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Annapurna Studios launches India’s first Dolby Vision facility on its fiftieth anniversary
MUMBAI: Celebrating 50 years of cinematic excellence, Annapurna Studios has introduced India’s first Dolby Vision grading and mastering facility for Dolby Cinema and Home. The state-of-the-art facility, located within its post-production department, is poised to revolutionise visual storytelling by offering cutting-edge technology for filmmakers.
The launch event on 9 January was graced by legendary filmmaker S.S. Rajamouli, who inaugurated the advanced addition to the iconic studio.
Speaking on the occasion, Rajamouli, whose Academy award-winning RRR was the first Indian film released in Dolby Cinema, commended Annapurna Studios for its steadfast commitment to innovation and for setting new benchmarks in the Indian entertainment industry. Said he: “During the time of RRR, when we wanted to grade the film in Dolby Vision, we had to travel to Germany. It was disheartening not to experience my film in Dolby Vision in my own country. But today, I’m thrilled to see a Dolby Vision grading facility at Annapurna Studios. Watching a film in Dolby Vision is an entirely different experience—the crystal-clear clarity and enhanced nuances elevate storytelling. I can’t wait for audiences to experience it!”
Film star Akkineni Nagarjuna who is vice-chairman Annapurna Studios was also present on the occasion. He said: “”From pioneering virtual production to housing India’s first Dolby-certified postproduction facility, our goal has always been to put Indian films on the map. This collaboration with Dolby reaffirms our legacy of embracing change and innovation. This facility underscores our dedication to advancing the creative process and providing filmmakers with tools that deliver unparalleled quality and immersive experiences for audiences.”
Annapurna Studios executive director, Supriya Yarlagadda noted the transformative potential of the new facility, “With this Dolby-certified facility, we are redefining how films are created and experienced. Our goal is to empower filmmakers to tell their stories with unparalleled precision and impact.”
Established in 1975 by Nagarjuna’s father, Akkineni Nageswara Rao, Annapurna Studios has been a cornerstone of Indian cinema, especially for those emerging from the south of India. Spanning 22 acres in the heart of Hyderabad, the studio offers an end-to-end filmmaking ecosystem where creators can turn their scripts into finished films. Over the decades, the studio has continually evolved to meet the growing needs of the film industry, cementing its reputation as a hub of creativity and innovation.
The post-production facility is led by the chief technology officer CV Rao, who has been with Annapurna Studios for nearly 14 years now. “It’s a proud moment for us,” he said, a grin on his ever smiling face as he looked at the guests who had come to the inauguration.
The Dolby Vision grading and mastering facility is the result of a partnership with Dolby Laboratories, renowned for its ground breaking advancements in audio and visual technology.
The team at Annapurna has been gradually exposing the addition to different technical craftsmen involved in the post-production process. On 10 January, colorists were explained – through a master class – the workflow involved in working on the Dolby Vision grading and mastering facility for Dolby Cinema and Home
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
