Naga Chaitanya, fondly known as Chay, has established himself as one of the most bankable stars in Tollywood. With a career spanning over a decade, he has proven his versatility by excelling in romantic dramas, intense thrillers, and mass entertainers. Initially recognized for his chocolate-boy roles, Chay has transformed into a mature actor capable of delivering powerful performances.
As of 2025, here’s a look at the top 10 best movies of Naga Chaitanya, a blend of commercial hits and critically acclaimed gems. If you too are a regular viewer of Chaitu’s cinema, here is our collection of Top 10 Movies by the Star of sobriquet Tollywood.
1. Ye Maaya Chesave (2010)
One cannot talk about Naga Chaitanya’s career without mentioning Ye Maaya Chesave. Directed by Gautham Vasudev Menon, this timeless romantic classic catapulted Chay to fame. His portrayal of Karthik, a passionate yet conflicted lover, won over audiences, especially with his chemistry with Samantha Ruth Prabhu. A.R. Rahman’s soulful music and the film’s poetic narrative made it an evergreen love story, cementing its place among Telugu cinema’s best romantic films.
2. 100% Love (2011)
A refreshing romantic comedy, 100% Love showcased Naga Chaitanya’s knack for effortless charm. Directed by Sukumar, the film featured him as an arrogant yet endearing topper who falls for his cousin, played by Tamannaah Bhatia. The quirky screenplay, entertaining performances, and Devi Sri Prasad’s music made this film a blockbuster. Even years later, 100% Love remains a fan favorite for its fun-filled narrative and lighthearted romance.
3. Manam (2014)
A film that remains special in Telugu cinema history, Manam is an emotional and unique multi-generational drama. Featuring the entire Akkineni family—Nagarjuna, Naga Chaitanya, Akhil (in a cameo), and the legendary Akkineni Nageswara Rao—this Vikram Kumar directorial delivered a heartwarming reincarnation story. Chay’s performance stood out as he effortlessly balanced humor, romance, and drama. The film’s success and emotional depth made it one of the best movies of his career.
4. Premam (2016)
A remake of the Malayalam blockbuster, Premam was a risky project for Chay, as comparisons with Nivin Pauly were inevitable. However, he owned the role with his charm and maturity. The coming-of-age romance beautifully depicted three different phases of love, making it relatable and nostalgic. The film was well-received, and Chay’s transformation from a carefree college student to a matured restaurateur showcased his growth as an actor.
5. Majili (2019)
Majili marked one of Naga Chaitanya’s most emotionally charged performances. Playing a failed cricketer who turns into an alcoholic, Chay delivered a nuanced performance, proving his ability to handle intense roles. His chemistry with Samantha, coupled with Shiva Nirvana’s heartfelt storytelling, made this film a blockbuster. The raw emotions, powerful dialogues, and gripping narrative ensured Majili remained one of his best career-defining films.
6. Venky Mama (2019) – A Mass Entertainer
Teaming up with his uncle, Venkatesh, for the first time, Venky Mama was a delightful mix of comedy, action, and sentiment. Chay played a determined army officer, showcasing his ability to handle mass roles with ease.
The film’s emotional depth and the chemistry between the real-life uncle-nephew duo made it a crowd-puller.
7. Love Story (2021)
A significant turning point in Chay’s career, Love Story saw him collaborate with acclaimed director Sekhar Kammula. The film, set against the backdrop of caste discrimination and societal struggles, was a departure from his usual commercial entertainers. His portrayal of Revanth, a Zumba instructor from a marginalized community, was deeply impactful. The film’s sensitive themes, Sai Pallavi’s stellar performance, and Chay’s career-best acting elevated Love Story to a massive success, proving his ability to take on socially relevant roles.
8. Bangarraju (2022)
A commercial family entertainer, Bangarraju was a sequel to Nagarjuna’s Soggade Chinni Nayana. Chay stepped into a larger-than-life role and shared screen space with his father, Nagarjuna. This film saw him in a fun, massy avatar that resonated with both family audiences and fans. With a blend of supernatural elements, romance, and action, Bangarraju turned out to be a festive blockbuster.
9. Dhootha (2023) (Web Series – Honorable Mention)
Although not a movie, Naga Chaitanya made his digital debut with Dhootha, a psychological horror-thriller series directed by Vikram Kumar. The Amazon Prime series showcased a different side of Chay, as he played an intense and mysterious journalist caught in a supernatural puzzle. His performance was widely praised, and the show’s gripping narrative made it one of the top Indian web series of 2023.
10. Custody (2023)
Chay’s first bilingual project, Custody, was an action-packed thriller directed by Venkat Prabhu. Though the film received mixed reviews, his performance as a determined cop was highly appreciated. The high-octane action sequences, gripping screenplay, and intense background score made it an engaging watch. Custody proved that Chay could handle action roles with conviction, further expanding his versatility.
Final Thoughts
Naga Chaitanya’s evolution as an actor has been fascinating to witness. From his early days as a romantic hero to his recent foray into action, thrillers, and experimental cinema, he has consistently pushed his boundaries. His willingness to take risks, experiment with different genres, and improve his craft has made him one of the most respected actors of his generation.
While Ye Maaya Chesave, Majili, and Love Story cemented his reputation as a romantic lead, films like Custody, Bangarraju, and Dhootha showcased his ability to embrace diverse characters. His career trajectory hints at even more promising performances in the coming years.
As 2025 unfolds, with exciting projects on the horizon, Naga Chaitanya is set to captivate audiences yet again. Whether it’s an intense thriller, a mass entertainer, or a heartwarming love story, fans can expect more unforgettable performances from this talented star.
What’s your favorite Naga Chaitanya movie? Let us know in the comments!
Santosh Kumar is a Professional SEO and Blogger, With the help of this blog he is trying to share top 10 lists, facts, entertainment news from India and all around the world.