Aa Ante Amalapuram Was Not My Plan: Sukumar

On May 7th, 2024, the Telugu film industry celebrated a landmark occasion – the 20th anniversary of the iconic film, Arya. Directed by Sukumar and starring a young Allu Arjun,

To commemorate this milestone, a grand event was held in Hyderabad, reuniting the entire Arya team. During the event, Sukumar embarked on a nostalgic journey, sharing previously untold stories about the film’s creation. He revealed his initial hesitations about the project, a testament to Allu Arjun’s unwavering belief in the script at the tender age of 18. Sukumar went on to credit Arjun as a driving force behind his own development as a filmmaker, highlighting the impactful collaborative spirit that emerged during production.

Sukumar also expressed gratitude towards producer Dil Raju for providing the resources and support that brought Arya to life. He recounted the spontaneous creation of the now-iconic “Feel My Love” song by music director Devi Sri Prasad, who was inspired after hearing the narration for the first half of the film. This anecdote exemplifies the creative energy that fueled Arya’s production.

Sukumar further revealed that the inclusion of the item song “Aa Ante Amalapuram” wasn’t originally part of his vision, but it ultimately played a significant role in the film’s success. This highlights the collaborative and adaptable nature of filmmaking, where unexpected elements can contribute significantly to a project.

Arya starred Anu Mehta as the female lead and featured notable supporting performances by Sivabalaji and Subbaraju. The film’s impact transcended language barriers, prompting remakes in other languages and inspiring a Telugu sequel titled Arya 2.

The 20th anniversary celebration of Arya serves as a testament to the film’s enduring legacy. It is a story of unwavering belief, creative collaboration, and the power of storytelling in Telugu cinema. With its iconic status cemented, Arya continues to inspire future generations of filmmakers and actors within the industry.