Hyderabad is abuzz with excitement as the ANR Awards 2024 approaches, set to take place on October 28. This annual event bears special importance this year, marking the centennial celebration of Akkineni Nageswara Rao, a towering figure in Indian cinema. The awards ceremony, which will unfold amidst grandeur, is poised to honor Telugu film industry stalwart Chiranjeevi with the prestigious ANR Award, an accolade that celebrates remarkable contributions to Indian cinema. Legendary actor Amitabh Bachchan, known for his unparalleled charisma and profound impact on Indian films, will be presenting this award, adding further glory to the event.
In an exclusive interaction with The Hindu, during a filming break at the renowned Annapurna Studios, Nagarjuna Akkineni, son of the legendary ANR and a distinguished actor-producer himself, expressed deep pride in continuing his father’s legacy through this event. Nagarjuna explained that the ANR Awards are dedicated to those who have significantly elevated Indian cinema, citing the example of SS Rajamouli, a previous recipient whose innovative storytelling and ambitious projects have brought Indian cinema into global limelight. Of Rajamouli, Nagarjuna remarks, “He has transformed Indian cinema by achieving both critical acclaim and commercial success on a global scale.”
Delving into the choice of Chiranjeevi for this year’s honor, Nagarjuna noted, “Chiranjeevi is embedded in the fabric of Telugu cinema history. My father championed the idea of cinema being an entertainment medium that reaches everyone beyond select audiences. Chiranjeevi epitomizes this vision with his films earning recognition nationwide and reflecting his comprehensive societal contribution through initiatives like his blood bank and other charitable efforts.”
As part of ANR’s centenary festivities, a statue of the immortal actor was unveiled earlier this year at Annapurna Studios, alongside the release of a commemorative postal stamp. Additionally, a selection of ten Telugu classics featuring ANR, painstakingly restored by the Film Heritage Foundation in collaboration with the National Film Archives of India (NFAI), made their way back to theatres across the country.
Reflecting on this endeavor, Nagarjuna lamented the challenges faced in preserving cinematic history, pointing out that many original prints of Telugu, Tamil, and Hindi films have deteriorated over time. The restoration process is both costly and complex. He offered the poignant case of “Geethanjali,” a renowned musical romance from 1989. The negatives of this beloved film have suffered significant damage, with the available versions plagued by issues, necessitating extensive creative intervention to be upgraded to today’s digital standards. “If this is the state of films from the ’80s, envision what older classics endure,” he said, recalling the arduous restoration of his father’s iconic “Devadasu” as both a challenging and rewarding journey back in time.
Nagarjuna revealed that the family has successfully restored 21 of ANR’s films, with 10 already screened to the public, while more restorations are underway.
. He proudly acknowledged his father’s foresight in ensuring the films he produced were well-preserved. The Annapurna Studios’ film archive has similarly benefited from meticulous care.
When queried about the possibility of making these restored films digitally accessible, Nagarjuna explained that they are now integral to NFAI’s repository. Discussions are ongoing about potentially streaming them via the Annapurna Studios website. Digital rights, he noted, are often tied to television networks, complicating distribution on broader digital platforms. Encouragingly, NFAI is considering launching its own platform or channel that might provide audiences with a paid-viewing option to enjoy restored classics in various languages.
Nagarjuna’s ongoing commitment to his father’s vision extends beyond preservation. Annapurna Studios is at the forefront of adopting cutting-edge technologies, introducing a Virtual Production Stage, and exploring artificial intelligence (AI) advancements for enriching the creative process in filmmaking. Citing AI’s potential, he enthusiastically described its role in enhancing diverse aspects of film production, from writing to post-production, and highlighted AI-generated voice technology utilized for Amitabh Bachchan in Telugu cinema as an example of innovation.
The educational arm of the studio, Annapurna College of Film and Media, further contributes to his father’s enduring legacy. Many alumni have gone on to become accomplished in various industry roles, and recent projects, such as the Telugu film “Aarambham,” created by alumni, have received acclaim. The current students’ short films are gaining traction at international film festivals, a development that fills Nagarjuna with immense pride.
In terms of his cinematic ventures, Nagarjuna is poised for diverse roles with a slew of projects. He has collaborated with acclaimed director Lokesh Kanagaraj on “Coolie,” starring the legendary Rajinikanth, an opportunity he sees as a realization of his keen ambition after admiring Kanagaraj’s previous works, “Kaithi” and “Vikram.” Furthermore, Nagarjuna features in Sekhar Kammula’s “Kubera,” sharing the screen with Dhanush. This role, Nagarjuna explains, challenges him to step away from the traditional heroic mold, offering a valuable learning experience guided by Kammula’s unique storytelling approach, which delights him.
As the ANR Awards 2024 draws near, Nagarjuna remains devoted to his mission of preserving and propagating the cinematic legacy his father established, navigating the ever-evolving landscape of Indian cinema with a blend of traditional reverence and pioneering spirit.
