A grand celebration is set to honor the legendary life and extraordinary career of Akkineni Nageswara Rao, fondly known as ANR, as he reaches his 100th birthday on September 20. The family of the late actor, in collaboration with the Film Heritage Foundation, National Film Development Corporation, National Film Archive of India, and PVR-Inox, have put together a retrospective film festival titled “ANR 100: King of the Silver Screen”. This special tribute will feature ten of ANR’s most memorable films, screened across 25 cities in India from September 20 to 22. The cities include Hyderabad, Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Bengaluru, Vadodara, Jalandhar, Rourkela, Warangal, Kakinada, and Tumkur.
The films, painstakingly restored to their original glory, include 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). This selection spans six decades, offering viewers a rare opportunity to witness the evolution of ANR’s artistry and the cinematic achievements of Telugu cinema over an extensive period.
Shivendra Singh Dungarpur of the Film Heritage Foundation commented, “This festival follows our successful retrospectives on Amitabh Bachchan, Dilip Kumar, and Dev Anand. The selection of films in this retrospective, from 1953 to 2014, includes some of ANR’s biggest hits, which continue to resonate with people even after decades.”
Actor Nagarjuna Akkineni, ANR’s son, paid heartfelt tribute to his father’s versatility and pioneering spirit. “My father was rightly called Natasamrat for his ability to portray a wide range of characters – from a saint to an alcoholic to a romantic hero – in a way that has stayed in people’s hearts for decades. His performances in Devadasu, Premabhishekam, Doctor Chakravarthi, and Sudigundalu are still loved today. He was a trailblazer who laid the foundation for the Telugu film industry by establishing Annapurna Studios. We are proud of his legacy, and through this festival, audiences across the country will remember an icon of Indian cinema. We hope to preserve this legacy so that people will remember him for another 100 years,” Nagarjuna said.
Amitabh Bachchan, who has closely associated himself with the Film Heritage Foundation, expressed his admiration for ANR. “This is the first time a retrospective on this scale has been done for Telugu cinema.
. The festival will provide contemporary audiences with an opportunity to experience ANR’s screen presence, versatility, and range. I remember being struck by ANR’s humility and simplicity,” said the Bollywood star.
ANR’s career, which spanned 71 years, saw him work both as an actor and a producer in more than 250 films in Telugu, Hindi, and Tamil. Known for his groundbreaking roles and trendsetting performances, ANR set a high standard for the craft of cinema. His contributions go beyond acting; he was an industry pioneer who established Annapurna Studios, thus shaping the future of Telugu cinema.
The centenary celebrations aim to highlight not just ANR’s films but also his impact on Indian cinema. The retrospective will showcase his versatility from classical dramas to social narratives, comedies, and romantic films. Each film selected for the festival provides a snapshot of an era, capture the essence of ANR’s unique ability to embody different characters with ease and depth.
Devadasu, where ANR played the tragic hero, is considered one of his finest performances, while Missamma showcased his adaptability in a comedic role. The ethereal Mayabazar, a historical visual treat, remains an iconic film in Indian cinema. Films like Bharya Bharthalu, Gundamma Katha, and Doctor Chakravarthi further established his reputation as an actor of great range while Sudigundalu and Prem Nagar demonstrated his ability to address social issues and entertain at the same time. Premabhishekam remains a landmark in Telugu film history, and Manam, his last significant film, united three generations of his family on-screen, leaving an indelible mark on audiences.
The significance of ANR’s work is not confined to the silver screen alone. His pioneering initiatives, such as the establishment of Annapurna Studios, provided a solid foundation for the Telugu film industry in terms of infrastructure and professional practices. This film festival, with its wide reach across India, promises to be a fitting tribute to a man whose legacy continues to inspire generations within the Indian film fraternity and beyond.
Don’t miss this unparalleled opportunity to relive the brilliance of ANR, the King of the Silver Screen, and celebrate his centenary through these timeless classics.
