On May 23, Tollywood legend Akkineni Nagarjuna turned a nostalgic spotlight on two films that define his illustrious career. The actor‑producer reflected on the day he first stepped onto the silver screen as a hero in the 1986 classic Vikram, a film that launched him into stardom. Thirty‑eight years later, the same calendar date marked the release of Manam (2014), a heartfelt family drama that became the swan song of his legendary father, Akkineni Nageswara Rao. Manam was a rare cinematic experiment that brought three generations of the Akkineni clan together – ANR, Nagarjuna and his son Naga Chaitanya – and gave fans an unforgettable farewell to the patriarch.
In a heartfelt Instagram post, Nagarjuna thanked fans for their continued blessings, calling May 23 “the date I cannot forget.” He recalled the pride of producing Manam, which not only honored his father’s legacy but also showcased his own evolution as a storyteller. While the actor is currently shooting his 100th film under director Ra. Karthik, he remains focused on reinventing himself for this career milestone, promising a multi‑language release later this year.
Nagarjuna’s reflections also hinted at his fierce independence in choosing projects, a trait he’s cultivated over four decades of cinema. From early hits like Siva and Annamayya to recent successes such as Soggade Chinni Nayana, he’s been dubbed Tollywood’s “Celluloid Scientist.” As fans celebrate his journey, the iconic star remains grounded, grateful for every blessing and eager to write the next chapter of his cinematic saga.
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