Celebrating Iconic Father-Son Duos in South Indian Cinema

Father's Day Tribute to South Indian Cinema's Legendary Duos

Every year, Father's Day is celebrated on the third Sunday of June, and in 2026, it will be observed on June 16. This special day honors fatherhood and acknowledges the significant influence fathers and father figures have in our lives. In recognition of this occasion, we explore some of the most renowned father-son pairs in the South Indian film industry. These legendary duos have made a remarkable impact on cinema, captivating audiences with their performances while establishing their own unique legacies. From Ram Charan, the son of Chiranjeevi, to Dulquer Salmaan, the son of Mammootty, here’s a look at some of the most celebrated father-son pairs in South Indian cinema.

Mammootty and Dulquer Salmaan

Renowned actor Mammootty and his son, the pan-India star Dulquer Salmaan, are celebrated figures in Malayalam cinema. Mammootty is recognized as one of the most prolific superstars in Indian cinema, with a career that spans over fifty years. His son, Dulquer Salmaan, has made a name for himself as a successful actor and producer, garnering a strong fan following across Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi film industries. Their first significant collaboration was in Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra, where Mammootty provided a voice-over as Moothon.

Chiranjeevi and Ram Charan

Megastar Chiranjeevi and his son, Global Star Ram Charan, are iconic figures in Telugu cinema. Chiranjeevi, whose full name is Konidela Siva Sankara Vara Prasad, is a Padma Vibhushan awardee and is often referred to as the Megastar. Ram Charan gained international fame with the film RRR. The father-son duo has shared the screen in several projects, from cameo appearances to significant collaborations. Their most notable film together is Acharya (2022), which marked their first major on-screen partnership in leading roles.

Mohanlal and Pranav Mohanlal

Malayalam superstar Mohanlal is one of the most revered actors in Indian cinema. His son, Pranav Mohanlal, has also pursued a career in the film industry. Pranav made his screen debut as a child artist, portraying a younger version of his father in the 2002 film Onnaman. Years later, he starred as a lead actor in Aadhi (2018), a film produced by Mohanlal. Pranav was last seen in Dies Irae and continues to work on selective projects while maintaining a low profile.

Krishna and Mahesh Babu

Superstar Mahesh Babu comes from a prominent Tollywood film family. His father, the legendary actor Ghattamaneni Krishna (1943–2022), was a significant figure in Telugu cinema, having appeared in over 350 films during his illustrious career. Mahesh Babu made his lead acting debut with Raja Kumarudu in 1999 and has since continued his family's cinematic legacy, delivering numerous blockbusters.

Sivakumar, Suriya, and Karthi

Sivakumar was well-known in the 1970s and 1980s for his powerful performances and passion for Tamil literature. His son Suriya initially made a name for himself as an action hero before becoming a respected actor known for his impactful performances. Some of his notable films include Ghajini and Karuppu. Suriya’s brother Karthi has also gained a strong following as a versatile actor, with acclaimed films such as Ponniyin Selvan and Meiyazhagan.

Nagarjuna and Naga Chaitanya

Akkineni Nagarjuna is celebrated for his versatility in romance, action, and devotional roles. Over a career that spans four decades, he has established a strong legacy in the Telugu film industry. His son, Naga Chaitanya, continues the Akkineni family tradition, drawing inspiration from both his father and his grandfather, the legendary actor Akkineni Nageswara Rao. Nagarjuna and Naga Chaitanya have shared the screen in two notable Telugu films, Manam and Bangarraju, showcasing their real-life father-son bond.