As Pawan Kalyan celebrates his birthday on Wednesday (September 2), it is worth revisiting the arc of a career that has always danced to its own rhythm.

Pawan Kalyan, a style icon

His early years in cinema unfolded like a whirlwind romance with the audience. Suswagatham announced a fresh, unpolished charm that Telugu cinema had not quite seen before. Tholi Prema followed, cementing his standing as a natural performer with an easy screen presence. The coming-of-age tale Thammudu, meanwhile, spoke directly to the restlessness of youngsters grappling with lethargy and family expectations.

Then came Badri and Kushi, films that did more than entertain; they turned him into a style icon. His hairstyles, mannerisms and even his dialogue delivery became the stuff of college-campus imitation. These love stories struck a chord precisely because they felt real, never syrupy.

A magnetism that refused to wane

The years following Johnny (2003) could have dimmed a lesser star, but Pawan Kalyan’s magnetism refused to wane. Then, in 2012, Gabbar Singh arrived with rustic energy and mass appeal, proving that he could headline a full-blooded commercial entertainer with effortless swagger.

Attarintiki Daredi showed a gentler, more emotionally resonant side. Both films became industry hits and placed him firmly back on familiar turf, that of a superstar. Gopala Gopala took an entirely different route, using satire and philosophical wit.

One of Telugu cinema’s biggest mass heroes

More recently, Pawan has shown that he can still command the screen with gravitas. Vakeel Saab, a remake of Amitabh Bachchan’s Pink, married social consciousness with courtroom drama, while Bheemla Nayak paired him with Rana Daggubati in a stylish, blood-and-thunder face-off that reminded everyone why he remains one of the biggest mass heroes of Telugu cinema.

More recently, the anticipation surrounding They Call Him OG reached fever pitch. The film generated extraordinary openings despite its primary audience being concentrated in the Telugu-speaking markets.

From cinema to the corridors of power

Pawan’s political journey transformed him from Tollywood’s “Power Star” into a formidable mass leader. Off screen, his journey has taken an equally dramatic turn. He lost the 2019 Andhra Pradesh Assembly elections, but in 2024, his Jana Sena Party won all 21 seats it contested, creating political history. Pawan subsequently rose to the position of Deputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh.

In the coming years, the Power Star, as he is affectionately known, plans to act in a sequel to They Call Him OG, besides producing films under his banner, PK Creative Works.

Also Read: Pawan Kalyan’s Undergoes Right Shoulder Surgery

On the occasion of Kannada star Kichcha Sudeepa’s birthday on September 2, the makers of one of his upcoming films announced the title of the ambitious period drama, Devaraaya. Produced by TG Vishwa Prasad and Kriti Prasad, the film was introduced through a conceptual title announcement designed to offer audiences a glimpse into its world, tone and vision.

Kichcha Sudeepa to play Sri Krishnadevaraya

One of the most versatile and influential actors in Kannada cinema, Sudeepa will portray the legendary 16th-century emperor Sri Krishnadevaraya of the Vijayanagara Empire. The period drama will feature music by Gowra Hari K.

The title announcement offers audiences a sneak peek into the film’s universe, while also confirming December 2027 as its theatrical release window. Interestingly, the makers are yet to reveal the name of the film’s director.

The first look has generated considerable curiosity. Sudeepa is seen in an elaborate royal South Indian ensemble, complete with a decorated crown, layered pearl necklaces and regal attire. His commanding screen presence lends the required authority and dignity to the character, offering a glimpse of the power and aura associated with Sri Krishnadevaraya.

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A versatile powerhouse

Several notable actors have portrayed the legendary Vijayanagara emperor Sri Krishnadevaraya across films and television in different languages. It will be interesting to see which phase or dimension of the ruler’s life Devaraaya chooses to explore.

Sudeepa took to social media to express his excitement about being part of the project. “On a day filled with love, I share something very special. A character rooted in history. A king whose legacy echoes through time. A journey I’m truly honoured to be a part of. Sri Krishna Devaraaya. The journey begins with #Devaraaya,” he wrote.

With a career spanning nearly three decades, Sudeepa is fondly known to his fans as ‘Abhinaya Chakravarthy’. Over the years, he has established himself as a versatile talent, working as an actor, director, producer, singer and television presenter.

Also Read: Kichcha Sudeep declines Karnataka State Film Award

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GDN arrived in cinemas on August 7, alongside Arun Matheswaran’s DC, which stars Lokesh Kanagaraj and Wamiqa Gabbi in the lead roles. However, the Madhavan-led film failed to make the expected impact at the box office. According to the latest available figures from Sacnilk, GDN has recorded a worldwide gross of Rs 6.32 crore.