Happy Birthday Chiranjeevi: Most underrated films of the ‘mega star’ on OTT

Chiranjeevi, probably the biggest star of this generation in Telugu cinema turns 68 today. With over 150 films across multiple languages in a career spanning over 45 years, that star rose to prominence with his wide range of performances. On his birthday, we take a look at some under-discussed films of the mega star that deserve your attention.

Chattaniki Kallu Levu

One of Chiranjeevi’s finest films in the 80s directed by SA Chandrasekhar, Chattaniki Kallu Levu is a redemption drama where two siblings of different ideologies are pitted against one another. A youngster tries to avenge his father’s death by murdering the culprits without leaving any piece of evidence while his sister, as a cop, tries to catch him in the act.

Platform: Youtube

47 Rojulu

Inspired by a Tamil novel of the same name (written by Sivasankari), this K Balachander thriller, significantly shot in the US, revolves around an abusive relationship between a couple. The protagonist traps a rural girl into a marriage of convenience and reveals his true colours later. Chiranjeevi, Jayaprada play the lead couple in the film that also stars Sarath Babu, Ramaprabha, Saritha.

Platform: Jio Cinema

Aradhana

The Telugu remake of Bharathiraja’s Kadalora Kavithaigal, Aradhana revolves around the highs and lows in the relationship between a school teacher and a small-time goon in a village. It boasts fantastic performances by Chiranjeevi, Suhasini, Radhika and has a mellifluous music album by Ilaiyaraaja. While it was a box office dud, it’s a testimony to the versatility of the star.

Platform: Youtube

Also read: Chiranjeevi: Tamannaah on Bholaa Shankar sets was like a 10th class student, didn’t even let makeup man disturb her 

Daddy

One of the most criminally underrated performances of Chiranjeevi, the star went against his image to play a middle-aged father caught between the devil and the deep blue sea in this Suresh Krissna directorial. There’s terrific father-daughter drama and complexity in the lead pair’s equation in addition to humour, good music in the film. Also stars Simran, Rajendra Prasad, Ashima Bhalla.

Platform: Youtube

Intlo Ramayya Veedhilo Krishnayya

Marking the directorial debut of Kodi Ramakrishna, Intlo Ramayya Veedhilo Krishnayya is an intriguing relationship drama centred on a newly married couple where a perverted neighbour comes in the way of the protagonist’s happy-go-lucky life. Chiranjeevi, Madhavi play the relatable, middle-aged couple in this engaging drama also starring Gollapudi Maruthi Rao, Poornima.

Platform: MX Player

Also read: Nijam with Smita: Chiranjeevi picks the top 5 favourite films from his career in order of preference