From his early roles to now larger-than-life leaders, Chiranjeevi’s contributions to cinema are much more than just entertainment.
As Chiranjeevi celebrates
his 70th birthday on August 22, millions of fans across the globe are revisiting his extraordinary cinematic journey. With over 150 films to his credit across four decades, he has been a force to reckon with in Telugu cinema and has managed to carve out a pan-Indian legacy. Thanks to his versatility, dance prowess, and relatable roles across genres, he has turned out to be one of the most enduring icons of Indian cinema.
The Breakthrough: Khaidi (1983)
While Chiranjeevi had starred in earlier films, Khaidi was the turning point in his career and it catapulted him into superstardom. The film, inspired by First Blood, depicted him as a rugged action hero, and his performance redefined the commercial Telugu cinema template of the 1980s.
The Dance Revolution: Pasivadi Pranam (1987)
Chiranjeevi is known as much for his dancing as for his acting. With Pasivadi Pranam, which introduced the cult classic dance number “Chakkani Chukkala Chukka,” he showed off his impeccable moves, which eventually turned him into the trendsetter.
Conscious Cinema: Rudraveena (1988)
Chiranjeevi has never shied away from relatable and content-driven roles. In Rudraveena, he was seen in a socially conscious character, and it made him win the National Film Award for Best Feature Film on National Integration.
The Mass Entertainer: Indra (2002)
Indra, one of the highest-grossing Telugu films of its time, portrayed Chiranjeevi in a larger-than-life role. His act as Indrasena Reddy, a village leader torn between family loyalty and social responsibility, is considered to be one of his most celebrated performances.
The Reformist Hero: Tagore (2003)
In the film, Chiranjeevi played a professor turned vigilante, who tackles corruption in society. The film was later remade in multiple languages, and added to his pan-Indian appeal.
The Comeback: Khaidi No. 150 (2017)
After staying away from films for nearly a decade-long, Chiranjeevi returned with Khaidi No. 150. The film not only became a massive box-office success but fans also celebrated his return.
The Megastar’s Legacy
Chiranjeevi’s filmography in itself is a mirror to the evolution of Telugu cinema, and his ability to bridge generational gaps is a testament to his unmatched stardom. As the actor turns 70, let’s celebrate his legacy of passion, and perseverance.
