He made his acting debut in 2017 with Prematho Mee Karthik and is noted for his performance in the 2018 romantic action film RX100.

He then appeared in films such as Hippi, Guna 369, Nani's Gang Leader, Valimai, Bedurulanka 2012 and Bhaje Vaayu Vegam.

[16][17] He landed the role after the film's director Vikram Kumar liked his acting in RX 100,[16] and he received positive reviews for his portrayal of Dev.

Reviewing his performance, a critic from The Indian Express stated: "Kartikeya wins applauds for his depiction of Basthi Balaraju.

[26] Bhaje Vaayu Vegam is his latest release which was produced by UV Creations and directed by debutant Prashanth Reddy.