Anil Ravipudi has admittedly tried to show the "vintage" megastar in Mana Shankara VaraPrasad Garu (January 12th release in theatres). Specifically, the director had the Chiranjeevi of Auto Jani and Gang Leader in mind when he penned the script. We are told that we are going to watch Chiru's "natural" comic timing in the Sankranthi release.
The trailer of MSG doesn't suggest that Chiru is going to unleash his inimitable, rugged style of the Gang Leader days. In any case, he can't be faulted for not being a "natural" at this age. The facial structure of any individual undergoes change over decades. You can't be a gifted actor for eternity.
In a way, making someone like Chiranjeevi compete with himself might be destined to be a bad idea. Waltair Veerayya worked because it was not an all-out comedy entertainer like MSG. The Ravipudi brand of comedy is a derivative.
Mana Shankara VaraPrasad Garu is just a few days away from hitting the cinemas. If Chiranjeevi's comic style turns out to be a blast, his critics will be silenced for ever. If it crashes down, all filmmakers will get to read the room.
