The classic science fiction film Aditya 369, starring Nandamuri Balakrishna and produced by Sivalenka Krishna Prasad under Sridevi Movies, is all set to make a comeback on the big screen on April 4th.
Aditya 369 holds the distinction of being the first Indian film based on the concept of time travel. Directed by Singeetam Srinivasa Rao and presented by S.P. Balasubrahmanyam, the film originally released in 1991 and became a sensational hit. Now, after 34 years, the film is being re-released with advanced 4K digitization and 5.1 surround sound for a richer experience. Ahead of its release, a grand pre-release event was held in Hyderabad on the occasion of Ugadi.
At the beginning of the event, a dialogue of NBK about the Ugadi festival from the movie was showcased, fans enthusiastically chanted “Jai Balayya!”
Director Singeetam participated in the event digitally from Chennai. He highlighted the significance of Balakrishna’s portrayal of Sri Krishnadevaraya in the film. He recalled the legendary actor N.T. Rama Rao had previously portrayed the real-life character, and he himself had worked on the film Mahamantri Timmarusu, writing an initial version of the script for Pingali Nagendra Rao. He shared that back in those days, he was often asked to draft the first versions of scripts, and he was deeply involved in the Timmarusu script. The veteran expressed his admiration for the character. When considering who could play the role in the present day, only one name came to his mind – Balakrishna. He firmly believed that if anyone could match NTR’s performance, it was Balakrishna. Everything fell into place quickly. “There was no one else then, nor is there anyone now, who could portray Sri Krishnadevaraya as effectively as Balakrishna,” Singeetam said. Singeetam Srinivasa Rao also acknowledged the contribution of producer Sivalenka Krishna Prasad. He mentioned that when big producers were hesitant to take up the project, Krishna Prasad stepped forward with confidence, believing in the film’s potential. He credited Krishna Prasad with playing a significant role in bringing the project to life. Finally, he expressed his joy at seeing the film being re-released with modern enhancements, saying it was a moment of great happiness for him.
The trailer for the re-release of Aditya 369 was launched by directors Bobby Kolli and Anil Ravipudi. Bobby reminisced about watching Aditya 369 as a child when he was in the 4th or 5th grade in Guntur. He expressed gratitude to Krishna Prasad for bringing the film back to theaters and appreciated the effort to introduce it to a new generation. He also revealed that the character Dacoit Maharaj from his film with Balakrishna was inspired by Aditya 369. He expressed confidence that the film would be a massive success once again with its re-release.
Director Anil Ravipudi said, “I watched this movie at the Addanki Srirama Theater when I was 9 years old. I was deeply attracted to the film just by looking at its wall poster. Watching the movie felt like stepping into another world. Bringing this classic film from print to digital is incredible. Preserving such films is essential. As Balakrishna Garu said, this is not a re-release but a pre-release. Before Akhanda 2 arrives on the big screen, this movie will be a blockbuster. Our generation was fortunate to watch this film back then. Parents should give this generation the same opportunity. Elders must show this film to their children because it carries so many valuable lessons. This weekend, take all the kids to the theaters and let them experience this masterpiece. Watching Balakrishna Garu and this film will mesmerize today’s generation as well. Back then, watching this movie itself was a blessing, and now, being part of this event is another great fortune.”
Actor Babu Mohan said, “Being with Balakrishna never felt like shooting for a movie; it always felt like going out to play. His portrayal of both roles in this film is beyond description. This movie carries the essence of my god, N.T. Rama Rao Garu. Watching the fight sequences being filmed was an incredible experience. Both characters were mesmerizing on screen. We must appreciate the courage of producer Krishna Prasad Garu for making this film. Director Singeetam created a masterpiece. No matter how much we talk about this movie, there will always be more to say. Generations to come will continue to watch this film as if it were a brand-new release.”
Sridevi Movies head Sivalenka Krishna Prasad said, “At that time, I had only produced Chinnodu-Peddodu. S.P. Balasubrahmanyam Garu often encouraged me to make a great film. A few days later, he suggested I meet Singeetam Garu, saying he had an incredible story. When I met Singeetam Garu, he narrated the story for about half an hour. He also recommended a few films to watch. I found the concept thrilling but admitted that I didn’t fully grasp it. That’s when Balasubrahmanyam Garu told me, ‘Make this film. As a producer, you will be remembered for decades. Trust me.’ Singeetam Garu insisted that this movie could only be made with Nandamuri Balakrishna. With the support of Devi Varaprasad Garu, we met the actor. At that time, he was doing only full-fledged commercial films. But the moment we narrated the story, he immediately said, ‘This is amazing! I’m doing it.’ At just 30 years old, for Balakrishna Garu to accept such a unique and classic story was truly remarkable. Producing this film was the fortune of my past life. From the moment the project began, it felt like a festival. The entire industry was talking about this film. Many eminent personalities visited the sets to watch the shoot. No matter how many films I produce, the honor Aditya 369 brought me continues to guide me. It was my privilege to produce this film. I will forever be indebted to S.P. Balasubrahmanyam Garu, director Singeetam Garu, and Nandamuri Balakrishna Garu. Balakrishna Garu worked incredibly hard for this movie, dedicating himself completely. Now, after all these years, re-releasing Aditya 369 brings me immense joy.”
Actor Nandamuri Balakrishna said, “That was a time when I was actively exploring diversity in my filmography and variations in my characters. My father, my guru, my god, and the reason for my existence—Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao Garu—set a commercial trend and demonstrated to the world what true acting is. He played numerous diverse roles. Even when he was doing glamorous roles, he took on a de-glamorized character in Raju-Peda. Inspired by him, I portrayed a highly de-glamorized role in Bhairava Dweepam. For my portrayal of Sri Krishnadevaraya in Aditya 369, my father was my inspiration. When Singeetam Garu, Krishna Prasad Garu, and Balasubrahmanyam Garu approached me with this unique concept, I immediately agreed. I encouraged them, believing it would turn out to be a great film. The variation in the two characters that I played was only possible when you truly immerse yourself in the soul of each character.
He further said, “I had watched the film Singeetam Srinivasa Rao had directed before. It was a joy for me to work under his direction on a film with such a unique concept. I don’t consider this a re-release; I see it as a brand-new film. That’s why I call this event a pre-release function, not a re-release function. Even today’s youth will love this movie. On April 4th, something extraordinary is going to happen. This film is going to receive an overwhelming response from the audience. Families will come to the theaters with their children to watch it. This movie will continue to be watched by generations. People are now realizing the power of Aditya 369, and the Indian film industry is talking about it once again. Only one surviving print of this film was found. The team at Prasad Labs worked tirelessly for eight months, sacrificing sleep and comfort, to restore it. Aditya 369 belongs to the league of classics like Sri Krishna Pandaveeyam and Dana Veera Soora Karna. This generation of viewers, as well as future generations, will continue to watch this film. Sivalenka Krishna Prasad Garu put in immense effort and resources to bring this film to life. I am deeply grateful to him and Singeetam Garu for making such a film with me. Above all, I will forever be indebted to S.P. Balasubrahmanyam Garu, who was the backbone of this project. The film was elevated to greatness by Ilaiyaraaja’s music, the cinematography of P.C. Sreeram, V.S.R. Swamy, and Kabir Lal, along with the performances of the cast and the expertise of the technical team. I am also excited to announce that the sequel to this film will begin soon.” Balakrishna ended the speech with Ugadi greetings to the public.
