Megastar Chiranjeevi attended the success meet of 'Baby' on Sunday as the chief guest. The legendary actor whole-heartedly blessed the core team, including his die-hard fan and producer SKN.
Speaking on the occasion, Sampoornesh Babu described Sai Rajesh as a filmmaker who helped him cement his position as an actor with 'Hrudaya Kaleyam' and 'Kobbari Matta'.
Viraj Ashwin, who is one of the lead actors in the movie, said that Chiranjeevi's life and filmography have always been an inspiration to him. "It's unforgettable that he is here today to bless us. It is because of Sai Rajesh's story-writing and story-telling that we are here today on this stage," Viraj added.
Vaishnavi Chaitanya, the film's heroine, said that there was a time when she just wanted to be on the same stage as the Megastar. "As a YouTuber, I once acted in a cover version of one of his chartbusters. That song clocked lakhs of views," she said. The debutante actress was described as a 'Sahaja Nati' a la Jaya Sudha by Chiru in his speech.
Anand Deverakonda said that producer SKN ensured that a talented team was onboarded to justify Sai Rajesh's script. He also thanked the audience for embracing the movie in a massive way. "Our audiences have made blockbusters out of small movies like 'Balagam', 'Samajavaragamana' and 'Baby'. After 'Baby' and 'Bro', the next big hit is going to be 'Bholaa Shankar'. As a child, when it used to be holiday season, I would pester my father to take me to Chiranjeevi garu's movies," the 'Pushpaka Vimanam' actor said.
Director Sai Rajesh's speech was laced with encomiums for the 'Waltair Veerayya' actor. The 'Colour Photo' producer said that the joy of being a Chiranjeevi fan is the one thing Chiru can't experience.
Producer SKN spoke of what Chiru meant to him as a child. "As a teen, I used to tell my father that I will just be with Megastar after my studies. My parents used to think I had gone mad. I used to write quotations about Megastar's box-office stamina and put up banners during the release of his movies in Eluru. Today, I own a film banner. On the one hand, 'Bro' is playing in theatres. On the other hand, 'Bholaa Shankar' is coming out on August 11. Despite this, Chiranjeevi garu is here to support 'Baby'. That's Megastar," SKN said. The producer's Mass Movie Makers has made a jackpot from 'Baby', which has grossed more than Rs 70 Cr at the box-office.
Chiranjeevi gave an elaborate speech on the occasion. "This feels like my felicitation ceremony rather than Baby's success meet. I am proud of director Maruthi, who is now making a pan-India movie (with Prabhas). SKN started out as a journalist. He was encouraged by Geetha Arts and Allu Aravind. Thanks to Bunny's support and other factors, he made 'Ee Rojullo' and 'Taxiwala'. He has grown over the years steadily. I am glad that individuals like SKN and Sai Rajesh are today an inspiration to many. Sai Rajesh's writing skills were proved by 'Colour Photo', which won a National Award. Today, 'Baby' has given a strong message. There is an awesome filmmaker in him. I am proud to say that he is my fan. We need new blood and new talent to enter Tollywood. Thanks to Rajamouli, our industry has gone to the Oscars. Anand's performance in 'Baby' is subtle and natural in the role of a 'basthi' lover boy. The scene where he wails after seeing Vaishnavi's video in a scene is outstanding. It was a wow moment. The 8-minute foot-over bridge scene was another wow moment. 'Baby' has got no villain. The only antagonist is the inner turmoil experienced by the characters. Vaishnavi comes across as a natural 'basthi' girl. After her transformation, she wowed me with her performance in the film. I was surprised to know that 'Baby' is her first movie. I couldn't believe it," Chiru said.
