'Aapadbandhavudu', which was released in theatres in 1992, was supposed to fetch Megastar Chiranjeevi a National Award in the Best Actor category. As per veteran actor-producer SriRam Edida, the decision was called off by the jury because Chiru was a southern Indian. "Back in the day, northern Indians (who dominated the jury) used to look down upon southern film industries," Edida said in an interview.
Had Chiru won the National Award, he would have achieved what even NT Rama Rao and ANR couldn't. The Award would have raised his stature. It was not until Allu Arjun won the National Award for 'Pushpa' that Tollywood made its debut.
'Aapadbandhavudu', directed by K Viswanath and written by Jandhyala, won five state Nandi Awards, including the Nandi Award for Best Actor for Chiranjeevi, and the Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Telugu for Chiranjeevi. The film was screened at the International Film Festival of India, the Asia Pacific Film Festival, and the AISFM Film Festival.
