Lava Kusa Movie Info

Lava Kusa 1963 story jn short

Lava Kusa is one greatest Telugu Mythological film which made people believe that if Lord Rama really came back to life, he would look like Sr.NTR. It would be incredible to know many of Sr.NTR fans used to keep his Lord Rama attire posters in worship rooms in their houses too. Though this film had initial breaks during its production phase, the film overcame all these obstacles and remains to be one of the most amazing classics of Telugu Cinema till date. The film is based on "Uttara Ramayana" which is the story of Lord Rama after he comes back from 14 years of exile and defeating Ravana to get back his wife Sita.

The whole kingdom of Ayodhya celebrates the return of Lord Rama (Sr.NTR), Sita (Anjali Devi) and Lakshmana(Kantha Rao) back after a victorious glory over Ravana and successful exile in the forest. Things go smoothly until Rama comes to know a washerman(Relangi) in the kingdom speaks ill of the justice system and casually makes a remark on Lord Rama about bringing back Sita despite her staying in Ravana’s abode for a long time. Caught in between justice and love for his family, Lord Rama outweighs justice. He decides to send Sita to forest on the word of the citizen of the kingdom. Sita, who is already pregnant by then gets devastated learning this news from Lakshmana in the forest and things take a serious turn. Sita is rescued by Poet Valmiki (Nagaiah) and gives birth to twins Lava and Kusa. The rest of the story is about whether the estranged family re unites and what happens to the future of Ayodhya

Performances: 

Sr.NTR is amazing as Lord Rama in every respect. Right from the body language, appearance, histrionics, and different shades of performance- he did it all. His performance as the separated husband from the time he leaves Sita is really heart breaking to watch.  The monologues he delivers- speaking to himself about why he left Sita for the sake of Justice is thought provoking. Anjali Devi is brilliant as Sita and delivers her best in emotional scenes. Kantha Rao is perfect as Lakshmana, the loyal brother of Lord Rama. His performance when he had to leave Sita in the forest and in the song “Ye Nimishaniki” is worth mentioning.  Chittoor Nagaiah gives another classy performance as Poet Valmiki in this film. Prominent actors like Relangi, Girija, Suryakantham ,Ramana Reddy etc were adequate in their roles.

However it is the young kids Master Nagaraju and Master Subrahmanyam who played Lava and Kusa who earned high fame with this film. Their perfect diction, acting, performance in every frame speaks wonders in the film.

Tecchnical Aspects

Lava Kusa was the first film to be made in Geva Colour completely by then. During the black and white era due to financial limitations – producers used to make a special song in colour and rest of the film in Black and White. But this film was made in colour technology. Music by Ghantasala is the sure shot highlight for the film. Every poem, song and background music given is apt for the theme of it. Suseela and Leela sang for Lava and Kusa respectively with rigorous training from the composer himself- which speaks of the dedication those days.  The production values are classy and direction is more than perfect.

Bheeshma Movie Info

Bheeshma story in short

Though people say Karna is the most important character of the Hindu Epic Mahabharata, Bhishma is the heart and soul of the Epic. If he didn’t make the oath or remain unmarried,  the story of Pandavas and Kauravas would not have existed. Despite being a principled man, and a valiant fighter – Bhishma had to face some blames in the impression that he did certain things out of selfishness. Because of his loyalty he had to support Kauravas in the war. Director B.A.Subba Rao took this story and made it into a silver screen Epic starring Sr.NTR in the lead. This film is termed as one of the greatest hits for Sr.NTR and Anjali Devi acted in a pivotal role for it. She portrayed two different roles in the film. While the first was the beautiful Amba, the second role was totally contrasting as Sikhandi- which is a challenge feared by many leading female actresses.

Story Details:

The film deals with the life span of Bhishma (Sr.NTR) who promises Amba (Anjali Devi) that he would marry her but fails his word due to dramatic circumstances. As a result Amba holds grudge on Bhishma and plans to kill him in some way possible Amba is loved meanwhile by Salvaraju (Kantha Rao). She does a serious penance to Lord Shiva and earns his blessings. As a result, Amba the beautiful woman transforms to Sikhandi. She lives with grudge and hatred towards Bhishma throughout the life and in the mean time Bhishma feels guilty for breaking his promise. He decides to give up battles and weapons and is forced to support Kauravas out of loyalty in the Kurukshetra war.  After living a life of struggle, misunderstandings and troubles Bhishma dies in the hands of Arjuna during the war.

Performances:

Sr.NTR is excellent in the title role of Bhishma. While he performed his best in the role, however it was Anjali Devi who steals the show with contrasting portrayal of Amba and Sikhandi. It is indeed a difficult path to take for a beautiful actress of her sort and she does it with excellent ease. Kantha Rao is decent as Salvaraju, the lover of Amba. Haranath is adequate as Lord Krishna in the film.

Technical Aspects:

The story is adapted in such a way that the film looks entertaining at the same time instructive. Dialogues by prominent Telugu writer Taapi Dharma Rao and Arudra work wonders. Music by S.Rajeshwara Rao became huge hit with songs like Manasu Leni Korika sung by P.Suseela and P.B.Srinivas was greatly shot featuring Anjali Devi and Kantha Rao. Maha Deva Shambo was shot on Anjali Devi as Amba who does penance for Lord Shiva.Hailesso Hailessa sung by Jamuna Rani, Madhava O deva sung by P.Suseela became highly popular. The poems from Srimadrandhra Mahabharatam were adapted for the film.


Cast and Crew:

Bhishma- Sr.NTR
Amba/Sikhandi- Anjali Devi
Salvaraju- Kantha Rao
Lord Krishna- Haranath
Dialogues : Taapi Dharmarao, Arudra
Lyrics: Arudra
Music: S.Rajeshwara Rao
Producer and Director: B.A.S.Subba Rao
Banner: B.A.S. Productions
Release Date: 19th April 1962

Seetharama Kalyanam Movie Info

Seetharama Kalyanam story in short :: 


Seetharama Kalyanam can be undoubtedly termed as one of the career defining films for Sr.NTR. It is interesting to see B.Saroja act equally good along with him in an epic film of this sort. It is extremely good to watch Sr.NTR adorn the challenging role of Ravana. It is even more good to watch B.Saroja, a beautiful and talented actress as his wife Mandodari in the film. Sr.NTR also wrote the script and directed this film. He planned the characterizations so perfectly that he included a song for Mandodari (Paadave Ragamayi Veena) exclusively. In fact, K.V. Reddy was initially considered to direct the film. He wanted SVR to play Ravana and Sr.NTR as Lord Rama. But Sr.NTR’s idea changed suddenly and despite the title being Seetharama Kalyanam, he wanted to adorn the role of Ravana and highlight his character. This wasn’t appreciated by K.V.Reddy and he advised Sr.NTR not to play a negative role. But when Sr.NTR insisted that he would play the role of Raavana, K.V.Reddy went off the project.  As a result, Sr.NTR took the directional responsibilities and selected Haranath for the role of Lord Rama. A new girl named Mani was chosen for the role of Seetha. She later rose to prominence as veteran actress Geethanjali. As the character of Ravana was strong in this script, they had to make Mandodari important and glamorous as well. With B.Saroja devi gracing the role, the character got a completeness.

Story Details:

Ravana (Sr.NTR) is stopped by Nandi when he goes straight to Kailasa to get darshan of Lord Shiva. A rift happens between Ravana and Nandi and the latter curses Ravana saying he would die in the hands of “Vaanaras”. Ravana doesn’t bother the curse and does a severe penance to shake the foundations of Kailasa. Lord Shiva feels delighted with the penance and grants Ravana few wishes to be fulfilled. As a result, Ravana becomes invincible. With the penance of sages and divine people, Lakshmi Devi(Mani/Geethanjali) is born on Planet Earth as Vedavathi who sacrifices her body to Ravana. Ravana lusts for her and tries to capture her. She immediately gets reborn in Lanka and says that she would destroy him – thereby turning into ashes. On the word of Mandodari (B.Saroja), the Rakshasas collect the ashes into a box and bury it in Janaka(Mikkilineni)’s kingdom. Janaka in the meantime performs puja for children and while tilling the ground, a baby girl in a box is found. He names her Seetha and looks after her with affection and care. On the other side in Ayodhya, Dasaradha (Nagaiah) is blessed with four sons who are the reincarnations of Narayana, Adhi Sesha, Shanka and Chakra as  Rama(Haranath), Lakshmana (Adhi Sesha), Bharata and Shatragnya. Rama and Laksmana go as a security for Vishwamitra (Gummadi)’s yaaga ritual. After it is finished, they go to Janaka Kingdom for the Swayamvara of Seetha. Ravana also arrives for the swayamvara in order to break the Shiva’s Bow- which is the condition to marry Seetha. But he fails to do so and gets insulted. Rama breaks the Shiva’s Bow and when Parasurama (K.V.S.Sharma) challenges the abilities of the former, the latter realizes the value of Rama and his reincarnation. The film ends with the phenomenal wedding of Seetha-Rama.

Performances:

Sr.NTR is fantastic as Ravana- a staunch Lord Shiva Devotee, a music lover, a greedy personality. He shares an interesting chemistry with his co-star B.Saroja. She does a brilliant job as Mandodari, the sane wife of an eccentric personality. Her innocent presence is a treat for the film. Haranath is handsome and perfect for the role of Lord Rama. Geethanjali is beautiful and youthful as the young Seetha- oozing out innocence and sweetness. She delivers very little dialogues in the film and yet makes an impact. Haranath and Geethanjali look like million bucks in the eternal wedding song of Telugu Cinema-‘Sri Seetharamula Kalyanam Chootamu Raarandi’.

Technical Aspects:

Samudrala Senior gave a new dimension to the Epic Ramayana by highlighting the Ravana’s point of view. The dialogues are crisp and high in literary value. Music is another asset for this epic and songs like ‘Kaanarara Kailasa Nivasa’,’Jayatvadabra Vibhramadbhama’ (Shiva Taandava Stotram written by Ravana himself),’ Govinda Damodara’,’Paadave Raagamayi’,’Sarasala Javaralanu’,’ O Sukumara Ninu Gani’ became evergreen hits. Sr.NTR does a great job as director as well and the film has good production values.

Cast and Crew:

Lord Rama- Haranath
Seetha- Mani/Geethanjali
Ravana- Sr.NTR
Mandodhari- B.Saroja
Haranath- Lakshmana
Janaka-Mikkilineni
Dasaradha-Nagaiah
Vishwamitra-Gummadi
Parasurama-K.V.S.Sharma
Dialogues- Lyrics:  Samudrala Senior
Music:  Gaalipenchala Narasimha Rao
Producer : N.Trivikrama Rao
 Director: Sr.NTR
Banner:  N.A.T
Release Date: 6th January 1961

Panduranga Mahatyam Movie Info

Panduranga Mahatyam story in short

Panduranga Mahatyam can be termed as one of the top notch devotional based musical films which ever graced Telugu Cinema. This film marks the debut of actress B.Saroja in Telugu as well.  The film is based on the story of a great devotee named Pundarikarudu belonging to Maharashtra. The story deals with this devotee, who initially gets addicted to a prostitute by deserting his family and wife- but later changes to a great devotee. This film can be termed as one of the all time greatest performances of Sr.NTR in his career. It was in fact remade by K.Raghavendra Rao in the title ‘Pandurangadu’ starring Balakrishna. After watching Panduranga Mahaytam, many people realized the importance of giving value to parents in life! This is the second film for Pouranika Bramha Kamalakara Kameshwara Rao. Prominent actress Vijayanirmala acted as a child artist in the role of Lord Krishna in this film as well. Her dance as little Lord Krishna was so beautiful in the film. Infact, she fainted during the shooting because of weakness but Sr.NTR fondly got her rid of the ill looks of people (Dishti in Telugu)

Story Details:

There existed a great Lord Shiva devotee whose penance is disturbed by Lord Indra. Because of this, the devotee is born to an affluent family of devotees. The father (Nagaiah) and mother (Rushyendramani) name the kid Pundarikudu (Sr.NTR). They pamper him a lot and raise him. Because of the penance getting disturbed in his past life, Pundarikudu gets attracted to bad habits in this current life. He becomes a womanizer going around every woman he sets his eyes on. He doesn’t bother his family or parents in this regard. In order to reform and keep their child in discipline, Pundarikudu’s parents get him married to a nice woman Rama (Anjali). Before she is all set to enter the in laws house, Pundarikudu goes to a beautiful prostitute Kalavathi (B.saroja). Even after his wife’s arrival in the house, Pundarikudu continues his illicit relationship with Kalavathi. To make things worse, he even gives his wife’s jewelry to this prostitute. Meanwhile, the cruel prostitute takes all the jewelry and kicks Pundarikudu out of her house. Pundarikudu realizes his mistake and feels ashamed to face his parents. He leaves to an ashram eventually. He faces hurdles and insults there and because of his enemies he loses his legs. As an orphan and a limp man, Pundarikudu yearns to meet his parents. He finally meets them and expresses his guilt. He becomes a great man by doing service to his parents. The film ends by Pundarikudu getting the grace of Lord Krishna and becoming one with the divine.

Performances:

Sr.NTR is phenomenal in the lead role Pundarikudu. He showed great contrast in the irresponsible person’s role first and a realized son’s role later. B.Saroja gets a negative role as the prostitute and she performs par excellence. Popular actress T.G.Kamala lent her voice for the role of B.Saroja in the film because the latter didn’t know Telugu by then. Nagaiah and Rusheyndramani are brilliant as the suffering parents of Pundarikudu. Anjali is decent as the troubled wife of Pundarikudu.

Technical Aspects:

Samudrala Junior’s dialogues and lyrics act like strong pillars for such a good film of this sort. Ghantasala’s rendition of Hey Krishna Mukunda Murari became an all time hit and would live forever in the hearts of Telugu People. T.V.Raju’s great music is a lifeline for this film. Songs like ‘Amma Ani Pilichina’,’Taram Taram Nirantaram’, ‘Neevani Nenani Talachitira’, ‘Vannela Chinnela Dora’, ‘Jaya Jaya Gokula Bala’ (Sung by Nagaiah himself) became evergreen hits. Kamalakara Kameshwara Rao crafted this film into a great Epic which would make anyone engrossed in it.

Cast and Crew:

Pundarikudu- Sr.NTR
Pundarikudu’s Father- Nagaiah
Pundarikudu’s Mother- Rusheyendramani
Kalavathi- B.Saroja
Rama- Anjali
Dialogues- Lyrics:  Samudrala Junior (This film has a Traditional Telugu Bhajan written by Pandari, Shantaram Adhwale’s Marathi Song, and a Hindi Song Written by Namdev)
Music:  T.V.Raju
Producer: N.Trivikrama Rao
Director: Kamalakara Kameshwara Rao
Banner:  N.A.T
Release Date: 29th November 1957

Shaavukaru Movie Info

Shaavukaru story in short

The decade of 1950 is a crucial period for Telugu Cinema. That era saw new actors, producers and directors. At a time when India became newly independent, Telugu Cinema could gain appreciation of every class of audience. The films were based on our own troubles and issues like affections, and happiness-sadness changes in life. One such film which made justice to such themes is Shavukaru. Vijaya Productions- the great production house which gave unforgettable films to Telugu Cinema began its tenure with this film. Nagireddy and Chakrapani- the pioneers of Vijaya Productions took Vahini Studios for lease and wanted to give it some work instead of leaving it idle. They selected L.V.Prasad, a competent director who worked for Mana Desam previously.

Story Details:

Farmer Ramayya (Sri Vatsava) and interest broker  Chengaiah(Govindaraju Subbarao) are neighbors in a Telugu Village. Ramayya has a son Narayana  (Vallabhajosyula Sivaram), daughter in law Santhamma (Shanthakumari) and a young daughter Subbulu  (Janaki) who is of marriageable age. Chengaiah has only one son Satyam (Sr.NTR) who studies in town. These two families are quite friendly with each other. Subbulu and Satyam are perceived as made for each other by everyone in the village. Right at the moment when the friendship between two families is supposed to change to a relationship –the story changes. Chengaiah’s father builds a philanthropist home and makes arrangements to suit it for poor people’s need. But in Chengaiah’s regime it transforms to a commercial zone and place for controversies. The villagers realize that it is happening due to the selfish nature of Chengaiah. With Narayana’s help the youngsters in the village question Shavukaru Chengaiah. With this incident, the friendship between Ramayya and Chengaiah family breaks and becomes enmity. Satyam, who returns to the village for holidays, feels sad for the new happenings. An angry Chengaiah drags Ramayya’s family to the roads. He demands those debts which were given by him to Ramayya in friendly manner previously. He throws a legal case on Ramayya’s son Narayana and the latter is jailed. He even sets the agricultural fields on fire with the help of his rowdy assistant Sunnam Rangadu (SVR). The rift between these two families becomes a huge issue for the village. What would be the solution for this? How does the friendship gain back between Ramayya and Chengaiah families? After the marriage of Subbulu and Satyam how do the things change? After all these questions are answered the film ends..

Performances:

Raithu Ramayya was played by Sri Vatsava and Chengaiah role was adorned by Govindaraju Subbarao. The role of Narayana was played by Vallabhajosyula Sivaram (Who later became a great sound engineer), Shantakumari played Shantha and “Shavukaru” Janaki debuted in the role of Subbulu. Sr.NTR played the role of lead hero Satyam and SVR played the role of rowdy Sunnam Rangadu.  Relangi, Madhavapeddi Satyam, Joga Rao and so on are seen in remaining roles.

After a small length role in Mana Desam, it was in this film Sr.NTR was featured as a full length hero for the first time in Telugu Cinema. Though he was booked for Palletoori Pilla as a hero along with ANR, Shavukaru was released 20 days before it was released! SVR- who did not taste success with his first film Varodhini and left for Jamshedpur for job played a small role in Mana Desam and with L.V.Prasad’s encouragement, he gave life to the role of Sunnam Rangadu in Shavukaru and casted a spell on Telugu Audience. Shankaramanchi Janaki, who debuted with this film as a heroine had the film’s name beside hers forever.

Crew and Technical Department:

The story was penned by Chakrapani. Though they initially considered Athreya , who was already earning good name in stage play writing, Chakrapani himself wrote the dialogues for the film. Samudrala Senior wrote the lyrics and Ghantasala brilliantly composed the songs. “Palukaraadate Chilaka”, “Emanene Chinnari Emanene” are pleasant to hear even till date. Marcus Bartley’s photography is another highlight of the film.

Cast and Crew:

Ramayya- Sri Vatsava
Chengaiah-  Govindaraju Subbarao
Narayana- Vallabhajosyula Sivaram
Shanthamma- Shantakumari
Satyam- Sr.NTR
Subbulu- Janaki
Sunnam Rangadu- SVR
Story- Chakrapani
Cinematography- Marcus Bartley
Lyrics- Samudrala Senior
Music- Ghantasala
Producers- Nagireddy and Chakrapani
Director- L.V.Prasad
Banner- Vijaya Productions
Release Date- April 7th 1956

Missamma Movie Info

Missamma story in short

Missamma remains to be one of the greatest Social Drama films ever in Telugu Cinema for the perfection it offers. Based on Bengali Literary work Manmoyee Girls School by Yotish Benarjee, Acting, Music, and rock steady direction are some of the greatest aspects of this film.

Details of Story :

The story is based on two main protagonists of the film Sr.NTR, and Mary (Savitri), their economic struggles and how they make people believe they are really husband and wife and the metamorphosis of their relationship. Personalities wise, both of them are extreme opposites. While Sr.NTR’s character is laid back and fun loving, Mary is a staunch Christian and is a no- nonsense person.  The rest of the story is about how these two get along, and the sweet little troubles they face as it progresses by.

Performances:

Sr.NTR is amazingly handsome and perfect in performance as the fun loving hero. His histrionics and those little tantrums he tries on Mary were brilliantly done. He looks breathtaking in the songs, with great looks along with fantastic acting skills. Savitri is fantastic as the no- nonsense strict lady Mary. Her facial expressions speak millions of words even without uttering a single dialogue. This one film is enough to say why Savitri is called as one of the greatest actresses Telugu Cinema has ever seen.Veteran actresss Bhanumathi was initially casted as the female lead in the film but due to some differences with Chakrapani, the golden chance greeted Savitri. ANR is seen in a comedy detective role, which was quite challenging for him because just then he played the pathos lover role in Devadas. Veteran actors like Jamuna, SVR, Suryakantham also are present in the film which gave it a picture perfect look.

Technical Aspects:

Dialogues by Chakrapani are brilliant in its own accord. They are crystal clear, which would hit the audience straight. Pingali Nagendra Rao’s lyrics for the songs are another highlight of the film. Music by S.Rajeshwara Rao wonderfully adds to this lyrical brilliance. No Telugu person can forget the songs like Raavoyi Chandamama, Telusukonave Yuvathi and Aaduvari Maatalaku ever.  Direction by L.V. Prasad is wonderful and gives the film a great entertaining momentum.

Sri Krishna Pandaveeyam Movie Info

Sri Krishna Pandaveeyam story in short ::

Sri Krishna Pandaveeyam is one of those rare classics where Sr.NTR was shown in contrasting roles such as Lord Krishna (Positive Role) and Duryodhana (Negative Role). The film showcases the justice principles which Lord Krishna follows by helping out Pandavas indirectly whenever they are in trouble. Interestingly, the film was directed by Sr.NTR.

The film deals with multiple sequences from Indian Hindu Epic The Mahabharata featuring Lord Krishna and his help to Pandavas in various hardships. The Act 1 features the sequences of Shakuni’s betrayal to Pandavas using his magic dice in the game and association of Duryodhana, Karna and Shakuni. It also shows the evil Wax House plan of Shakuni to kill Pandavas by residing them in a Wax Palace and setting it on fire. It also features the story of Bheema’s valour in a forest and marrying Hidimbasura’s sister Hidimba.

Act 2 features the marriage of Rukmini to Lord Krishna and how the story unfolds. Act 3 features Slaying of Bakasura, Draupadi’s marriage to Pandavas, Pandavas’s coming back to Indraprasta after their forest exile, Rajasuya Yaagam and Slaying of Sisupaala.


Performances :

Sr.NTR is phenomenal in two contrasting roles – as the good and calm Lord Krishna and the aggressive Duryodhana.  His histrionics in both these characters were amazing and proves the acting versatility of the legendary actor.  Legendary actors like  Gummadi,  Chittoor Nagaiah, Rajanala, Kanta Rao, K.R.Vijaya acted wonderfully in their respective roles.

Other info::

Lyrics by C.Narayana reddy, Kosaraju aid to the brilliance of the mythological epic.  The film used some original poems from Pothana in Bhagavatham. Music by T.V Raju is another asset for the film and the soundtrack features 26 songs. Direction by Sr.NTR is another fantastic aspect of the strength of the film.