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

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.