Primary Country (Mandatory)

United States

Other Country (Optional)

Set News Language for United States

Primary Language (Mandatory)
English
Other Language[s] (Optional)
No other language available

Set News Language for World

Primary Language (Mandatory)
English
Other Language(s) (Optional)

Set News Source for United States

Primary Source (Mandatory)
CNN
Other Source[s] (Optional)

Set News Source for World

Primary Source (Mandatory)
AajTak
Other Source(s) (Optional)
  • Countries
    • India
    • United States
    • Qatar
    • Germany
    • China
    • Canada
    • World
  • Categories
    • National
    • International
    • Business
    • Entertainment
    • Sports
    • Special
    • All Categories
  • Available Languages for United States
    • English
  • All Languages
    • English
    • Hindi
    • Arabic
    • German
    • Chinese
    • French
  • Sources
    • India
      • AajTak
      • NDTV India
      • The Hindu
      • India Today
      • Zee News
      • NDTV
      • BBC
      • The Wire
      • News18
      • News 24
      • The Quint
      • ABP News
      • Zee News
      • News 24
    • United States
      • CNN
      • Fox News
      • Al Jazeera
      • CBSN
      • NY Post
      • Voice of America
      • The New York Times
      • HuffPost
      • ABC News
      • Newsy
    • Qatar
      • Al Jazeera
      • Al Arab
      • The Peninsula
      • Gulf Times
      • Al Sharq
      • Qatar Tribune
      • Al Raya
      • Lusail
    • Germany
      • DW
      • ZDF
      • ProSieben
      • RTL
      • n-tv
      • Die Welt
      • Süddeutsche Zeitung
      • Frankfurter Rundschau
    • China
      • China Daily
      • BBC
      • The New York Times
      • Voice of America
      • Beijing Daily
      • The Epoch Times
      • Ta Kung Pao
      • Xinmin Evening News
    • Canada
      • CBC
      • Radio-Canada
      • CTV
      • TVA Nouvelles
      • Le Journal de Montréal
      • Global News
      • BNN Bloomberg
      • Métro
MoreBack to News Headlines
Nagarjuna Akkineni: My father envisioned Annapurna Studios as a space where dreams turn into reality

Nagarjuna Akkineni: My father envisioned Annapurna Studios as a space where dreams turn into reality

The Hindu
Thursday, April 24, 2025 11:00 AM GMT

Nagarjuna Akkineni, Amala and Naga Chaitanya reminisce the origins and evolution of Annapurna Studios, as it celebrates its 50th year

Inside the expansive Annapurna Studios and its Annexe in Hyderabad, film units are busy shooting feature films, television shows, and web series across its 12 floors and backlots. Elsewhere, teams are at work in post-production, shaping content for final release. Meanwhile, students at the Annapurna College of Film and Media are learning the fundamentals of filmmaking. The energy is unmistakably dynamic.

“My father would have had tears in his eyes if he had heard that,” says actor-producer Nagarjuna Akkineni with a warm smile.

The studio, established by veteran actor-producer Akkineni Nageswara Rao and named after his wife, marks its 50th year. It played a key role in shifting the Telugu film industry from Chennai (then Madras) to Hyderabad. Today, Annapurna Studios houses India’s first Dolby Atmos Premier Sound Mixing Facility, a virtual production stage, and is preparing to launch a motion capture unit.

Reflecting on its origins, Nagarjuna recalls, “I wonder how my father envisioned it all. It was rocky terrain, full of shrubs and snakes. The road ended near KBR Park.” As a teenager, he witnessed conversations between his father and elder brother Venkat Akkineni as the foundation stone was laid in 1975. The studio opened the following year, in 1976.

Secretary, produced by D Ramanaidu and starring Nageswara Rao and Vanisri, was the first film made at Annapurna Studios. Nageswara Rao was firm in his belief — producers who wanted to work with him had to film in Hyderabad. “Dad lost out on several films because of that,” recalls Nagarjuna.

But gradually, projects began to take shape. “Films like Premabhishekam, which was shot here, became major hits. That sentiment worked in favour of the studio, and helped cement Hyderabad as a base for Telugu cinema.”

In the following decade, D Ramanaidu established Ramanaidu Studios and the late superstar Krishna launched Padmalaya Studios, accelerating the Telugu film industry’s move to Hyderabad.

Read full story on The Hindu
Share this story on:-
Run 3 Space | Play Space Running GamePlay Run 3, the ultimate space tunnel running game with 300+ challenging levels!Adv.
Traffic Jam 3D | Online Racing GameTraffic Jam 3D is a game where you’ll be driving through heavy traffic.Adv.
Duck Hunt | Play Old Classic GamePlay the classic 1984 light gun shooter game Duck Hunt on your browser.Adv.
More Related News
Highlighting 11 years of Modi govt., BJP attacks TMC govt.

Union Ministers Bhupendra Yadav and Sukanta Majumdar accuse Mamata Banerjee of hindering development in West Bengal.

Two journalists arrested in Noida over blackmail, extortion charges

Two journalists arrested for blackmail and extortion, charged with extorting large sums of money from news channel management.

Indian comfort food meets Ayurveda in Sapna Punjabi’s Dal Chawal

Culinary wellness specialist Sapna Punjabi celebrates everyday Indian dishes and their Ayurvedic roots in her debut cookbook, Dal Chawal

Markets climb in early trade mirroring firm global trends, foreign fund inflows

Equity indices rise on U.S.-China trade optimism, foreign fund inflows; Sensex up 118.11 points, Nifty up 33.3 points.

Valmiki scam case: ED raids homes of Ballari and Kudligi public representatives over suspected financial irregularities

Enforcement Directorate conducts raids on Ballari district officials' residences in connection with financial irregularities, ongoing investigation unfolds.

Toasteria in Thiruvananthapuram serves global flavours on the humble toast

Toasteria in Thiruvananthapuram offers global flavours in affordable sandwiches showcasing flavours from Japan, Turkey, the US and India.

Police officials exhibit apathy in kidnapping cases: Allahabad HC

Allahabad High Court criticizes police apathy in missing person cases, calls for accountability to prevent tragic outcomes.

AAP opposes proposed fee regulation bill, calls it 'anti-parent'

Atishi condemns BJP's secretive introduction of Fee Regulation Bill, demands public consultation and legislative scrutiny.

Honeymoon couple from U.P. goes missing in Sikkim

Newlywed couple from Uttar Pradesh missing in Sikkim after vehicle falls into Teesta river, search operation underway.

India has progressed on all fronts under Modi’s rule, says Union Minister

Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy highlights India's economic growth, poverty reduction, and improved security under Narendra Modi's rule.

Human wall organised against drug menace in Ernakulam

Ernakulam CPI(M) organizes human wall against drug menace with hundreds participating, supporting government efforts to curb drugs.

Meta to pay nearly $15 billion for Scale AI stake: Report

Meta agreed to take a 49% stake in artificial intelligence startup Scale AI for $14.8 billion, The Information reported.

Honeymoon horror: 'Prime accused Sonam came to Indore after husband's murder and stayed in flat'

Prime accused in Raja Raghuvanshi murder case visited Indore, stayed in rented flat; Meghalaya Police team investigates.

Parking Slot | Free Parking GamePlay Parking Slot, the best online 3D car driving and parking game.Adv.
Slope Ball Run - Play OnlineSlope Game takes you on an exciting journey of a ball on special paths.Adv.
Rajesh Pilot’s 25th death anniversary: How an accident cut short Congress leader’s career

Rajesh Pilot’s 25th death anniversary: Read more to know about how a tragic accident cut short Congress leader’s political career

Rahul writes to PM, flags delay in scholarships for students from marginalised communities

Rahul Gandhi highlights poor hostel conditions and scholarship delays for marginalized students in letter to PM Modi.

Singapore-flagged cargo ship fire: 40% of blaze in forward bay contained but vessel continues to emit heavy smoke

Indian authorities partially contain fire on MV Wan Hai 503 off Kerala coast, with international firefighting specialists on standby.

C. V. Raman hospital ties up with NGO to provide geriatric and palliative care closer to home in Bengaluru

The goal of palliative care is to prevent and relieve suffering and improve the quality of life for those battling terminal illnesses.

Pixar taps ‘Elemental’ director Peter Sohn for ‘Incredibles 3’ as Brad Bird hands over the reins

Pixar names Peter Sohn as director of Incredibles 3, with Brad Bird remaining involved as screenwriter and producer.

Bengaluru stampede: Spotlight back on relocation of Chinnaswamy stadium, BTC, BGC and APMC Yard

There are two instances where the government has shifted out such establishments out of the core city areas. The APMC yard, which was operating out of N.T. Pet, was shifted to Yeshwanthpur in the late 1980s, and HAL airport was shut down for passenger traffic and a new airport was built near Devanahalli. 

Eight IPS officers in Chhattisgarh get new postings for anti-Maoist operations

Chhattisgarh Government deploys eight IPS officers for anti-Maoist operations following ASP's death in IED blast.

Rajasthan received ₹2,11,000 crore from Centre since 2014: Bhajan Lal Sharma

Rajasthan CM praises Modi government's achievements, highlighting economic progress, infrastructure development, and welfare schemes in the state.

OpenAI rolls out o3-pro model; CEO Sam Altman says open-weights model needs more time

OpenAI announced that its o3-pro model was rolling out to all ChatGPT Pro users, as well as the API.

Palaniswami’s house, CBI’s Chennai branch office get hoax bomb threats

Palaniswami’s house, CBI’s Chennai branch office get hoax bomb threats

Raichur MP for parliamentary debate on Pahalgam attack, Operation Sindoor

Raichur MP G. Kumar Naik seeks parliamentary debate on Pahalgam attack, Operation Sindoor.

Demolition drive launched in Delhi's Bhoomiheen camp

Over 300 jhuggis in Govindpuri face demolition as authorities crack down on illegal encroachments, deploying heavy police force.

© 2008 - 2025 Webjosh  |  News Archive  |  Privacy Policy  |  Contact Us