[9] In 1997, he received the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award – South in addition to Honorary doctorate from Andhra University in 2008.

He has essayed roles across different genres including mythological, drama, western, fantasy, action, spy, and historical films.

[16] As a director, his works include Sankharavam (1987), Mugguru Kodukulu (1988), Koduku Diddina Kapuram (1989), Bala Chandrudu (1990), and Anna Thammudu (1990), with his son, Mahesh Babu, playing key roles in these films.

[22] There was pressure to remove Krishna from the film owing to concerns expressed by buyers, though Adurthi was adamant about his decision.

Krishna became famous across the nation when his family drama Pandanti Kapuram, which ran for over 175 days in the erstwhile Andhra Pradesh, earned him a slot in the highly competitive family hero league and a National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Telugu.

At this time, Krishna established his production house, Padmalaya Movies and produced several big-budget films such as Agni Pariksha (1970), Mosagallaku Mosagadu (1971), Pandanti Kapuram (1972) and Devudu Chesina Manushulu (1973).

Krishna broke many records with his 100th film Alluri Seetarama Raju (1974) under his home banner Padmalaya Studios.

Such was the success of Alluri Seetarama Raju that none of his next 14 films could match the hype for the classic, and they hardly made a mark at the box office.

He then worked with her on Eenati Bandham Yenatido (1977), Kurukshetram (1977), Agent Gopi (1978), Kotta Alludu (1979), Rahasya Gudachari (1981), Ooruki Monagadu (1981), Jataadu (1981), and Nivuru Gappina Nippu (1982) among others.

Some of their most memorable works are Burripalem Bullodu (1979), Gharana Donga (1980), Maama Allulla Sawaal (1980), Ram Robert Rahim (1980), Chuttalunnaru Jagratha (1980), and Maharajasri Mayagadu (1988).

Krishna redeemed himself with Paadi Pantalu (1976) and went on to headline and bankroll the mythological film titled Kurukshetram (1977).

Following this, Krishna made a few films that directly attacked NTR, setting off the rivalry between their respective fans.

[26] Krishna and Vijayashanti starred together in some hit films such as Krishnavataram (1982), Agni Parvatam (1985), Brahmastram (1986), Sardar Krishnama Naidu (1987), Donga Garu Swagatham (1987), Aswaddhama (1988) and Goonda Rajyam (1989).

In the '90s, Krishna reinvented himself, playing the roles of the avuncular and ruthless gangster, big brother, and cameos in action dramas.

In recognition of his contribution to Telugu film industry as an actor, director, producer and writer, the government of India awarded him Padma Bhushan in 2009.