With the formal launch of Chiranjeevi's 150th film today, the question on the mind of many industry observers is: Are we in for a bout of Chiru vs Balayya war at the box office? The answer is - most probably. Both Kathilantodu and Gautamiputra Satakarni are expected to hit the marquee for the Sankranthi of 2017.

This brings to memory the Megastar vs Nandamuri Nata Simha war of Sankranthi 2001. (Remember that, Venkatesh's Devi Putrudu was the other film which was at a tug-of-war with the other two big releases that season). Well, eventually, Narasimha Naidu trumped Mrugaraju (and Devi Putrudu) by a huge margin.

After 16 full years, Tollywood is bracing up for yet another tug-of-war between the two reigning stars of the previous generation. What makes this clash of the titans curioser and curioser is the fact that both these films are most prestigious for the two veterans. Consider these:

1. Both would want nothing less than a blockbuster because they are landmark movies: 150th film for Chiru, and 100th one for Balakrishna.

2. Chiranjeevi is making a huge comeback after a sabbatical of nearly 9 years (Shankardada Zindabad hit the screens in 2007). It's nothing short of a litmus test for him. As for Balakrishna, the film's subject is close to his heart, given that it's based on the legend of the "greatest Telugu emperor ever".

3. In 2001, neither of them were politicians. Or, better say, either of them were only wannabe politicians. Today, they are politicians! And they both belong to rival parties.

4. Both the stars will be seen promoting their agendum through these films. Balakrishna's Telugu patriotism needs no introduction. Chiranjeevi will return with a 'Tagore'-an crusader image.

There are two similarities between those two 2001 movies and the 2017 releases, besides both being Sankranthi rivals.

1. Both Narasimha Naidu and Mrugaraju were music-directed by the same music director: Mani Sharma. Ditto this time: it's Devi Sri Prasad.

2. That time, one of stars went for experimental movie-making: Mrugaraju had a fantasy element; the hero played a hunter. Now, it's the turn of Balakrishna to be on the side of experimentation: Gautamiputra Satakarni is a historical; the hero is a warrior.

In the coming days, virtual war on social media between the fans of these two stars will be vigorous. Unlike in 2001, let's hope the result will be positive for both the heroes.