In Rajakumarudu (1999) Mahesh's debut as a lead actor, he is introduced as a cowboy, which is a reference to the western genre Krishna introduced to Telugu cinema
In Murari (2002), the song 'Murari Dum Dum' pays tribute to Krishna's portrayal of Alluri Seetha Rama Raju in the iconic 1974 filmIn the song 'Naani Vayase' a particular stanza is framed around the titles of Krishna's iconic films like Tene Manasulu (1966), Simhasanam (1986), and Kurukshetram (1977) to name fewThe killer opening sequence of Athadu (2005) establishes its time period using Krishna's Agni Parvatham (1985)In the same film, a delightful reference to Krishna comes in the form of K Vishwanath's character who has to help his granddaughter in a film quiz and here's the question:Although Mahesh's career-defining Pokiri (2006) might not have explicit references to Krishna's films, the big bang comes in the form of the reveal of Pandu's true identity: Krishna Manohar IPS!In Trivikram's Khaleja (2010), Mahesh's character is named Seetha Rama Raju. Although his voice-over tells us that his grandfather is an ardent fan of the follower, we all know why this is specialIn Dookudu (2011), Prakash Raj, who plays Mahesh's father, has a brief but heartening chat about Krishna and his decision to play Allu Seetha Rama Raju.In a light scene in the same film, Mahesh is asked to choose between two names: Gautham and Krishna, the names of his son and father, respectively.In the hilarious quiz sequence in Aagadu (2014), a character lists out the many firsts of Krishna in Telugu cinema--like western, cinemascope, etc.Although 1 Nenokkadine might be a thriller devoid of explicit references to Mahesh's real life personality, the film's title itself is a reference to his father's film Number 1 .Perhaps the loudest tribute to Krishna in a Mahesh Babu film came in the form of a fight sequence in Sari Leru Neekevvaru (2020)Early on in Mahesh's latest release, Sarkaru Vaari Paata, the younger version of Mahesh's character is asked if he needs a tattoo--of Krishna or Chiranjeevi.In one frame: Krishna and Mahesh shared screen space in B Gopal's Vamsi (2000).In Takkari Donga, Mahesh's first & only western, Krishna appears in a cameo as a cowboy towards the end and Mahesh calls him 'Mosagallaku Mosagadu'