Coronavirus update: Chiranjeevi tests negative, thanks everyone for their concern

Telugu star Chiranjeevi, who had quarantined himself at home after testing positive for the SARS-CoV-2 novel coronavirus earlier this week, took to Twitter today to confirm that he had tested negative. Chiranjeevi underwent testing three times. He also revealed that his earlier positive result was because of a faulty RT-PCR (reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction) kit.

Chiranjeevi was to begin shooting for his next film Acharya on Monday. As part of the safety protocol, before joining the set, he underwent a COVID-19 test and was found to be positive. Four days after testing negative in a second test, Chiranjeevi finally confirmed that he had tested negative.

“A group of doctors did three different tests and concluded that I am Covid negative & that the earlier result was due to a faulty RT PCR kit. My heartfelt thanks for the concern, love shown by all of you during this time. Humbled (sic),” Chiranjeevi tweeted.

On the career front, Chiranjeevi is expected to join the set of Acharya soon. According to a recent report in The Times of India newspaper, the makers of Acharya went ahead and resumed shooting on Monday in his absence, with director Koratala Siva deciding to shoot the scenes that do not require Chiranjeevi.

Chiranjeevi is rumoured to be playing dual roles in Acharya, which marks his maiden collaboration with Siva. Acharya, according to reports, is about a middle-aged Naxalite-turned-social reformer who launches a fight against the endowments department over misappropriation and embezzlement of temple funds and donations.