Samantha Ruth Prabhu

Samantha was born on 28 April 1987 to Joseph Prabhu and Ninette. Her father is a Tamil, and her mother is a Malayali.{{cite news |last=Chowdhary |first=Y. Sunita |date=12 May 2012 |title=Away from the rat race |newspaper=The Hindu |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/away-from-the-rat-race/article3402317.ece |url-status=live |access-date=11 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160129085457/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/away-from-the-rat-race/article3402317.ece |archive-date=29 January 2016}} She was born and brought up in the Pallavaram neighborhood of Chennai, Tamil Nadu,{{cite news |title=Samantha raised in Pallavaram |publisher=Firstpost |url=http://www.firstpost.com/bollywood/meet-samantha-souths-hottest-heroine-1662705.html |url-status=live |access-date=14 August 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140813114551/http://www.firstpost.com/bollywood/meet-samantha-souths-hottest-heroine-1662705.html |archive-date=13 August 2014}} as the youngest child of the family, with two elder brothers, Jonathan and David. She can speak both Tamil and Telugu fluently.{{cite news |author=Y. Sunita Chowdury |date=1 March 2010 |title=Poised on the edge |newspaper=The Hindu |url=http://beta.thehindu.com/arts/cinema/article124253.ece |url-status=live |access-date=1 March 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100726225549/http://beta.thehindu.com/arts/cinema/article124253.ece |archive-date=26 July 2010}}{{cite news |author=Prakash, B |date=7 March 2010 |title=It wasn't a liplock really: Samantha |newspaper=The Times of India |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/news-interviews/It-wasnt-a-liplock-really-Samantha/articleshow/5651555.cms |url-status=live |access-date=7 March 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100308230712/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/news-interviews/It-wasnt-a-liplock-really-Samantha/articleshow/5651555.cms |archive-date=8 March 2010}}

Samantha was schooled at Holy Angels Anglo Indian Higher Secondary School, Chennai, and then completed a degree in commerce at Stella Maris College, Chennai.{{cite web |title=South Star Samantha Found Her Old Report Cards, Posted Them on Facebook |url=http://www.ndtv.com/offbeat/south-star-samantha-found-her-old-report-cards-posted-them-on-facebook-1431845 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160716134316/http://www.ndtv.com/offbeat/south-star-samantha-found-her-old-report-cards-posted-them-on-facebook-1431845 |archive-date=16 July 2016 |access-date=16 July 2016}} Towards the end of her undergraduate degree, she became involved in modeling, notably working with Naidu Hall, through which she was first spotted by filmmaker Ravi Varman.

Samantha began her professional film career with Gautham Vasudev Menon's Telugu film, Ye Maaya Chesave (2010). The film, simultaneously made in Tamil as Vinnaithaandi Varuvaayaa (2010), was highly anticipated prior to release, primarily due to the first time collaboration between Gautham Menon and composer A. R. Rahman.{{cite web |author=Moviebuzz |year=2010 |title=Audio released, confirms release on Feb 19! |website=Sify |url=http://sify.com/movies/telugu/fullstory.php?id=14930062&cid=2364 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141105174631/http://www.sify.com/movies/telugu/fullstory.php?id=14930062&cid=2364 |url-status=dead |archive-date=5 November 2014 |access-date=4 February 2010}} The actress successfully auditioned and was signed up for the project in August 2009. The film was shot in India and the United States, and it was released on 26 February 2010.{{cite news |title=Big break for Samantha |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/movie-details/news-interviews/Big-break-for-Samantha/articleshow/5046713.cms |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110811092658/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2009-09-24/news-interviews/28079785_1_tamil-film-samantha |url-status=live |archive-date=11 August 2011 |date=24 September 2009 |work=The Times of India |access-date=24 September 2009}} Post-release, she revealed that Menon played a "crucial part in moulding her as an actress", teaching her how to remain natural and comfortable in front of the screen, even if she had no dialogues in a scene.{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/say-hello-to-samantha/article6203915.ece |title=Say hello to Samantha |newspaper=The Hindu |date=12 July 2014 |access-date=15 November 2015 |archive-date=29 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160129085457/http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/say-hello-to-samantha/article6203915.ece |url-status=live }} In the film, Samantha played the lead character Jessie, a Malayali Saint Thomas Christian girl living in Hyderabad, with whom the male protagonist, played by Naga Chaitanya, falls in love. Upon release of the film, Samantha received highly positive reviews for her portrayal, with the film itself garnering widespread critical acclaim.{{cite web |author=Moviebuzz |year=2010 |title=Ye Maaya Chesave |website=Sify |url=http://sify.com/movies/telugu/review.php?id=14933284&ctid=5&cid=2430 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100302143317/http://sify.com/movies/telugu/review.php?id=14933284&ctid=5&cid=2430 |url-status=dead |archive-date=2 March 2010 |access-date=26 February 2010}} Critics at Sify praised Samantha as a "scene-stealer" and her beauty as "alluring", adding, "she was the girl to watch out for." Jeevi from Idlebrain.com, wrote that "Samantha's debut is one of the best heroine debuts in Telugu cinema" and noted that the "minute expressions she gave spoke volumes about her", whilst labelling the film as a "classic". Her performance in Ye Maaya Chesave earned her first nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Actress – Telugu and won her the Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut – South and the Nandi Special Jury Award.{{cite news |author=Y. Sunita Chowdhary |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/away-from-the-rat-race/article3402317.ece |title=Away from the rat race |newspaper=The Hindu |date=10 May 2012 |access-date=12 July 2014 |archive-date=29 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160129085457/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/away-from-the-rat-race/article3402317.ece |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news-interviews/Samantha-feels-One-film-changes-all/articleshow/25553340.cms |title=Samantha feels 'One' film changes all |newspaper=The Times of India |date=10 November 2013 |access-date=12 July 2014 |archive-date=31 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171031111913/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news-interviews/Samantha-feels-One-film-changes-all/articleshow/25553340.cms |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/140327/entertainment-kollywood/article/samantha-her-own-league |title=Samantha is in her own league |newspaper=Deccan Chronicle |date=27 March 2014 |access-date=12 July 2014 |archive-date=12 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170912195851/http://www.deccanchronicle.com/140327/entertainment-kollywood/article/samantha-her-own-league |url-status=live }} Samantha appeared in a cameo role in the Tamil version of the film, portraying an assistant director who becomes an actress.{{cite web |author=Jeevi |year=2010 |title=Ye Maya Chesave |publisher=Idlebrain |url=http://www.idlebrain.com/movie/archive/mr-yemayachesave.html |access-date=26 February 2010 |archive-date=18 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180918025140/http://www.idlebrain.com/movie/archive/mr-yemayachesave.html |url-status=live }} Both the Telugu and the Tamil versions of the films proved to be major successes, propelling Samantha to stardom.{{cite web |author=Warrier, Shobha |year=2010 |title=Meet Yeh Maya Chesave's Jessie |publisher=Rediff |url=http://movies.rediff.com/slide-show/2010/apr/30/slide-show-1-south-interview-with-samantha.htm#contentTop |access-date=30 April 2010 |archive-date=1 May 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100501152410/http://movies.rediff.com/slide-show/2010/apr/30/slide-show-1-south-interview-with-samantha.htm#contentTop |url-status=live }} She followed up her collaborations with Gautham Menon and A. R. Rahman by appearing in the music video for the World Classical Tamil Conference 2010 promotional song, Semmozhiyaana Thamizh Mozhiyaam, which Menon directed and Rahman composed.{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/2010/05/21/stories/2010052157780100.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100521233255/http://www.hindu.com/2010/05/21/stories/2010052157780100.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=21 May 2010 |title=Front Page : World Tamil meet theme song at The Hindu website |location=India |date=21 May 2010 |work=The Hindu |access-date=5 November 2011}}

Samantha's next release was the romantic drama, Baana Kaathadi (2010), opposite Adharvaa. The film was actually the third Tamil project signed by the actress, but its release preceded the first two that she was contracted for due to delays in their completion.{{cite web |year=2009 |title='Baana Kaathadi' getting ready to fly |website=IndiaGlitz |url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/47985.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090704024555/http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/47985.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=4 July 2009 |access-date=1 July 2009}}{{cite news |author=Ashok Kumar, S. R. |title=My First Break: Samantha |work=The Hindu |url=http://www.thehindu.com/arts/cinema/article582130.ece |date=19 August 2010 |access-date=22 August 2010 |archive-date=27 August 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100827001030/http://www.thehindu.com/arts/cinema/article582130.ece |url-status=live }} Samantha portrayed a student of the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), the first such role in Tamil cinema.{{cite news |author=Raghavan, Nikhil |title=Another scorcher |url=http://www.hindu.com/cp/2009/03/27/stories/2009032750220900.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090330050255/http://www.hindu.com/cp/2009/03/27/stories/2009032750220900.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=30 March 2009 |date=27 March 2009 |work=The Hindu |access-date=27 March 2009}} Her next release was Ravi Varman's Moscowin Kavery (2010), originally the first film she began work on. The shooting for the film began in August 2007, with Samantha, then briefly credited with the screen name Yasodha, joining the team later in the year.{{cite web |year=2007 |title=Ravi Varman directs an Oscar Films production |publisher=Cinesouth |url=http://www.cinesouth.com/masala/hotnews/new/27082007-4.shtml |access-date=27 August 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070829154630/http://www.cinesouth.com/masala/hotnews/new/27082007-4.shtml |archive-date=29 August 2007 }} In an interview held in 2008, Ravi Varman mentioned that he had decided that Samantha would be the lead actress for his film within three minutes after viewing one of her commercial assignments.{{cite web |year=2008 |title=Ravi Varman Interview |website=Behindwoods |url=http://www.behindwoods.com/features/Interviews/interview-5/ravi-varman/index.html |access-date=28 June 2008 |archive-date=5 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120605210922/http://www.behindwoods.com/features/Interviews/interview-5/ravi-varman/index.html |url-status=live }} He went on to describe her as an actress with "intelligence" and "potential", whilst drawing comparisons with the noted actress, Revathi. However, due to Ravi Varman's prior commitments as cinematographer in other projects, the film languished in development hell, eventually releasing in August 2010.{{cite web |year=2009 |title=Aascar's back-to-back releases |website=Behindwoods |url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/nov-09-02/leelai-moscowin-kaveri-14-11-09.html |access-date=14 November 2009 |archive-date=17 November 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091117045329/http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/nov-09-02/leelai-moscowin-kaveri-14-11-09.html |url-status=live }} The film earned negative reviews from critics, though Samantha's performance was credited as one of the sole highlights that the film offered.{{cite web |author=Srinivasan, Pavithra |year=2010 |title=Moscowin Kaveri is beautiful nonsense |publisher=Rediff |url=http://movies.rediff.com/review/2010/aug/27/south-tamil-review-moscowin-kaveri.htm |access-date=27 August 2010 |archive-date=29 August 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100829204517/http://movies.rediff.com/review/2010/aug/27/south-tamil-review-moscowin-kaveri.htm |url-status=live }} In August 2008, while still completing her last three projects, Samantha also signed up to play the lead role of a modern girl in the Narain-starrer, Pookada Ravi, which was later shelved.{{cite web |author=Moviebuzz |year=2008 |title=Samantha is Narain's heroine! |website=Sify |url=http://sify.in/movies/tamil/fullstory.php?id=14744707&cid=14490563 |access-date=24 August 2008}}{{cite news |author=Prasad, G. |title=Image booster for Narain |work=The Hindu |url=http://www.hindu.com/2009/02/15/stories/2009021557590200.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090218135149/http://hindu.com/2009/02/15/stories/2009021557590200.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=18 February 2009 |date=15 February 2009 |location=Chennai, India |access-date=15 February 2009}} Samantha then went on to feature in Vamsi Paidipally's Telugu film Brindaavanam (2010) in which she played a supporting role alongside NTR Jr and Kajal Aggarwal. Her performance as Indu was well-received despite having a shorter screen time, and the film became her second successful venture in Telugu.{{cite web |url=http://movies.ndtv.com/regional/review-of-telugu-film-brindavanam-59771 |title=Review of Telugu film Brindavanam |publisher=NDTV |date=14 October 2010 |access-date=19 February 2014}}

Samantha featured in the big-budget Telugu film, Dookudu (2012) alongside Mahesh Babu, which became one of the most successful Telugu films of all time.{{cite news |date=27 September 2011 |url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/movies/2011/09/dookudu-daring-dashing-showtimes-reviews-prince-mahesh-samantha.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150103023535/http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/movies/2011/09/dookudu-daring-dashing-showtimes-reviews-prince-mahesh-samantha.html |archive-date=3 January 2015 |title='Dookudu,' the biggest hit you've never heard of |work=Los Angeles Times |access-date=14 November 2015}} The film received positive reviews, with a critic from The Times of India stating "Samantha looks beautiful and has done a great job, though her role as Prashanthi isn't too lengthy."{{cite news |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/telugu/movie-reviews/Dookudu/movie-review/10093005.cms |title=Dookudu |work=The Times of India |access-date=24 September 2011 |archive-date=29 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151129151640/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/telugu/movie-reviews/Dookudu/movie-review/10093005.cms |url-status=live }} She received her second nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Actress – Telugu for her performance in the film. She also subsequently made guest appearances in two of Gautham Vasudev Menon's films, first in the psychological thriller film, Nadunisi Naaygal (2011) as a mental asylum inmate and then repeated her role from Vinnaithaandi Varuvaayaa in the Hindi version of the film, Ekk Deewana Tha (2012). Her popularity in Telugu films led to Nadunisi Naaygal was dubbed and released in Telugu as Eera Gulabeelu, with Samantha featured prominently on the film's posters, despite only having a guest appearance.{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-cinemaplus/poster-girl-of-success/article2580964.ece |title=Poster girl of success – Hyderabad |newspaper=The Hindu |date=30 October 2011 |access-date=15 November 2015 |archive-date=29 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160129085457/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-cinemaplus/poster-girl-of-success/article2580964.ece |url-status=live }} During the period, Samantha had also been signed two big-budget projects in Tamil, Mani Ratnam's Kadal (2013) and Shankar's I (2015), but was forced to opt out from both films, since she was suffering from a skin disease and could not work for two months during mid-2012.{{cite web |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/samantha-out-of-shankar-film-news-tamil-mg2mQucgehisi.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140715155540/http://www.sify.com/movies/samantha-out-of-shankar-film-news-tamil-mg2mQucgehisi.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=15 July 2014 |title=Samantha out of Shankar film? |website=Sify |date=28 June 2012 |access-date=12 July 2014}}{{cite web |url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/samantha-denies-rumors-of-bollywood-debut/270711-71-175.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714124232/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/samantha-denies-rumors-of-bollywood-debut/270711-71-175.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=14 July 2014 |title=Samantha denies rumors of Bollywood debut |publisher=Ibnlive.in.com |access-date=12 July 2014}}{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/away-from-the-rat-race/article3402317.ece |title=Away from the rat race – Hyderabad |newspaper=The Hindu |date=10 May 2012 |access-date=15 November 2015 |archive-date=29 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160129085457/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/away-from-the-rat-race/article3402317.ece |url-status=live }} Samantha next featured in S. S. Rajamouli's live action Telugu-Tamil bilingual project Eega (2012) alongside Nani and Sudeep, portraying a micro artist who runs a NGO and takes revenge for the murder of her lover.{{cite news |author=Pillai, Sreedhar |title=Samantha's walk in the clouds |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/news-interviews/Samanthas-walk-in-the-clouds/articleshow/5811462.cms |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110811092713/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-04-16/news-interviews/28122316_1_baana-kaathadi-film-tamil |url-status=live |archive-date=11 August 2011 |date=16 April 2010 |work=The Times of India |access-date=16 April 2010}} As the film featured a CGI-created housefly as the main character, Samantha noted that she had to use her imagination and act accordingly. She also revealed that many heavy lights were used for the shoot of the film and she subsequently suffered skin burns, calling the process "very stressful" but "satisfying".{{cite web |url=http://www.idlebrain.com/celeb/interview/samantha.html |title=Samantha interview – Telugu film actress |publisher=Idlebrain.com |date=13 December 2012 |access-date=14 November 2015 |archive-date=24 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160324230457/http://idlebrain.com/celeb/interview/samantha.html |url-status=live }} Titled Naan Ee (2012) in Tamil, the film opened to highly positive reviews and Samantha also won high critical acclaim for her performance. A critic from The Hindu noted "Samantha blooms in the role given to her," while Jeevi of Idlebrain.com wrote her "successful run continues as she portrays the role a bereaved lover with perfection".{{cite web |url=http://idlebrain.com/movie/archive/mr-eega.html |title=Eega/Naan Ee/Eecha review – Telugu cinema – Nani, Sudeep, Samantha & Rajamouli |publisher=Idlebrain.com |date=6 July 2012 |access-date=14 November 2015 |archive-date=2 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181202042438/http://idlebrain.com/movie/archive/mr-eega.html |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/eega-dont-miss-this-buzz/article3609904.ece |title=Eega: Don't miss this buzz |newspaper=The Hindu |date=7 July 2012 |access-date=14 November 2015 |archive-date=5 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160405093910/http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/eega-dont-miss-this-buzz/article3609904.ece |url-status=live }} Sify.com also praised her performance in the film, citing her "subtle expressions of love, fear and anxiety work well for the film" and that she "looks beautiful and has performed her role with consummate ease".{{cite web |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/naan-ee-review-tamil-pcma06fhegijf.html |title=Review : Naan Ee |website=Sify |access-date=14 November 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160406021843/http://www.sify.com/movies/naan-ee-review-tamil-pcma06fhegijf.html |archive-date=6 April 2016 }}{{cite web |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/eega-exceptionally-innovative-technically-brilliant-telugu-movie-review-news-national-mhhr4hegddjsi.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151119062620/http://www.sify.com/movies/eega-exceptionally-innovative-technically-brilliant-telugu-movie-review-news-national-mhhr4hegddjsi.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=19 November 2015 |title='Eega' exceptionally innovative, technically brilliant (Telugu Movie) |website=Sify |date=7 July 2012 |access-date=14 November 2015}} The film went on to become a major commercial success, grossing more than {{INR}} 1.25 billion, and went on to be dubbed in several foreign and Indian languages.{{cite news |url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2012-09-13/news/33817001_1_pvp-ventures-deccan-chargers-financial-chronicle |title=DCHL bankruptcy threat: PVP Ventures in fray to buy IPL team Deccan Chargers |work=The Economic Times |date=13 September 2012 |access-date=12 July 2014 |archive-date=4 January 2013 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130104044932/http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2012-09-13/news/33817001_1_pvp-ventures-deccan-chargers-financial-chronicle |url-status=dead }}{{cite news |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news-interviews/Eega-to-be-dubbed-into-Thai/articleshow/17511509.cms |title=Eega to be dubbed into Thai |work=The Times of India |date=6 December 2012 |access-date=12 July 2014 |archive-date=28 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151128181202/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news-interviews/Eega-to-be-dubbed-into-Thai/articleshow/17511509.cms |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/makkhi-to-get-japanese-makeover-director-rajamouli/300573-71.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140715231951/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/makkhi-to-get-japanese-makeover-director-rajamouli/300573-71.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=15 July 2014 |title='Makkhi' to get Japanese makeover: director Rajamouli |publisher=Ibnlive.in.com |access-date=12 July 2014}}

Samantha then worked on Gautham Vasudev Menon's a trilingual romantic drama film and played the leading female role of Nithya in the Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi versions of the film, shooting scenes simultaneously back-to-back with three different actors. The Tamil version, Neethaane En Ponvasantham (2012) featured her alongside Jiiva, while Yeto Vellipoyindhi Manasu (2012) paired her opposite Nani. A further Hindi version titled Assi Nabbe Poorey Sau with Aditya Roy Kapoor was simultaneously shot with the other two films and was "60%" completed, before Menon shelved the venture after his other Hindi film, Ekk Deewana Tha, had failed at the box office.{{cite web |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/slide-show/slide-show-1-south-interview-with-gautham-menon/20121213.htm |title=Gautham Menon: I love making love stories |work=Rediff.com |date=13 December 2012 |access-date=14 November 2015 |archive-date=17 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117022306/http://www.rediff.com/movies/slide-show/slide-show-1-south-interview-with-gautham-menon/20121213.htm |url-status=live }} The film spanned three periods in the life of a couple, focusing on their romantic relationship at school, college and in their late twenties. Samantha revealed that she knew Gautham would want to work with her again and immediately accepted the opportunity to portray the roles when she was offered the film. She felt that she "could relate to the attributes and the circumstances the character goes through" and described Nithya's character as "close to her."{{cite web |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/slide-show/slide-show-1-south-interview-with-samantha/20121214.htm#4 |title=Neethane Enn Ponvasantham means a lot to me |work=Rediff.com |date=14 December 2012 |access-date=14 November 2015 |archive-date=27 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150927102604/http://www.rediff.com/movies/slide-show/slide-show-1-south-interview-with-samantha/20121214.htm#4 |url-status=live }} To make her performance as authentic as possible, Samantha chose to dub for herself in the Tamil version of the film. The Tamil and Telugu versions of the film opened in December 2012, earning polarizing reactions. Neethane En Ponvasantham earned mixed reviews and performed averagely at the box office, though Samantha received highly critical acclaim for her portrayal. The critic from The Hindu noted she "comes up with possibly the best performance by a female lead in Tamil cinema this year" and "her transformation from a gawky teenager to an adult, unable to overcome her ego, is outstanding".{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/neethaane-en-ponvasantham-an-ode-to-ilaiyaraaja/article4203416.ece |title=Neethaane En Ponvasantham: An ode to Ilaiyaraaja |newspaper=The Hindu |date=15 December 2012 |access-date=14 November 2015 |archive-date=29 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160129085457/http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/neethaane-en-ponvasantham-an-ode-to-ilaiyaraaja/article4203416.ece |url-status=live }} Meanwhile, IBN stated "Samantha's transformation from a school kid to an adult is a treat to watch," while Rediff.com noted she is "pretty, graceful, and does an excellent job of conveying the emotions of a girl in love, especially during the school sequence, while concluding she carries the film on her slender shoulders."{{cite web |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/south-review-needhane-en-ponvasantham-is-disappointing/20121214.htm |title=Review: Needhane En Ponvasantham is disappointing |work=Rediff.com |date=14 December 2012 |access-date=14 November 2015 |archive-date=17 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117015223/http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/south-review-needhane-en-ponvasantham-is-disappointing/20121214.htm |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://www.ibnlive.com/news/india/neethaane-en-ponvasantham-review-boring-love-story-526731.html |title='Neethaane En Ponvasantham' Review: Boring love story |publisher=CNN-IBN |date=15 December 2012 |access-date=14 November 2015 |archive-date=2 February 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160202151621/http://www.ibnlive.com/news/india/neethaane-en-ponvasantham-review-boring-love-story-526731.html |url-status=live }} The Telugu version, Yeto Vellipoyindhi Manasu, received positive reviews and did well commercially, while Samantha's performance again received high critical acclaim. The Hindu wrote she "goes a step further from her famous portrayal of Jessie (Ye Maaya Chesaave) and brings out the intricacy of her character well", while The Times of India wrote "Samantha has the author-backed role and she creams it."{{cite news |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movie-reviews/Yeto-Vellipoyindi-Manasu/movie-review/17612525.cms |title=Yeto Vellipoyindi Manasu Movie Review, Trailer, & Show timings at Times of India |newspaper=The Times of India |date=14 December 2012 |access-date=14 November 2015 |archive-date=29 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160129085457/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movie-reviews/Yeto-Vellipoyindi-Manasu/movie-review/17612525.cms |url-status=live }}{{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 |newspaper=The Hindu |date=14 December 2012 |access-date=14 November 2015 |archive-date=15 July 2017 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170715083454/http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/yeto-vellipoyindhi-manasu-like-a-gentle-breeze/article4199688.ece |url-status=live }} At the 60th Filmfare Awards South, she subsequently won the Best Actress awards for both the Tamil and Telugu film industries for her performances in Neethane En Ponvasantham and Eega. Samantha became the second-ever actress to achieve the feat after Revathi had secured both awards in 1993.{{cite news |author=V Lakshmi |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/Samantha-exclusive-interview/articleshow/21426111.cms |title=Samantha exclusive interview |newspaper=The Times of India |date=28 July 2013 |access-date=14 November 2015 |archive-date=29 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160129085457/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/Samantha-exclusive-interview/articleshow/21426111.cms |url-status=live }} 2012 became her most prolific award-winning year and she secured further accolades for Best Actress at the Vijay Awards, Santosham Film Awards and the CineMAA Awards.{{cite web |url=http://www.idlebrain.com/news/functions1/santoshamawrds2013.html |title=Santosham 11th anniversary awards 2013 presentation – Telugu cinema news |publisher=Idlebrain.com |date=31 August 2013 |access-date=14 November 2015 |archive-date=24 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924075323/http://www.idlebrain.com/news/functions1/santoshamawrds2013.html |url-status=live }}

File:'Samantha Ruth Prabhu.jpg

Although Samantha often portrayed strong character roles in her early films, post-2012, she has appeared increasingly in big-budget, hero-oriented films, which have comparatively smaller scope for actresses.{{cite web |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/kaththi-review-tamil-pcmbz6hbbiced.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150303203935/http://www.sify.com/movies/kaththi-review-tamil-pcmbz6hbbiced.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=3 March 2015 |title=Review : Kaththi |website=Sify |access-date=14 November 2015}} Samantha next appeared in the Telugu multi-starrer film, Seethamma Vakitlo Sirimalle Chettu (2013) alongside Venkatesh and Mahesh Babu, which received positive reviews and was commercially successful. Though her role was comparatively minuscule to her co-stars, IBN Live noted it was "good to see Samantha shed her glamorous side and welcome performance-oriented roles, which she only handles with deftness and ease".{{cite web |url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/seethamma-vakitlo-sirimalle-chettu-review-this-telugu-film-will-make-you-smile/315496-71-218.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130114220351/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/seethamma-vakitlo-sirimalle-chettu-review-this-telugu-film-will-make-you-smile/315496-71-218.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=14 January 2013 |title='Seethamma Vakitlo Sirimalle Chettu' Review: This Telugu film will make you smile |publisher=IBN Live |access-date=13 January 2013}}{{cite news |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movie-reviews/Seethamma-Vakitlo-Sirimalle-Chettu/movie-review/17981939.cms |title=Seethamma Vakitlo Sirimalle Chettu Movie Review, Trailer, & Show timings at Times of India |newspaper=The Times of India |date=11 January 2013 |access-date=14 November 2015 |archive-date=4 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180904154830/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movie-reviews/seethamma-vakitlo-sirimalle-chettu/movie-review/17981939.cms |url-status=live }} The romantic comedy Jabardasth (2013) alongside Siddharth, in which she portrayed a wedding planner, became a commercial failure, though critics noted Samantha is "getting better by the day and it's a delight to watch her on screen".{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/cinema-reviews/film-review-jabardasth-an-inspired-fun-ride/article4442821.ece |title=Film review: Jabardasth – An inspired fun ride |newspaper=The Hindu |date=22 February 2013 |access-date=14 November 2015 |archive-date=30 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171030064410/http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/cinema-reviews/film-review-jabardasth-an-inspired-fun-ride/article4442821.ece |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/south-review-jabardasth-is-inspired-by-band-baaja-baraat/20130222.htm |title=Review: Jabardasth is inspired by Band Baaja Baraat |work=Rediff.com |date=22 February 2013 |access-date=14 November 2015 |archive-date=17 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117015721/http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/south-review-jabardasth-is-inspired-by-band-baaja-baraat/20130222.htm |url-status=live }} Samantha then starred alongside Pawan Kalyan in the family drama, Attarintiki Daredi (2013), which emerged as the highest-grossing Telugu film upon release. A critic from Rediff.com noted Samantha "exudes confidence even though she has limited screen time and nothing much to do", and her performance saw her win Best Actress recognition at the SIIMA Awards and the Santosham Film Awards, in addition to her fourth nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Actress – Telugu.{{cite web |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/south-review-attarintiki-daaredi-is-pawan-kalyans-show/20130927.htm |title=Review: Attarintiki Daaredi is Pawan Kalyan's show! |work=Rediff.com |date=27 September 2013 |access-date=14 November 2015 |archive-date=22 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150122080510/http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/south-review-attarintiki-daaredi-is-pawan-kalyans-show/20130927.htm |url-status=live }} Her final release of 2013 was in the unsuccessful Telugu masala film Ramayya Vasthavayya, where she had a small role, with a critic noting "we have seen Samantha in better roles and better films."{{cite news |author=Sangeetha Devi Dundoo |url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/cinema-reviews/ramayya-vasthavayya-hinged-on-heroism/article5225181.ece |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131014040425/http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/cinema-reviews/ramayya-vasthavayya-hinged-on-heroism/article5225181.ece |archive-date=14 October 2013 |title=Ramayya Vasthavayya: Hinged on heroism |newspaper=The Hindu |date=11 October 2013 |access-date=15 November 2015}}

The year 2014 saw Samantha appear in six films and make a return to the Tamil film industry. Her first release saw Samantha portray a dual role in the family drama film Manam (2014), where she featured alongside several members of the Akkineni film family. Featuring as a young mother and a college student in two different time eras, Samantha received positive reviews for her work, with the critic from Sify saying "she excels" and The Hindu{{'}}s reviewer noting that she "emotes well and easily shifts between the roles."{{cite web |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/manam-review-review-telugu-pcmbqVghcjffd.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150619144125/http://www.sify.com/movies/manam-review-review-telugu-pcmbqVghcjffd.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=19 June 2015 |title=Review: Manam review |website=Sify |access-date=15 November 2015}}{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/cinema-reviews/manam-smiles-all-around/article6040767.ece |title=Manam: Smiles all around |newspaper=The Hindu |date=23 May 2014 |access-date=15 November 2015 |archive-date=20 October 2017 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20171020071402/http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/cinema-reviews/manam-smiles-all-around/article6040767.ece |url-status=live }} Her performance fetched Samantha her fifth nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Actress – Telugu, while she won Best Actress (Critics) at the SIIMA Awards. Samantha subsequently featured alongside Naga Chaitanya again in the long-delayed Autonagar Surya (2014), before playing different minuscule roles in the Telugu action masala films Alludu Seenu (2014) and Rabhasa (2014). Critics lamented that she "signed up to be a glam doll" for the ventures. She has "previously shown us she is capable of doing much more, but of late, seems to be stuck with doing similar roles that require her to be an attractive prop."{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/cinema-reviews/alludu-seenu-outlandish-launch-pad/article6249134.ece |title=Alludu Seenu: Outlandish launchpad |newspaper=The Hindu |date=25 July 2014 |access-date=15 November 2015 |archive-date=30 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171030071114/http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/cinema-reviews/alludu-seenu-outlandish-launch-pad/article6249134.ece |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/cinema-reviews/rabhasa-review-been-there-seen-that/article6365120.ece |title=Rabhasa review: Been there, seen that |newspaper=The Hindu |date=31 August 2014 |access-date=15 November 2015 |archive-date=29 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210129205837/https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/cinema-reviews/rabhasa-review-been-there-seen-that/article6365120.ece |url-status=live }} Samantha later revealed that she solely worked on Alludu Seenu as a favor to producer Bellamkonda Suresh, who had helped her delay the making of Jabardasth during her health problems.{{cite web |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/a-candid-interview-with-samantha-imagegallery-tollywood-ohbnVedehjcde.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140701162342/http://www.sify.com/movies/A-candid-interview-with-Samantha-imagegallery-Tollywood-ohbnVedehjcde.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=1 July 2014 |title=A candid interview with Samantha |work=Sify}}

Samantha worked simultaneously on two big-budget Tamil films in early 2014, working with industry-leading actors and directors. N. Lingusamy's gangster masala film Anjaan (2014) opposite Suriya, received negative reviews and performed poorly at the box office. Portraying a small role, critics panned her character in the film, stating Samantha "gamely performs the requisite crazy girl duties".{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/anjaan-review/article6324278.ece |title=Anjaan review: Don yawn |newspaper=The Hindu |date=16 August 2014 |access-date=15 November 2015 |archive-date=15 January 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170115160336/http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/anjaan-review/article6324278.ece |url-status=live }} Her other release, AR Murugadoss's action drama Kaththi (2014) opposite Vijay won predominantly positive reviews and became the most profitable Tamil film of 2014.{{Cite web |date=27 September 2013 |title=Samantha to work with Vijay in Murugadoss' next |url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/samantha-to-work-with-vijay-in-murugadoss-next/424925-71-180.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141008013629/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/samantha-to-work-with-vijay-in-murugadoss-next/424925-71-180.html |archive-date=8 October 2014 |access-date=6 March 2014 |website=IBN Live}} Again, reviewers criticised her character stating "all she had to do in the film is smile and look pretty," while The Hindu remarked she played "an emoticon" and "that covers her contribution to the proceedings".{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/cinema-reviews/kaththi-review-beneath-the-flab-some-solidmasalamoments/article6527130.ece |title=Kaththi review: Beneath the flab, some solid masala moments |newspaper=The Hindu |date=22 October 2014 |access-date=15 November 2015 |archive-date=26 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181226025753/https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/cinema-reviews/kaththi-review-beneath-the-flab-some-solidmasalamoments/article6527130.ece |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/review/review-kaththi-entertains-with-a-message/20141022.htm |title=Review: Kaththi entertains with a message |work=Rediff.com |date=22 October 2014 |access-date=15 November 2015 |archive-date=4 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304081059/http://www.rediff.com/movies/review/review-kaththi-entertains-with-a-message/20141022.htm |url-status=live }} She received her second nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Actress – Tamil for her performance in Kaththi. She subsequently featured in the Telugu film S/O Satyamurthy with Allu Arjun, as a part of another hero-oriented film, though critics noted she "enacts her part with grace" and that she "plays her role well".{{cite news |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movie-reviews/S/O-Satyamurthy/movie-review/46867320.cms |title=S/O Satyamurthy Movie Review, Trailer, & Show timings at Times of India |newspaper=The Times of India |date=9 April 2015 |access-date=15 November 2015 |archive-date=11 April 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150411113049/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movie-reviews/S/O-Satyamurthy/movie-review/46867320.cms |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/so-satyamurthy-review/article7089242.ece |title=S/O Satyamurthy: To keep up a father's honour |newspaper=The Hindu |date=10 April 2015 |access-date=15 November 2015 |archive-date=10 April 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150410162703/http://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/so-satyamurthy-review/article7089242.ece |url-status=live }}

She then featured in her second dual role as a part of Vijay Milton's road film, 10 Endrathukulla (2015), where she appeared alongside Vikram. She sported a different rural look for the role and her performance won mixed reviews, with a critic noting "Samantha doesn't make much of an impact in the film except towards the end."{{cite news |author=Latha Srinivasan |url=http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/review-10-endrathukulla-film-review-strictly-for-vikram-fans-2137163 |title='10 Endrathukulla' film review: Strictly for Vikram fans! |newspaper=Daily News and Analysis |date=21 October 2015 |access-date=15 November 2015 |archive-date=17 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117151104/http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/review-10-endrathukulla-film-review-strictly-for-vikram-fans-2137163 |url-status=live }} Like Anjaan and Kaththi, critics lamented her role as a clumsy girl, with Sify.com stating "beyond a point Samantha's character is plainly annoying".{{cite web |title=Review : 10 Enradhukulla |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/10-enradhukulla-review--pkvqS2bcfcaid.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151021234519/http://www.sify.com/movies/10-enradhukulla-review--pkvqS2bcfcaid.html |archive-date=21 October 2015 |access-date=15 November 2015 |website=Sify}}{{cite news |date=21 October 2015 |title=10 Enradhukulla: A slipshod road movie |newspaper=The Hindu |url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/cinema-reviews/10-enradhukulla-a-slipshod-road-movie/article7790285.ece |access-date=15 November 2015 |archive-date=5 May 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160505013158/http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/cinema-reviews/10-enradhukulla-a-slipshod-road-movie/article7790285.ece |url-status=live }} Samantha subsequently won positive reviews for her role and performance in Velraj's Thanga Magan, where she featured opposite Dhanush. Portraying a homely role of a wife for the first time in Tamil films, the actress noted it would be the first of many such performance-oriented roles, as she looked to move away from being typecast in charming characters. A critic from Sify.com labelled her performance as "impressive", while DNA.com stated Samantha "has given a very subdued and mature performance sans drama".{{cite web |author=Latha Srinivasan |url=http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/review-thanga-magan-review-the-fine-performances-by-dhanush-samantha-and-amy-jackson-make-it-a-must-watch-2157344 |title='Thanga Magan' review: The fine performances by Dhanush, Samantha and Amy Jackson make it a must-watch |work=Daily News and Analysis |date=18 December 2015 |access-date=23 December 2015 |archive-date=30 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171030065346/http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/review-thanga-magan-review-the-fine-performances-by-dhanush-samantha-and-amy-jackson-make-it-a-must-watch-2157344 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/thangamagan-review--pmsncnbbfbidj.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151218154158/http://www.sify.com/movies/thangamagan-review--pmsncnbbfbidj.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=18 December 2015 |title=Review : Thangamagan |website=Sify |access-date=23 December 2015}} Likewise, a reviewer from Silverscreen, suggested that she "delivers a performance that stands head and shoulders above her work in previous films".{{cite web |url=http://silverscreen.in/tamil/reviews/thanga-magan-review-a-little-of-everything/ |title=Thanga Magan Review: A Little Of Everything |date=19 December 2015 |publisher=Silverscreen.in |access-date=23 December 2015 |archive-date=22 December 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222165457/http://silverscreen.in/tamil/reviews/thanga-magan-review-a-little-of-everything/ |url-status=dead }}

Samantha's first release of 2016 was in the Tamil romantic drama film Bangalore Naatkal, where she made a guest appearance and reprised Nithya Menen's minor role from the film's Malayalam original.{{cite news |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Samantha-to-play-Nithyas-role-in-Bangalore-Days-remake/articleshow/48266812.cms |title=Samantha to play Nithya's role in Bangalore Days remake |work=The Times of India |access-date=30 July 2015 |last1=Balachandran |first1=Logesh |archive-date=2 August 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150802235734/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Samantha-to-play-Nithyas-role-in-Bangalore-Days-remake/articleshow/48266812.cms |url-status=live }} She then portrayed the lead female role in Atlee's Theri, and featured alongside Vijay for the second time. Her performance received positive reviews, with a critic from DNA India stating "Samantha looks pretty as always" and that "she has done an incredible job in dubbing with a range of emotions in her numerous shades – doctor, lover, mother – and she shines".{{cite web |url=http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/review-theri-review-only-vijay-fans-might-find-this-film-theri-fic-2202064 |title='Theri' review: Vijay fans might find this film 'Theri'-fic |date=14 April 2016 |access-date=14 April 2016 |publisher=Dna India |archive-date=16 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160416212135/http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/review-theri-review-only-vijay-fans-might-find-this-film-theri-fic-2202064 |url-status=live }} Likewise, Behindwoods.com stated that Theri "could be one of Samantha's best roles; she plays a doctor and has given out a soulful performance".{{cite web |url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies/theri/theri-review.html |title=Theri (aka) Therii review |date=14 April 2016 |access-date=5 June 2016 |archive-date=9 June 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160609091437/http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies/theri/theri-review.html |url-status=live }} The film went on to become of the most profitable Tamil films of all time, upon release, and ended a barren spell for the actress in Tamil cinema, by becoming her first commercially successful film in Tamil cinema since Kaththi (2014).{{cite web |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/samantha-is-smiling-and-why-news-tamil-qetkvBbfddead.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160420032114/http://www.sify.com/movies/samantha-is-smiling-and-why-news-tamil-qetkvBbfddead.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=20 April 2016 |title=Samantha is smiling and why?|website=Sify }} Samantha then worked for a second time with director Vikram Kumar and Suriya in the critically acclaimed fantasy film 24. Featuring as the love interest of the film's lead character, Samantha won praise from critics for her small role in the film, with Sify.com stating that the actress "does well in the comedy scenes."{{cite web |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/24-review-a-well-executed-intelligent-movie-review-tamil-qfgkr7cdeiejb.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160508205508/http://www.sify.com/movies/24-review-a-well-executed-intelligent-movie-review-tamil-qfgkr7cdeiejb.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=8 May 2016 |title=24 review: A well-executed intelligent movie|website=Sify }}{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/cinema-reviews/24-review-an-intelligent-joyous-mix-of-scifi-and-masalamyth/article8566328.ece |title=24: An intelligent, joyous mix of sci-fi and masala-myth |date=6 May 2016 |newspaper=The Hindu |last1=Rangan |first1=Baradwaj |access-date=5 June 2016 |archive-date=5 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210305091350/https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/cinema-reviews/24-An-intelligent-joyous-mix-of-sci-fi-and-masala-myth/article14304616.ece |url-status=live }} The film also performed well at the box office, with The Hindu stating she was "at the top of the film industry," following her back-to-back commercial successes.{{cite news |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/%E2%80%98When-you%E2%80%99re-at-the-top-you%E2%80%99re-just-waiting-to-be-replaced%E2%80%99/article14245987.ece |title='When you're at the top, you're just waiting to be replaced' |first=Srinivasa |last=Ramanujam |newspaper=The Hindu |date=19 April 2016 |access-date=2 October 2018 |archive-date=2 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211202152416/https://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/%E2%80%98When-you%E2%80%99re-at-the-top-you%E2%80%99re-just-waiting-to-be-replaced%E2%80%99/article14245987.ece |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/interviews/I-cried-uncontrollably-due-to-exhaustion/2016/05/10/article3425792.ece |title=I cried uncontrollably due to exhaustion |access-date=5 June 2016 |archive-date=2 June 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160602060015/http://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/interviews/I-cried-uncontrollably-due-to-exhaustion/2016/05/10/article3425792.ece |url-status=dead }} She received two nominations for the Filmfare Award for Best Actress – Tamil for her performances in Theri and 24 respectively.

Samantha also featured in three high-profile Telugu films during 2016; Although Srikanth Addala's family drama Brahmotsavam opposite Mahesh Babu was a box office failure, her role in Trivikram Srinivas's romantic comedy, A Aa alongside Nithiin, won her high critical acclaim and commercial success. Portraying Anasuya Ramalingam, a naive girl trying to escape from her mother's controlling behavior, Samantha received highly positive reviews for her character portrayal. A critic from The New Indian Express noted "A Aa undoubtedly is Samantha's film" and that "right from her first frame till the last, she delivers a stellar performance and shows what she can do if given ample screen time", adding that she was "a joy to watch".{{cite web |url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/telugu/A..Aa-Review-Please-welcome-Samantha-the-actress/2016/06/02/article3462836.ece1 |title=A..Aa Review: Please welcome Samantha the actress |access-date=5 June 2016 |archive-date=5 June 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160605132010/http://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/telugu/A..Aa-Review-Please-welcome-Samantha-the-actress/2016/06/02/article3462836.ece1 |url-status=dead }} Likewise, a reviewer from The Hindu noted "Samantha, after a long time, gets enough screen time and scope to shine", stating "she's vulnerable as a 23-year-old reeling in her mother's shadow and can also play the high maintenance, stubborn girl with ease", while concluding "this is a role she can be proud of".{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/aaa-simple-tale-effectively-told/article8681944.ece |title=A…Aa: Simple tale, effectively told |date=2 June 2016 |newspaper=The Hindu |last1=Dundoo |first1=Sangeetha Devi |access-date=5 June 2016 |archive-date=29 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230629105958/https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/A%E2%80%A6Aa-Simple-tale-effectively-told/article14382440.ece |url-status=live }} Similarly Bollywoodlife.com noted her "earnest performance was the life and soul of the romantic comedy", while DNA India's critic cited that "Samantha and Nithiin's performances in this movie will be what people would rave about for days to come".{{cite web |url=http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/review-aaa-review-you-ll-fall-in-love-with-nithiin-reddy-samantha-ruth-prabhu-in-this-rom-com-2219152 |title='A...Aa' review: You'll fall in love with Nithiin Reddy, Samantha Ruth Prabhu in this rom-com |date=2 June 2016 |access-date=5 June 2016 |archive-date=5 June 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160605122634/http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/review-aaa-review-you-ll-fall-in-love-with-nithiin-reddy-samantha-ruth-prabhu-in-this-rom-com-2219152 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://www.bollywoodlife.com/news-gossip/a-aa-quick-movie-review-samanthas-earnest-performance-is-the-life-and-soul-of-this-romantic-comedy-2/ |title=A Aa quick movie review: Samantha's earnest performance is the life and soul of this romantic comedy! |date=3 June 2016 |access-date=14 December 2016 |archive-date=14 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170214161505/http://www.bollywoodlife.com/news-gossip/a-aa-quick-movie-review-samanthas-earnest-performance-is-the-life-and-soul-of-this-romantic-comedy-2/ |url-status=live }} The film also performed well at the box office, doing excellent business for a Telugu film released in the United States.{{cite web |url=http://www.telugucinema.com/news/Aa-Joins-million-dollars-club |title=A Aa: Joins the million-dollars club |last=jalapathy |date=5 June 2016 |access-date=5 June 2016 |archive-date=8 June 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160608021315/http://www.telugucinema.com/news/Aa-Joins-million-dollars-club |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://www.gulte.com/movienews/49659/Samantha-The-Undisputed-Million-Dollar-Baby |title=Samantha, The Undisputed Million Dollar Baby |date=5 June 2016 |access-date=5 June 2016 |archive-date=6 June 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160606131012/http://www.gulte.com/movienews/49659/Samantha-The-Undisputed-Million-Dollar-Baby |url-status=live }} Her performance fetched her several awards, including the Filmfare Award for Best Actress – Telugu, her second win in the category. She then featured in the commercially successful action film Janatha Garage directed by Koratala Siva, with a critic noting despite "a limited role, she gives a nice performance".{{cite web |url=http://www.idlebrain.com/movie/archive/janathagarage.html |title=Janatha Garage review by jeevi – Telugu cinema review – NTR, Mohanlall, Samantha & Nithya Menen |website=idlebrain.com |access-date=31 October 2016 |archive-date=19 October 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161019115107/http://www.idlebrain.com/movie/archive/janathagarage.html |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/samantha-nithya-team-up-with-ntr-in-janatha-garage-116021600395_1.html |title=Samantha, Nithya team up with NTR in 'Janatha Garage' |newspaper=Business Standard India |date=16 February 2016 |access-date=16 February 2016 |publisher=Business Standard News |archive-date=19 February 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160219142120/http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/samantha-nithya-team-up-with-ntr-in-janatha-garage-116021600395_1.html |url-status=live }} She then portrayed the lead female role in Atlee's Mersal, and featured alongside Vijay for the third time and her performance received positive reviews and the film became one of the highest grossing Tamil films of 2017 and was a blockbuster at the box office. Mersal went on to join the coveted {{INR}}200 crore club.{{cite web |url=http://www.businesstoday.in/trending/box-office/mersal-box-office-collection-vijay-rs-210-crore-worldwide/story/262920.html |title=Mersal Box Office Collection: Vijay's movie makes Rs 210 crore worldwide |website=Business Today |date=31 October 2017 |access-date=3 November 2017 |archive-date=30 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180130004506/http://www.businesstoday.in/trending/box-office/mersal-box-office-collection-vijay-rs-210-crore-worldwide/story/262920.html |url-status=live }}

In 2018, she starred in Rangasthalam which went on to become one of the highest grossing Telugu films.{{cite web |url=http://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Tollywood/2018-06-10/Rangasthalam-Final-Worldwide-Box-Office-Collections-Report-/387957 |title=Rangasthalam final box office collection |website=thehansindia.com |date=10 June 2018 |access-date=12 October 2018 |archive-date=12 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181012214449/http://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Tollywood/2018-06-10/Rangasthalam-Final-Worldwide-Box-Office-Collections-Report-/387957 |url-status=live }} The Tamil action thriller Irumbu Thirai in which she starred opposite Vishal and the Telugu biographical drama Mahanati were successful at the box-office and each had a run of 100 days at the box office. Her performances in Rangasthalam and Mahanati were highly praised, and she earned her seventh Best Actress – Telugu nomination for the former and her first Best Supporting Actress – Telugu nomination for the latter at the Filmfare Awards. Mridula R from The News Minute noted her critically acclaimed film U Turn as a curiosity-generating script that provides her with the ultimate screen presence since the story begins with her and she finds it ends, rather that not being shaking a leg in Anjaan, Brindavanam, Kaththi and Attarintiki Daredi or being glam doll or having out-of-scope performances overshadowed in Dookudu, S/O Satyamurthy, Brahmotsavam, Theri and Mersal.{{cite web |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/nayanthara-and-anushka-samantha-proves-shes-ready-lead-films-u-turn-88533 |first=Mridula |last=R |title=Like Nayanthara and Anushka, Samantha proves she's ready to lead films with 'U Turn' |website=The News Minute |date=18 September 2018 |access-date=30 April 2020 |archive-date=5 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210305203233/https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/nayanthara-and-anushka-samantha-proves-shes-ready-lead-films-u-turn-88533 |url-status=live }}

File:Samantha at Kushi Musical concert.jpg

After acting in her first women-centric film U Turn, she is next starred in another women-centric film Oh! Baby released on 5 July 2019. The film is the remake of the 2014 South Korean film Miss Granny. It grossed ₹40 crores at the box office.{{Cite web |date=31 December 2019 |title=2019లో భారీ వసూళ్లు రాబట్టిన సినిమాలివే.. |url=https://www.sakshi.com/news/family/roundup-2019-special-story-tollywood-movies-1252065 |access-date=19 May 2021 |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 }} A critic from Firstpost cited her performance to be her "career-best".{{Cite web |date=5 July 2019 |title=Oh! Baby movie review : Samantha delivers a career-best performance in Nandini Reddy's heart-warming drama |url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/oh-baby-movie-review-samantha-delivers-a-career-best-performance-in-nandini-reddys-heart-warming-drama-6940521.html |access-date=19 May 2021 |website=Firstpost |archive-date=16 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210516041909/https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/oh-baby-movie-review-samantha-delivers-a-career-best-performance-in-nandini-reddys-heart-warming-drama-6940521.html |url-status=live }} Manoj Kumar R of The Indian Express felt that Samantha thrives in the role that reflects the possibilities of youth, the burden of old age, and the society's indifference to the desires and complaints of old people."{{Cite web |date=2019-07-05 |title=Oh Baby movie review: Samantha Akkineni thrives in this fantasy comedy |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/movie-review/oh-baby-movie-review-rating-samantha-akkineni-5816997/ |access-date=2021-05-19 |website=The Indian Express |language=en |archive-date=5 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190705133621/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/movie-review/oh-baby-movie-review-rating-samantha-akkineni-5816997/ |url-status=live }} She next starred in Majili alongside Naga Chaitanya, which marked their first collaboration after their marriage and their fourth collaboration overall after Ye Maaya Chesave, Manam, and Autonagar Surya.{{Cite news |title=Naga Chaitanya and Samantha turn into a troubled couple for 'Majili' |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/naga-chaitanya-and-samantha-turn-into-a-troubled-couple-for-majili/articleshow/66472479.cms |access-date=2021-05-19 |website=The Times of India |language=en |archive-date=19 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210519101503/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/naga-chaitanya-and-samantha-turn-into-a-troubled-couple-for-majili/articleshow/66472479.cms |url-status=live }} Her character was included in the list of strongest female roles of 2019 compiled by Auro Media House.{{Cite web |title=10 Strong Female Centric Films of Year 2019 {{pipe}} Auro Media House |date=31 December 2019 |url=https://auromediahouse.com/2019/12/31/female-centric-films-2019/ |access-date=2021-05-19 |language=en-US |archive-date=19 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210519101506/https://auromediahouse.com/2019/12/31/female-centric-films-2019/ |url-status=live }} Her performance received critical acclaim for her performance in Majili and several accolades for her performance in the two films.{{Cite web |date=29 March 2020 |title=Critics' Choice Film Awards 2020: Samantha Akkineni, Vijay Sethupathi, Super Deluxe win BIG; Winners list out |url=https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/south/critics-choice-film-awards-2020-samantha-akkineni-vijay-sethupathi-super-deluxe-win-big-winners-list-out |access-date=2021-05-19 |website=PINKVILLA |language=en |archive-date=19 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210519103006/https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/south/critics-choice-film-awards-2020-samantha-akkineni-vijay-sethupathi-super-deluxe-win-big-winners-list-out |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=2020-01-12 |title=Zee Cine awards Telugu 2020: Samantha Akkineni, Chiranjeevi and Nani win top laurels |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/regional-movies/zee-cine-awards-telugu-2020-samantha-akkineni-chiranjeevi-and-nani-win-top-laurels/story-IIb1IjGUKhrdscXkxVOI2I.html |access-date=2021-05-19 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en |archive-date=14 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200114140133/https://www.hindustantimes.com/regional-movies/zee-cine-awards-telugu-2020-samantha-akkineni-chiranjeevi-and-nani-win-top-laurels/story-IIb1IjGUKhrdscXkxVOI2I.html |url-status=live }} A critic of India Today stated, "Samantha moves people to tears with her natural performance."{{Cite web |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/majili-movie-review-samantha-and-naga-chaitanya-s-romantic-drama-is-boring-beyond-words-1494969-2019-04-05 |title=Majili Movie Review: Samantha and Naga Chaitanya's romantic drama is boring beyond words |website=India Today|date=5 April 2019 |access-date=27 August 2019}} Samantha next played a wife who cheats on her husband in Super Deluxe opposite Fahadh Faasil. The film received critical acclaim with Karthik Kumar of Hindustan Times stating that she shine like never before.{{Cite web |date=29 March 2019 |title=Super Deluxe movie review: This Vijay Sethupathi starrer is dark, funny and eccentric |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/regional-movies/super-deluxe-movie-review-this-vijay-sethupathi-starrer-is-dark-funny-and-eccentric/story-FoScPAO8mITEBKSahXoPvJ.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210729224832/https://www.hindustantimes.com/regional-movies/super-deluxe-movie-review-this-vijay-sethupathi-starrer-is-dark-funny-and-eccentric/story-FoScPAO8mITEBKSahXoPvJ.html |archive-date=29 July 2021 |access-date=30 July 2021 |website=Hindustan Times}}{{Cite web |date=31 December 2019 |title=Best Tamil movies of 2019: Super Deluxe, Asuran, Peranbu and more |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/tamil/best-tamil-films-of-2019-super-deluxe-asuran-6192738/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210729174655/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/tamil/best-tamil-films-of-2019-super-deluxe-asuran-6192738/ |archive-date=29 July 2021 |access-date=31 July 2021 |website=The Indian Express}}

Samantha next played the character of Janaki Devi in the 2020 film Jaanu, which was a remake of 2018 Tamil film '96.{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/samantha-wraps-up-shoot-for-96-telugu-remake-posts-a-picture-from-the-film/articleshow/71563564.cms|title=Samantha wraps up shoot for 96 Telugu remake, posts a picture from the film - Times of India|website=The Times of India|access-date=2020-01-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191110175857/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/samantha-wraps-up-shoot-for-96-telugu-remake-posts-a-picture-from-the-film/articleshow/71563564.cms|archive-date=2019-11-10|url-status=live}} The film and her performance earned positive reviews with Sangeetha Devi Dundoo stating, "Samantha comes into her own gradually. Jaanu is another feather in her cap, but there are portions where she seems to struggle."{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/reviews/jaanu-movie-review-sharwanand-is-outstanding-in-this-telugu-remake-of-96/article30760574.ece|title='Jaanu' movie review: Sharwanand is outstanding in this Telugu remake of '96'|first=Sangeetha Devi|last=Dundoo|newspaper=The Hindu|date=7 February 2020|via=www.thehindu.com}} She made her television debut in 2020 by hosting a special episode of the Telugu-language reality television series Bigg Boss 4.{{Cite web |title=Bigg Boss Telugu 4: Samantha Akkineni steps in for Nagarjuna as host for Dussehra special; Watch first promo |url=https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/south/bigg-boss-telugu-4-samantha-akkinenis-steps-nagarjuna-host-dussehra-special-watch-first-promo-570247 |access-date=25 October 2020 |website=pinkvilla.com |date=24 October 2020 |archive-date=28 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201028205515/https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/south/bigg-boss-telugu-4-samantha-akkinenis-steps-nagarjuna-host-dussehra-special-watch-first-promo-570247 |url-status=live }} She received praise for her work in the series.{{Cite web |last=K. |first=Janani |date=25 October 2020 |title=Samantha promises enjoyment as she turns host for Bigg Boss Telugu 4. Watch Nagarjuna's reaction |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/television/reality-tv/story/samantha-promises-enjoyment-as-she-turns-host-for-bigg-boss-telugu-4-watch-nagarjuna-s-reaction-1734859-2020-10-25 |access-date=25 October 2020 |website=India Today |language=en |archive-date=26 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201026140244/https://www.indiatoday.in/television/reality-tv/story/samantha-promises-enjoyment-as-she-turns-host-for-bigg-boss-telugu-4-watch-nagarjuna-s-reaction-1734859-2020-10-25 |url-status=live }} Later, in the same year she once again hosted a talk show Sam Jam that streamed on Aha.{{Cite web |last=Pecheti |first=Prakash |title=Samantha Akkineni turns host with Sam Jam |url=https://telanganatoday.com/samantha-akkineni-turns-host-with-sam-jam |access-date=6 November 2020 |website=Telangana Today |date=6 November 2020 |language=en-US |archive-date=6 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201106141616/https://telanganatoday.com/samantha-akkineni-turns-host-with-sam-jam |url-status=live }} In 2021, Samantha headlined the second season of Amazon Prime Video's Hindi spy thriller streaming television series The Family Man alongside Manoj Bajpayee, thus marking her debut in the digital content medium.{{Cite web |date=27 August 2020 |title=Samantha Akkineni dubs for web series The Family Man Season 2 |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/web-series/samantha-akkineni-dubs-for-the-family-man-season-2-photo-6572298/ |access-date=10 April 2021 |website=The Indian Express |language=en |archive-date=27 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210227104644/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/web-series/samantha-akkineni-dubs-for-the-family-man-season-2-photo-6572298/ |url-status=live }} She played the role of the main antagonist Raji, a rebel leader from the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam.{{Cite web |title=The Family Man 2 Review: Manoj Bajpayee And Samantha Deliver An Onscreen Duet To Die For |url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/the-family-man-2-review-manoj-bajpayee-and-samantha-deliver-an-onscreen-duet-to-die-for-3-stars-out-of-5-2456150 |access-date=7 June 2021 |website=NDTV.com |archive-date=7 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210607050513/https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/the-family-man-2-review-manoj-bajpayee-and-samantha-deliver-an-onscreen-duet-to-die-for-3-stars-out-of-5-2456150 |url-status=live }} Her performance earned her widespread critical acclaim and won her the Filmfare OTT Award for Best Actress in a Drama Series.{{Cite web |date=2021-06-04 |title=The Family Man Season 2 review: Samantha Akkineni is the real weapon in OG Manoj Bajpayee's show |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/web-series/the-family-man-season-2-review-samantha-akkineni-manoj-bajpayee-7343501/ |access-date=2023-02-14 |website=The Indian Express |language=en |archive-date=14 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230214193137/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/web-series/the-family-man-season-2-review-samantha-akkineni-manoj-bajpayee-7343501/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=The Family Man Season 2 review: Manoj Bajpayee vs Samantha Akkineni is a win-win show for fans! |url=https://zeenews.india.com/entertainment/buzz/the-family-man-season-2-review-manoj-bajpayee-vs-samantha-akkineni-is-a-win-win-show-for-fans-2366620.html |access-date=2023-02-14 |website=Zee News |language=en |archive-date=14 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230214193137/https://zeenews.india.com/entertainment/buzz/the-family-man-season-2-review-manoj-bajpayee-vs-samantha-akkineni-is-a-win-win-show-for-fans-2366620.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=2021-06-04 |title=The Family Man Season 2 review: Manoj Bajpayee meets his match in scintillating Samantha Akkineni |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/web-series/the-family-man-season-2-review-manoj-bajpayee-and-scintillating-samantha-akkineni-go-toe-to-toe-in-amazon-s-playful-but-poignant-show-101622739720102.html |access-date=2023-02-14 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en |archive-date=14 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230214193136/https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/web-series/the-family-man-season-2-review-manoj-bajpayee-and-scintillating-samantha-akkineni-go-toe-to-toe-in-amazon-s-playful-but-poignant-show-101622739720102.html |url-status=live }} That year, she also performed her first dance number in the film, Pushpa: The Rise alongside Allu Arjun in the song "Oo Antava Oo Oo Antava".{{Cite news |date=18 December 2021 |title=Samantha thrilled to see fans' response to Oo Antava song from Allu Arjun's Pushpa, calls it madness |language=en-IN |website=India Today |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/samantha-enjoys-fans-response-to-oo-antava-song-from-allu-arjun-s-pushpa-calls-it-madness-1889225-2021-12-18 |access-date=11 January 2022 |archive-date=25 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220125040654/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/samantha-enjoys-fans-response-to-oo-antava-song-from-allu-arjun-s-pushpa-calls-it-madness-1889225-2021-12-18 |url-status=live }}

Her first release of 2022 Kaathuvaakula Rendu Kaadhal received mixed reviews.{{Cite web |date=11 February 2022 |title=Kaathuvaakula Rendu Kaadhal: Vijay Sethupathi, Samantha and Nayanthara's film teaser out |url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/tamil/videos/2022/feb/11/kaathuvaakula-rendu-kaadhal-teaser-out-nayanthara-andsamantha-film-to-release-in-april-29687.html |website=Republic World |access-date=1 May 2022 |archive-date=11 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220211144119/https://www.cinemaexpress.com/tamil/videos/2022/feb/11/kaathuvaakula-rendu-kaadhal-teaser-out-nayanthara-andsamantha-film-to-release-in-april-29687.html |url-status=live }} Directed by Vignesh Shivan, she played the role Khatija alongside Nayanthara and Vijay Sethupathi.{{Cite web |date=20 February 2020 |title=Samantha reveals about her character in Vijay Sethupati's 'Kaathu Vaakula Rendu Kaadhal' |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/samantha-reveals-about-her-character-in-vijay-sethupatis-kaathu-vaakula-rendu-kadhal/articleshow/74225202.cms |access-date=11 January 2022 |website=E Times |language=en |archive-date=11 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220111071822/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/samantha-reveals-about-her-character-in-vijay-sethupatis-kaathu-vaakula-rendu-kadhal/articleshow/74225202.cms |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=15 November 2021 |title=First look of Samantha, VJS and Nayanthara in Kaathu Vaakula Rendu Kaadhal revealed |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/first-look-samantha-vjs-and-nayanthara-kaathuvaakula-rendu-kaadhal-revealed-157621 |access-date=11 January 2022 |website=The News Minute |language=en |archive-date=11 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220111071828/https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/first-look-samantha-vjs-and-nayanthara-kaathuvaakula-rendu-kaadhal-revealed-157621 |url-status=live }} In 2022, Samantha starred in the Hari–Harish directorial Telugu film Yashoda.{{Cite web |title=After Shaakuntalam, actor Samantha signs two bilingual films |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/after-shaakuntalam-actor-samantha-signs-two-bilingual-films-156563 |date=16 October 2021 |access-date=10 December 2021 |website=The News Minute |language=en |archive-date=10 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211210071114/https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/after-shaakuntalam-actor-samantha-signs-two-bilingual-films-156563 |url-status=live }} In 2023, she appeared in mythological film Shaakuntalam, directed by Gunasekhar.{{Cite news |date=2 January 2021 |title=Samantha to headline Gunasekhar's 'Shakuntalam' |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/samantha-in-director-gunasekhars-mythological-film-shakuntalam/article33479131.ece |access-date=19 May 2021 |issn=0971-751X |archive-date=19 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210519101503/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/samantha-in-director-gunasekhars-mythological-film-shakuntalam/article33479131.ece |url-status=live }} The film was critical and commercial failure.{{cite web | url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/samantha-shaakunatalam-is-a-big-jerk-in-my-career-says-producer-dil-raju-on-films-failure-2368295-2023-05-04 | title=Samantha's Shaakunatalam is a big jerk in my career, says producer Dil Raju on film's failure | date=4 May 2023 | access-date=13 October 2023 | archive-date=15 October 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231015215214/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/samantha-shaakunatalam-is-a-big-jerk-in-my-career-says-producer-dil-raju-on-films-failure-2368295-2023-05-04 | url-status=live }} She then appeared in Kushi opposite Vijay Deverakonda, which received mixed reviews from critics.{{cite web | url=https://news.abplive.com/entertainment/movies/kushi-twitter-review-vijay-deverakonda-and-samantha-ruth-prabhu-starrer-gets-mixed-reactions-1626845 | title=Vijay Deverakonda and Samantha Ruth Prabhu Starrer Kushi Gets Mixed Reactions | date=September 2023 | access-date=25 September 2023 | archive-date=2 September 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230902183304/https://news.abplive.com/entertainment/movies/kushi-twitter-review-vijay-deverakonda-and-samantha-ruth-prabhu-starrer-gets-mixed-reactions-1626845 | url-status=live }} The film also was a box office bomb.{{Cite web |date=1 October 2023 |title=Kushi on OTT: ఓటీటీలోకి వచ్చేసిన 'ఖుషి' మూవీ.. స్ట్రీమింగ్ ఎక్కడంటే? |url=https://zeenews.india.com/telugu/entertainment/vijay-devarakondas-kushi-movie-now-streaming-on-netflix-ott-platform-113033 |website=Zee News Telugu |access-date=13 October 2023 |archive-date=2 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231002124645/https://zeenews.india.com/telugu/entertainment/vijay-devarakondas-kushi-movie-now-streaming-on-netflix-ott-platform-113033 |url-status=live }} In her only release of 2024, Samantha played a struggling actress, Honey (mother to Priyanka Chopra's character Nadia Sinh's from Citadel), in Raj & DK's series Citadel: Honey Bunny, opposite Varun Dhawan.{{cite news|title=Samantha confirms she is playing Priyanka Chopra's character's mother in Citadel|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/100695953.cms|date=2 June 2023|work=Times of India|access-date=2 June 2023|archive-date=29 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230629105956/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/web-series/news/hindi/samantha-confirms-she-is-playing-priyanka-chopras-characters-mother-in-citadel/articleshow/100695953.cms|url-status=live}}{{cite news |last=Chowdhury |first=Madhumanti Pait |title=Samantha Ruth Prabhu Wraps Citadel : "The Family I Didn't Know I Needed" |url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/samantha-ruth-prabhu-wraps-citadel-the-family-i-didnt-know-i-needed-4204348 |access-date=30 September 2023 |work=NDTV |date=13 July 2023}} Shubhra Gupta called her the "best part" of the series and was appreciative of her action sequences.{{cite news |title=Citadel Honey Bunny review: Samantha Ruth Prabhu explodes off the screen in Raj and DK's clunky series |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/web-series/citadel-honey-bunny-review-samantha-ruth-prabhu-explodes-off-the-screen-in-raj-dks-clunky-series-9657604/ |access-date=7 November 2024 |work=The Indian Express |date=7 November 2024}}

Samantha launched her own production company, named Tralala Moving Pictures in 2025, under which she produced Subham.{{Cite news |date=2025-03-15 |title=Samantha Ruth Prabhu’s Tralala Moving Pictures wraps up debut production ‘Subham’ |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/samantha-ruth-prabhus-tralala-moving-pictures-wraps-up-debut-production-subham/article69333850.ece |access-date=2025-05-07 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}} She also had a cameo appearance in the film as Maata, and BH Harsh of Cinema Express noted, "Samantha flourishes in her brief cameo, bringing great deadpan humour to her scenes."{{Cite web |date=9 May 2025 |title=Subham Movie Review: A wacky, hilarious fable about female desire and masculinity |url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/telugu/review/2025/May/08/subham-movie-review-a-wacky-hilarious-fable-about-female-desire-and-masculinity |access-date=10 May 2025 |website=Cinema Express}} Samantha will next star in the Telugu film Maa Inti Bangaram, which she also produces.{{Cite web |date=25 February 2025|title=Samantha Ruth Prabhu on her return to films: "I'm done being away; it's my first love." |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/samantha-ruth-prabhu-on-her-return-to-films-im-done-being-away-its-my-first-love/articleshow/118547105.cms |access-date=25 February 2025 |website=Times of India}} She will also appear in the Hindi series Rakt Brahmand, opposite Aditya Roy Kapur.{{cite news |last=Singh |first=Kashvi Raj |title=Samantha Ruth Prabhu Kicks Off Shooting For Rakt Brahmand: 'Glad To Be Back' |url=https://www.news18.com/movies/samantha-ruth-prabhu-kicks-off-shooting-for-rakt-brahmand-glad-to-be-back-9057275.html |access-date=20 September 2024 |work=News18 |date=20 September 2024}}

Samantha suffered from an extended period of illness in 2012, which saw her having to opt out of big film projects and take a two-month break from acting. She suffered from an immunity disorder and then had a further setback after her body did not respond well to antibiotics.{{cite news |last=Mohan |first=Manasa |url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/interviews/article1431634.ece |title='I can't look at myself on the screen |newspaper=The New Indian Express |date=23 January 2013 |access-date=15 November 2015 |archive-date=17 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117032430/http://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/interviews/article1431634.ece |url-status=dead }}

Samantha began dating actor Naga Chaitanya in 2010 after appearing in the film Ye Maaya Chesave.{{Cite web |date=6 October 2017 |title=Samantha Ruth Prabhu and Naga Chaitanya’s love story |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/telugu/samantha-ruth-prabhu-and-naga-chaitanya-love-story-4877135/ |url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180212140552/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/telugu/samantha-ruth-prabhu-and-naga-chaitanya-love-story-4877135/ |archive-date=12 February 2018|access-date=19 May 2018 |website=The Indian Express}} The pair were engaged in a ceremony in Hyderabad on 29 January 2017.{{cite web |url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/naga-chaitanya-samantha-marriage-plans-premam-saahasam-swasaga-sagapo/1/767104.html |title=Naga Chaitanya on wedding plans: I will tie the knot next year |website=India Today |date=18 September 2016 |access-date=14 January 2017 |archive-date=20 November 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161120184309/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/naga-chaitanya-samantha-marriage-plans-premam-saahasam-swasaga-sagapo/1/767104.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://www.thenewsminute.com/article/chaisam-wedding-all-you-need-know-about-naga-chaitanya-and-samantha-69561 |title=ChaiSam wedding: All that you need to know about Naga Chaitanya and Samantha |date=7 October 2017 |website=thenewsminute.com |access-date=7 October 2017 |archive-date=7 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171007220033/http://www.thenewsminute.com/article/chaisam-wedding-all-you-need-know-about-naga-chaitanya-and-samantha-69561 |url-status=live }} She got married in Goa as per traditional Hindu customs on 6 October 2017 and then by Christian customs on 7 October 2017,{{cite news |last1=Aashna |first1=Shah |title=Samantha Ruth Prabhu And Naga Chaitanya Married – Happily Ever After. |url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/samantha-ruth-prabhu-and-naga-chaitanya-married-happily-ever-after-see-pics-1759776 |access-date=7 October 2017 |publisher=NDTV |date=7 October 2017 |location=New Delhi |archive-date=8 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171008030357/https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/samantha-ruth-prabhu-and-naga-chaitanya-married-happily-ever-after-see-pics-1759776 |url-status=live }} and became a member of the Akkineni family.{{cite news |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/regional/naga-chaitanya-samantha-ruth-prabhu-wedding-on-hold-for-now-nagarjuna-3016386/ |title=Naga Chaitanya-Samantha Ruth Prabhu wedding on hold for now: Nagarjuna |access-date=10 April 2019 |archive-date=30 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190330010015/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/regional/naga-chaitanya-samantha-ruth-prabhu-wedding-on-hold-for-now-nagarjuna-3016386/ |url-status=live }} She then started using her married name, Samantha Akkineni.{{cite news |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/regional-movies/samantha-ruth-prabhu-changes-name-to-samantha-akkineni-here-s-how-twitter-reacted/story-O0uBLQP9vGYvy0DnEpOyZL.html |title='Samantha Ruth Prabhu changes name to Samantha Akkineni. Here's how Twitter reacted' |newspaper=Hindustahan Times |date=12 October 2017 |access-date=12 October 2017 |archive-date=12 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171012124828/http://www.hindustantimes.com/regional-movies/samantha-ruth-prabhu-changes-name-to-samantha-akkineni-here-s-how-twitter-reacted/story-O0uBLQP9vGYvy0DnEpOyZL.html |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=https://regional.pinkvilla.com/telugu/news/im-akkineni-samantha-now-live-familys-legacy-says-newly-wed-samantha/ |title='I'm Akkineni Samantha from now and I have to live up to the family's legacy, says the newly wed Samantha' |newspaper=Pinkvilla |date=14 October 2017 |access-date=14 October 2017 |archive-date=2 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180902151912/https://regional.pinkvilla.com/telugu/news/im-akkineni-samantha-now-live-familys-legacy-says-newly-wed-samantha/ |url-status=live }} On 31 July 2021, she removed her surname "Akkineni" from her social media handles which led to speculations of her separation with Naga Chaitanya.{{Cite web |date=31 July 2021 |title=Samantha Akkineni drops 'Akkineni' from her social media handles. What's the deal? |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/telugu-cinema/samantha-akkineni-drops-akkineni-from-her-social-media-handles-what-s-the-deal-101627726167919.html |access-date=2 October 2021 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en |archive-date=1 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211001234341/https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/telugu-cinema/samantha-akkineni-drops-akkineni-from-her-social-media-handles-what-s-the-deal-101627726167919.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite magazine |author=Janani K. |date=July 31, 2021 |title=Samantha drops Akkineni from Twitter and Insta handles, changes name to S. What's brewing? |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/samantha-drops-akkineni-from-twitter-and-insta-handles-changes-name-to-s-what-s-brewing-1834994-2021-07-31 |access-date=2 October 2021 |magazine=India Today |language=en |archive-date=29 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210929192955/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/samantha-drops-akkineni-from-twitter-and-insta-handles-changes-name-to-s-what-s-brewing-1834994-2021-07-31 |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |title=Why did Samantha remove her last name 'Akkineni'? |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/why-did-samantha-remove-her-last-name-akkineni/articleshow/84918577.cms |access-date=2 October 2021 |website=The Times of India |language=en |archive-date=2 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211002105408/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/why-did-samantha-remove-her-last-name-akkineni/articleshow/84918577.cms |url-status=live }} Later, on 2 October 2021, they announced their separation and eventual divorce.{{Cite web |date=2 October 2021 |title=Samantha Akkineni and Naga Chaitanya announce divorce: Give us privacy to move on |url=https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/south/samantha-akkineni-and-naga-chaitanya-announce-divorce-give-us-privacy-move-909323 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211002104027/https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/south/samantha-akkineni-and-naga-chaitanya-announce-divorce-give-us-privacy-move-909323 |archive-date=2 October 2021 |access-date=2 October 2021 |website=Pinkvilla |language=en}} [https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/naga-chaitanya-breaks-his-silence-on-split-with-samantha-says-divorce-was-in-their-best-interest/articleshow/88870013.cms] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220114070717/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/naga-chaitanya-breaks-his-silence-on-split-with-samantha-says-divorce-was-in-their-best-interest/articleshow/88870013.cms|date=14 January 2022}}{{Cite news|url = https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/naga-chaitanya-breaks-his-silence-on-split-with-samantha-says-divorce-was-in-their-best-interest/articleshow/88870013.cms|title = Naga Chaitanya breaks his silence on split with Samantha, says divorce was in their best interest|newspaper = The Economic Times|access-date = 16 January 2022|archive-date = 14 January 2022|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220114070717/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/naga-chaitanya-breaks-his-silence-on-split-with-samantha-says-divorce-was-in-their-best-interest/articleshow/88870013.cms|url-status = live}}

On 28 September 2020, Samantha became the founder of the women's clothing brand Saaki World.{{Cite web |date=5 September 2020 |title=Samantha Akkineni turns entrepreneur, launches own fashion label called Saaki |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/regional-movies/samantha-akkineni-turns-entrepreneur-launches-own-fashion-label-called-saaki/story-qv2DaapE5tvZCAqtuUjXYN.html |access-date=4 October 2021 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en |archive-date=4 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211004065239/https://www.hindustantimes.com/regional-movies/samantha-akkineni-turns-entrepreneur-launches-own-fashion-label-called-saaki/story-qv2DaapE5tvZCAqtuUjXYN.html |url-status=live }}

After June 2022, Samantha was suddenly inactive on social media which sparked several rumours about her health and there were rumours of her suffering from a relapse of a rare skin disorder. However, her team dismissed all rumours.{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/samantha-s-team-dismisses-reports-of-actress-suffering-from-rare-skin-condition-2002500-2022-09-20|title=Samantha's team dismisses reports of actress suffering from 'rare skin condition'|date=20 September 2022|access-date=31 October 2022|website=India Today|language=en|archive-date=31 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221031115423/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/samantha-s-team-dismisses-reports-of-actress-suffering-from-rare-skin-condition-2002500-2022-09-20|url-status=live}} On 29 October 2022, she announced that she was diagnosed with dermatomyositis.{{Cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/telugu/samantha-ruth-prabhu-suffering-from-autoimmune-condition-myositis-8237101/|title=Samantha Ruth Prabhu suffering from autoimmune condition Myositis: 'Accepting this vulnerability is something I am still struggling with'|date=29 October 2022|access-date=31 October 2022|website=Indian Express|language=en|archive-date=31 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221031123025/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/telugu/samantha-ruth-prabhu-suffering-from-autoimmune-condition-myositis-8237101/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/south/samantha-opens-up-about-myositis-jr-ntr-dulquer-salmaan-janhvi-kapoor-wish-the-actress-a-speedy-recovery-1196833|title=Samantha opens up about Myositis, Jr NTR, Dulquer Salmaan, Janhvi Kapoor wish the actress a speedy recovery|date=29 October 2022|access-date=31 October 2022|website=Pinkvilla|language=en|archive-date=31 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221031115433/https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/south/samantha-opens-up-about-myositis-jr-ntr-dulquer-salmaan-janhvi-kapoor-wish-the-actress-a-speedy-recovery-1196833|url-status=live}} In August 2023, Samantha served as Chief Guest at the world's largest Indian Independence Day Parade in Manhattan, New York City.{{cite web|url=https://fianynjct.org/|title=The World's Largest India Day Parade, Madison Avenue, NYC|publisher=Federation of Indian Associations|access-date=August 5, 2023|archive-date=5 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230805230509/https://fianynjct.org/|url-status=live}}[https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=01E8lHVoGq8] Accessed August 5, 2023.

Samantha has actively been involved in philanthropic activities and donates her earnings from endorsements, product launches, and inauguration events to her charitable trust, Pratyusha Support, registered in 2012.{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Vijayawada/ye-maaya-chesave-girl-reaches-out-to-children/article6796447.ece |title='Ye Maaya Chesave' girl reaches out to children |newspaper=The Hindu |date=17 January 2015 |access-date=15 November 2015 |archive-date=29 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160129085457/http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Vijayawada/ye-maaya-chesave-girl-reaches-out-to-children/article6796447.ece |url-status=live }} She chose to begin the non-governmental organisation after being bed-ridden for 15 days during her documented illness in 2012 and wanted to give back to society. Samantha subsequently started the Pratyusha Support Foundation to provide medical support for women and children with the help of three doctor friends. She provided full financial support for the program.{{cite web |url=http://www.idlebrain.com/celeb/interview/samantha.html |title=Samantha interview – Telugu film actress |publisher=Idlebrain.com |date=13 December 2012 |access-date=15 November 2015 |archive-date=24 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160324230457/http://idlebrain.com/celeb/interview/samantha.html |url-status=live }} She held a fundraiser in August 2013 to raise awareness of her foundation, auctioning several of her items and memorabilia from films.{{cite web |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/Samantha-to-auction-personal-items/articleshow/21706272.cms |title=Samantha to auction personal items |newspaper=The Times of India |date=8 August 2013 |access-date=15 November 2015 |archive-date=29 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160129085457/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/Samantha-to-auction-personal-items/articleshow/21706272.cms |url-status=live }} A further initiative in 2014 saw the launch of a program to fulfill the wishes of children with life-threatening diseases; Samantha financed trips for children to fly on an airplane and travel to the Taj Mahal, and organized opportunities for children to meet their favorite film actors.{{cite news |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/Tollywood-heroines-ditch-glamour-for-charity/articleshow/31829107.cms |title=Tollywood heroines ditch glamour for charity |newspaper=The Times of India |date=11 March 2014 |access-date=15 November 2015 |archive-date=29 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160129085457/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/Tollywood-heroines-ditch-glamour-for-charity/articleshow/31829107.cms |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/Ram-Charan-fulfills-ailing-kids-wish/articleshow/44878129.cms |title=Ram Charan fulfills ailing kid's wish |newspaper=The Times of India |date=19 October 2014 |access-date=15 November 2015 |archive-date=29 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160129085457/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/Ram-Charan-fulfills-ailing-kids-wish/articleshow/44878129.cms |url-status=live }} Samantha has also been involved in spreading awareness of haemophilia, regularly taking part in events creating awareness of the disease.{{cite web |url=http://www.gulte.com/movienews/11087/Samantha-Sets-Out-For-A-Cause |title=Samantha attends Hemophilia Awareness Program |publisher=Gulte.com |access-date=15 November 2015 |archive-date=24 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924024219/http://www.gulte.com/movienews/11087/Samantha-Sets-Out-For-A-Cause |url-status=live }}

Samantha agreed in January 2015 to pay a third of the hospital bills of one infant per week who required intensive care support at Andhra Hospitals through her charitable trust. Under the arrangement, Samantha agreed to contribute towards a third of the bills, while Andhra Hospitals would also pay a third of the bill, and the parents would pay the remaining third.{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Vijayawada/actor-samantha-to-sponsor-vaccines-to-infants/article7832143.ece |title=Actor Samantha to sponsor vaccines to infants |newspaper=The Hindu |date=2 November 2015 |access-date=15 November 2015 |archive-date=29 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160129085457/http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Vijayawada/actor-samantha-to-sponsor-vaccines-to-infants/article7832143.ece |url-status=live }} In November 2015, Samantha entered into a further agreement with Andhra Hospitals to sponsor vaccination of all infants below six months for rotaviral infections free of cost.{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Vijayawada/diabetes-screening-awareness-camp-today/article7875834.ece |title=Diabetes screening, awareness camp today |newspaper=The Hindu |access-date=15 November 2015 |archive-date=29 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160129085457/http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Vijayawada/diabetes-screening-awareness-camp-today/article7875834.ece |url-status=live }} Later in the month, the actress took part in an organ donation pledge at Madhapur.{{cite web |url=http://behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-15/actress-samantha-to-take-on-an-organ-donation-pledge.html |title=Actress Samantha to take on an organ donation pledge |website=Behindwoods.com |date=4 November 2015 |access-date=15 November 2015 |archive-date=7 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151107012948/http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-15/actress-samantha-to-take-on-an-organ-donation-pledge.html |url-status=live }} During the 2015 Chennai floods, Samantha was situated in Hyderabad for the shoot of a film and helped mobilize the Mana Madras Kosam initiative organized by the Telugu film industry. Through the initiative, she participated in gathering relief materials at Ramanaidu Studios. She appealed to the Telugu-speaking public to help gather resources to send to Chennai.{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/mana-madras-kosam-to-chennai-with-love-from-hyderabad/article7961761.ece |title=Mana Madras Kosam: To Chennai, with love from Hyderabad |author=Srivathsan Nadadhur |newspaper=The Hindu |date=8 December 2015 |access-date=12 December 2015 |archive-date=29 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160129085457/http://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/mana-madras-kosam-to-chennai-with-love-from-hyderabad/article7961761.ece |url-status=live }} She later donated 30 lakh rupees for flood relief activities to take place in Pallavaram, the suburb in which the actress grew up.{{cite web |url=http://www.mirchi9.com/movienews/samantha-ruth-prabhu-30-lakh-donation-for-chennai-floods/ |title=Samantha outdoes Superstar for Chennai help |date=12 December 2015 |publisher=Telugu Movie News |access-date=12 December 2015 |archive-date=13 December 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151213184819/http://www.mirchi9.com/movienews/samantha-ruth-prabhu-30-lakh-donation-for-chennai-floods/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://behindwoods.com/tamil-actress/samantha/samantha-interview.html |title=Samantha interview |website=Behindwoods.com |access-date=23 December 2015 |archive-date=22 December 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222112341/http://behindwoods.com/tamil-actress/samantha/samantha-interview.html |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/samanthas-unlearning-experience/article7996153.ece?secpage=true&secname=entertainment |title=Samantha's unlearning experience: On acting with Dhanush in Thanga Magan |work=The Hindu |date=16 December 2015 |access-date=23 December 2015 |last1=Ramanujam |first1=Srinivasa |archive-date=29 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160129085457/http://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/samanthas-unlearning-experience/article7996153.ece?secpage=true&secname=entertainment |url-status=live }} Samantha stood up for the cause of Handloom people of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh states by wearing them and making photoshoots for handloom made sarees and other items.{{cite web |url=https://www.vogue.in/content/actor-samantha-ruth-prabhu-is-championing-the-cause-of-indian-handlooms/ |title=Actor Samantha Ruth Prabhu is championing the cause of Indian handlooms |work=Vogue |date=7 August 2017 |access-date=21 September 2017 |archive-date=21 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170921192548/https://www.vogue.in/content/actor-samantha-ruth-prabhu-is-championing-the-cause-of-indian-handlooms/ |url-status=live }} In 2017, Samantha launched a business venture Tweave in partnership with the Telangana Government, which was a program to promote the handloom sector in Telangana.{{Cite web |url=https://blog.kollybollyethnics.com/2017/08/tweave-samantha.html |title='Samantha announces the launch of 'Tweave' |date=10 August 2017 |access-date=10 October 2021 |archive-date=10 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211010050517/https://blog.kollybollyethnics.com/2017/08/tweave-samantha.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/samantha-turns-brand-ambassador-telangana-handlooms/1/872048.html |title=Samantha to be brand ambassador of Telangana handlooms |work=India Today |date=7 February 2017 |access-date=21 September 2017 |archive-date=15 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170715194818/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/samantha-turns-brand-ambassador-telangana-handlooms/1/872048.html |url-status=live }}

File:Samantha At The Irumbu Thirai Trailer Launch.jpg{{'}}s trailer launch in 2017]]

The success of Ye Maaya Chesave (2010) and subsequent back-to-back successes prompted Rediff.com to label her "the most sought-after actress in the Telugu film industry" in 2014.{{cite web |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/slide-show-1-samantha-i-am-gods-favourite-child-south/20140523.htm#1 |title=Samantha: I am God's favourite child |work=Rediff.com |date=23 May 2014 |access-date=15 November 2015 |archive-date=7 February 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150207101806/http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/slide-show-1-samantha-i-am-gods-favourite-child-south/20140523.htm#1 |url-status=live }} Her initial choice of films depicted her as an actress who actively selects to feature in strong female roles, with The Times of India noting that "scripts are written around the characters she portrays" and that she held a place in the "wishlist of every top actor, director and producer".{{cite news |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/I-am-in-love-says-Samantha/articleshow/17758408.cms |title=I am in love, says Samantha |newspaper=The Times of India |date=25 December 2012 |access-date=15 November 2015 |archive-date=29 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160129085457/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/I-am-in-love-says-Samantha/articleshow/17758408.cms |url-status=live }} Her inclusion in Telugu film projects were also initially considered a "lucky charm" by producers, though Samantha acknowledged that though "destiny" played a role in her career, and that there were "many women out there who are more beautiful and more talented" than she was and that she hoped her name would instead be "synonymous with hard work". Samantha also stated that she was willing to forgo her salary demands to appear in good films, revealing that she worked on Gautham Vasudev Menon's films for lower fees and that she had rejected more lucrative offers to feature in S. S. Rajamouli's Eega (2012). She ranked 17th and 34th in The Times Most Desirable Women in 2019{{Cite news |title=MEET THE TIMES 50 MOST DESIRABLE WOMEN 2019 |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/meet-indias-most-desirable-divas/articleshow/77805527.cms |access-date=7 August 2021 |website=The Times of India |language=en |archive-date=7 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210807040245/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/meet-indias-most-desirable-divas/articleshow/77805527.cms |url-status=live }} and 2020 respectively.{{Cite news |title=The Times Most Desirable Women of 2020 |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/the-times-most-desirable-woman-of-2020-rhea-chakraborty-living-through-a-trial-by-fire-gracefully/articleshow/83312150.cms |access-date=7 August 2021 |website=The Times of India |language=en |archive-date=8 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210608013431/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/the-times-most-desirable-woman-of-2020-rhea-chakraborty-living-through-a-trial-by-fire-gracefully/articleshow/83312150.cms |url-status=live }} In March 2022, according to a report by The Times of India, Samantha became the second highest-paid South Indian actress after Nayanthara.{{Cite web|title=Samantha Ruth Prahu bags second spot amongst the highest paid actresses in South Film Industry|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/videos/entertainment/hindi/samantha-ruth-prahu-bags-second-spot-amongst-the-highest-paid-actresses-in-south-film-industry/videoshow/90102393.cms|date=March 2022|work=The Times of India|access-date=1 June 2022|archive-date=29 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230629105958/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/videos/entertainment/hindi/samantha-ruth-prahu-bags-second-spot-amongst-the-highest-paid-actresses-in-south-film-industry/videoshow/90102393.cms|url-status=live}}

After portraying strong characters in her initial films, Samantha featured in increasingly hero-centric films in the mid-2010s. When questioned on her decision not to take up more heroine-oriented roles, Samantha lamented the lack of chances that the South Indian film industry presents for established female characters and described it as "simply male-dominated".{{cite news |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Never-gone-running-behind-something-Samantha/articleshow/47049957.cms |title=Never gone running behind something: Samantha |newspaper=The Times of India |date=26 April 2015 |access-date=15 November 2015 |archive-date=29 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160129085457/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Never-gone-running-behind-something-Samantha/articleshow/47049957.cms |url-status=live }} Talking about her glamorous role in her comeback Tamil film, Anjaan (2014), Samantha stated that she made a "thoughtful call" as "it was important to do these kind of films to get exposure into the market," and that regrettably "mass films" were "where the main audience" was in South Indian cinema. She also added that she did not want to be "typecast as the girl-next-door" and was keen to prove critics wrong, who said that she could not fit into glamorous roles.{{Cite web |date=14 August 2014 |title=Why Anjaan might just be 'make or break' for Samantha Ruth Prabhu |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/regional-movies/why-anjaan-might-just-be-make-or-break-for-samantha-ruth-prabhu/story-Ow4VOENBnyTEjEMAwR5t5I.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150211102340/https://www.hindustantimes.com/regional-movies/why-anjaan-might-just-be-make-or-break-for-samantha-ruth-prabhu/story-Ow4VOENBnyTEjEMAwR5t5I.html |archive-date=11 February 2015 |access-date=21 January 2016 |website=The Times of India}} In an interview in 2015, Samantha suggested that she was unhappy with her work during the previous year and would no longer do any more films where she would be "required to do five songs and the scenes leading up to the songs" and made a promise to herself that "if she were not going to get good roles," she would quit acting.{{cite web |author=Latha Srinivasan |url=http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/interview-i-wanted-to-quit-films-says-samantha-2117860 |title=I wanted to quit films, says Samantha |newspaper=Daily News and Analysis |date=24 August 2015 |access-date=15 November 2015 |archive-date=13 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151113033113/http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/interview-i-wanted-to-quit-films-says-samantha-2117860 |url-status=live }}

Being able to speak both Tamil and Telugu, Samantha has often been cast in bilingual films and has juggled her commitments between the Tamil and Telugu film industries. Even though she had a brief foray into Hindi cinema with the shelved Assi Nabbe Poorey Sau, Samantha has distanced herself from working on Hindi language films, stating that she has no incentive to move to Bollywood unlike actresses of North Indian origin and that audiences from South India would relate to her appearance more. Her popularity has led to the actress representing several brands on a pan-Indian scale.{{cite web |url=http://www.teluguodu.com/samantha-is-the-1st-south-actress-to-do-it/ |title=Samantha Is The 1st South Actress To Do It! |publisher=Teluguodu.com |access-date=15 November 2015 |archive-date=17 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117033405/http://www.teluguodu.com/samantha-is-the-1st-south-actress-to-do-it/ |url-status=live }} She has often been cast opposite the same actors more than once, featuring in two or more films with Vijay, Suriya, Naga Chaitanya, Nani, Mahesh Babu and N. T. Rama Rao Jr., a feat Samantha revealed she takes "pride in". The actress has regularly appreciated work by her contemporaries, in particular Anushka Shetty, Nithya Menen, Nazriya Nazim, Sai Pallavi and Parvathy Thiruvothu.{{Cite web |title=Samantha Ruth Prabhu lists her favourite actresses: ‘Huge respect for Parvathy, Nazriya Nazim, Sai Pallavi…’ |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/telugu/samantha-ruth-prabhu-lists-her-favourite-actresses-huge-respect-for-parvathy-nazriya-nazim-sai-pallavi-9853318/lite/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250320102340/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/telugu/samantha-ruth-prabhu-lists-her-favourite-actresses-huge-respect-for-parvathy-nazriya-nazim-sai-pallavi-9853318/lite/ |archive-date=20 March 2025 |access-date=24 February 2025 |website=The Indian Express}} She stood at the 4th place on Forbes India's most influential stars on Instagram in South cinema for the year 2021.{{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}} As of August 2024, Samantha is one of the most-followed Telugu actors on Instagram.{{Cite web |last=Sharma |first=Bhavana |date=10 August 2024 |title=Top 10 Tollywood actors who are ruling social media |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/tollywood/top-10-tollywood-actors-who-are-ruling-social-media-1815425 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241005165539/https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/tollywood/top-10-tollywood-actors-who-are-ruling-social-media-1815425 |archive-date=5 October 2024 |access-date=23 December 2024 |website=Deccan Chronicle}}{{Cite web |date=6 August 2024 |title=Top 10 Tollywood actors with most number of Instagram followers; Rashmika Mandanna, Allu Arjun to Samantha Ruth Prabhu, check full list |url=https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/south/top-10-tollywood-actors-with-most-number-of-instagram-followers-rashmika-mandanna-allu-arjun-to-samantha-ruth-prabhu-check-full-list-1336280 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240824150038/https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/south/top-10-tollywood-actors-with-most-number-of-instagram-followers-rashmika-mandanna-allu-arjun-to-samantha-ruth-prabhu-check-full-list-1336280 |archive-date=24 August 2024 |access-date=23 December 2024 |website=Pinkvilla}}

Samantha has also been involved in a few controversies due to voicing her opinions through Twitter. Following the release of a promotional poster for the Telugu film, 1: Nenokkadine (2014) in December 2013, Samantha criticized the depiction of actress Kriti Sanon crawling behind actor Mahesh Babu on the beach, who looks back at Kriti disapprovingly. Samantha tweeted that the poster was "deeply regressive" and stated that the makers were offensive to depict women like animals.{{Cite web |date=21 August 2014 |title=Mahesh Babu's fans attack Samantha |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Mahesh-Babus-fans-attack-Samantha/articleshow/40572238.cms |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160118102340/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Mahesh-Babus-fans-attack-Samantha/articleshow/40572238.cms |archive-date=18 January 2016 |access-date=18 January 2016 |website=The Times of India}} The tweet received an adversely storming response from Mahesh Babu's fans, who launched a scathing attack on her online and targeted abuse at the actress. Her opinions were later backed by actor Siddharth and directors Sekhar Kammula and Nandini Reddy, who also resultantly faced similar abuse, before Mahesh Babu apologised.{{cite news |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/Theres-Samthing-about-Mahesh-Babu/articleshow/27621398.cms |title=There's 'Sam'thing about Mahesh Babu |newspaper=The Times of India |access-date=12 December 2015 |archive-date=29 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160129085457/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/Theres-Samthing-about-Mahesh-Babu/articleshow/27621398.cms |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/Samantha-could-have-called-me-Mahesh/articleshow/28850028.cms |title=Samantha could have called me: Mahesh |newspaper=The Times of India |date=15 January 2017 |access-date=12 December 2015 |archive-date=29 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160129085457/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/Samantha-could-have-called-me-Mahesh/articleshow/28850028.cms |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/mahesh-babu-and-samantha-make-peace-news-telugu-ohon4Vgcfbcjf.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140715134613/http://www.sify.com/movies/mahesh-babu-and-samantha-make-peace-news-telugu-ohon4Vgcfbcjf.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=15 July 2014 |title=Mahesh Babu and Samantha make peace |website=Sify}} Through her tweets, she was also criticised for revealing actor Akhil's presence in Manam (2014) and retweeting a pirated image from her film 10 Endrathukulla (2015).{{cite web |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/151030/entertainment-kollywood/article/samantha%E2%80%99s-%E2%80%98smoking%E2%80%99-re-tweet-invites-trouble |title=Samantha's 'smoking' re-tweet invites trouble |newspaper=Deccan Chronicle |access-date=12 December 2015 |archive-date=7 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160107191141/http://www.deccanchronicle.com/151030/entertainment-kollywood/article/samantha%E2%80%99s-%E2%80%98smoking%E2%80%99-re-tweet-invites-trouble |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/south-masala/Samanthas-tweet-has-Nag-fuming/articleshow/26324058.cms |title=Samantha's tweet has Nag fuming |newspaper=Bangalore Mirror |access-date=21 February 2023 |archive-date=8 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230408133837/https://bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/south-masala/Samanthas-tweet-has-Nag-fuming/articleshow/26324058.cms |url-status=live }} Her family home in Chennai was raided in late September 2015 by income tax officials, in a planned operation targeting film actors, though the actress and her father denied making any wrongful payments.{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/it-raids-on-premises-of-actors-vijay-nayanthara-samantha-ends/article7712720.ece |title=Actor Vijay evaded tax for five years, claim I-T officials |author=Sangeetha Kandavel |newspaper=The Hindu |access-date=12 December 2015 |archive-date=29 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160129085457/http://www.thehindu.com/news/it-raids-on-premises-of-actors-vijay-nayanthara-samantha-ends/article7712720.ece |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://www.telugucinema.com/news/Samantha-denies-tax-evasion-allegations |title=Samantha denies tax-evasion allegations |website=Telugucinema.com |access-date=12 December 2015 |archive-date=19 June 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170619174215/http://www.telugucinema.com/news/Samantha-denies-tax-evasion-allegations |url-status=live }} In 2017, she was appointed as the ambassador for Telangana Handlooms by the government of Telangana and currently works to promote handloom textiles in the state.{{cite web |url=https://www.vogue.in/content/actor-samantha-ruth-prabhu-is-championing-the-cause-of-indian-handlooms |title=Actor Samantha Ruth Prabhu is championing the cause of Indian handlooms |work=Vogue |date=7 August 2017 |access-date=21 November 2018}}

In July 2024, she has posted an Instagram story which featured a picture of her using hydrogen peroxide nebuliser and advised to use it for respiratory viral infections.{{Cite web |date=2024-07-06 |title=South Newsmakers of the week: Samantha Ruth Prabhu's controversy, Rashmika Mandanna's first look from Kubera and more |url=https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/south/south-newsmakers-of-the-week-samantha-ruth-prabhus-controversy-rashmika-mandannas-first-look-from-kubera-and-more-1325075 |access-date=2024-07-08 |website=PINKVILLA |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Samantha Ruth Prabhu and hydrogen peroxide nebulization: Is she right about its benefits? |url=https://www.onmanorama.com/lifestyle/health/2024/07/08/samantha-ruth-prabhu-hydrogen-peroxide-nebulisation-nebulization-covid-viral-infection.html |access-date=2024-07-08 |website=Onmanorama}} Condemning her, Cyriac Abby Philips, a hepatologist, called her "health and science illiterate" claiming that such methods are dangerous for lungs while providing evidences and journals for reference in his post on X.{{Cite web |date=2024-07-05 |title=Samantha Ruth Prabhu, 'TheLiverDoc' in war of words over hydrogen peroxide nebulisation; 'leave some things to experts', doctors say |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/health/samantha-ruth-prabhu-liver-doc-controversy-hydrogen-peroxide-nebulisation-fact-check-health-risks-9434333/ |access-date=2024-07-08 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}} This led to controversy against Samantha with many citing the advice as "dangerous" and "harmful".{{Cite web |title=Jwala Gutta Asks Samantha If She Will "Take Responsibility For Fatalities" For Suggesting Alternative Medical Procedures |url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/jwala-gutta-asks-samantha-ruth-prabhu-if-she-will-take-responsibility-for-fatalities-for-suggesting-alternative-medical-procedures-6047546 |access-date=2024-07-08 |website=NDTV.com}}{{Cite web |last=Bureau |first=ABP News |date=2024-07-08 |title=Ricky Kej Calls Samantha Prabhu's Health Advice 'Irresponsible': 'It Was Going Into Dangerous.. |url=https://news.abplive.com/entertainment/celebrities/ricky-kej-calls-samantha-prabhu-health-advice-irresponsible-it-was-going-into-dangerous-territory-1700979 |access-date=2024-07-08 |website=news.abplive.com |language=en}} Later, Samantha has responded to it while briefing in her Instagram post that she has "shared it with good intentions and not to harm anyone". Further, she defended herself saying that her doctor with 25 years of experience suggested it to her. She has also mentioned that Philips should have targeted the doctor who had suggested her.{{Cite web |date=2024-07-05 |title=Explained: Samantha, The Liver Doc's spat over hydrogen peroxide nebulisation |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/samantha-ruth-prabhu-the-liver-doc-fight-hydrogen-peroxide-nebuliser-2562877-2024-07-05 |access-date=2024-07-08 |website=India Today |language=en}} Responding to it, Philips wrote in his post that, "I understand and empathize with Samantha's health condition, and I wish her the very best. I apologize if she felt uneasy or bad about the way the message was conveyed. That was unintentional. My aim was for her to leave behind medical misinformation, peddling "doctors" who are using her vulnerability and catering to her anecdotal experiences for their own gain. I sincerely suggest that patients with chronic illnesses please continue with evidence-based medical practices to remain inside a safety net and sanctuary".{{Cite news |last=Bureau |first=The Hindu |date=2024-07-07 |title=Samantha Ruth Prabhu row: Dr Cyriac Abby Philips apologises to the actor |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/samantha-ruth-prabhu-row-dr-cyriac-abby-philips-apologises-to-the-actor/article68377864.ece |access-date=2024-07-08 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}{{Cite web |date=2024-07-06 |title=The Liver Doc Apologises To Samantha Ruth Prabhu Amid Alternative Medicine Row: 'I Empathize With Her' |url=https://www.news18.com/movies/the-liver-doc-apologises-to-samantha-ruth-prabhu-amid-alternative-medicine-row-i-empathize-with-her-8957137.html |access-date=2024-07-08 |website=News18 |language=en}} He further called the doctors who have suggested her as "fraud" and "businessmen".{{Cite web |date=8 July 2024 |title=The Liver Doc apologises to Samantha Ruth Prabhu in a long post, saying, "It was unintentional" |url=https://www.moneycontrol.com/entertainment/the-liver-doc-apologises-to-samantha-ruth-prabhu-in-a-long-post-saying-it-was-unintentional-article-12764151.html |access-date=8 July 2024 |website=Moneycontrol}}

{{Further|Samantha Ruth Prabhu filmography}}

{{Main|List of awards and nominations received by Samantha Ruth Prabhu}}

Samantha is the recipient of four Filmfare Awards South from fifteen nominations: Best Female Debut – South for Ye Maaya Chesave, Best Actress – Telugu for Eega and A Aa, and Best Actress – Tamil for Neethaane En Ponvasantham.{{cite news |title=Allu Arjun, Mamooty win at South Filmfare Awards |url=https://www.news18.com/news/india/allu-arjun-mamooty-win-at-south-filmfare-awards-381403.html |access-date=9 June 2021 |work=Network18 |agency=Network18 Group |date=July 4, 2011 |archive-date=15 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200915131628/https://www.news18.com/news/india/allu-arjun-mamooty-win-at-south-filmfare-awards-381403.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=List of Winners at the 60th Idea Filmfare Awards (South) |url=https://www.filmfare.com/news/list-of-winners-at-the-60th-idea-filmfare-awards-south-3745-1.html |publisher=Filmfare Awards South |access-date=13 June 2021}} Samantha also won two Nandi Awards: Special Jury Award for Ye Maaya Chesave and Best Actress for Yeto Vellipoyindhi Manasu.{{cite news |title=Winners: Nandi Awards 2011 |url=https://www.ndtv.com/photos/entertainment/winners-nandi-awards-2011-11063#photo-139399 |access-date=13 June 2021 |work=NDTV India |agency=New Delhi Television Ltd |date=August 6, 2011 |archive-date=24 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624194917/https://www.ndtv.com/photos/entertainment/winners-nandi-awards-2011-11063#photo-139399 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Vamsi |first1=Krishna |title=Nandi Awards 2012 and 2013: Rajamouli, Ilayaraja, Samantha and Prabhas emerge winners |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/telugu/nandi-awards-2012-and-2013-rajamouli-ilayaraja-samantha-and-prabhas-emerge-winners-4549659/ |access-date=13 June 2021 |work=The Indian Express |agency=Indian Express Group |date=March 2, 2017 |archive-date=26 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181226060508/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/telugu/nandi-awards-2012-and-2013-rajamouli-ilayaraja-samantha-and-prabhas-emerge-winners-4549659/ |url-status=live }}

{{Reflist}}

• {{IMDb name}}
• {{Twitter}}

{{Nandi Award for Best Actress}}{{SIIMA Award for Best Actress – Telugu}}{{SIIMA Critics Award for Best Actress – Telugu}}{{Filmfare Award for Best Actress – Telugu}}

{{Filmfare Award for Best Actress – Tamil}}

{{Nandi Special Jury Award}}

{{CineMAA Best Actress}}{{IIFA Utsavam Award for Best Actress – Telugu}}{{Authority control}}

{{Subject bar

|commons = yes

|commons-search = Category:Samantha Ruth Prabhu

|d = yes

|d-search = Q3520314

|portal1 = Biography

|portal2 = Bollywood

|portal3 = Films

}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Ruth Prabhu, Samantha}}

Category:1987 births

Category:Living people

Category:21st-century Indian actresses

Category:Actresses in Telugu cinema

Category:Actresses in Tamil cinema

Category:Filmfare Awards South winners

Category:Malayali people

Category:Indian Christians

Category:Indian film actresses

Category:Actresses from Chennai

Category:Stella Maris College, Chennai alumni

Category:Female models from Chennai

Category:Nandi Award winners

Category:Santosham Film Awards winners

Category:South Indian International Movie Awards winners

Category:CineMAA Awards winners

Category:Zee Cine Awards Telugu winners

Category:Telugu actresses

Category:Indian television talk show hosts

Category:IIFA Utsavam winners