In a grand tribute to one of Indian cinema’s most illustrious stars, a retrospective film festival titled *ANR 100: King of the Silver Screen* is set to pay homage to the legendary actor Akkineni Nageswara Rao (ANR). Marking the centenary of his birth on September 20, the late actor’s family has coordinated with prestigious organizations such as the Film Heritage Foundation, National Film Development Corporation, National Film Archive of India, and PVR-Inox to bring this celebration to life. This significant event will see the screening of ten of ANR’s most acclaimed films in theaters across India from September 20 to 22.
The meticulously chosen classics span a remarkable period from 1953 to 2014 and 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)*. These restored films will grace the screens in 25 cities including Hyderabad, Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Bengaluru, Vadodara, Jalandhar, Rourkela, Warangal, Kakinada, and Tumkur, among others.
Shivendra Singh Dungarpur from the Film Heritage Foundation highlighted the significance of this event, noting it follows the successful retrospectives of other legendary actors such as 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 after decades,” he said. The choice effectively encapsulates the essence of ANR’s versatile career, showcasing his ability to engage audiences through a diverse array of roles and storylines.
ANR’s son, prominent actor Nagarjuna Akkineni, shed light on his father’s monumental legacy in the film industry. “My father was rightly called Natasamrat for his ability to play a range of roles – 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 loved even today,” he shared. Nagarjuna also spoke about ANR’s role as a pioneer in the Telugu film industry, especially his establishment of Annapurna Studios, which laid the foundational stone for the industry in their state. “We are proud of his legacy and through this festival, audiences across the country will remember an icon of Indian cinema.
. We would like to preserve this legacy so that people will remember him for another 100 years,” he expressed.
The festival will not only be a spectacular visual feast for cinephiles but also a significant opportunity for contemporary audiences to experience the exceptional screen presence, versatility, and range of ANR. Bollywood stalwart Amitabh Bachchan, who has been closely associated with the Film Heritage Foundation, reminisced about ANR’s humility and simplicity. “This is the first time a retrospective on this scale has been done for Telugu cinema. The festival will give contemporary audiences an opportunity to experience ANR’s screen presence, versatility, and range,” Bachchan remarked.
Throughout a career that spanned an incredible 71 years, Akkineni Nageswara Rao captivated the hearts of millions as both an actor and a producer. He worked in over 250 films across Telugu, Hindi, and Tamil languages, leaving an indelible mark on Indian cinema. His journey began humbly, but his talent and dedication quickly propelled him to stardom, earning him a revered place in the annals of film history.
Each film selected for the centenary festival contributes to narrating the larger-than-life story of ANR, illustrating his evolution as an actor and his enduring impact on the industry. The retrospective is a comprehensive homage, covering several decades of iconic performances, each contributing to his legacy in distinct ways.
As the date of the centenary celebrations approaches, the anticipation among fans and film enthusiasts is palpable. The screenings promise not just a nostalgic journey for those familiar with ANR’s work but also an enlightening experience for new viewers, providing a glimpse into the golden era of Indian cinema and the genius of Akkineni Nageswara Rao.
The ANR 100: King of the Silver Screen festival is poised to be a landmark event, ensuring that the legacy of one of the greatest actors in Indian cinema continues to inspire and enthrall audiences for many generations to come.
