Annamayya

Annamayya is a 1997 Indian Telugu-language hagiographical film directed by K. Raghavendra Rao and produced by V. Doraswamy Raju under the VMC Productions banner. The film portrays the life of the 15th century composer Annamacharya, played by Nagarjuna who features alongside an ensemble cast including Mohan Babu, Suman, Ramya Krishna, Bhanupriya, Roja, and Kasthuri. The film has score and soundtrack composed by M. M. Keeravani. Upon release, the film received positive reviews and won eight Nandi Awards, three Filmfare Awards and two National Film Awards. The film was featured in the Indian panorama mainstream section at the 29th IFFI. Plot Vishnu listens to requests from his consort Lakshmi, that there weren't many people singing songs in praise of the Lord. In response, the Lord sends his sword Nandaka, to be born as Annamacharya (Annamayya) to a childless couple - Narayana Suri and Lakkamba in Tallapaka village, Kadapa District. Growing up as a normal young man, Annamayya loves his 2 cousins Timakka & Akkalamma who thinks that they are the most beautiful creations of God. Lord Vishnu appears in front of Annamayya in disguise and accepts a challenge from him to show someone more beautiful than his cousins - God in the form of Lord Venkateswara in a temple in his village. Upon discovering the beauty of the Lord, Annamayya is lost in a different world and ends up making a pilgrimage to Tirumala Venkateswara Temple without planning or informing his parents. As he finds pilgrims entering the holy hills (Saptagiri- seven hills), he embarks on his journey towards Him. But, he is lost and is helped by Goddess Lakshmi herself in the form of an old lady by informs him that his footwear was preventing his progress. Also weakened by fasting, Annamayya accepts Laddu - a Prasadam from the food consecrated by the Lord himself. Upon reaching Tirumala, he is enthralled by the beauty of God and settles there to write and sing hymns in praise of the Lord.