Tej started his acting career with the box office success Pilla Nuvvu Leni Jeevitham (2014), which earned him the SIIMA Award for Best Male Debut – Telugu.

[2] Post his debut, Tej appeared in films such as Subramanyam for Sale (2015) and Supreme (2016), which were box office successes.

Tej then went onto establish himself with successful films Chitralahari (2019) and Prati Roju Pandage (both 2019), Solo Brathuke So Better (2020) and Republic (2021).

[13] Tej made his film debut with Pilla Nuvvu Leni Jeevitham, opposite Regina Cassandra in 2014.

Although various critics called it "routine",[21] Tej's portrayal was cited as "improved performance",[22] "spontaneous",[23] and "stunning".

[32] About his role in the film, Deccan Chronicle reported "Sai Tej has put on weight and with a beard looks fresh and fits the character.

[36] Idlebrain's Jeevi appreciated Tej's performance, particularly his comedy timing and acting in the emotional scenes of the film.

"[38] In his next film Republic (2021), directed by Deva Katta, Tej played the role of an IAS officer.

[40][41] Prakash Pecheti of Telangana Today stated: "Republic surely adds a cap in the feather for Sai Dharam Tej.

He was admitted to Apollo Hospitals whose doctors announced that he sustained soft tissue injuries and a collar bone fracture but was out of danger.

[46] Tej stood at the 25th place on Forbes India's most influential stars on Instagram in South cinema for the year 2021.