In an event poised to be a memorable convergence of celebration and reverence, the ANR Awards 2024 are all set to take center stage on October 28 in Hyderabad. For actor-producer Nagarjuna Akkineni and his family, this year’s event holds an unmatched significance as it marks the centenary celebrations of the late Akkineni Nageswara Rao, affectionately known as ANR. Legendary Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan will have the distinct honor of presenting this year’s ANR Award to none other than the Telugu cinema icon, Chiranjeevi, in recognition of his exceptional contributions to Indian cinema.
During a brief respite in his shooting schedule at Annapurna Studios in Hyderabad, Nagarjuna shared with The Hindu what the ANR Awards symbolize for Indian cinema. He reflected on previous awardees like the visionary filmmaker SS Rajamouli, whose works such as “Baahubali” have catapulted Indian cinema onto the global stage. While Indian films have long received international recognition, they have not always succeeded commercially. Rajamouli, however, has bridged this divide, showcasing Indian narratives to wider audiences worldwide.
Selecting Chiranjeevi as this year’s honoree, Nagarjuna remarked, “Chiranjeevi stands as a monumental figure in the chronicles of Telugu cinema. My father, ANR, envisioned cinema as a medium of entertainment accessible to all, transcending niche audiences. Chiranjeevi’s films resonate across the country, and he embodies a holistic approach through his societal contributions like his blood bank and numerous charitable initiatives.”
As homage to the ANR centenary, celebrations have unfolded throughout the year, including the unveiling of a statue of Akkineni Nageswara Rao at Annapurna Studios, accompanied by the release of a commemorative postal stamp. Ten of ANR’s cherished Telugu classics, painstakingly restored by the Film Heritage Foundation in collaboration with the National Film Archives of India (NFAI), have been screened across various theatres in India.
A notable effort in preserving cinematic history, Annapurna Studios hosted a film restoration workshop in 2019 under the guidance of the Film Heritage Foundation. Highlighting the urgency and challenge of this mission, Nagarjuna lamented, “Regrettably, the storage of many Telugu, Tamil, and Hindi films has been suboptimal. Restoring a single print can cost nearly ₹80 lakh. Frequently, discovering the original negatives is an arduous task.”
Nagarjuna cited his 1989 film “Geethanjali,” a beloved musical romance directed by Mani Ratnam, explaining, “The negatives are riddled with holes, and the positives are no longer viable. We presently have only the substandard quality seen on television. The journey to convert these into a 4K digital format is lengthy. If this is the condition for films from the ’80s, it’s daunting to consider older classics. Restoring my father’s ‘Devadasu’ was akin to a nightmare, but we’ve managed it. Viewing it was like stepping into a time machine. We enhanced not just visuals but audio quality as well.
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Of the 21 films of ANR that have been restored, ten were selectively chosen by the family for public screenings, with others poised for restoration. “The films ANR produced were notably well-preserved, and we continue to ensure all productions by Annapurna Studios are stored with utmost care,” Nagarjuna added.
Addressing the accessibility of these restored classics, Nagarjuna shared, “These films are now a part of NFAI’s collection, and discussions are ongoing to make them available through the Annapurna Studios website. However, due to existing satellite rights held by television channels, sharing these versions on other digital platforms is challenging. There is talk of NFAI establishing a dedicated platform or channel where audiences can access restored classics across languages, on a paid basis.”
As Nagarjuna furthers his father’s cinematic vision, Annapurna Studios is evolving, notably with the development of a Virtual Production Stage. He outlined plans for introducing advanced technology in post-production, highlighting AI (artificial intelligence) as an integral asset in creative enhancement. “Amitabh Bachchan’s voice was AI-generated for Kalki in Telugu. This opens new avenues for actors working across languages. In every facet, from writing to music to post-production, AI can be a powerful ally if employed creatively.”
Nagarjuna also underscored the role of Annapurna College of Film and Media, noting proudly, “Our graduates, including writers, directors, and technicians, are making significant strides. A Telugu film by alumni, ‘Aarambham,’ received acclaim. Many short films by current students, submitted to international film festivals, showcase impressive talent.”
Transitioning to his imminent projects, Nagarjuna spoke with enthusiasm about his upcoming Tamil film “Coolie,” directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj and featuring superstar Rajinikanth. With a gleeful grin, he recounted, “After witnessing Lokesh’s films like ‘Kaithi’ and ‘Vikram,’ the aspiration to collaborate with him materialized in ‘Coolie.’ The filming experience has been thoroughly gratifying.”
Nagarjuna is also involved in Sekhar Kammula’s “Kubera,” co-starring Dhanush. “The role contrasts sharply with my character in ‘Coolie.’ I’ve long admired Sekhar’s sensibilities—it’s been a process of both unlearning and learning. Sekhar often instructs me not to walk like a stereotypical hero. While trying to explain it’s my natural gait, he persistently seeks something more genuine. It’s been an enlightening experience.”
As the ANR Awards 2024 approaches, the celebrations promise not just to honor revered talent like Chiranjeevi but to also reaffirm the legacy of a cinematic dynasty that continues to thrive and inspire future generations.
