The immortal story of revolutionary freedom fighter Kranti Veera Sangolli Rayanna, who displayed extraordinary courage against British imperialism, has found a visual form at the Veerabhumi Museum in Nandagad, Khanapur taluk, Belagavi district.
Renowned filmmaker, cinematographer, writer and creative storyteller Anil Annaiah visited the 13-acre Veerabhumi Museum on Sunday, September 27. He personally experienced his biopic films being screened at the museum as part of the visitor experience.
Beautifully designed with sculptures, artifacts and lush greenery, the museum recreates several scenes from Sangolli Rayanna’s era. Digital video screens inside heritage structures present these historical episodes cinematically. Replicas of places such as Sampagaon office and Surapura Palace can also be seen.
The 13-acre Veerabhumi Museum, built to preserve the memory of Sangolli Rayanna’s valor, was inaugurated by the Chief Minister of Karnataka on January 19, 2026, in the presence of prominent personalities from the cultural and political fields. Since then, it has attracted visitors and patriots from across the state, presenting Rayanna’s revolutionary life through a large-scale visual experience.
Audience Response Brings Satisfaction
During his visit, Anil Annaiah interacted with the museum staff and learned about the audience response to the films. The staff told him that visitors were watching the films with great interest and appreciating the emotional presentation of Rayanna’s story.
Anil also spoke directly with visitors as they came out of the screening hall. Their enthusiastic response gave him a deep sense of fulfilment.
Anil is no stranger to museums and art spaces. As an artist who has exhibited art photography and video installations, he prefers interacting directly with viewers. His first art exhibition was held at the Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath in 2000, receiving appreciation from visitors and art critics.
“Seeing the Audience’s Response Makes the Effort Worthwhile”
Speaking about the experience, Anil Annaiah said, “Standing there as an ordinary viewer and hearing directly from people how deeply they love these films gave me immense satisfaction. Behind the making of these films were years of hard work, sleepless nights, and immense patience and attention to every small detail. Seeing that effort become meaningful through the audience’s experience today is extremely satisfying.”
He also recalled, “Some films are not chosen by us; instead, they come looking for us as a great responsibility.”
Bringing the story of a legendary figure like Sangolli Rayanna to the screen, he said, was not merely about making a film but about honouring a great legacy that remains alive in the hearts of Kannadigas. Extensive research, actor training, costume designing and location exploration went into recreating the period authentically.
Decades of Experience Behind the Visual Saga
Drawing on his decades of experience as a producer and director through Onleela Films / Onleela Visual Solutions, Anil Annaiah brought the visual saga to life with dedication.
He expressed gratitude to the Kranti Veera Sangolli Rayanna Kshetra Abhivruddhi Pradhikara, commissioners, Government of Karnataka, ministers, the Honourable Chairman of the Sangolli Rayanna Study Committee, public representatives, Design Core team, and all the artistes and technicians who contributed to the project.
Plans for Museum Films and Legacy Projects
The response at Veerabhumi has inspired Anil Annaiah to explore more projects based on cultural and historical subjects. He plans to actively pursue museum films, biopics and ‘Legacy Films’ documenting the heritage of institutions and families.
With the aspiration, “Can I be the storyteller of your history?”, he hopes to collaborate with institutions wishing to present the stories of great national figures and India’s history to future generations through cinema.
Invitation to Veerabhumi
The 13-acre Veerabhumi Museum at Nandagad in Khanapur taluk, Belagavi district, offers visitors an opportunity to experience the history, sacrifice and valour of Kranti Veera Sangolli Rayanna.
Through creative art forms and written presentations, the museum showcases the work and creativity of numerous talented artists. Anil Annaiah expressed his happiness at being part of this collective effort and pride in making a small contribution through his film project.
