Debut and early work (2014–2016)

Tej made his film debut with Pilla Nuvvu Leni Jeevitham, opposite Regina Cassandra in 2014. The film was a hit at the box office.^[11] Times of India noted, "Sai Dharam Tej’s rustic charm makes his actions believable. The actor is particularly quite impressive with his dance moves".^[12] Deccan Chronicle stated, "Sai Dharam Tej delivers a mature performance. He entertains throughout the film with his performance and he has done this quite comfortably."^[13] He received SIIMA Award for Best Male Debut - Telugu for his performance.^[14]

Tej had two releases in 2015. His first film was Rey where he portrayed Rock opposite Saiyami Kher.^[15] 123telugu said, "Sai Dharam Tej’s electrifying performance is the major asset of this film."^[16] Tej's second release in 2015 was Subramanyam for Sale, which was successful at the box office, grossing over ₹33.95 crore.^[17] He starred alongside Regina Cassandra, for the second time, after Pilla Nuvvu Leni Jeevitham (2014). Although various critics called it "routine",^[18] Tej's portrayal was cited as "improved performance",^[19] "spontaneous",^[20] and "stunning".^[21]

Resurgence and other work (2016–2018)

Tej's action comedy Supreme which released the following year, was also financially successful and is one of his best movies.^[22] Following Supreme, Tej went onto star in five films (in lead), including Thikka (2016), Winner (2017), Jawaan (2017), Inttelligent (2018) and Tej I Love You (2018).^[23][24] Tej was criticized for selecting similar and regular stories in his films.^[25][26]

Success and recent work (2019–present)

Chitralahari was his first release of 2019. The film was a box office success with critics praising his performance and Tej giving one of his career best performances.^[27][28] The Times of India had called the character Vijay in the film, the best in Tej's career so far.^[29] About his role in the film, Deccan Chronicle reported "Sai Tej has put on weight and with a beard looks fresh and fits the character. For this role, he has completely set aside his mass image".^[30] His next film of the year, Prati Roju Pandage was also successful.^[31] Murali Krishna CH of The New Indian Express in his review of the film, wrote that "The film definitely Sai Tej’s canvas and he delivers his standard chops with flamboyance".^[32] Later in 2020, his film Solo Brathuke So Better was released following the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the restriction of 50% occupancy in cinemas, the film was successful at the box office.^[33] Idlebrain's Jeevi appreciated Tej's performance, particularly his comedy timing and acting in the emotional scenes of the film.^[34] In contrast, Y Sunita Chowdhary of The Hindu opined that "Tej could have benefited from a better script."^[35]

In his next film Republic (2021), directed by Deva Katta, Tej played the role of an IAS officer.^[36] The film, a political drama, opened to positive reviews, with critics calling his performance "matured" and the film was well received by audience and became a 'hit'.^[37][38] Prakash Pecheti of Telangana Today stated: "Republic surely adds a cap in the feather for Sai Dharam Tej."^[39]

Tej's 15th film, Virupaksha, a socio-fantasy thriller directed by Karthik Varma Dandu of Bham Bolenath fame, opened to generally positive reviews and became the highest-grossing film of his career. He next acted with his maternal uncle, Pawan Kalyan, in the remake of Vinodhaya Sitham, Bro, directed by Samuthirakani, who also directed the original. It released in July 2023. He has also signed films with debutant Jayanth Panuganti and Sampath Nandi.^[40]

Films

Television