Some rivalries are classic. They stand the test of time and become a part of culture. Prost vs Senna. Manchester United vs Liverpool. India vs Pakistan. Australia vs England.

Though not on the same scale, one such rivalry that is very popular in Telugu film culture is the rivalry between Nandamuri Balakrishna and Chiranjeevi. This rivalry is largely divided along caste lines and it is not uncommon to find violent clashes erupting between hardcore fans of these two mass heroes.

However, this rivalry gradually ebbed away over the years. Chiranjeevi’s exit from the film industry and gradual failure in politics is one of the reasons for this. But a controversial statement from Balakrishna a few days ago has breathed fire into this rivalry once again.

When asked about extending an invitation to Chiranjeevi for the Lepakshi festival, Balakrishna responded saying “I know whom to invite. I will not invite people who get onto my head and I will not let people share my glamour on stage. It is my hard earned image”.

With Chiranjeevi getting back into films for the 150th movie, the rivalry was already showing signs of revival and this comment from Balakrishna just provided the fuel that was missing.

We have to wait and see how this goes.