In 2008, "Jalsa", directed by Trivikram Srinivas and produced by Allu Aravind was released on 2 April. This film got the highest first-day collection in Telugu film history and was also the first for any regional film in south India in a single state by that time. "Jalsa" turned out to be the highest grosser of 2008 in Telugu cinema. "Puli" was written and directed by S. J. Suryah and released in 2010. An official announcement was made in the same year that Kalyan was going to play a small role in a movie about Jesus Christ directed by Singeetam Srinivasa Rao. In 2011, he appeared in "Teen Maar", a remake of "Love Aaj Kal", directed by Jayanth C. Paranjee. He also appeared in Vishnuvardhan's gangster film "Panjaa".