If you look at Superstar Mahesh Babu's filmography in a chronology, the first film that you get connected immediately to will be Okkadu. That film is the first-ever commercial blockbuster in the career of Mahesh. Until then, Mahesh was best known for his chocolate boy looks and romantic films. But it was Okkadu which made him a bankable commercial action hero. The film celebrates its 17th anniversary today.
Directed by Gunashekhar, Okkadu released on 15th January 2003, during the Sankranthi festive season. The film had many speculator performances from actors like Bhumika and Prakash Raj. The iconic Kondareddy Buruju scene is still considered as one of the best scenes in the history of Telugu cinema. In fact, Anil Ravipudi paid a tribute to this scene by choosing Kurnool as the backdrop for his film Sarileru Neekevvaru.
The makers have erected a special set of Charminar for this film. That news made a lot of noise during those days. Okkadu ran for more than 100 days in many centers across the Andhra Pradesh. Meanwhile, the music composed by Mani Sharma was also a big hit. Songs like Cheppave Chirugali, Hare Rama, Nuvvemaya Chesavo and Saahasam Swasaga still remain in many people's playlists. Okkadu was later remade in various other languages like Tamil, Kannada, Hindi, and Bengali.
sdghs.jpg "Mahesh Babu's Okkadu movie celebrates 17 years of its release")
