Megastar Chiranjeevi praised Telugu icon Nagarjuna Akkineni for his daring role in Kuberaa at the film’s success meet in Hyderabad on June 22, 2025. Directed by Sekhar Kammula, Kuberaa features Nagarjuna as a morally complex CBI officer alongside Dhanush. Why this praise? Chiranjeevi sees Nagarjuna’s shift to character-driven roles as inspirational, breaking the mold of star-centric cinema. By embracing layered characters, Nagarjuna is redefining his legacy.
In This Article:
Nagarjuna’s Bold Choice
Nagarjuna plays Deepak, a once-honest CBI officer forced into corruption, in Kuberaa, a socio-political thriller that grossed ₹55 crore worldwide in its opening weekend. Chiranjeevi, speaking at the event, said, “Nagarjuna’s bold choices inspire me. His calm nature and fitness are admirable, but his role in Kuberaa shows courage to reinvent”. Nagarjuna’s shift from hero-centric films like Naa Saami Ranga to nuanced roles mirrors industry trends, with 70% of 2025’s Telugu hits featuring ensemble casts (FICCI-EY Report, 2025).
Chiranjeevi’s Admiration
Reflecting on a private conversation, Chiranjeevi shared Nagarjuna’s reasoning: “I’ve done multi-hero films, but now I want to open new doors for different roles”. Chiranjeevi humorously added, “Nag, I’ll follow the path you’ve laid!” hinting at his own interest in experimental roles, possibly for OTT platforms.
Impact on Telugu Cinema
Nagarjuna’s Kuberaa role, alongside his upcoming antagonist part in Coolie with Rajinikanth, signals a new phase (M9 News, 2025). Chiranjeevi, working on Viswambhara, sees this as a call for senior stars to evolve. Kuberaa’s success, with a 3.5/5 rating for its emotional depth, proves audiences crave authentic narratives over formulaic heroism.
A Trailblazer’s Path
Nagarjuna’s bold choices, lauded by Chiranjeevi, inspire a shift in Telugu cinema toward meaningful storytelling. As veterans embrace reinvention, they pave the way for a dynamic industry, proving age is no barrier to creativity.
-By Manoj H