Venkatesh is the senior hero with the highest success rate in the Telugu industry. He has the credit of getting industry hits with his classy family image. Venkatesh rejected some films in his filmy career. There are many blockbusters that he has rejected in the last few years.
Gharshana : When Mani Ratnam made the movie ‘Gharshana’ he thought of Telugu heroes first. Mani Ratnam wanted to make this film with Venkatesh and Nagarjuna. But when they said no, this film slipped out of Kasta Venky’s hands. Then Mani Ratnam scored a super duper hit with Prabhu and Karthik who were budding heroes in Tamil.
Roja: At that time, Mani Ratnam used to consult Telugu heroes before each of his films. But as his ideas are too pan-Indian in range, our heroes are a bit scared. He wanted to make Roja with Venkatesh but the actor also rejected this film. At that time, Venkatesh was very busy with films like Chanti in Telugu. This movie was made by Arvind Swamy and became a hit.
Indian (Bharatheeyudu) : Shankar first wanted to make Bharatheeyudu with Rajasekhar and Venkatesh as heroes. Rajasekhar was thought to play the role of the father and Venkatesh as the son. Finally Kamal Haasan directed this movie as father and son and gave a blockbuster hit.
Oke Okkadu: Venkatesh said no to the film as he was busy with the movie Kalisundam Raa then. Shankar made the same movie with Arjun and became a blockbuster.
Santosham: Venkatesh said no to the story of ‘Santosham’ as he had already done such stories. Still, Santoshham stands out in Nagarjuna’s career.
Govindudu Andarivadele : Krishnavamshi, wanted to cast Venkatesh in the role of Ram Charan; Babai in it. But he said no that he is a side character. After that Srikanth did the role. Srikanth’s performance in this movie got a good recoginitionn. Venkatesh, however, left this film. Superstar Krishna was considered for the role of Prakash Raj.
Venkatesh also rejected Rudravina, Adavallu Meeku Joharlu , Savitri and Radha.