Megastar Chiranjeevi on Tuesday, 22 September 2026, completed 48 years in the Indian film industry, marking the milestone by sharing a deeply personal note of gratitude on his social media timelines for his producers, directors, co-stars, technical crew, and millions of fans across the world. The actor's cinematic journey began on 22 September 1978, a date that has since become synonymous with one of Telugu cinema's most enduring careers.

The Gratitude Note

In his post, Chiranjeevi reflected on nearly five decades of storytelling: '22 September 1978. The cinematic journey that began on that day has now completed 48 springs today. In these 48 years, I have portrayed so many characters. I have witnessed so many victories. I have received so many awards and honors.'

He reserved special words of appreciation for every collaborator who shaped his career: 'To every producer who trusted me and gave me opportunities, to every director who discovered new facets of the actor in me, to the actors, technical experts who toiled day and night behind every one of my films, to each and every one of you — my heartfelt gratitude. It is your collective support that has placed me at this level today.'

A Message to Fans

Notably, the actor elevated his fans above all professional accolades in the note. 'But greater than all those victories… is the love you have shown me. More valuable than all those honors… is the place you have given me in your hearts,' he wrote, adding: 'To every fan who has considered me a family member and showered me with such unparalleled love and affection — my heartfelt thanks. On that day, "Chiranjeevi" was the name I took. Today, with your love, it has become my eternal identity.'

The post drew an outpouring of tributes from fans, fellow actors, and industry veterans, underscoring the enduring cultural footprint Chiranjeevi has built across nearly five decades.

What's Next: 'Kaaka' With Director Bobby Kolli

On the professional front, Chiranjeevi is currently headlining director Bobby Kolli's upcoming action entertainer 'Kaaka', produced by KVN Productions. The film, which commenced its most recent production schedule on 7 September, is described by sources close to the unit as a high-intensity action film with a strong emotional and family-oriented narrative at its core.

At a recent industry event, Chiranjeevi himself revealed that he plays a character named Kadiri Kalidas in the film — a disclosure that generated significant buzz among his fanbase. According to sources, the protagonist's character arc is expected to be one of the film's central attractions.

Release and Production Details

KVN Productions announced the film's title through an official title teaser a few days ago and confirmed that 'Kaaka' is slated for a theatrical release on 13 January next year — a date that traditionally carries high commercial stakes in the Telugu film calendar, coinciding with the Sankranti festive season. The announcement has heightened anticipation around the project.

As Chiranjeevi steps into his 49th year in cinema, all eyes are on whether 'Kaaka' will extend his already-remarkable box-office legacy into the new year.