesham-here-are-our-picks-114961|title="Jersey" Best of Telugu cinema 2019: From 'Oh! Baby' to 'Mallesham', here are our picks|website=The News Minute|date=29 December 2019|access-date=30 December 2019|archive-date=29 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191229134555/https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/best-telugu-cinema-2019-oh-baby-mallesham-here-are-our-picks-114961|url-status=live}} Haricharan Pudipeddi of Hindustan Times noted, "Nani is terrific as Arjun and he hasn’t looked so comfortable in role in a while."{{Cite web|date=19 April 2019|title=Jersey movie review: Nani, Shraddha Srinath film is a rewarding story of triumph and self discovery|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/regional-movies/jersey-movie-review-nani-shraddha-srinath-movie-is-a-rewarding-story-of-triumph-and-self-discovery/story-CsJqO56y6qH5943zX9cGGP.html|access-date=28 November 2020|website=Hindustan Times|archive-date=21 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191021065651/https://www.hindustantimes.com/regional-movies/jersey-movie-review-nani-shraddha-srinath-movie-is-a-rewarding-story-of-triumph-and-self-discovery/story-CsJqO56y6qH5943zX9cGGP.html|url-status=live}} Janani K of India Today stated, "Nani's expressions are pitch-perfect for Jersey. He plays the role of an attacking right-hand batsman and Nani's cricketing technique is top-notch." It won him the SIIMA Critics Award for Best Actor – Telugu.{{Cite web|date=19 April 2019|first=Janani|last=K.|title=Jersey Movie Review: Nani and Shraddha Srinath sparkle in excellent sports drama|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/jersey-movie-review-nani-and-shraddha-srinath-sparkle-in-excellent-sports-drama-1505613-2019-04-19|access-date=28 November 2020|website=India Today|archive-date=28 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210128093708/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/jersey-movie-review-nani-and-shraddha-srinath-sparkle-in-excellent-sports-drama-1505613-2019-04-19|url-status=live}} Nani then played a crime novelist in Nani's Gang Leader. It received mixed reviews but became a box-office success.{{cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/regional-movies/nani-vikram-kumar-team-up-for-new-film-gang-leader-watch-video/story-KHizSAZwYchMJYlMJCraDO.html|title=Nani, Vikram Kumar team up for new film Gang Leader, watch video|work=The Hindustan Times|date=25 February 2019|accessdate=25 February 2019|archive-date=26 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190226100800/https://www.hindustantimes.com/regional-movies/nani-vikram-kumar-team-up-for-new-film-gang-leader-watch-video/story-KHizSAZwYchMJYlMJCraDO.html|url-status=live}} Times of India{{'}}s Suhas Yellapantula called him the film's "heart and soul" and added that he brings the film "to life".{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movie-reviews/gang-leader/movie-review/71108833.cms|title=Gang Leader Movie Review : Gang Leader shines in parts but is let down by a haphazard screenplay|website=The Times of India|accessdate=21 September 2019|archive-date=20 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200220212710/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movie-reviews/gang-leader/movie-review/71108833.cms|url-status=live}}

Nani's only release in 2020 was his 25th film, V, where he played a serial killer opposite Aditi Rao Hydari. The film's was Nani's first OTT release (it was released on Amazon Prime Video), and was also his first negative character.{{Cite news |last=Nyayapati |first=Neeshita |title=Nani's shocking and intense first-look from 'V' |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/nanis-shocking-and-intense-first-look-from-v/articleshow/73686589.cms |access-date=17 February 2020 |archive-date=29 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200129041600/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/nanis-shocking-and-intense-first-look-from-v/articleshow/73686589.cms |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last=Nayak |first=Elina Priyadarshini |title='There will be fireworks when I lock horns with Nani in Indraganti's next' |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/there-will-be-fireworks-when-i-lock-horns-with-nani-in-indragantis-next/articleshow/73934960.cms |access-date=17 February 2020 |archive-date=14 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210414031538/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/there-will-be-fireworks-when-i-lock-horns-with-nani-in-indragantis-next/articleshow/73934960.cms |url-status=live }} Despite receiving mixed reviews, it became the most watched Telugu film on a streaming platform.{{Cite web |last=Sharma |first=Deeksha |date=14 December 2020 |title=The Most Watched Shows, Films on Streaming Platforms in 2020 |url=https://www.thequint.com/entertainment/hot-on-web/what-india-watched-on-streaming-platforms-in-2020 |access-date=28 July 2021 |website=TheQuint |archive-date=31 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201231130027/https://www.thequint.com/entertainment/hot-on-web/what-india-watched-on-streaming-platforms-in-2020 |url-status=live }} Sowmya Rajendran of The News Minute opined, "Nani definitely makes a difference when he steps in. He's effortlessly funny, spooking people around him with his dark humour. But you do question his actions post the truth reveal."{{cite news|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/telangana/v-review-nani-indraganti-thriller-stylish-wholly-predictable-thriller-132366|title=V review: Nani-Indraganti movie is a stylish, predictable thriller|author=Sowmya Rajendran|website=The News Minute|accessdate=21 November 2020|archive-date=13 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240513112150/https://www.thenewsminute.com/amp/story/telangana/v-review-nani-indraganti-thriller-stylish-wholly-predictable-thriller-132366|url-status=live}}

In 2021, Nani first appeared as a revenue officer in Tuck Jagadish, alongside Ritu Varma. It was his second OTT release, post V and received negative reviews from critics, with his performance earning mixed reviews.{{Cite news|title=Tuck Jagadish - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/previews/tuck-jagadish/articleshow/88957368.cms|access-date=11 February 2022|website=The Times of India|language=en|archive-date=11 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220211143258/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/previews/tuck-jagadish/articleshow/88957368.cms|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|last=Dundoo|first=Sangeetha Devi|date=10 September 2021|title='Tuck Jagadish' movie review: Familiar, but hits a few right notes|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/reviews/tuck-jagadish-movie-review-shiva-nirvana-and-nani-film-mostly-hits-the-right-notes/article36394059.ece|issn=0971-751X|access-date=10 September 2021|archive-date=10 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210910133439/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/reviews/tuck-jagadish-movie-review-shiva-nirvana-and-nani-film-mostly-hits-the-right-notes/article36394059.ece|url-status=live}} In the same year, Nani played dual roles of a Bengali writer and his reincarnation, an aspiring filmmaker in Shyam Singha Roy, opposite Sai Pallavi and Krithi Shetty.{{Cite web|title=Tollywood star Nani's next film with director Rahul Sankrityan titled Shyam Singha Roy|url=https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/south/tollywood-star-nani-s-next-film-director-rahul-sankrityan-titled-shyam-singha-roy-510467|access-date=15 January 2021|website=PINKVILLA|date=25 February 2020|language=en|archive-date=3 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200403003908/https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/south/tollywood-star-nani-s-next-film-director-rahul-sankrityan-titled-shyam-singha-roy-510467|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|url= https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/nani-sai-pallavi-and-krithi-shettys-shyam-singha-roy-to-release-on-december-24-in-multiple-languages/articleshow/87130285.cms|title= Nani, Sai Pallavi and Krithi Shetty's 'Shyam Singha Roy' to release on December 24 in multiple languages|website= The Times of India|access-date= 15 May 2022|archive-date= 15 May 2022|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220515075300/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/nani-sai-pallavi-and-krithi-shettys-shyam-singha-roy-to-release-on-december-24-in-multiple-languages/articleshow/87130285.cms|url-status= live}} It proved to be a major commercial success.{{cite news|title='Shyam Singha Roy' box office collection Day 27: Nani, Sai Pallavi and Krithi Shetty starrer inches closer to Rs 50 crore?|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/box-office/shyam-singha-roy-box-office-collection-day-27-nani-sai-pallavi-and-krithi-shetty-starrer-inches-closer-to-rs-50-crore/articleshow/89056666.cms|website=The Times of India|access-date=27 March 2023|quote=According to the trade report, to date, the collection of the Rahul Sankrityan directorial venture stands at 46 crores at the worldwide box office earning Rs 26. 50 share to its distributors.|archive-date=5 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221105221442/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/box-office/shyam-singha-roy-box-office-collection-day-27-nani-sai-pallavi-and-krithi-shetty-starrer-inches-closer-to-rs-50-crore/articleshow/89056666.cms|url-status=live}} Sankeertana Varma of Firstpost found him to be "impressive" and added, "Nani is especially great in scenes where he is slowly moving away from Vasu and embarrassing his inner Shyam".{{Cite web|date=24 December 2021|title=Shyam Singha Roy movie review: The film benefits from its lead performances, but is let down by a timeworn tale|url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/shyam-singha-roy-movie-review-the-film-benefits-from-its-lead-performances-but-is-let-down-by-a-timeworn-tale-10233841.html|access-date=29 December 2021|website=Firstpost|language=en|archive-date=29 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211229035701/https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/shyam-singha-roy-movie-review-the-film-benefits-from-its-lead-performances-but-is-let-down-by-a-timeworn-tale-10233841.html|url-status=live}} The film won him another Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actor – Telugu, making him the only Telugu actor to win the award twice.{{Cite web |title=Filmfare Awards South: From Nimisha Sajayan to Nani, read which actors won what |url=https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/2022/10/11/filmfare-awards-south-malayalam-tamil-telugu-kannada-stars-announced.html |access-date=31 December 2022 |website=Onmanorma |language=en |archive-date=11 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221011070903/https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/2022/10/11/filmfare-awards-south-malayalam-tamil-telugu-kannada-stars-announced.html |url-status=live }}

Nani played Sundar, a Brahmin boy in love with a Christian girl, opposite Nazriya Nazim, in his first release of 2022, Ante Sundaraniki.{{Cite news|title=Ante Sundaraniki starring Nani and Nazriya wraps up shoot|url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/telugu/news/2022/jan/24/ante-sundaranikistarring-nani-and-nazriyawraps-up-shoot-29215.html|date=23 January 2022|access-date=24 January 2022|work=Cinema Express|archive-date=24 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220124081108/https://www.cinemaexpress.com/telugu/news/2022/jan/24/ante-sundaranikistarring-nani-and-nazriyawraps-up-shoot-29215.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|title=Nani-starrer 'Ante Sundaraniki' shoot wrapped up|url=https://telanganatoday.com/nani-starrer-ante-sundaraniki-shoot-wrapped-up|date=23 January 2022|access-date=24 January 2022|work=Telangana Today}} The film was an average at domestic box-office, but became one of the highest-grossing releases of the year worldwide.{{cite web |title=Nani, Nazriya starrer Ante Sundaraniki surpasses $ 1million at US box office |url=https://www.zoomtventertainment.com/telugu-cinema/nani-nazriya-starrer-ante-sundaraniki-surpasses-1million-at-us-box-office-article-92284094 |website=Zoom |date=17 June 2022 |access-date=13 May 2024 |archive-date=15 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220815032105/https://www.zoomtventertainment.com/telugu-cinema/nani-nazriya-starrer-ante-sundaraniki-surpasses-1million-at-us-box-office-article-92284094 |url-status=live }} Murali Krishna CH of Cinema Express stated, "Nani stay sincere and committed to his character. Nani serves up a reminder of how funny he can be in a role that he would perfectly fit into."{{cite web|title=Ante Sundaraniki Movie Review: Just for a few laughs|url=https://www.m.cinemaexpress.com/telugu/review/2022/jun/10/ante-sundaraniki-movie-review-nani-nazriya-32054.amp|website=Cinema Express|access-date=11 June 2022|archive-date=15 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220615095818/https://m.cinemaexpress.com/telugu/review/2022/jun/10/ante-sundaraniki-movie-review-nani-nazriya-32054.amp|url-status=dead}} Later the year, he appeared as Arjun Sarkaar IPS in HIT: The Second Case, revealing himself as the lead of HIT: The Third Case.{{cite web|title=HIT 2 movie review: Adivi Sesh starrer is a significant improvement on HIT 1|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/movie-review/hit-2-movie-review-adivi-sesh-starrer-is-a-significant-improvement-on-hit-1-8302606/|website=The Indian Express|date=2 December 2022|access-date=11 December 2022|archive-date=9 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221209124158/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/movie-review/hit-2-movie-review-adivi-sesh-starrer-is-a-significant-improvement-on-hit-1-8302606/|url-status=live}}

In his first release of 2023, Nani played a young ruffian who steals coal in Dasara, reuniting with Keerthy Suresh.{{Cite news |title=Natural Star Nani's 'Dasara' motion poster out, his rustic look grabs eyeballs |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/natural-star-nanis-dasara-motion-poster-out-his-rustic-look-grabs-eyeballs/articleshow/87040229.cms |access-date=20 March 2022 |website=The Times of India |language=en |archive-date=27 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211127220512/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/natural-star-nanis-dasara-motion-poster-out-his-rustic-look-grabs-eyeballs/articleshow/87040229.cms |url-status=live}}{{Cite web |date=16 February 2022 |title=Nani-Keerthy Suresh's Dasara goes on floors. See photos |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/telugu/nani-keerthy-suresh-dasara-photos-7776551/ |access-date=20 March 2022 |website=The Indian Express |language=en |archive-date=20 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220320165757/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/telugu/nani-keerthy-suresh-dasara-photos-7776551/ |url-status=live}} Dasara became the highest-grossing film of Nani's career, leaving behind all his previous films.{{Cite web |title=Nani's Dasara Worldwide Closing Box-Office Collections |url=https://tracktollywood.com/nanis-dasara-worldwide-closing-box-office-collections/ |access-date=25 April 2023 |website=Track Tollywood |date=25 April 2023 |language=en |archive-date=29 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230429050335/https://tracktollywood.com/nanis-dasara-worldwide-closing-box-office-collections/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Dasara box office collection Day 1: Nani's revenge drama earns Rs 38 crore in India |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/dasara-box-office-collection-day-1-nanis-revenge-drama-is-off-to-a-flying-start-in-theatres-2353779-2023-03-31 |access-date=31 March 2023 |website=India Today |date=31 March 2023 |language=en |archive-date=31 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230331115539/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/dasara-box-office-collection-day-1-nanis-revenge-drama-is-off-to-a-flying-start-in-theatres-2353779-2023-03-31 |url-status=live }} Chirag Sehgal of News18 noted, "Nani is amazing in what he does. He is a treat to watch and plays his part with utmost ease and perfection. But, his less screentime in the first half is little disappointing."{{cite web |last1=Sehgal |first1=Chirag |title=Dasara Review: Nani's Swag Is Unbeatable But The Never-Seen-Before Climax Sequence Will Give You Goosebumps |url=https://www.news18.com/movies/dasara-review-nanis-swag-is-unbeatable-keerthy-suresh-co-starrer-film-will-give-you-goosebumps-7419805.html |website=News18 |date=30 March 2023 |access-date=30 March 2023 |archive-date=30 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230330114524/https://www.news18.com/movies/dasara-review-nanis-swag-is-unbeatable-keerthy-suresh-co-starrer-film-will-give-you-goosebumps-7419805.html |url-status=live}} In his next film Hi Nanna, Nani played a fashion photographer and single father opposite Mrunal Thakur.{{Cite news |date=3 January 2023 |title=Exclusive! Nani and Mrunal Thakur were my first choices for #Nani30: Shouryuv |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/exclusive-nani-and-mrunal-thakur-were-my-first-choices-for-nani30-shouryuv/articleshow/96688371.cms?from=mdr |access-date=23 October 2023 |issn=0971-8257 |archive-date=3 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230103062246/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/exclusive-nani-and-mrunal-thakur-were-my-first-choices-for-nani30-shouryuv/articleshow/96688371.cms?from=mdr |url-status=live }} While, Neeshita Nyayapati of Hindustan Times found him to be "flawless", Raghu Bandi of The Indian Express termed him "impressive".{{cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/telugu-cinema/hi-nanna-review-nani-mrunal-thakur-kiara-khanna-shine-in-this-emotional-tale-101701935694901.html|title=Hi Nanna review: Nani, Mrunal Thakur, Kiara Khanna shine in this emotional tale|website=Hindustan Times|date=7 December 2023 |access-date=7 December 2023|archive-date=11 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231211115217/https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/telugu-cinema/hi-nanna-review-nani-mrunal-thakur-kiara-khanna-shine-in-this-emotional-tale-101701935694901.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/movie-review/hi-nanna-movie-review-nani-mrunal-thakur-impress-in-a-poignant-tale-of-love-and-bonding-9058145/|title=Hi Nanna movie review: Nani, Mrunal Thakur impress in a poignant tale of love and bonding|website=The Indian Express|date=7 December 2023 |access-date=7 December 2023|archive-date=10 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231210032123/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/movie-review/hi-nanna-movie-review-nani-mrunal-thakur-impress-in-a-poignant-tale-of-love-and-bonding-9058145/|url-status=live}} The film became a commercial success worldwide.{{Cite web |date=31 December 2023 |title=Hi Nanna's latest worldwide collections are here |url=https://www.123telugu.com/mnews/hi-nannas-latest-worldwide-collections-are-here.html |access-date=20 January 2024 |website=123telugu.com |language=en |archive-date=31 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231155605/https://www.123telugu.com/mnews/hi-nannas-latest-worldwide-collections-are-here.html |url-status=live }}

In his only release of 2024, Nani played a vigilant who fights against injustice in, Saripodhaa Sanivaaram, opposite Priyanka Mohan.{{Cite web |last=Prakash |first=B. V. S. |date=10 March 2024 |title=Nani costliest film ever Saripodhaa Sanivaaram? |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/tollywood/nani-costliest-film-ever-saripodhaa-sanivaaram-884764 |access-date=2 July 2024 |website=Deccan Chronicle |language=en |archive-date=23 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240823143400/https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/tollywood/nani-costliest-film-ever-saripodhaa-sanivaaram-884764 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=23 October 2023 |title=Nani's next titled Saripodhaa Sanivaaram; makers unveil exhilarating first glimpse video. Watch |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/telugu/nani-next-titled-saripodhaa-sanivaaram-makers-unveil-exhilarating-first-glimpse-video-watch-8995960/ |access-date=23 October 2023 |website=The Indian Express |language=en |archive-date=23 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231023191301/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/telugu/nani-next-titled-saripodhaa-sanivaaram-makers-unveil-exhilarating-first-glimpse-video-watch-8995960/ |url-status=live }} Sangeetha Devi Dundoo of The Hindu was appreciative of his "calibrated performance" and "simmering, controlled rage".{{Cite web |date=29 August 2024 |title=Saripodhaa Sanivaaram’ movie review: Vivek Athreya, Nani and SJ Suryah deliver an entertaining Saturday story |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/saripodhaa-sanivaaram-movie-review-vivek-athreya-nani-and-sj-suryah-deliver-an-entertaining-saturday-story/article68579549.ece/ |access-date=29 August 2024 |website=The Hindu |language=en |archive-date=29 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240829094620/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/saripodhaa-sanivaaram-movie-review/article68579549.ece/amp/ |url-status=live }} The film turned another box office success for him.{{cite web | title=Saripodhaa Sanivaaram Box Office Collections: Nani starrer rakes in 20cr worldwide of first day

|url=https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/box-office/saripodhaa-sanivaaram-box-office-collections-nani-starrer-rakes-in-20cr-worldwide-of-first-day-1344415| website=Pinkvilla |language=en |date=31 August 2024 | access-date=31 August 2024}}

Nani will next appear in HIT: The Third Case and The Paradise.{{Cite web |title=Nani begins shooting for Hit: The 3rd Case |url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/telugu/news/2024/Sep/14/nani-begins-shooting-for-hit-the-3rd-case |access-date=14 September 2024 |website=Cinema Express |date=14 September 2024 |language=en |archive-date=15 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240915055535/https://www.cinemaexpress.com/telugu/news/2024/Sep/14/nani-begins-shooting-for-hit-the-3rd-case |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=Nani's next film with Dasara director Srikanth Odela titled The Paradise |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/telugu-cinema/nanis-next-film-with-dasara-director-srikanth-odela-titled-the-paradise-101730962324699-amp.html |website=Hindustan Times |language=en |date=7 November 2024 |access-date=10 November 2024 |archive-date=4 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241204190811/https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/telugu-cinema/nanis-next-film-with-dasara-director-srikanth-odela-titled-the-paradise-101730962324699-amp.html |url-status=live }}

Nani turned producer for the film, D for Dopidi, in 2013. It was co-produced by director duo, Raj Nidimoru and Krishna D.K.. It starred Sundeep Kishan, Varun Sandesh, Rakesh Rachakonda, and Naveen Polishetty. He also lent his voice to the film.{{cite web |date=24 September 2013 |title=Actor Nani to turn producer |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-09-24/news-interviews/42359548_1_film-actor-nani-jenda-pai-kapiraju |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130927202619/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-09-24/news-interviews/42359548_1_film-actor-nani-jenda-pai-kapiraju |archive-date=27 September 2013 |access-date=30 October 2013 |work=The Times of India}} The film was a moderate success at the box office.{{cite web |date=31 December 2013 |title=TWO STARS REIGNED IN 2013 |url=http://metroindia.com/Details.aspx?id=16508 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140826114507/http://metroindia.com/Details.aspx?id=16508 |archive-date=26 August 2014 |access-date=24 February 2014 |publisher=metroindia.com}} He launched his film production house, Wall Poster Cinema, along with costume designer, Prashanti Tipirneni, as a partner. The first film in the banner was Awe or "అ!" (2018). It was one of the most critically acclaimed films of the year and won 2 awards, at the 66th National Film Awards, for Best Special Effects and Best Make-Up Artist.{{Cite news |date=23 April 2018 |title=Tholi Prema, Awe & MLA: Final Box Office Collections |language=en |work=filmibeat.com |url=https://www.filmibeat.com/telugu/news/2018/tholi-prema-awe-mla-final-box-office-collections/articlecontent-pf248768-273255.html |access-date=29 October 2018}}{{Cite web |date=26 November 2017 |title=Awe marks Nani's debut as producer; Prashanth Varma's first look takes social media by storm |url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/awe-marks-nanis-debut-producer-prashanth-varmas-first-look-takes-social-media-by-storm-750827 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171127144615/http://www.ibtimes.co.in/awe-marks-nanis-debut-producer-prashanth-varmas-first-look-takes-social-media-by-storm-750827 |archive-date=27 November 2017 |access-date=27 November 2017 |website=International Business Times}}

In 2020, Nani produced the crime thriller, HIT: The First Case, with Vishwak Sen and Ruhani Sharma. It was one of the bigger sleeper hits of the year, right before the COVID-19 pandemic occurred, worldwide, in March 2020.{{Cite news |date=13 September 2019 |title=Nani's second production venture stars Vishwak Sen and Ruhani Sharma |work=India Today |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/telugu/nani-second-production-hit-vishwak-sen-ruhani-sharma-6085534/ |url-status=live |access-date=14 September 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191025152819/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/telugu/nani-second-production-hit-vishwak-sen-ruhani-sharma-6085534/ |archive-date=25 October 2019}} He has since produced its sequel, HIT: The Second Case (2022), with Adivi Sesh and Meenakshi Chaudhary,{{Cite web |date=28 February 2021 |title=Nani announces HIT 2, says its time to go on a nailbiting journey |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/telugu/nani-announces-hit-2-says-its-time-to-go-on-a-nailbiting-journey-7208514/ |website=The Indian Express |access-date=10 February 2022 |archive-date=26 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220126132828/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/telugu/nani-announces-hit-2-says-its-time-to-go-on-a-nailbiting-journey-7208514/ |url-status=live }} and the web series Meet Cute (2022), which stars an ensemble cast.{{Cite web |date=5 August 2021 |title=Nani's Meet Cute anthology is in progress. Producer shares BTS pics |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/nani-s-meet-cute-anthology-is-in-progress-producer-shares-bts-pics-1837114-2021-08-05 |website=India Today |access-date=2 February 2022 |archive-date=2 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220202143626/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/nani-s-meet-cute-anthology-is-in-progress-producer-shares-bts-pics-1837114-2021-08-05 |url-status=live }} In 2025, Nani produced two films: Court – State vs. A Nobody and HIT: The Third Case, in which he also co-stars with Srinidhi Shetty.{{cite news |title=Nani to present 'Court: State vs A Nobody' starring Priyadarshi Pulikonda |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/nani-present-court-state-vs-nodboy-priyadarshi-pulikonda/article69118658.ece/ |work=The Hindu |date=20 January 2025 |language=en-IN}}{{Cite news |date=2025-02-03 |title=Nani's 'HIT 3' nears completion: filming to wrap by March 2025 |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/nanis-hit-3-nears-completion-filming-to-wrap-by-march-2025/articleshow/117878978.cms |access-date=2025-02-24 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}} Nani's next untitled production will star Chiranjeevi as the lead.{{Cite news |date=3 December 2024 |title=Chiranjeevi stars in 'most violent film' by Srikanth Odela, Nani to produce |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/amp/movies/regional-cinema/story/chiranjeevi-collaborates-with-director-srikanth-odela-for-his-next-nani-to-produce-2644414-2024-12-03 |access-date=11 January 2025 |work=India Today}}

Nani hosted the 2nd IIFA Utsavam, in 2017 which was held in Hyderabad. He hosted the event along with Rana Daggubati.{{Cite web|date=28 March 2017|title=IIFA Utsavam 2017 to be held in Hyderabad to commemorate the best of South Indian cinema|url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/iifa-utsavam-to-be-held-in-hyderebad-to-commemorate-the-best-of-south-indian-cinema-3355434.html|access-date=5 June 2020|website=Firstpost|language=en|archive-date=5 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200605170605/https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/iifa-utsavam-to-be-held-in-hyderebad-to-commemorate-the-best-of-south-indian-cinema-3355434.html|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last1=Shekhar H |first1=Hooli |title=IIFA Utsavam 2017 Telugu nomination list: Janatha Garage, Oopiri get most nods |url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/iifa-utsavam-2017-telugu-nomination-list-janatha-garage-oopiri-get-most-nods-719356 |access-date=31 March 2017 |work=IB Times |date=14 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170331191628/http://www.ibtimes.co.in/iifa-utsavam-2017-telugu-nomination-list-janatha-garage-oopiri-get-most-nods-719356 |archive-date=31 March 2017 |url-status=dead }} In 2018, Nani hosted the second season of Bigg Boss Telugu, the Telugu version of Indian reality show Bigg Boss.{{cite web |url=http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/television/nani-replaces-jr-ntr-as-bigg-boss-telugu-host-5182276/ |title='Bigg Boss Telugu 2' marks TV debut of Nani as host, show goes on air from June 10 |date=19 May 2018 |website=The Indian Express |access-date=3 June 2018 |archive-date=26 May 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180526103000/http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/television/nani-replaces-jr-ntr-as-bigg-boss-telugu-host-5182276/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web | url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/telugu/bigg-boss-telugu-2-first-promo-is-out-auditions-open-for-commoners/articleshow/64024864.cms | title=Bigg Boss Telugu 2 first promo is out; Auditions open for commoners | website=Times Of India | date=4 May 2018 | access-date=25 July 2018 | archive-date=13 May 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220513161406/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/telugu/bigg-boss-telugu-2-first-promo-is-out-auditions-open-for-commoners/articleshow/64024864.cms | url-status=live }} He has appeared as a guest in the second and fourth season of Meelo Evaru Koteeswarudu.{{Cite news |title=Nani is the next guest on Nagarjuna's MEK2 |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/telugu/Nani-is-the-next-guest-on-Nagarjunas-MEK2/articleshow/46443492.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200714074447/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/telugu/Nani-is-the-next-guest-on-Nagarjunas-MEK2/articleshow/46443492.cms |archive-date=14 July 2020 |access-date=11 June 2020 |website=The Times of India |date=3 March 2015}}{{Cite web |last=Hooli |first=Shekhar H. |date=17 April 2017 |title=This is how Nani prompted MEK 4 host Chiranjeevi to compensate for his loss [PHOTO] |url=https://www.ibtimes.co.in/this-how-nani-prompted-mek-4-host-chiranjeevi-compensate-his-loss-photo-723352 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200611145640/https://www.ibtimes.co.in/this-how-nani-prompted-mek-4-host-chiranjeevi-compensate-his-loss-photo-723352 |archive-date=11 June 2020 |access-date=11 June 2020 |website=International Business Times, India Edition |language=en}}

Nani has also worked as a voice artist. In 2015, he dubbed for Dulquer Salmaan's role in the Telugu version of O Kadhal Kanmani, titled OK Bangaram.{{Cite web |date=24 March 2015 |title=Style factor in Jil will make it stand out: Director |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/style-factor-in-jil-will-make-it-stand-out-director-with-image/article7025337.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200220013341/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/style-factor-in-jil-will-make-it-stand-out-director-with-image/article7025337.ece |archive-date=20 February 2020 |access-date=20 February 2020 |website=The Hindu}}{{cite web|title = Movie review 'O Kadhal Kanmani': Mani Ratnam is back with a bang|date = 17 April 2015|url = https://www.deccanchronicle.com/150417/entertainment-kollywood/article/movie-review-o-kadhal-kanmani-mani-ratnam-back-bang|access-date = 17 April 2015|archive-date = 17 April 2015|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150417194505/http://www.deccanchronicle.com/150417/entertainment-kollywood/article/movie-review-o-kadhal-kanmani-mani-ratnam-back-bang|url-status = live}} In 2018, he voiced for a fish in his production, Awe.{{cite news|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/movie-review/awe-movie-review-nani-kajal-aggarwal-nithya-menen-star-rating-5066330/|title=Awe movie review: Prasanth Varma's film is awe-inspiring indeed|newspaper=The Indian Express|accessdate=16 February 2018|archive-date=16 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180216130357/http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/movie-review/awe-movie-review-nani-kajal-aggarwal-nithya-menen-star-rating-5066330/|url-status=live}} In the 2019 film Jersey, Nani dubbed for Harish Kalyan.{{Cite news|title=Harish Kalyan's surprise appearance in Jersey|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/harish-kalyans-surprise-appearance-in-jersey/articleshow/68955340.cms|access-date=28 November 2020|website=The Times of India|archive-date=5 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220505065227/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/harish-kalyans-surprise-appearance-in-jersey/articleshow/68955340.cms|url-status=live}} In the Telugu version of The Lion King, released in 2019, Nani dubbed for Simba.{{Cite news |title=Telugu trailer of The Lion King out; Telugu veterans lent their voice to animated characters – Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/telugu-trailer-of-the-lion-king-out-telugu-veterans-lent-their-voice-to-animated-characters/articleshow/70035664.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190714094429/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/telugu-trailer-of-the-lion-king-out-telugu-veterans-lent-their-voice-to-animated-characters/articleshow/70035664.cms |archive-date=14 July 2019 |access-date=20 February 2020 |website=The Times of India}}

Apart from his acting career, Nani is a philanthropist. Nani donated a huge sum during the 2015 South India floods to people affected by it.{{Cite web |title=South cinema stars unite to help flood-hit Tamil Nadu |url=https://www.business-standard.com/amp/article/pti-stories/south-cinema-stars-unite-to-help-flood-hit-tamil-nadu-115120600301_1.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171110043509/https://www.business-standard.com/amp/article/pti-stories/south-cinema-stars-unite-to-help-flood-hit-tamil-nadu-115120600301_1.html |url-status=live |archive-date=10 November 2017 |access-date=13 February 2016 |website=Business Standard |language=en}} In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, he donated a sum of ₹30 lakhs to the Corona Virus Charity Fund. That same year, he organised a campaign with Cyberabad Police, urging people to donate their blood plasma for COVID patients.{{Cite web |title=Nani contributes huge money to CCC |url=https://www.tollywood.net/nani-contributes-huge-money-to-ccc/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221021043509/https://www.tollywood.net/nani-contributes-huge-money-to-ccc/ |url-status=live |archive-date=21 October 2022 |access-date=29 January 2021 |website=Tollywood News |date=31 March 2020 |language=en}}{{Cite news |title=Nani urges COVID 19 survivors to donate plasma |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/nani-urges-covid-19-survivors-to-donate-plasma/articleshow/77355889.cms |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210819043509/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/nani-urges-covid-19-survivors-to-donate-plasma/articleshow/77355889.cms |url-status=live |archive-date=19 August 2021 |access-date=12 December 2020 |website=Times of India |date=4 August 2020 |language=en}} Nani donated his blood, to help children suffering from Thalassemia.{{Cite web |title=Nani donates blood for Thalassemia patients |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/coronovirus-crisis-nani-donates-blood-during-lockdown-urges-people-to-come-forward-1667684-2020-04-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220912043509/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/coronovirus-crisis-nani-donates-blood-during-lockdown-urges-people-to-come-forward-1667684-2020-04-16 |url-status=live |archive-date=12 September 2022 |access-date=20 October 2021 |website=India Today |date=16 April 2020 |language=en}}

File:NanI interview for Krishnarjuna Yuddam.png

Nani is considered among the leading and prominent Telugu actors. He is affectionately referred to as "Natural Star" by the audience, for to his realistic performances in a variety of roles.{{Cite news |title=How Nani became the Natural Star |work=Film Companion |date=29 March 2023 |url=https://www.filmcompanion.in/features/how-nani-became-the-natural-star |access-date=26 September 2023 |archive-date=8 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208042453/https://www.filmcompanion.in/amp/story/features/how-nani-became-the-natural-star |url-status=live }} His performance in Jersey is regarded as one of the "100 Greatest Performances of the Decade" by Film Companion.{{Cite web |title=100 Greatest Performances of the Decade |url=https://filmcompanion.in/best-of-the-decade/100-best-performances-indian-cinema.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191219043509/https://www.filmcompanion.in/best-of-the-decade/100-best-performances-indian-cinema.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=19 December 2019 |access-date=14 November 2020 |website=Film Companion |language=en}} In Rediff.com's "Top Telugu Actors" list, Nani was placed fourth in 2011 and third in 2012.{{Cite web |title=The Best Telugu Actors of 2011 |date=20 December 2011 |author= |work=Rediff.com |access-date=25 January 2018 |url=https://m.rediff.com/movies/slide-show/slide-show-1-south-best-telugu-actors-of-2011/20111220.htm |archive-date=1 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230501190148/https://m.rediff.com/movies/slide-show/slide-show-1-south-best-telugu-actors-of-2011/20111220.htm |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=The 5 BEST Telugu Actors |date=13 January 2016 |author=Radhika Rajamani |work=Rediff.com |access-date=27 February 2019 |url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/report/the-5-best-telugu-actors/20160113.htm |archive-date=27 June 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170627051138/http://m.rediff.com/amp/movies/report/the-5-best-telugu-actors/20160113.htm |url-status=live }}

Nani stood at the 19th place on its most influential stars on Instagram in South cinema for the year 2021 list.{{Cite web |title=Meet the 30 most influential social media stars of South cinema |access-date=17 December 2022 |url=https://www.forbesindia.com/article/south-celebrity-special-2021/meet-the-most-influential-social-media-stars-of-south-cinema/71017/1 |work=Forbes India |archive-date=10 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230310062133/https://www.forbesindia.com/amp/article/south-celebrity-special-2021/meet-the-most-influential-social-media-stars-of-south-cinema/71017/1 |url-status=live}}{{Cite news |title=Before Dasara, revisiting Nani's 7 finest performances |work=India Today |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/nani-dasara-jersey-shyam-singha-roy-telugu-throwback-thursday-2350559-2023-03-23 |date=23 March 2023 |access-date=21 September 2023 |archive-date=11 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230511194822/https://www.indiatoday.in/amp/movies/regional-cinema/story/nani-dasara-jersey-shyam-singha-roy-telugu-throwback-thursday-2350559-2023-03-23 |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |title='Jersey', 'Shyam Singha Roy', 'Dasara': 5 Telugu films of Natural Star 'Nani' you should watch before 'Hi Nanna' |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/jersey-shyam-singha-roy-dasara-5-telugu-films-of-natural-star-nani-you-should-watch-before-hi-nanna/photostory/105538665.cms?from=mdr |access-date=29 November 2023 |issn=0971-8257 |archive-date=29 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231129022424/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/jersey-shyam-singha-roy-dasara-5-telugu-films-of-natural-star-nani-you-should-watch-before-hi-nanna/photostory/105538665.cms?from=mdr |url-status=live }} In the Hyderabad Times Most Desirable Men list, he was placed 18th in 2013, 8th in 2015, 3rd in 2016,{{Cite news |title=The 25 Most Desirable Man 2013 |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/hyderabad-times-most-desirable-man-2013-mahesh-babu/articleshow/36892102.cms |access-date=20 September 2014 |website=Times of India |language=en |archive-date=6 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240506125353/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/hyderabad-times-most-desirable-man-2013-mahesh-babu/articleshow/36892102.cms |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |title=The Most Desirable Man 2015: Mahesh Babu |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/most-desirable-man-of-2015-mahesh-babu/articleshow/51975104.cms |access-date=23 September 2016 |website=Times of India |language=en |archive-date=1 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180601010001/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/Most-Desirable-Man-of-2015-Mahesh-Babu/articleshow/51975104.cms |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=The Most Desirable Man 2016: Rohit Khandelwal |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/the-most-desirable-man-2016-rohit-khandelwal/articleshow/56734510.cms |access-date=29 September 2017 |website=Times of India |language=en |archive-date=7 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240507032120/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/the-most-desirable-man-2016-rohit-khandelwal/amp_articleshow/56734510.cms |url-status=live }} 10th in 2017, 27th in 2019 and 26th in 2020.{{Cite news |title=Hyderabad Times Most Desirable Men 2017: Digging These Dishy Dudes |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/hyderabad-times-most-desirable-men-2017-digging-these-dishy-dudes/articleshow/63272920.cms |access-date=21 September 2018 |website=Times of India |language=en |archive-date=6 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240506123844/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/hyderabad-times-most-desirable-men-2017-digging-these-dishy-dudes/amp_articleshow/63272920.cms |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |title=Hyderabad Times Most Desirable Men 2019: Vijay Deverakonda |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/hyderabad-times-most-desirable-man-2019-vijay-deverakonda/articleshow/74676451.cms |access-date=25 September 2020 |website=Times of India |language=en}}{{Cite news |title=Hyderabad Times 30 Most Desirable Men 2020: Hyderabad's Diggin' These Dishy Dudes |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/hyderabad-times-30-most-desirable-men-2020-hyderabads-diggin-these-dishy-dudes/articleshow/83145554.cms |access-date=27 September 2021 |website=Times of India |language=en |archive-date=7 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240507032122/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/hyderabad-times-30-most-desirable-men-2020-hyderabads-diggin-these-dishy-dudes/amp_articleshow/83145554.cms |url-status=live }} Nani is a prominent celebrity endorser for several brands and products such as Otto, Sprite, Minute Maid, Close–Up and Minister White shirts.{{Cite web |title=Nani's stardom reaches heights; Companies going after him for brand endorsements |url=https://www.123telugu.com/mnews/nanis-stardom-reaches-heights-companies-going-after-him-for-brand-endorsements.html/amp |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240325043509/https://www.123telugu.com/mnews/nanis-stardom-reaches-heights-companies-going-after-him-for-brand-endorsements.html/amp |url-status=live |archive-date=25 March 2024 |access-date=28 February 2024 |website=123Telugu |date=11 February 2024 |language=en}}

{{Main|Nani filmography}}

{{Main|List of awards and nominations received by Nani}}

Nani is a recipient of three Filmfare Awards South — Best Actor Critics – Telugu for Bhale Bhale Magadivoy and Shyam Singha Roy and Best Actor – Telugu for Dasara (2023).{{Cite web|url=https://www.filmfare.com/news/winners-of-the-63rd-britannia-filmfare-awards-south-13996.html|title=Winners of the 63rd Britannia Filmfare Awards (South)|website=Filmfare|date=18 June 2016|access-date=12 February 2020|archive-date=2 July 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160702102328/http://www.filmfare.com/news/winners-of-the-63rd-britannia-filmfare-awards-south-13996.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.filmfare.com/awards/filmfare-awards-south-2022/tamil/winners?s=09|title=Winners of the 67th Parle Filmfare Awards South 2022|website=Filmfare|date=9 October 2022|access-date=17 December 2023|archive-date=10 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221010132830/https://www.filmfare.com/awards/filmfare-awards-south-2022/tamil/winners?s=09|url-status=live}} Additionally, he won two Nandi Awards — Best Actor for Yeto Vellipoyindhi Manasu and Special Jury Award for Gentleman.[http://www.hindustantimes.com/regional-movies/nandi-awards-here-s-the-complete-list-of-winners-for-2012-and-2013/story-98h1g3ETtYipb4qGVgcgaM.html Nandi Awards: Here’s the complete list of winners for 2012 and 2013] {{Webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20170715180026/http://www.hindustantimes.com/regional-movies/nandi-awards-here-s-the-complete-list-of-winners-for-2012-and-2013/story-98h1g3ETtYipb4qGVgcgaM.html |date=15 July 2017 }} Hindustan Times[http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/baahubali-walks-away-with-13-nandi-awards/article20446627.ece Baahubali walks away with 13 Nandi awards at Nandi Awards 2016] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171115150727/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/baahubali-walks-away-with-13-nandi-awards/article20446627.ece |date=15 November 2017 }} The Hindu

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{{Nandi Award for Best Actor}}{{Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Telugu}}{{SIIMA Award for Best Actor – Telugu}}{{IIFA Utsavam Award for Best Actor – Telugu}}{{Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actor – Telugu}}{{SIIMA Critics Award for Best Actor – Telugu}}{{Bigg Boss Telugu}}

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Category:1984 births

Category:Living people

Category:Indian male film actors

Category:Male actors in Tamil cinema

Category:Indian male voice actors

Category:21st-century Indian male actors

Category:Nandi Award winners

Category:Zee Cine Awards Telugu winners

Category:Male actors in Telugu cinema

Category:Male actors from Hyderabad, India

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Category:South Indian International Movie Awards winners

Category:Filmfare Awards South winners

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