It was 22 years ago on this day that 'Indra' was released. The release date (July 24, 2002) was seen as an unofficial public holiday by Chiranjeevi's fans. The hype and hoopla was unprecedented. College students bunked classes and employees resorted to sick leaves.
Everywhere in today's Andhra Pradesh and select parts of Nizam, the craze was sky-high. Since Chiranjeevi had entered a zone (Rayalaseema-based faction movie genre) that was seen as Balakrishna's preserve, the tempers were high. Chiru's fans were waiting to tell Balayya's die-hard fans that their matinee idol was capable of crossing the 'Narasimha Naidu' gross. So, they embraced 'Indra' as a matter of honour.
In some areas in AP that are deemed Chiru strongholds, police commissioners were taken aback by the teeming crowds at theatres showing 'Indra'. The crowds sometimes went berserk for tickets. Sometimes, lathi-charge had to be resorted to.
Some cops in higher positions, on the evening of July 22, telephoned Chiranjeevi to give a statement urging his fans not to be over-enthusiastic and cooperate with the police.
'Indra' was directed by B Gopal. Mani Sharma's songs for this movie made on Rs 10 Cr were classics. 'Indra' remains one of the best movies in the career of Megastar Chiranjeevi.
