In 1996, he portrayed an honest lawyer in "Dharma Chakram", which won him both Nandi Award and Filmfare Award South. Later that year, he played a husband struggling between two wives in E. V. V. Satyanarayana-directed comedy drama "Intlo Illalu Vantintlo Priyuralu", which was also a successful venture. In "Ganesh" (1998), he played a person fighting against the ills in the Indian public healthcare system. The following year, Venkatesh starred in the romantic action film "Preminchukundam Raa". The film, which was one of the first portrayals of factionalism in Rayalaseema region, was a big commercial success. His 1999 drama film "Raja", where he plays a small time thief who is reformed by his love is also well received by the audience. Following this, he established himself as one of top actors in Telugu cinema.