Film industry is one field where everyone battles for fame. In this tedious battle, making a mark becomes a big deal. Some actors start with small roles, some make a grand debut and some unexpectedly turn into leading actors. While in Telugu film industry, the benefit of having a filmy background is very well known. But, that only acts as the initial push into the industry. After that, it all depends on how talented you are and how you carve a niche for yourself. Without waiting much time, let’s take a look into that ONE film which changed the fate of these actors making them the stars they are today
Chiranjeevi – Khaidi (1983)
Inspired by Sylvester Stallone’s ‘First Blood’, this intense drama which was directed by A Kodandarami Reddy, was the first major hit for Chiranjeevi in 1983. It was a turning point in Chiru’s career and the majority of the fandom he enjoys today began with this movie. One of the reasons Chiru’s latest 150th movie has the craze is because of the inclusion of the word Khaidi in the title Khaidi No. 150.
Though Balakrishna entered the industry quite early through smaller roles under his father's direction, NT Rama Rao, it was only in the year 1984 did Balakrishna get his breakthrough with Mangamma Gari Manavadu. The movie was directed by Kodi Ramakrishna and acted as a major milestone in Balakrishna’s career. Balakrishna later went on to experiment with a few subjects, but Mangamma gari Manavudu will always be remembered as Balakrishna’s claim to fame.
If you haven’t heard about RGV’s Siva, then you barely know anything about Telugu Cinema. Siva was not just a path breaking movie for Nagarjuna, but the whole perception towards movie making altered with the arrival of Siva. Even to this date, it is considered as a classic and acts as a referendum for many movie makers. Nagarjuna was apt in portraying the student leader who turns into a gangster and was applauded for the guts he had in choosing this movie very early in his career.
Though Venkatesh won many accolades for his acting in earlier movies, he needed a commercial hit that would establish him as a major hero. This family drama directed by B. Gopal was the movie that not just turned Venky’s career but also turned out to be an industry hit. Venky attained stardom status with this one and churned many successful films later on.
Standing till date as of one the best and ideal love stories, this Karunakaran’s flick brought the much needed fame for Pawan Kalyan and the whole state fell head over heels in love for him. After this, there was no looking back for Pawan Kalyan and we all very well know where he stands today.
VV Vinayak’s Aadi turned the table for Jr NTR With a faction background, this revenge drama not only went on to become a major hit that year but also elevated NTR Jr. into the bigger league of heroes. The high voltage emotional performance of NTR Jr. was appreciated by all and emerged as the next successful hero from the Nandamuri clan.
A person who is known for his passion towards cinema, Ravi Teja is famously known as the Poster boy of Krishna Nagar. He journeyed to stardom with Puri Jagannadh’s Idiot. The carefree and outrageous attitude that Ravi carried with ease was embraced by the audience and he moved into the big league of actors post this film
Entering the industry as Supertar’s son was not much of a difficult move for Mahesh Babu, who had already taken up a few roles as a child artist. It was about making it into the bigger league and with Gunashekar’s Okkadu, Mahesh Babu roared with his intense performance as the Kabbadi player from old city who challenges Rayalaseema’s ferocious faction leader Obul Reddy.
The handsome hulk personality actor’s fortune turned with Varsham. Directed by Shoban, this movie became one of the biggest hits of that year and Prabhas moved into the bigger league of actors with his immense success and fan following. Today he is one of the biggest stars not just in Telugu film industry but, internationally and all this glory he enjoys today started with Varsham.
As time passed, along with audience tastes, the actors too evolved in choosing unique scripts that would give them the needed break. Transforming himself completely, Allu Arjun struck gold and excelled in his role as one-sided lover boy Arya. With an easy going and a paradoxical mentality, the character of Arya stands out even to this date.
The latest entry into the league of biggies is Ram Charan. Being the son of Megastar, the burden and pressure he carried was immense. It was with SS Rajamouli’s Magadheera that Ram Charan immediately jumped into the bigger league of heroes and still stands strong giving a tight competition to his counter-parts. This socio-fantasy movie is one of the biggest movie not just for Ram Charan, but the whole industry as well.
Chiranjeevi – Khaidi (1983)
Balakrishna - Mangamma Gari Manavadu (1984)
Nagarjuna – Siva (1989)
Venkatesh – Bobbili Raja (1990)
Pawan Kalyan – Tholiprema (1998)
NTR Jr – Aadi (2002)
Ravi Teja – Idiot (2002)
Mahesh Babu – Okkadu (2003)
Prabhas – Varsham (2004)
Allu Arjun – Arya (2004)
Ram Charan – Magadheera (2009)