100 years of Akkineni Nageswara Rao: 10 best films of the Telugu actor and his enduring legacy

The late legendary Telugu actor Akkineni Nageswara Rao turned 100 on September 20, 2023.

Akkineni Nageswara Rao’s, centenary celebrations were celebrated in Hyderabad on September 20 and on this occasion, a statue of him was inaugurated at the Annapurna Studios by former vice-president M Venkaiah Naidu on Wednesday.

Bronze statue unveiled at Annapurna Studios, Hyderabad, on September 20, to mark Akkineni Nageswara Rao's centenary year celebrations.

Lovingly known as ANR, the contemporary of NT Rama Rao, Akkineni Nageswara Rao is an immortal figure in the realm of Telugu cinema, celebrated for his exceptional talents and charismatic presence. His greatness extends beyond the silver screen, encompassing his indelible contributions to Telugu cinema as a film producer and the deep-rooted affection of his fans.

ANR's acting prowess remains unparalleled. His ability to effortlessly slip into a wide array of roles, from romantic leads to mythological characters, showcased his versatility. His contributions as an actor and producer left an indelible mark on the Telugu film industry.

His portrayal of Devadasu, the lovelorn alcoholic in the eponymous film, became iconic. He embodied the character's pathos so convincingly that generations remember him as the quintessential Devadas, making the film a classic.

Nageswara Rao’s roles in mythological films, such as Lord Rama in Lava Kusa and Lord Venkateswara in Annapurna, were celebrated for their divine portrayal. His dedication to these roles added a spiritual dimension to his filmography. His romantic films, like Prem Nagar and Premaabhishekam, solidified his status as a romantic hero. His on-screen chemistry with leading ladies made him the heartthrob of his era.

Beyond the realms of romance and mythology, ANR proved his versatility with his comic timing in films like Missamma and intense roles in classics like Mayabazar. His range endeared him to audiences of all ages.

Akkineni Nageswara Rao (left) in a still from 'Missamma' (1955).

ANR wasn't just an actor; he was also a prolific producer. His production company, Annapurna Pictures, contributed to several successful films, fostering talent and expanding the horizons of Telugu cinema. His contributions were celebrated with numerous awards, including multiple Nandi Awards and the Dada Saheb Phalke Award. His accolades reflect the industry's acknowledgment of his brilliance.

Akkineni Nageswara Rao's greatness isn't confined to his films; it's a testament to his dedication, versatility, and the everlasting love of his fans. He remains  an eternal inspiration in the annals of Telugu cinema, an actor whose legacy will continue to shine as a guiding star for generations to come.

Naga Chaitanya (extreme left) in the film 'Manam' (2013), before he died in 2014." width="770" height="433" /> Akkineni Nageswara Rao acted with son Nagarjuna (right) and grandsons Akhil Akkineni and Naga Chaitanya (extreme left) in the film 'Manam' (2013), before he died in 2014.

ANR's legacy continues to thrive through his family, including his son Akkineni Nagarjuna and grandsons Akkineni Naga Chaitanya and Akhil Akkineni, who have carved their own niches in Telugu cinema.

Nagarjuna shared his sentiments, saying, "I had a strong feeling that my father was still among us, so I didn't feel the need to see the statue beforehand. I also express my gratitude to the sculptors for their outstanding work."

Describing his father as a remarkable man, Nagarjuna went on to say, "He portrayed numerous iconic roles and received prestigious honors both in India and abroad for his remarkable body of work. He left an indelible mark in the hearts of millions of Telugu people. However, to me and my siblings, he was not just a legendary actor but also a loving and caring father who showered us with immense love and affection."

Nagarjuna emphasised that ANR (Akkineni Nageswar Rao) was a constant source of support during both good and challenging times. "He would warmly welcome us into his home with a smile, and within minutes, our problems would find resolutions through his wisdom. He always maintained a positive outlook on life," Nagarjuna recalls. He further mentioned that the statue of ANR was placed in his favorite spot at Annapoorna Studios, emphasizing that his father's presence continues to resonate with them. "He is, in essence, still with us," Nagarjuna says.

Expressing his heartfelt gratitude, Nagarjuna extended his thanks to M Venkaiah Naidu, T Subbirami Reddy, and others for gracing the occasion and making it truly memorable. He reserved special appreciation for the devoted Akkineni fans who had traveled from various places to participate in the event. "My father used to refer to his fans as 'his gods,' and I thank each and every one of them," Nagarjuna says, "ANR Lives On."

Here's revisiting the icon's 10 greatest films that left an indelible mark on Telugu and Indian cinema:

100 years of Akkineni Nageswara Rao, the late Telugu film actor and producer.

Devadasu (1953)

ANR's portrayal of the tragic character Devadasu in this classic film is legendary. His performance in this film is still remembered as one of his finest.

Mayabazar (1957)

In this epic mythological film, ANR played the role of Lord Krishna. His chemistry with NT Rama Rao in the film is iconic, and it remains one of the greatest Telugu films ever made.

Premabhishekam (1981)

ANR starred as a terminally ill man in this heartwarming film. His portrayal of the character, who remains cheerful despite his condition, earned him accolades. Starring opposite him is Sridevi.

Missamma (1955)

ANR displayed his impeccable comic timing in this delightful comedy film. His role as Venkat Rao alongside Savitri was widely appreciated.

Sri Krishnarjuna Yuddham (1963)

In this mythological drama, ANR played dual roles as Lord Krishna and Arjuna. His performance as both characters showcased his acting prowess.

Batasari (1961)

ANR's portrayal of a rural villager in this film was highly acclaimed. The film's success was attributed to his stellar performance.

Mooga Manasulu (1963)

ANR starred in this emotional drama, portraying the character of a blind musician. His sensitive portrayal of the role earned him critical acclaim.

Iddaru Mitrulu (1961)

ANR appeared alongside NT Rama Rao in this classic film. His chemistry with NTR and his performance as a loving father were highlights of the movie.

Rojulu Marayi (1955)

ANR's role in this romantic drama was notable for its freshness and charm. His on-screen chemistry with actress Jamuna was well-received.

Pelli Chesi Choodu (1952)

This comedy film featured ANR in a lead role. His impeccable comedic timing and the film's humor made it a memorable classic. These films not only highlight ANR's acting prowess but also showcase his versatility in various genres, cementing his status as a legendary actor in Telugu cinema.

Akkineni Nageswara Rao's greatness isn't confined to his films; it's a testament to his dedication, versatility, and the everlasting love of his fans. He remains an eternal inspiration in the annals of Telugu cinema, an actor whose legacy will continue to shine as a guiding star for generations to come.