[1] D'Cruz established herself as a leading actress in Telugu cinema with successful films including Pokiri (2006), Rakhi (2006), Munna (2007), Jalsa (2008), Kick (2009) and Julayi (2012).

[3] D'Cruz expanded to Hindi cinema in 2012 with Anurag Basu's comedy-drama Barfi!, for which she won the Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut.

Subsequent photo shoots and ramp shows led to a second portfolio the following year, which landed her advertisements from Electrolux, Emami Talc and Fair & Lovely.

She recalls that during filming she felt "pressured ... almost cried and didn't want to go further", but went ahead after her mother encouraged her, giving her "the lecture of a lifetime [...] at 3 am.

"[19] Devadasu became the year's first commercially successful Telugu film, eventually grossing around ₹140 million,[20] whilst earning D'Cruz the Filmfare Award for Best Female Debutant.

[21] She next appeared in the gangster film Pokiri in which she portrayed an aerobics teacher, who is harassed by a corrupt police officer.

She received favourable reviews for her performance as Satya, a college student who is on the run from the home minister's crooked son by whom she is targeted, when leading a protest and demanding punishment for his crimes.

Her first 2009 release, titled Kick, was likewise declared a box office success,[29][30] becoming one of the highest-grossing films that year.

She gave a stage performance for this movie's audio release function along with Jr. NTR, as part as promotion of the film.

[40] In addition to playing the role of the narrator, she portrayed the character of Shruti Ghosh, a girl who leaves her true love for material comforts.

The movie released on 14 September 2012,[41] to highly positive reviews from critics,[42] and was a major commercial success, earning ₹1.75 billion (US$20 million) worldwide.

Rachit Gupta from Filmfare said "This is Ileana's first film but her fantastic performance is just a testament why the Telugu audience consider her a superstar.

[44] Rajeev Masand stated "Ileana leaves a lasting impression in her Hindi film debut, conveying both love and pain through those beautiful, expressive eyes".

[48] She next appeared in the Rajkumar Santoshi action comedy film Phata Poster Nikhla Hero opposite Shahid Kapoor.

However, D'Cruz received mixed reviews for her performance, with the Times of India saying that she was "good with emotions but not so tuned into comedy yet.

[54][55] Anna MM Vetticad noted, "Illeana D’Cruz looks stunning in the film and does a decent job, but her characterisation is troubling.

"[56] While, Rachit Gupta of Filmfare stated, "D’Cruz manages to outshine bad make-up and look pretty.

[65] After six years hiatus, she signed a Telugu film Amar Akbar Anthony starring opposite her frequent co-star Ravi Teja.

[66][67][68] Released amid good expectations the film opened with negative reviews[69] and failed at the box office.

[73] Ronak Kotecha from Times of India noted, "Ileana D’Cruz as the journalist puts up an honest performance.

"[74] Post a hiatus of three years, D'Cruz returned to films in 2024, with Unfair & Lovely opposite Randeep Hooda, playing a dark-skin girl.

[85] In addition to her acting career, D'Cruz is a prominent celebrity endorser for brands and products including Clear Shampoo with Virat Kohli and CavinKare with Akshay Kumar.