Samantha Ruth Prabhu is a prominent star in the Indian film industry, with a string of blockbusters to her credit. She is one of the few actresses who can command a dedicated fan base across the country. Her appearance in the sizzling dance number "Oo Antava" from Pushpa 1, alongside Allu Arjun, became a chartbuster on social media platforms, and revived her career on a pan-Indian level. Despite facing health issues lately, Samantha has made a strong comeback by starring in the Indian adaptation of the Amazon series "Citadel," where she will share the screen with Varun Dhawan. This opportunity is a significant milestone for an Indian actress to star in an international TV show.

Let's take a look at some of Samantha's exceptional performances that have established her as a pan-Indian actress.

Super Deluxe

In recent times, no other movie has captured the attention of alternate mainstream Tamil cinema as much as "Super Deluxe." The movie, directed by Thiagarajan Kumararaja, boasted one of the largest ensemble casts, featuring Vijay Sethupathi, Fahad Faasil, Samantha, Ramya Krishna, and others. Despite career-altering performances from all the actors, Samantha stood out in every scene she appeared in. Playing the role of an unfaithful wife who is compelled to conceal her lover's body from her husband amidst a series of bizarre events, Samantha delivered an unconventional performance, distinct from her traditional roles, which demanded nuanced emotions on screen. "Super Deluxe" is still regarded as a milestone in Samantha's career, exploring various facets of her personality.

Family Man 2

Samantha displayed her versatility as an actress in the hit television series "Family Man 2" where she took on a challenging role playing against her usual type. Starring alongside Manoj Bajpayee and Priyamani, Samantha portrayed the role of an undercover Tamil Tiger warrior who was part of a nationwide movement and served as the antagonist. Her character was complex and multifaceted, requiring her to display a range of emotions from brutality to stoicism. Additionally, she delivered impressive action sequences and held her ground against seasoned actor Manoj Bajpayee. Her performance in the series received critical acclaim both nationally and internationally, further establishing her as a versatile and talented actress.

Rangasthalam

Samantha has also left her mark in films featuring major stars, showcasing her versatility in acting. In 2017, she starred alongside Ram Charan in Sukumar's action-packed movie, Rangasthalam. While the movie was noted for Ram Charan's portrayal of a deaf hero challenging the local village chief, Samantha's character was equally well-rounded and held her own against the hero. Her performance in the movie earned her positive reviews, and the box office success of the film helped it reach a wider audience across the country. Samantha displayed her comedic timing and acting skills, providing both humor and intense drama in the movie.

U Turn

This movie was a significant departure from Samantha's usual mainstream roles, with her leading the movie from the forefront. Pawan Kumar, renowned for "Lucia," utilized Samantha's persona to great effect, constructing the film around her character. The movie revolved around a motor accident and the ensuing search, with Samantha dominating each frame and maneuvering the scenes with the same finesse as her male contemporaries. Samantha's nuanced performance and stylish on-screen presence received accolades, establishing her as a versatile actress with a firm grip on her craft. This film also solidified her star power, with the movie being produced in both Tamil and Telugu - a rare achievement for a female-led film.

Yashoda

Samantha has established herself as a brand in various industries, capable of greenlighting films based solely on her name. "Yashoda," an action thriller from last year, was one such film that she led. Alongside Unni Mukundan, Varalaxmi, and Sarathkumar, Samantha played the role of a hero on the run who uncovers a medical scam. The film showcased her as an action hero, with her executing multiple action sequences with finesse, while also effortlessly balancing romance and action on-screen. "Yashoda" performed well at the box office, further cementing her position as a bankable star.