Opinion: The Name Is Megastar Chiranjeevi

Every generation will have its own superstars in Telugu cinema, right from Chittoor Nagaiah to NTR, ANR, Krishna and Krishnamraju. However, if there is someone who has brought a lot of changes to the way Telugu cinema is viewed, made, crafted, distributed and enjoyed, the name is Megastar Chiranjeevi.

Just when the likes of NTR are heading into politics, and the fame of Krishna is a bit dwindling, there came an unexpected mass phenomenon called Chiranjeevi, whose Khaidi went on to redefine commercial cinema in Tollywood all the way back in 1983. His dances and fights in movies like Yamudiki Mogudu and Pasivadi Pranam have become sensational. The way he lights a cigarette and shows swag in films like Gangleader and Gharana Mogudu, the way he excels as a larger-than-life hero in Kondaveeti Donga and Muta Mestri, and the way he owns the screen in Jagadeka Veerudu Athiloka Sundari, is a phenomenon that no one could decode

While his commercial movies are box office gold, that doesn’t restrict him from doing experimental and award-winning movies like Vijetha, Rudraveena and Apadbhandavudu. At the same time, Chiranjeevi is not immune to flops, but even his flops carry a special charisma. Back in the late 90s, he was back in the game with Hitler and then went on to deliver movies like Indra and Shankarada MBBS.

After a short political stint, because of which he took 10 years break, he is back with Khaidi No 150, and since then, he’s doing films that are minting huge at the box office. At the age of 71, he still competes with those big and young stars who are aged 30-40 and does dances, fights, and whatnot.

At the same time, Chiranjeevi is a megastar not just in films, but when it comes to charity, none could even beat him. From helping people through blood banks and eye banks to financially assisting anyone who knocks on his door regarding health, education or any other issue, Chiranjeevi stands tall like a blessing.

Whether it is films, charity or any other aspect, he is always BOSS and remains one, and still gives huge competition to young heroes at the box office. Well, the name is Megastar Chiranjeevi and it is etched in past, present and future in gold.