Mahesh Kathi is an Indian film critic, writer, director, and actor from Hyderabad, Telangana. He built a dual career as a filmmaker and as a vocal, often controversial, film critic who regularly appears as a panelist on Telugu entertainment and news channels. He is known for his uncompromising opinions on cinema and his presence on social media. As a director, he is known for Edari Varsham, Pesarattu (2012, which introduced 'Burning Star' Sampoornesh Babu), and Tarajuvvalu. As a writer, his script for Minugurulu (2014) became the first Telugu film script to be preserved in the Oscar Library's permanent core collection - a historic achievement for Telugu cinema. As an actor, he appeared in Hrudaya Kaleyam (2014, starring Sampoornesh Babu) and Kobbari Matta (2018). He is married and has been outspoken on various social, political, and cinematic issues, leading to both admiration and controversy. In 2017, he participated in Bigg Boss Telugu Season 1 on Star Maa hosted by Jr. NTR and was evicted in Week 4 (Day 26), finishing 12th.
Writing the script for Minugurulu (2014) - the first Telugu film script to enter the Oscar Library's permanent core collection; directing Edari Varsham, Pesarattu (2012, which launched Sampoornesh Babu), and Tarajuvvalu; acting in Hrudaya Kaleyam (2014) and Kobbari Matta (2018); outspoken film critic and television panelist; Bigg Boss Telugu Season 1 contestant (2017, 12th place).