It is a known fact that Megastar Chiranjeevi has been ruling the film industry as a number one hero for ages. But then, what's the exact year in which Megastar was declared the number one? Many film lovers and cine journalists of the current generation mayn't have the exact answer for this question that generates an immense curiosity. This article will surely provide them the right stuff they sought.
Chiranjeevi would play the roles of supporting hero, hero and villain in films released from 1978 to early 1981. He became the full-fledged hero from mid 1981 onwards with the super success of 'Nyayam Kaavali'.
And then, Chiranjeevi turned as a star with a series of hits in a row such as Chattaniki Kallulevu, Kirayi Rowdeelu, Intlo Ramayya Veedhilo Krishnayya and Shubhalekha. Furthermore, he became a mass hero with the action entertainers like Billa Ranga, Yamakinkarudu and Abhilasha released in 1982.
28 October 1983: It's a historical moment for the Telugu film industry. Chiranjeevi's first industry hit Khaidi hit the screens and turned out to be an earth shattering hit breaking all the previous industry hit records of Tollywood.
Khaidi had become a 'Game Changer' to Tollywood. Fans and some of the movie lovers started calling Chiranjeevi the new number one hero of Tollywood. Eventually, Chiranjeevi became unofficial number one with Khaidi. But then, the media didn't accept Chiranjeevi as the number one. They thought Chiranjeevi would need more number of hits and super hits to be declared the number one.
In the meanwhile, ABN RK entered the picture. He was the editor of popular cine magazine 'Jyothichitra' those days. In a wicked attempt, he conducted a 'Su*** Star' title contest in his weekly. Based on the voting percentage, a senior hero was declared the 'Su*** Star' title. However, Chiranjeevi's fans alleged that the contest was merely fake and it was actually conducted to declare that hero a 'Su*** Star'.
In his usual best, Chiranjeevi delivered innumerable hits, super hits and blockbusters between 1983 and 1987. The media was highly impressed with those hits and was ready to declare Chiranjeevi the number one hero and were waiting for that moment.
23 July 1987: Chiranjeevi's second industry hit Pasiwadi Pranam released and minted all time record collections. Moreover, the film ran 100 days directly in 10 centres which was an all time record in slab system then. Top cine weeklies Sitara and Jyothichitra offcially confirmed Chiranjeevi the number one hero of Tollywood. 'NUMBER ONE ANNA PONGIPONU....NUMBER TEN ANNA KUNGIPONU,' humbly stated Chiranjeevi in Jyothichitra's cover page interview then.
Meanwhile, 'Megastar' title appeared in the title cards of 'Marana Mrudangam' released in 1988. Thereafter, Chiranjeevi has been called as Megastar.
BOTTOM-LINE: Even today, movie lovers and media fail to show a solid replacement for Chiranjeevi. On the other hand, Chiranjeevi's comeback films Khaidi Numnber 150 and Sye Raa have stood the highest grossers in Telugu states (non BB) at the time of their releases. Naturally, Chiranjeevi still holds number one position.