As Telugu cinema celebrates one of its most iconic stars, Chiranjeevi is set to mark his 70th birthday on August 22. Known for his charismatic screen presence, impeccable dance moves, and ability to bring diverse characters to life, the megastar has earned a special place in the hearts of audiences. Ahead of the milestone, we revisit ten of his most memorable films that showcase his journey in the industry.

Chiranjeevi began his cinematic journey with the 1978 drama ‘Pranam Khareedu’, directed by K Vasu and featuring Rao Gopal Rao and Jayasudha in key roles. He made his debut as a lead actor in ‘Punadhirallu’ (1979), directed by Rajkumar, earning both the Nandi Award for Best Actor and Best Feature Film. His breakthrough came in 1982 with Kodi Ramakrishna’s romantic comedy ‘Intlo Ramayya Veedilo Krishnayya’, which cemented his rising stardom.

Vijetha (1985)

Directed by A Kodandarami Reddy, this romantic drama was a remake of the Bengali film ‘Saheb’ and later adapted into Hindi as ‘Saaheb’, starring Anil Kapoor. Chiranjeevi won his second Filmfare Best Actor Award for his performance. The film also featured J V Somayajulu and Bhanupriya.

Indra (2002)

Helmed by B Gopal, ‘Indra’ became the highest-grossing Telugu film of its time. Alongside co-stars Aarthi Agarwal and Sonali Bendre, Chiranjeevi delivered a performance that earned him both the Filmfare and Nandi Awards for Best Actor.

Shankar Dada MBBS (2004)

A remake of the Hindi hit ‘Munna Bhai MBBS’, the film was directed by Jayanth C Paranjee and starred Paresh Rawal, Girish Karnad, Srikanth, and Sonali Bendre. Chiranjeevi’s comedic timing and charm won audiences over, earning him the Filmfare Award for Best Actor.

Swayam Krushi (1987)

Directed by K Vishwanath, this inspirational drama showcased Chiranjeevi as a sincere and earnest man, balancing critical acclaim with commercial success. The film remains a celebrated example of his versatility and ability to portray relatable, grounded characters.

Rudraveena (1988)

Directed by K Balachander, this musical drama starred Shobana and Gemini Ganesan alongside Chiranjeevi. The film won three National Film Awards, including Best Feature Film on National Integration, Best Music Direction, and Best Male Playback Singer (SP Balasubrahmanyam), as well as four Nandi Awards, including a Special Jury Award for Chiranjeevi.

Chantabbai (1986)

Marking Chiranjeevi’s foray into comedy, Jandhyala’s ‘Chantabbai’ featured him as the hilarious James Pond, a role that showcased his impeccable comic timing and remains a fan favourite.

Waltair Veerayya (2023)

Directed by KS Ravindra, this action drama stars Chiranjeevi as a Vizag fisherman who smuggles goods and seeks revenge, with Ravi Teja playing a pivotal supporting role. The film highlighted the actor’s enduring charisma and old-school charm. 

Gharana Mogudu (1992)

This romantic family drama, directed by K Raghavendra Rao, was inspired by the 1986 Kannada film ‘Anuraga Aralithu’. Co-starring Nagma, the film became a blockbuster and reinforced Chiranjeevi’s mass appeal. It also premiered at the 1993 International Film Festival of India.

Godfather (2022)

Directed by Mohan Raja, the film features Chiranjeevi as Brahma, a mass leader with a dark past whose influence extends despite his exile. His stylish performance, complemented by a supporting cast including Salman Khan and Nayanthara, reminded audiences of his enduring star power.

Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy (2019)

Surender Reddy’s historical epic chronicles the life of freedom fighter Uyyalawada Narasimha Reddy, who rebelled against British rule. Chiranjeevi’s portrayal of a determined fighter resonated with audiences, alongside a star-studded cast including Amitabh Bachchan, Vijay Sethupathi, Kiccha Sudeep, Jagapathi Babu, Nayanthara, and Anushka Shetty.

Looking ahead, Chiranjeevi is preparing for the release of ‘Vishwambhara’, a Telugu fantasy action film directed by Mallidi Vassishta and produced by UV Creations. Starring Trisha Krishnan, Kunal Kapoor, and Ashika Ranganath, the film—initially known as ‘Mega 156’—marks Chiranjeevi’s 156th project.

He announced via X, that the film will release worldwide in Summer 2026. The project was officially launched on August 22, 2023, coinciding with the actor’s birthday, and the muhurat pooja event in Hyderabad was attended by several notable personalities from the Telugu film industry.

Beyond cinema, Chiranjeevi is actively involved in philanthropy. He founded the Chiranjeevi Charitable Trust (CCT) in 1998, which aims to ensure no one dies due to a shortage of blood. The trust is among the largest recipients of blood and eye donations in Andhra Pradesh, operating both a blood and eye bank. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Chiranjeevi also launched the Corona Crisis Charity to support daily wage workers in the Telugu film industry, helping them meet essential needs throughout the lockdown.