The ANR Awards 2024 promises to be a grand occasion deeply rooted in the heart of Telugu cinema, as it coincides with the centenary celebrations of the legendary Akkineni Nageswara Rao (ANR). Scheduled for October 28 in Hyderabad, the event will bring together luminaries from Indian cinema to honor Telugu superstar Chiranjeevi with this year’s prestigious ANR Award. The highlight of the evening will be the presentation of the award by none other than Hindi cinema stalwart, Amitabh Bachchan, marking a significant gesture of cross-industry recognition and respect.
In an exclusive conversation with The Hindu, amidst a bustling filming schedule at the iconic Annapurna Studios in Hyderabad, actor-producer Nagarjuna Akkineni, ANR’s son, shared insights into the significance of this award and why it holds a special place in the hearts of many. He emphasized that the ANR Awards are designed to acknowledge and celebrate monumental contributions to Indian cinema, citing past awardee director SS Rajamouli as a prime example. Nagarjuna lauded Rajamouli’s ability to elevate Indian cinema to a global platform, bringing international acclaim not just through artistic recognition but also through commercial success. “Rajamouli has made it possible for our cinema to reach new heights on the world stage,” Nagarjuna remarked.
The selection of Chiranjeevi for this honor reflects his indispensable role in the history of Telugu cinema. Nagarjuna highlighted that his father, ANR, had envisioned cinema as a universal form of entertainment, meant to resonate with audiences on a broad scale, rather than being confined to niche markets. “Chiranjeevi’s films have not only been cherished nationwide but his societal contributions, such as his blood bank and other charity work, showcase a holistic approach to his craft and community service,” Nagarjuna noted.
The centenary celebrations of ANR have encompassed various commemorations, including the unveiling of a statue at Annapurna Studios and the release of a postal stamp dedicated to the late actor. Furthermore, ten of ANR’s timeless Telugu classics have been meticulously restored and screened across India, a collaborative effort between the Film Heritage Foundation and the National Film Archives of India (NFAI).
Speaking on the restoration of these classics, Nagarjuna expanded on the challenges faced due to inadequate storage of historical cinematic works, especially in Telugu, Tamil, and Hindi films. He explained, “Restoration can be an expensive and painstaking process, costing nearly ₹80 lakh per print.
.” The family managed to restore 21 of ANR’s films, selecting 10 for public screenings thus far, a feat driven by the desire to preserve cinematic history for future generations.
As the industry evolves, discussions are underway to make these restored films accessible through digital platforms, possibly via the Annapurna Studios website or a new venture by NFAI that accommodates remodeled cinematic gems. “While television channels hold satellite rights for many older films, limiting our ability to distribute them widely, NFAI’s consideration to establish a pay-to-view platform could expand access to these cultural treasures,” Nagarjuna mentioned.
Bridging tradition and modern technology is an ongoing journey at Annapurna Studios. Nagarjuna elaborated on the studio’s recent innovations such as the Virtual Production Stage and possible future enhancements in post-production using advanced tools like artificial intelligence. These steps aim to not just preserve the past but also propel contemporary and future filmmaking. “AI, when used creatively, can revolutionize many facets of film production from scripting to editing,” Nagarjuna highlighted, pointing out its recent triumph in generating Amitabh Bachchan’s voice for the Telugu film Kalki.
Nagarjuna’s forward-thinking vision extends to fostering emerging talent through the Annapurna College of Film and Media. The institution has continually produced industry-ready professionals whose work is making strides at both national and international levels. “Our students’ success stories in film, from alumni like Aarambham to short films submitted to global festivals, stand testimony to their potential and our commitment to nurturing new voices in cinema,” Nagarjuna proudly shared.
On the cusp of new projects, Nagarjuna is equally excited about his forthcoming films, including collaborations with directors like Lokesh Kanagaraj on the Tamil film Coolie, starring alongside legend Rajinikanth. Reflecting on his enthusiasm and the satisfying experience during filming, Nagarjuna humorously stated, “I was so eager to work with Lokesh after watching his films Kaithi and Vikram; it’s as if I manifested this opportunity.” Another upcoming venture sees him team up with director Sekhar Kammula for the film Kubera, offering him roles that starkly contrast, presenting both challenges and gratification in his acting journey.
With these developments, the ANR Awards 2024 not only heralds a celebration of legacy but also an invigorating insight into the future of cinema, built on a foundation of storied history and relentless innovation.
