During the rule of  Kalyani Chalukyas and Hoyasalas in Karnataka region, Amarasilpi Jakkanna transformed lifeless rocks into amazing sculptures. Born nearby current day Tumkur of Karnataka, Jakkanna’s life is art filled in every respect. He has tremendous dedication towards sculptures with his unfaltering determination and hard work. Jakkanna also has a love story where he falls for a dancer named Manjari and marries her. His life is filled with tragedy when he separates from his wife and even turns mentally unstable. Jakkanna transforms to a normal person with the blessing of Ramanuja Acharya, and constructs a temple on the name of Lord Chennakesava and reunites with his family. Prominent cinematographer and director B.S.Ranga (Cameraman for evergreen Devadasu) made ‘Amarasilpi Jakkanna’ in Telugu and Kannada languages respectively and this amazing film completed 50 years.

Released on 27^th March 1964 in Telugu, Amarasilpi Jakkanna is a perfect blend of Music, Literature and Performances. ANR and B.Saroja Devi gave life to the roles of Jakkanna and Manjari. Veteran actors like Nagaiah, Haranath and Dhulipalla also acted in the film. Senior Samudrala wrote the dialogues for the film. Along with him, the songs penned by C.Narayana Reddy and Dasaradhi are mesmerizing. C.Narayana Reddy wrote a song ‘Ee Nallani Raalalo Ye Kannulu Daageno’ for the radio play named Ramappa Gudi was used for this film and brilliantly tuned by music director S.Rajeshwara Rao. This song became like a standard for any singer who would want to win a prize in any competition. ‘Niluvuma Niluvuma’, ‘Andala Bommatho Aatadava’, ‘Manase Vikasinchera’, ‘Madhuramaina Jeevithala Kadha Inthena’ also became evergreen hits. B.S.Ranga who earlier made the successful film Tenali Ramakrishna starring stalwarts like Sr.NTR and ANR attained success with Amarasilpi Jakkanna as well. It is interesting to note that Jayalalilthaa, current day CM of Tamil Nadu began her film career by appearing in a dance sequence for this film.

Amarasilpi Jakkanna remains fresh in presentation and every aspect of film making despite completing 50 years and continues to generate artistic amazement to the audience.