He is credited for producing many technological firsts in the Telugu film industry such as the first Eastmancolor film – "Eenadu" (1982), the first cinemascope film – "Alluri Seetharama Raju" (1974), the first 70mm film – "Simhasanam" (1986), the first DTS film – "Telugu Veera Levara" (1995) and introducing cowboy genre to the Telugu screen. He starred in the Telugu spy film sequels "Gudachari 116" (1966), "James Bond 777" (1971), "Agent Gopi" (1978), "Rahasya Gudachari" (1981) and "Gudachari 117" (1989). Krishna directed "Shankharavam" (1987), "Mugguru Kodukulu" (1988), "Koduku Diddina Kapuram" (1989), "Bala Chandrudu" (1990) and "Anna Thammudu" (1990), casting his son Mahesh Babu in pivotal roles. Krishna directed 17 feature films and he produced various films under Padmalaya Film Studio, a production house owned by him. Krishna was one of the highest-paid actors during his time.