To commemorate the anniversary, we give you some interesting trivia about its making.

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19 Years of Murari: A nostalgic look-back at Mahesh Babu 's first blockbuster with lesser-known trivia and rare pictures

Directed by Krishna Vamsi, the film, which was released in February 2001, completes 19 years of its theatrical release.

Team CE

Updated:16th Feb, 2020 at 2:03 PM

The story of Murari was inspired by real-life events that Krishna Vamsi witnessed in an undisclosed village in Andhra Pradesh.

When Krishna Vamsi visited a temple in a village, he came to know about a very famous person there whose three sons died under suspicious circumstances at regular intervals 4 years back.

He learnt that a big shot had killed a worker from lower cadre, and the latter's wife had cursed that all of the former's three sons would be dying within six months.

As a part of his research, Vamsi visited temples and observed the architectures, sculptors and also read books like Yogi's autobiography, etc

'We always have an answer for questions that start with 'what', 'how' and 'when'. But we do not have answers for queries starting with 'why'. I had this kind of thought in mind for Murari,' Vamsi said

Influenced by Hrishikesh Mukherjee's 1971 film Anand, Vamsi wanted to kill Mahesh Babu's character as he felt that except Anand, no other film introduced a hero who would be dying so soon.

During the story discussions, when he said the same to his team, none accepted.

Vamsi later based the family portions on Lord Krishna's life. He clarified that it was not a true adaptation of Krishna's life but he got inspired by the characterizations in Krishna's story.

The death points Murari faces in the film are inspired from the attacks of rakshasa on Krishna and the fatal attack in the climax was inspired from Lord Krishna's death in the hands of a Yadava hunter

'I met highly qualified people like Sirivennela Sitaramasastri to enhance my knowledge in various things. I also studied the visions of our ancestors,' said Vamsi, about the film's scripting.

Two separated joint families like that of Pandavas and Kauravas were written into the film, though they are on good terms unlike the way portrayed in Lord Krishna's story.

The film has dialogues by Sobhan, who later turned director the very next year with Mahesh Babu-starrer Bobby (2002).

Bollywood actor Sonali Bendre made her Telugu debut with this romantic entertainer.

Sonali received nominations for Best Actress in several awards of Telugu cinema, that year.

Director Ravi Babu was also seen in a negative role in the film.

Mahesh Babu, on many occasions, has stated that his role in Murari was his all-time favourite.

Mahesh has also revealed that he always cherished the moments, when his dad and actor Krishna emotionally clasped him on his shoulders after watching the film (FDFS) at a city theatre.

The temple scenes were shot extensively in the ancient Sri Seetha Rama Chandra Swamy Temple, Ammapally which is about five kilometers from RGI airport, Shamshabad.

The temple gained prominence after the film's release, and a strong belief in the film industry emerged that a film with scenes shot at the temple will do well at the box-office.

Murari was shot predominantly in Konaseema.

Mahesh Babu wore a lungi for the first time in his career as a lead actor in the song Bhama bhama bangaru

Murari marked the last onscreen appearance of veteran actor Dhulipala Seetarama Sastry.

Mani Sharma known for his mellifluous melodies composed the film's soundtrack featuring six songs including the chartbuster hit Alanati Ramachandrudiki.

Sung veteran playback singer Jikki and Sunitha, Alanati has become one of the most popular wedding songs in the Telugu States.

Murari was dubbed into Hindi as Rowdy Cheetah (2014).

Made on a budget of Rs 5 crore, the film had won three Nandi awards and was declared as the first major commercial success in Mahesh Babu's career as a lead actor.

The film ran for 50 days in 50 centers, 100 days in 34 centers and 175 days in two centers in the erstwhile Andhra Pradesh including Sudershan 35mm, RTC X Roads, Hyderabad.

Mahesh Babu had a fever of 104 degrees while shooting for Dum dum dum nataraju song and elephant rescue fight sequence.

Mahesh Babu had a fever of 104 degrees while shooting for Dum dum dum nataraju song and elephant rescue fight sequence.

Prakash Raj played a cameo as the evil zamindar who was the first victim of the curse while Deekshitulu played the role of the temple priest named Seshayya. Lakshmi was also seen in an important role.

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