1978–1981: Early career
Since his family worshipped Anjaneya (Hanuman), a Hindu deity, his mother advised
him to take the screen name "Chiranjeevi", meaning "Immortal", a reference to the
belief of Hanuman living forever.[23]
Chiranjeevi started his film career with Punadhirallu (1979).[24] However, his first
released film was Pranam Khareedu (1978).[25][26] Mana Voori Pandavulu (1978),
directed by Bapu, gave Chiranjeevi recognition from the Telugu audience.[18] He
played a small role in Tayaramma Bangarayya (1979). He played the anti-hero in
films I Love You (1979) and K. Balachander's Idi Katha
Kaadu (1979),[18] starring Kamal Haasan.
In a remake of the Tamil film Avargal (1977), Chiranjeevi portrayed the character
played by Rajinikanth in the original. In 1979, Chiranjeevi had eight major film
releases and then 14 films in the following year.[27][28] In 1981, he played lead
antagonist in works such as Mosagadu, Rani Kasula Rangamma, 47 Natkal /47
Rojulu, Nyayam Kavali and Ranuva Veeran.[29]
1982–1986: Breakthrough with leading roles
Chiranjeevi began to appear in leading roles with films such as Intlo Ramayya
Veedhilo Krishnayya (1982), directed by Kodi Ramakrishna, which was a hit at the
box office.[30] Later, he starred in Subhalekha (1982), directed by K. Viswanath, which
dealt with the social malady of the dowry system. It brought him his first Filmfare
Award for Best Actor – Telugu and Viswanath's third Filmfare Award for Best Director
– Telugu.[31][32] In 1982, he also appeared in movies such as Idi
Pellantara, Sitadevi, Tingu Rangadu, Bandhalu Anubandhalu and Mondi Ghatam. He
acted in multi-star movies such as Patnam Vachina Pativrathalu and Billa Ranga,
and later appeared in Manchu Pallaki.[33]
Khaidi (1983) was a box office success and Chiranjeevi attained stardom with this
movie.[23] In 1984, he continued doing action films. A series of box office hits at this
time include; Mantri Gari
Viyyankudu, Sangharshana, Goonda, Challenge, Hero, Donga, Jwala, Adavi
Donga, Kondaveeti Raja, Rakshasudu.[34] In 1985, he received his second Filmfare
Award for Best Actor – Telugu for his performance in Vijetha.[35][36]
1987–2007: Commercial success
Chiranjeevi received his first Nandi Award for Best Actor for Swayamkrushi (1987),
directed by K. Viswanath.[37] Pasivadi Pranam (1987), Yamudiki Mogudu (1988)
and Manchi Donga (1988) also did well at the box office. He co-produced and acted
in Rudraveena (1988), which won the Nargis Dutt Award for Best Feature Film on
National Integration,[38] and the Nandi Special Jury Award.[38][39] The title "Megastar"
appeared for the first time in the title cards of the 1988 release Marana Mrudangam,
marking its association with Chiranjeevi.[38] During the shoot of Marana Mrudangam,
Chiranjeevi was poisoned by a fan who attempted to get closer to him.[40] The
incident was recalled by Chiranjeevi in 2023, who took it lightly as an act of
misguided admiration.[41]
He then experimented with Jagadeka Veerudu Athiloka Sundari (1990), a fantasy
film directed by K. Raghavendra Rao and produced by Aswini Dutt. Other notable
works during this period include Kondaveeti Donga (1990), released in 70 mm format
with 6-Track stereophonic sound, the cowboy film Kodama Simham (1990), and the
social problem action film Gang Leader (1991). These films were major box-office
successes and established Chiranjeevi as the "Boss of Telugu cinema".[42] The 1992
film Gharana Mogudu was the first South Indian and Telugu film to collect
over ₹10 crore in distributor share at the box office.[9][43][14] The film was screened at
the 1993 International Film Festival of India in the mainstream section.[44]
Chiranjeevi's Bollywood performances were appreciated in Pratibandh[45] and Aaj Ka
Goonda Raaj. For his role in Aapadbandhavudu (1992), he received his
second Nandi Award for Best Actor and third Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Telugu.
The mid-1990s saw a career dip for Chiranjeevi with box office duds such as S. P.
Parasuram, The Gentleman, Big Boss and Rikshavodu. There were exceptions,
such as Muta Mestri, which fetched him a fourth Filmfare Award for Best Actor –
Telugu; Mugguru Monagallu and Alluda Majaka were also successful.[36] In 1996, he
appeared in a guest role in the Kannada film Sipayi. After a brief lull, Chiranjeevi
bounced back with Hitler, Master, Bavagaru Bagunnara?, Choodalani
Vundi and Sneham Kosam, for which he received his fifth Filmfare Award for Best
Actor – Telugu. In 1999, Chiranjeevi was to appear in a Hollywood production
directed by Dushan Garsi, and produced by Rameshkrishna Murthi. The Telugu
version was directed by Suresh Krissna. The movie, which was titled The Return of
the Thief of Baghdad, had its filming suspended for undisclosed reasons.[46]
