A new pan-Indian feature film titled Viswadata is set to revisit the extraordinary legacy of ‘Desoddharaka’ Kasinadhuni Nageswara Rao Pantulu on the occasion of his 160th birth anniversary, at a time when questions surrounding media ethics, credibility and public responsibility are dominating national discourse.
A journalist, nationalist and a businessman, all rolled into one, ‘Desoddharaka’ Kasinadhuni Nageswara Rao Pantulu.
The project, initiated by filmmaker Sivalenka Pavani Prasad, who is also the great-grandson of ‘Pantulu garu’, aims to introduce contemporary audiences to the life and ideals of Nageswara Rao Pantulu, who played a defining role in India’s freedom movement through journalism and institution-building. The film is currently in the research and screenplay development stage.
Best known as the founder of Andhra Patrika, Nageswara Rao Pantulu transformed journalism into a powerful instrument of political awakening and social consciousness during the freedom struggle. Andhra Patrika emerged as one of the strongest nationalist voices in South India at a time when print media was central to shaping public opinion.
Beyond journalism, Nageswara Rao Pantulu also displayed remarkable entrepreneurial foresight through the creation of Amrutanjan, which went on to become one of India’s most enduring household brands. “The film seeks to portray him not merely as a publisher or freedom fighter, but as a visionary who successfully combined nationalism, journalism, social reform and enterprise,” Mr. Prasad told The Hindu. “I feel this generation needs to rediscover his story,” he added.
Apart from filmmaking, Mr. Pavani Prasad is also a writer and social initiative creator known for his work in cinema and public awareness campaigns, particularly in the field of organ donation awareness. His earlier works on organ donation include the five-minute short film Punarjanma, starring Naseeruddin Shah, and Tarpayami.
“Pantulu garu was not merely reporting events; he was shaping public consciousness. His life reminds us that journalism is not just about information, it is about responsibility,” he said, adding that the project seeks to capture the spirit of a man who believed journalism carried a moral responsibility towards society.
Mr. Prasad said the emotional core of Viswadata lies in reconnecting present-day audiences with timeless values such as integrity, conviction and truth. He added that the film is not intended to be a conventional biographical drama, but an exploration of an era when journalism was regarded as a moral force capable of shaping society.
The filmmaker also acknowledged the encouragement extended by noted cinematographer Madhu Ambat, describing it as a major source of inspiration for the project.
According to him, Viswadata aspires to remind audiences of a time when news carried a sense of purpose and public service, and when journalism was deeply connected to social responsibility rather than mere dissemination of information.