It was a year when both veterans and younger actors gave good performances in Telugu cinema.

Here's our pick of the best performances by Telugu actors in 2011.

Nandamuri Balakrishna                                      

Film: Sriramarajyam

Balakrishna played Lord Rama in Sriramamrajyam, which depicts the Uttarakhanda of the Ramayana.

Balakrishna may not have measured up to his father N T Rama Rao, venerated by an older generation for his portrayals of devotional characters, but nevertheless, he gave a good performance in Sriramarajyam.

Director Bapu was able to get the best from him in a role that was devoid of histrionics. He played the role of Rama in a restrained and subdued manner; it was one of the best performances of his career to date.

Film: Dookudu

Mahesh Babu stormed the box office with Dookudu, which was the highest grossing Telugu film of the year. Director Srinu Vytla gave Mahesh full scope to perform.

His acting style, comic timing, action and dialogue delivery were riveting. Mahesh excelled in the emotional scenes he had with Prakash Raj (who played his father).

It was the first time he was playing a politician. His acting in the film was much applauded.

Film: Mirapakai

He is one of the most bankable stars of Telugu films. His brand of cinema (high on comedy) has won him numerous fans and success at the box office.

Ravi Teja can be funny with a straight face, and he does that in most of his films including Mirapakai. His acting is characterised by spontaneity and good timing, and audiences have a great time watching him.

He shone in Mirapakai with his effortless acting.

Films: Ala Modalaindi, Pilla Zamindar

Nani rocked this year with Ala Modalaindi, the romantic comedy directed by debutante Nandini Reddy, where he was paired with another debutante, Nithya Menen. The crackling chemistry between the lead pair and their excellent performances contributed greatly to the success of the film, which also had a refreshing script.

In his second release this year, Pilla Zamindar, Nani gave a true-to-life performance as PJ, the rich spoilt brat. The two films demonstrated his amazing versatility as an actor. A talent to look out for.

Film: 100 % Love

It was a hectic year for this young actor, with three releases. He tasted enormous success with his first film 100 % Love where he teamed up with director Sukumar and actress Tamannaah Bhatia.

As the character Balu Mahendra, Chaitanya was calm and cool. He got into the skin of the character and was ably complemented by Tamannaah. In fact, their electrifying chemistry was a highlight of this film.