In a grand homage to the legendary Indian actor Akkineni Nageswara Rao (ANR), a retrospective film festival titled “ANR 100: King of the Silver Screen” is set to celebrate the centenary of his birth. The festival will commemorate Rao’s remarkable contributions to Indian cinema on the occasion of what would have been his 100th birthday on September 20. Spearheaded by his family and supported by several prestigious film organizations, the event promises to rekindle memories of his cinematic brilliance across the nation.
This special initiative, organized through a collaborative effort involving the late actor’s family, the Film Heritage Foundation, the National Film Development Corporation, the National Film Archive of India, and PVR-Inox, intends to showcase 10 of ANR’s most cherished films. These meticulously restored classics will be screened in theaters nationwide from September 20 to 22. The festival encompasses a broad geography, presenting films in 25 cities including Hyderabad, Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Bengaluru, Vadodara, Jalandhar, Rourkela, Warangal, Kakinada, and Tumkur.
The lineup of curated films mirrors ANR’s diverse artistic range and includes historically significant works like “Devadasu” (1953), “Missamma” (1955), “Mayabazar” (1957), “Bharya Bharthalu” (1961), “Gundamma Katha” (1962), “Doctor Chakravarthi” (1964), “Sudigundalu” (1968), “Prem Nagar” (1971), “Premabhishekam” (1981), and “Manam” (2014). Each title resonates deeply with multiple generations and underscores ANR’s momentous impact on Indian cinema.
Shivendra Singh Dungarpur, representing the Film Heritage Foundation, conveyed immense enthusiasm about the project: “This festival follows successful retrospectives dedicated to icons like Amitabh Bachchan, Dilip Kumar, and Dev Anand. The carefully selected films spanning from 1953 to 2014 highlight some of ANR’s biggest blockbusters. They continue to connect with audiences, even after several decades.”
The festival presents an opportunity for contemporary audiences to experience ANR’s magnetic screen presence. Actor Nagarjuna Akkineni, ANR’s son, elaborated on his father’s versatile talent and enduring legacy: “My father was aptly christened Natasamrat due to his remarkable ability to don a vast array of roles – from a saint to an alcoholic to a romantic hero. His performances in films like ‘Devadasu,’ ‘Premabhishekam,’ ‘Doctor Chakravarthi,’ and ‘Sudigundalu’ have endured in people’s hearts for decades.
. He was a true pioneer who established Annapurna Studios, laying the foundational stones of the Telugu film industry in our State. We are incredibly proud of his legacy, and through this festival, audiences will have the chance to remember an icon of Indian cinema. Our mission is to preserve his legacy, ensuring that future generations continue to remember him for another century.”
Amitabh Bachchan, a luminary of Indian cinema and a close associate of the Film Heritage Foundation, reminisced about ANR’s humility and simplicity: “This marks the first-time retrospective of this scale specifically honoring Telugu cinema. It offers contemporary audiences an extraordinary chance to experience ANR’s screen poise, versatility, and range.”
Akkineni Nageswara Rao’s career spanned an impressive 71 years, during which he wore multiple hats as both an actor and producer. His repertoire includes over 250 films across Telugu, Hindi, and Tamil languages, further cementing his place in the annals of Indian cinema.
The excellence and diverse spectrum of ANR’s work present an incredible legacy that resonates widely, making him a household name across time. Festivals such as “ANR 100: King of the Silver Screen” are paramount in highlighting cultural patrimony and rendering it accessible to new audiences. As the world speeds ahead, remembering and celebrating stalwarts like ANR keeps the heritage alive and thriving.
Come September 20, the centenary celebrations and film festival promise an incredible tribute, ensuring that ANR’s indelible mark on cinema is cherished and remembered. Audiences across India can look forward to re-experiencing the brilliance of his artistry and the nostalgia captured through these classic films.
As the curtain rises on this monumental event, it serves as a reminder of ANR’s unparalleled legacy and his significant contributions that have shaped the contours of Indian and Telugu cinema. Here’s to celebrating a legend and ensuring his influential work continues to inspire for the next century.
