Senior NTR is known for his mythological characters. Though he succeeded in winning the applause of the audience in every mythological character, he received poor response for his lord Shiva role. NTR was seen as the lord Shiva in the mythological film 'Daksha Yagnam'. The film was a disaster at the box office.
NTR had a personal loss when he was shooting for Daksha Yagnam. His eldest son Nandamuri Ramakrishna died of severe illness. That's why, NTR decided never to do lord Shiva role in his life.
Megastar Chiranjeevi played very few mythological roles. Lord Shiva character is one among them. Chiranjeevi appeared as lord Shiva in Parvathi Parameswarulu and Aapadbhandhavudu. However, his roles were confined to lord Shiva's dancing songs only in both the films.
Chiranjeevi, nonetheless, is seen in a full length role as lord Shiva in Sri Manjunadha. The film stood as a decent success at the box office and completed its hundred days run directly in Kakinada and Vijayawada. Chiranjeevi's screen presence in Shiva's role made the audience enthralled. Thus, Chiranjeevi succeeded with his Shiva's characterization in films.