Megastar Chiranjeevi graced the pre-release event of 'Sarileru Neekevaru' on Sunday evening and was full of beans on the occasion. It was a spirited speech from him.

The rise and rise of Mahesh:

"Mahesh feels like a son. He is always smiling cutely and is also naughty!" he began saying. "Mahesh is kicka$$ in the soldier's look. I SMSed him saying that he is looking great and that I want to watch the film. Within no time, the film's production works were completed. Heroes are taking 8-9 months to complete a film these days. He completed this film in just five months. This is what the industry needs. That's when distributors and exhibitors will be happy," Chiru said.

"Koratala Siva promised me that he will complete my film in 90 days. It's a good thing. Delays cause huge cost overruns. If heroes and directors are punctual, a healthy environment will prevail. I appreciate Mahesh Babu for showing the path," Chiru said.

"I have heard that Mahesh hasn't charged a single rupee for doing this movie so far. This practice saves a lot of money for producers (in terms of interest). Ram Charan is doing the same. Double-digit interest will be single-digit interest on borrowed money for such producers," Chiru said.

"Director Anil Ravipudi is strong in terms of comedy. I am excited about watching the movie. I am told I will be watching it a day before its theatrical release," Chiru said.

Chiru praised producer Anil Sunkara and described Dil Raju as the film's backbone and as "Nizam's Emperor".

"I have accidentally watched all of Rashmika's movies right from 'Chalo' and 'Geetha Govindam'. Tamannaah is a wonderful actor and I am glad she is a part of the movie. Sangeetha is a superb dancer. I have always wanted to dance with her," Chiru said.

The Megastar-Vijayashanthi bonhomie:

"I have been emotionally connected with her from the beginning. She is like a family member. We used to be neighbours in Chennai. We worked in about 20 movies and were always friendly," Chiru said. Earlier, he said that Vijayashanthi is described as the Lady Amitabh Bachchan.

In a lighter vein, Chiru asked her how she could slam him politically. Vijayashanthi gave a retort, saying, "Raffadistha!".

The Megastar paraphrased his 'Indra' punch line and said that she has retained her 'pogaru', 'figaru' and energy despite being away from films for several years. "My heart becomes too weak in your presence," a flirtatious Chiru joked.

"If politics drives a wedge between friends, cinema makes friends of unlikely persons. I have never criticized Vijayashanthi politically," Chiru added. Vijayashanthi retorted, "Did you say anything ill about me behind my back?" To which Chiru answered, "Never ever".

Chiru later thanked Mahesh for being the cause of his reunion with Vijayashanthi. "I got emotional today," the 'Sye Raa' actor added, describing the former Lady Superstar as his old friend.

Watch Allu Arjun's movie, 'Darbar' as well:

Chiru urged the audience to watch 'Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo' and his friend Rajinikanth's movie, 'Darbar', as well. He indirectly referred to 'Entha Manchivaadavuraa' without taking its name.

Demand for Krishna:

"Superstar Krishna garu is the senior-most actor in the South. He hasn't received enough recognition. We have to start demanding the Dada Saheb Phalke National Award for him. It will be a respect for all of us if he gets it. He was a pioneer when it comes to taking unique initiatives in cinema," the actor added.