The start to the week couldn't have taken a more bad turn as 'Megastar' Chiranjeevi revealed that he has tested positive for COVID-19. The veteran Telugu superstar dropped the news in an official statement to his fans and followers on his Twitter page, which has come as a major shock to many in film industries across the country. Chiranjeevi, who was set to resume the shooting for his upcoming film Acharya from today, said in his statement, "Took a test for COVID before resuming ‘Acharya’ shoot as a protocol and unfortunately tested positive. I am currently asymptomatic & quarantining myself at home." 

Urging those who met him over the past few days, Chiranjeevi's statement also read, "Request all those who met me in the last 5 few days to also undergo covid tests. Will update you on my recovery soon." A doyen in Telugu cinema, his latest statement has come as a huge shock for his fans, who have been enthralled by his on-screen performances for more than four decades. Felicitated with the Padma Bhushan in 2006 by the Government of India, the iconic Telugu superstar has been receiving wishes for a speedy recovery. Chiru, as he is lovingly called by his ardent fans, has been one of the many leading personalities in the country to constantly raise awareness among the public on the importance of safety from the coronavirus, including urging them to adhere to all the protocols and precautions being advised and instructed by the government and health departments. Below is his full statement:

The news of Chiranjeevi testing COVID-19 positive will come as a huge blow for his fans, who had been expecting him to resume filming for his highly-anticipated next titled Acharya. Announced to be a month long schedule where a large chunk of the film was planned to be shot, the film had been revealed to be a massive summer 2021 theatrical treat. Whether Chiranjeevi testing positive for coronavirus will lead to a change of plans in the film's release needs to be seen as the upcoming Koratala Siva directorial has been carrying tremendous buzz right from the beginning. Produced by Konidela Production Company in association with Matinee Entertainment, Acharya includes the newly-married Kajal Aggarwal playing the female lead for whom the film will be her reunion with 'Megastar' after the 2017 blockbuster Khaidi No. 150. Acharya also includes a stellar technical team featuring names like Mani Sharma for the music, cinematography by S Tirru, Navin Nooli for editing, including Petta fame Suresh Selvarajan for the art direction.