View source for Amarasilpi Jakkanna

{{About|1964 Telugu film|12th century sculptor|Jakanachari}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2015}}
{{Use Indian English|date=November 2015}}
{{Infobox film
| name           = Amarasilpi Jakkanna
| image          = Amara Silpi Jakkanna.jpg
| caption        = Theatrical release poster
| writer         = [[Samudrala Sr.|Samudrala]] {{small|(dialogues)}}
| screenplay     = B. S. Ranga
| producer       = B. S. Ranga
| director       = [[B. S. Ranga]]
| starring       = [[Akkineni Nageswara Rao]]<br />[[B. Saroja Devi]]
| music          = [[S. Rajeswara Rao]]
| cinematography = B. S. Ranga
| editing        = P. J. Mohan<br />M. Devendra Nath<br />Chakrapani
| studio         = Vikram Studios
| distributor    = Navayuga Films
| released       = {{Film date|1964|03|27|df=y}}
| runtime        = 165 mins
| country        = India
| language       = Telugu
| budget         = 
| gross          = 
}}

'''''Amarasilpi Jakkanna''''' is an Indian 1964 [[Telugu language|Telugu]]-language [[biographical film]] directed and produced by [[B. S. Ranga]]. The film stars [[Akkineni Nageswara Rao]] in the title role of [[Jakanachari (sculptor)|Jakanachari]], a legendary sculptor from the [[Hoysala Kingdom|Hoysala]] period, whose dedication to art and personal sacrifices form the core of the narrative. The film also features [[B. Saroja Devi]], [[V. Nagayya]], and [[Udaykumar|Udaya Kumar]] in key roles, with music composed by [[S. Rajeswara Rao]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Acharam Shanmukhachari |date=2019 |title=రంగా మలిచిన రంగుల శిల్పం 'అమరశిల్పి జక్కన్న' |trans-title=The colourful sculpture crafted by Ranga: Amarasilpi Jakkanna |url=http://www.sitara.net/animuthyalu/amara-shilpi-jakkanna/9592 |access-date=2024-12-01 |website=Sitara |publisher=[[Eenadu]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191207182457/http://www.sitara.net/animuthyalu/amara-shilpi-jakkanna/9592 |archive-date=7 December 2019 |language=te}}</ref>

Released on March 27, 1964, ''Amarasilpi Jakkanna'' holds the distinction of being the first Telugu film shot in [[Eastmancolor]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Amarasilpi Jakkanna (1964) – Telugu Movie {{!}} Chitralu.com<!-- Bot generated title --> |url=http://telugu.chitralu.com/movie/amarasilpi-jakkanna_1964 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140304162324/http://telugu.chitralu.com/movie/amarasilpi-jakkanna_1964 |archive-date=4 March 2014 |access-date=23 March 2014}}</ref> and received critical acclaim, including a Presidential Certificate of Merit. Simultaneously, B. S. Ranga directed a [[Kannada]] version, [[Amarashilpi Jakanachari (film)|''Amarashilpi Jakanachari'']], which became the first full length colour film in Kannada.<ref name=":0" />

==Plot==
Jakkanna, the son of master sculptor Mallanna, inherits the family’s legacy of sculpting. His life changes when he falls in love with Manjari, an exceptional dancer who becomes his muse. Inspired by her grace and beauty, Jakkanna creates breathtaking sculptures. However, Gopadevudu, a feudal lord, becomes infatuated with Manjari and devises plans to separate her from Jakkanna. 

With the help of her uncle Sundaram and his fiancée Gangamma, Manjari marries Jakkanna. Enraged, Gopadevudu schemes against the couple, appointing Jakkanna to oversee the construction of the Vasanta Mantapa. Jakkanna pours his soul into the work, immortalizing Manjari’s beauty in the sculptures. Gopadevudu, intent on claiming Manjari, destroys one of Jakkanna’s sculptures, sends him away in search of new stones, and forcibly separates the couple. He manipulates Manjari into performing a forced dance under duress, exploiting her mother’s plight.

Heartbroken by these events, Jakkanna misunderstands Manjari's circumstances and leaves the village. In despair, Manjari attempts to drown herself but is rescued by boatmen and taken to an ashram. There, she gives birth to their son, Dankanna. Seeking Jakkanna, Manjari entrusts Dankanna to Mallanna, unaware that he is her father-in-law. Meanwhile, Jakkanna finds refuge under the guidance of the sage [[Ramanuja|Ramanujacharya]].

Ramanujacharya assigns Jakkanna the task of constructing the [[Chennakeshava Temple, Belur|Chennakesava Temple]] at [[Belur, Karnataka|Belur]] for King [[Vishnuvardhana]]. Unknown to Jakkanna, Manjari joins the temple project and secretly assists him in sculpting. Dankanna grows up under Mallanna’s guidance and becomes a skilled sculptor. When he reaches Belur, he impresses the court by identifying flaws in a sculpture crafted by Jakkanna. Overcome with guilt, Jakkanna cuts off his own hand in penance but later sculpts another statue and miraculously regains his hand through divine intervention.

The narrative concludes with the emotional reunion of Mallanna, Jakkanna, Manjari, and Dankanna, bringing the family together after years of separation.

==Cast==
*[[Akkineni Nageswara Rao]] as [[Jakanachari]]
*[[B. Saroja Devi]] as Manjari 
*[[V. Nagayya]] as Mallanna 
*[[Haranath (actor)|Haranath]] as Dankanna 
*[[Udaykumar|Udaya Kumar]] as Gopadeva
*[[Dhulipala Seetarama Sastry|Dhulipala]] as [[Ramanuja|Ramanujacharya]] 
*[[Relangi (actor)|Relangi]] as Sundaram
*A. V. Subba Rao as King [[Vishnuvardhana]]
*[[Suryakantam (actress)|Suryakantham]] as Rajamma
*[[Girija (actress)|Girija]] as Gangamma
*[[Pushpavalli]] as Queen Saanthalaa Devi
*[[J. Jayalalithaa|Jayalalitha]] as Dancer

== Production ==
[[B. S. Ranga]] drew inspiration for the film from his childhood visits to the [[Hoysala Kingdom|Hoysala]] temples at [[Halebidu]] and [[Belur, Karnataka|Belur]]. The sculptural heritage of these temples, particularly the 42 Madanikas (celestial dancers) sculpted at the [[Chennakeshava Temple, Belur|Chennakesava Temple]], forms the backdrop for Jakkanna’s fictionalized story. While historical accounts credit Queen Saanthalaa Devi as the muse for these sculptures, the film replaces her with the fictional character Manjari.<ref name=":0" /> The screenplay, written by [[Samudrala Sr.]], combines historical elements with fictional drama. A poignant scene featuring Mallanna, blind, identifying Jakkanna’s sculpture by touch, emphasizes the emotional connection between the characters.<ref name=":0" />

''Amarasilpi Jakkanna'' marked a historic achievement as the first [[Telugu cinema|Telugu film]] to be shot in [[Eastmancolor]]. While [[Lava Kusa (1963 film)|''Lava Kusa'']] (1963) holds the distinction of being the first Telugu [[Color photography|colour film]], it was produced using [[Gevacolor]]. ''Amarasilpi Jakkanna'' pioneered the use of Eastmancolor in Telugu cinema, setting a new benchmark in the regional film industry. Despite strict limitations allowing only ten colour prints for regional films, director B. S. Ranga leveraged his expertise as a cinematographer to produce the film economically without compromising its visual grandeur. The Kannada version, [[Amarashilpi Jakanachari (film)|''Amarashilpi Jakanachari'']], also directed by Ranga, achieved a parallel milestone as the first Kannada film made in colour.<ref name=":0" />

== Music ==
{{Infobox album
| name         = Amarasilpi Jakkanna
| type         = film
| artist       = [[S. Rajeswara Rao]]
| cover        = 
| alt          = 
| released     = 1964
| recorded     = 
| venue        = 
| studio       = 
| genre        = [[Soundtrack]]
| length       = {{Duration|m=34|s=15}}
| label        = 
| producer     = [[S. Rajeswara Rao]]
| prev_title   = 
| prev_year    = 
| next_title   = 
| next_year    = 
}}

The score for ''Amarasilpi Jakkanna'' was composed by [[S. Rajeswara Rao]]. 

{{Track listing
| headline      = ''Amarasilpi Jakkanna'' track listing
| extra_column  = Singer(s)
| total_length  = 33:37
| all_writing   = 
| all_lyrics    = 
| all_music     = 
| title1        = Ee Nallani Raallalo
| length1       = 3:46
| lyrics1       = [[C. Narayana Reddy]]
| extra1        = [[Ghantasala (musician)|Ghantasala]]
| title2        = Andhaala Bommatho
| length2       = 3:20
| lyrics2       = [[Dasarathi]]
| extra2        = [[P. Suseela]]
| title3        = Manase Vikasincheraa
| length3       = 4:44
| lyrics3       = Dasarathi
| extra3        = Ghantasala, P. Suseela
| title4        = Murisevu Virisevu
| length4       = 4:02
| lyrics4       = Samudrala
| extra4        = Ghantasala
| title5        = Nagumomu Choopinchavaa
| length5       = 3:38
| lyrics5       = C. Narayana Reddy
| extra5        = P. Suseela
| title6        = Niluvumaa Niluvumaa
| length6       = 3:12
| lyrics6       = Samudrala
| extra6        = Ghantasala, P. Suseela
| title7        = Yechatikoyi Nee Payanam
| length7       = 3:31
| lyrics7       = Dasarathi
| extra7        = Ghantasala
| title8        = Yedho Yedho
| length8       = 3:52
| lyrics8       = C. Narayana Reddy
| extra8        = Ghantasala, P. Suseela
| title9        = Tharamaa Varadhaa
| length9       = 4:10
| lyrics9       = Samudrala
| extra9        = Ghantasala, P. Suseela
}}

== Reception ==
''Amarasilpi Jakkanna'' was well-received for its visual grandeur, performances, and music. Akkineni Nageswara Rao’s portrayal of Jakkanna was lauded. The film celebrated a successful 100-day run in five centres and received a Presidential Certificate of Merit.<ref name=":0" />

==Awards==
;[[National Film Awards]]
*[[National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Telugu]] - 1963<ref name="11thaward">{{cite web|url=http://iffi.nic.in/Dff2011/Frm11thNFAAward.aspx|title=11th National Film Awards|publisher=[[International Film Festival of India]]|access-date=13 September 2011|archive-url=https://archive.today/20170502124428/http://iffi.nic.in/Dff2011/Frm11thNFAAward.aspx|archive-date=2 May 2017|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
*{{IMDb title|0260692}}

{{National Film Award Best Feature Film Telugu}}

[[Category:1963 films]]
[[Category:1963 Telugu-language films]]
[[Category:1964 Indian films]]
[[Category:Indian biographical films]]
[[Category:Films scored by S. Rajeswara Rao]]
[[Category:Films set in the Hoysala Kingdom]]
[[Category:1960s biographical films]]