Nagarjuna marks 12 years of 'Manam' and the magic of May 23
Synopsis
For Nagarjuna Akkineni, May 23 is not just a date on the calendar — it is where his story began and where it reached one of its most emotional peaks. His 1986 debut 'Vikram' and his father ANR's final film 'Manam', now 12 years old, both share this date, making it a day of personal reckoning that no award or box-office number can replicate.
Key Takeaways
Nagarjuna Akkineni marked 12 years of 'Manam' on 23 May 2025 with a heartfelt note on X.
23 May 1986 was the date of his debut as a leading man in 'Vikram' , making the date doubly significant. 'Manam' was the final on-screen appearance of his legendary father Akkineni Nageswara Rao (ANR) .
The film featured three generations of the Akkineni family — ANR , Nagarjuna , Chaitanya , and Akhil Akkineni .
Annapurna Studios posted tributes on X celebrating both the film's legacy and Nagarjuna's journey.
Telugu star Nagarjuna Akkineni on Saturday, 23 May penned a heartfelt note of gratitude as his landmark film 'Manam' completed 12 years — a milestone that also carries deep personal and professional significance for the actor. The day, he wrote, is one he cannot forget.
Why May 23 Is Special for Nagarjuna
The date holds a rare double meaning in Nagarjuna's life. It was on 23 May 1986 that he first stepped before the camera as a leading man, in the film 'Vikram' — marking his debut as a hero in Telugu cinema. Decades later, the same date became even more emotionally charged when 'Manam' released as the final on-screen appearance of his legendary father, Akkineni Nageswara Rao (ANR).
Nagarjuna's Note of Gratitude
Taking to his X (formerly Twitter) timeline, Nagarjuna wrote: 'Thank you for all the blessings and love being showered on me today — May 23!! the date I cannot forget!! The day which I had the honour of producing and releasing the last film MANAM of my legendary father ANR. The film in which I had the privilege of working both with my father and my sons.'
He added: 'Years ago MAY 23 also gave me the opportunity to release my first film Vikram, an opportunity to entertain you, to be blessed and loved by all of you. My deepest gratitude to all the fans who have stood by me all these years. Looking forward for many more May 23s.'
Annapurna Studios Pays Tribute
Annapurna Studios, Nagarjuna's production house, marked the occasion with two posts on X. The first celebrated the film's legacy: 'A film. A family. A legacy that lives forever. 12 years ago, #Manam became more than just a movie — it became an emotion cherished by audiences. Celebrating 12 years of memories, magic, and timeless storytelling. #12YearsForClassicManam #ANRLivesOn.'
A second post highlighted the actor's personal journey: 'May 23rd. From the very first step to becoming the King of countless hearts — here's to a journey that inspired generations. On this very special day celebrating the legacy, grace and timeless charisma of KING @iamnagarjuna Garu.'
A Career Built on Reinvention
Fondly called Tollywood's 'Celluloid Scientist', Nagarjuna has consistently reinvented himself across decades. From redefining intensity with 'Siva' and romance with 'Geethanjali' to entertaining audiences through 'Annamayya', 'Manmadhudu', 'Hello Brother', and 'Bangarraju', the actor has remained a style icon and trendsetter across generations.
Notably, 'Manam' was a rare multi-generational project — featuring Nagarjuna alongside his father ANR and his sons Chaitanya Akkineni and Akhil Akkineni — making it one of the most emotionally resonant productions in Telugu cinema history. As fans continue to celebrate the anniversary, the film's legacy as both a family tribute and a cinematic milestone only deepens.
Point of View
Not franchise IP. Nagarjuna's ability to frame a single calendar date as the spine of his entire career — debut, father's farewell, sons' arrival — is a masterclass in personal branding that no publicist scripted. What mainstream coverage often misses is that 'Manam' was also a quiet statement about succession: the Akkineni name being passed, on screen and off, in real time. Twelve years on, with Chaitanya and Akhil carving their own paths, the film reads less like a tribute and more like a founding document.
NationPress
8 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is May 23 significant for Nagarjuna?
May 23 marks two defining moments in Nagarjuna's career: his debut as a leading man in 'Vikram' on 23 May 1986, and the release of 'Manam' — his father ANR's final on-screen appearance — on the same date years later. He has described it as a date he cannot forget.
What is the film 'Manam' about and why is it considered special?
'Manam' is a Telugu film that brought together three generations of the Akkineni family — Akkineni Nageswara Rao (ANR), Nagarjuna, Chaitanya Akkineni, and Akhil Akkineni — on screen. It holds special significance as ANR's final film appearance, making it both a cinematic and deeply personal milestone for the family.
How did Annapurna Studios mark the 12th anniversary of 'Manam'?
Annapurna Studios posted two tributes on X, celebrating the film as 'a family, a legacy that lives forever' and honouring Nagarjuna's journey from debut to becoming 'King of countless hearts'. The posts used hashtags #12YearsForClassicManam and #ANRLivesOn.
What did Nagarjuna write on X about the anniversary?
Nagarjuna wrote that May 23 is a date he cannot forget — the day he had the honour of producing and releasing ANR's last film 'Manam', in which he had the privilege of working alongside both his father and his sons. He also recalled that the same date marked his debut with 'Vikram' and expressed deep gratitude to fans.
Which films define Nagarjuna's career beyond 'Manam'?
Nagarjuna has built a diverse filmography spanning decades, with standout titles including 'Siva', 'Geethanjali', 'Annamayya', 'Manmadhudu', 'Hello Brother', and 'Bangarraju'. He is widely regarded as Tollywood's 'Celluloid Scientist' for his consistent reinvention across genres and generations.
