Nagarjuna Rejects Biopic on ANR, Proposes Documentary Instead at IFFI
At the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI), actor Nagarjuna Akkineni responded to the ongoing speculation about a biopic on his legendary father, the iconic actor Akkineni Nageswara Rao (ANR). Nagarjuna firmly rejected the idea of a traditional biopic, instead suggesting that a documentary would be a more fitting tribute to ANR’s extraordinary life and career.
When asked about the possibility of an ANR biopic, Nagarjuna explained, “We have always talked about it, but I think it’s better to make a documentary on his life than a biopic. His life is filled with highs, and making a film would be difficult. For a film, we need ups and downs, but his life is full of accomplishments and success, which might make a fictionalized version less engaging for audiences.”
He further clarified, “In a documentary, ANR will play himself,” offering an authentic portrayal of his father’s remarkable journey. Nagarjuna’s remarks shed light on the challenges of turning ANR’s legacy into a cinematic narrative, especially given the lack of dramatic lows in his life that could fuel a conventional film plot.
This is not the first time the topic of an ANR biopic has been discussed. The idea of a biopic was reignited when actor Nandamuri Balakrishna made a biographical film about his own father, Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao (NTR). However, Nagarjuna and his family have consistently declined similar suggestions for ANR, emphasizing that his life’s story might be better suited to a more factual and respectful documentary format rather than a fictionalized account.
Nagarjuna’s decision to prioritize a documentary over a film highlights the desire to preserve the dignity of ANR’s legacy while presenting his life’s narrative in the most honest and compelling way possible.
