Originally posted by: simplyrdb
Pity Allu Aravind couldn't curate the career of Naga Babu, Chiranjeevi's brother, who debuted as a hero. Or for him, who couldn't become a hero. He had expressed the desire a few times. Or make Geetha Arts (the production house) big despite being launched several years before Chiranjeevi's debut. Pity he couldn't use the same narrative (Allu Ramalingaiah's legacy career) from Allu Arjun's debut.
Stardom, Superstar status back then can't be compared or seen with today's lens. One reached 'Superstar' status after years of hard work and consistency as a 'star'. Chiranjeevi was 'talented' and got recognition and box office success within his first few releases. A trait common with all 'stars' back in those days.
He stood out in supporting/negative parts. He had done a K Balachandar movie before marriage itself. But, more than that, he had done 10 films in a year before marriage and had another ten on floors. Only the really accepted heroes, aka stars could get/do so many films in those days. A lesser-accepted hero/star will be doing slightly fewer films (varying according to the respective industry standards). Chiranjeevi was a young star by the time of marriage itself. Again, he did not become a 'Superstar' right after marriage. It is the same with, say, Rajinikanth, who got anointed as Superstar after more than sixty films.
Heck, even someone like Mohan Babu (a non-existent star currently) reached big stardom without any support after years of hard work. He gave big blockbusters and, at his peak, beat Chiranjeevi's movie and delivered Industry Hit. He couldn't maintain consistency and faded out eventually. Vikram had a similar career. Vijay Deverakonda might have a similar career, though much more difficult now to become number one. The bottom line is that once established as a talented actor with stardom there is no looking back, with or without backing.
The Sr Allu narrative is a very recent one and directed at those who have no clue about the past. There have been many legendary comedians, supporting actors, and character artists in Telugu cinema. Who can be bigger than SVR in that regard? Everyone had goodwill in the industry, but they are obsolete now, everyone except SVR. But do people remember his grandson's debut? The same would be the case with Allu without two and half decades of Chiru. His stardom helped Allu Aravind establish/strengthen the framework that is now helping the current generation. It is not the other way around.
6