Early career

After completing his "Diploma in Acting" in Chennai, Chiranjeevi got an offer to act in ‘Punadi Rallu’in 1978.Producer-Director T.Kranti Kumar, who had seen his photograph gave him a role in the film, ‘Pranam Khareedu’ which was released before Punadi Rallu.Subsequently, director Bapu signed him for ‘Manavoori Pandavulu’, where he first gained some recognition. In the beginning of his career, Chiranjeevi donned villain roles in films like Kukka Kaatuki Cheppu Debba, Kotthapeta Rowdi etc. He became an instant hit for his dance movements and risky stunts. His success started after his acclaimed role in 'Initilo Ramayya Vidhilo Krishnayya' (1981). Between 1978 and 1983 October (till the release of Khaidi) he had acted in about 60 movies, mostly in secondary roles, some as a second hero, some as a villain and some as a character artist.

Khaidi, directed by A.Kodandarami Reddy and produced by Thirupathi Reddy of Samyuktha movies, was the first film to catapult Chiranjeevi into the big league. The movie was heavily inspired by Hollywood blockbuster First Blood. He dominated the two and a half hour drama which in the end changed the very face of heroism in the Telugu motion picture industry. This film marked the beginning of his long and successful collaboration with director Kodanda Rami Reddy. Even today, Chiranjeevi singles out this film in his entire career saying that it satisfied him in everyway.
The film Pasivadi Pranam, released in 1987, gave Chiranjeevi super stardom. He introduced "break dance", a new style of dance form to the Telugu audience. This movie was his first silver jubilee hit.In the same year he acted in Swayamkrushi in the direction of K. Viswanath and won Nandi Award for his performance." From then onwards Chiranjeevi was called "Supreme Hero" by his fans.
This was a glorius period in his career with movies like Adavi Donga, Donga Mogudu, Yamudiki Mogudu, Aaradhana, Rudraveena, Challenge, Vijetha, and Kondaveeti Donga all of which went on to become blockbusters in the Telugu film industry.