The movie ANNAMAYYA would definitely be on the top of the list in the spiritual movies of Telugu cinema. Being it an adaptation of a Hindu saint, the worshipper of Lord Venkateswara, it created a huge impact at that point in time. Released in the year 1997, Annamayya stars Nagarjuna as Annamayya.
Born in Tallapaka, Annamayya was a 15th century Hindu saint who is famous for his religious Sankeerthans and Carnatic music. Raghavendra Rao directed this devotional movie which was produced by V Doraswamy. Akkineni Nagarjuna, Mohan Babu, Suman, Ramya Krishna, Bhanupriya, Roja, Kasturi were seen in important roles in the movie ANNAMAYYA.
It was a time when the modern culture was spreading into the movies with actors in modern attires, disco sets, fast beat rap music and modern dances. Annamayya stood as the game changer, with the pious appeal and classy touch. In that age when everything was being modernized, to create a huge impact with a devotional movie was not a cake walk. It is definitely one of the greatest movies by Raghavendra Rao. Nagarjuna will forever be remembered as 'Annamayya' because he lived in the role of the Hindu saint.
This flick has received many prestigious awards too. With 8 Nandi Awards, 3 Filmfare Awards and 2 National Awards, Anammayya still stands as an unsurpassed devotional movie.
This day marks for the 21 years after Annamayya was released. But, it is the same spiritual appeal when we watch the movie. Music by MM Keeravani is still very close to the heart, with the songs being played at some temples even today. The life story of a legend who created a huge impact on Telugu literature is celebrated via this spiritual movie ANNAMAYYA even today.