The brand image of Amaravati, the new capital of Andhra Pradesh, is all set for a celluloid push, thanks to a historical film on Gautamiputra Satakarni, the famed ruler of the Satavahana dynasty.

Amaravati, which was known as Dhanyakataka, was the capital of Satavahanas who ruled the eastern and western Deccan region for over 400 years between 220 BC and 230 AD.

As the new capital of the State after its bifurcation in 2014, it’s a second coming for the place in Guntur district to be the seat of power. This has inspired popular film maker Krish to capture its past glory on celluloid.

“`I hail from this place and always wanted to make a film to highlight the ancient glory of the Telugu-speaking people,’’ he told BusinessLine here.

The first poster of the film with Tollywood hero Nandamuri Balakrishna, son of thespian and former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister NT Rama Rao, in the lead role was released today at a function attended by Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhara Rao and actor Chiranjeevi. The film is expected to hit the screens in January 2017.

Incidentally, the film also marks the 100{+t}{+h} for Balakrishna, the TDP legislator from Hindupur who is closely related to Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu. It’s creating interest in the political circles with Balayya as he is known personally inviting the TRS Chief KCR.

Gautamiputra Satakarni, who ruled in the early decades of second century AD, is regarded as a great ruler of the dynasty by historians for his cosmopolitan religious outlook and patronage to Buddhism along with Brahmanism.

The region prospered economically as well, thanks to brisk internal and robust foreign trade with the Roman Empire with ports such as Masula (Machilipatnam) and Ghantasala serving as export hubs. This information comes from ancient Greek records such as the Periplus and writings of Pliny and Ptolemy.

Mega project

For national award winner Krish, the task has not been easy. “I have been working on this project for over two years and we have researched a lot to ensure an authentic version of history in the narration,’’ he said.

Help has been sought from historians, archaeology department and institutes such as Oriental Manuscript Library in this regard.

However, Krish has different reasons for choosing him for the lead role. “Balakrishna has the right stature to don the role of Satakarni and had also excelled in such roles earlier,’’ he said.

In terms of budget and technology, the film will be big. “We are not attaching any strings to our wallet and will be focusing on quality and high technology,’’ he added.

The film will not be limited to just Andhra but also for people of Telangana. ``It is for all Telugus. Telangana had a great past under the Satakarni rule in places like Kotilingala and Dhramapuri with flourishing trade and Buddhist learning,’’ Krish pointed out.

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