Rudra Veena

_Rudra Veena_ (The Veena of Shiva, which sounds very baritone) is a movie with great intentions. The movie tries to fight the caste system, tries to argue that helping a fellow living being is of much taller order than even the praising the glory of the lord thru music. But I don't totally agree with the means with which these great intentions have been shown. The arguments between Satyam and Ganapathi Sastri bring out good truths, but they get silly at certain points trying to argue that music is in noway a means to the end. The movie also doesn't explain in detail on how the transformation has taken place. Instead, it takes the traditional Indian way of narration showing the results (i.e. transformation, in a few slide show kind of frames) and not the efforts to achieve the results. Chiranjeevi and Gemini Ganesan give a great performances, but Chiranjeevi is not close to a brahmin lad both in terms of accent and body movements. Overall, this is some good movie making with some great intentions and fantastic music by Maestro Ilaiyaraja.

I do not know if Rudraveena is a hit. But it is one of my favourite movies of my favourite actors. Chiranjeevi plays Suryam, son of the renowned, staunch orthodox classical musician Ganapathy Sastry. Ganapathy Sastry worships god through his music. A staunch beleiver of the caste system, he beleives that he (and his caste) is born superior to others, and that his music gets him closer to God and Glory. Suryam, carries the legacy of his father's music, but his conscience constantly keeps reminding him that he is one among the gods creations, all of whom are equal. The conflicting attitudes collide head on when suryam falls in love with Lalitha (sobhana)- a lower caste girl. suryam leaves his house to realise his destiny of cleaning his village of alcoholism. But would a world drenched in the stench of alcohol hear a humanitarian plea !!! Would Lalitha and Suryam realise their dream of being married, accepted by world, and accepted by family ? What are the stakes when the people who don't care are the people you want to change ? A message that was put across the Balachander way, with timely, and excellent music (by IllayaRaja), masterly enacted by Gemini Ganesan (Ganapathy Sastri), Suryam (Chiranjeevi), Lalitha (Sobhana) and the supporting cast, Rudraveena (meaning the Angry Veena - Indian variantof guitar) is my masterpiece.

Best movie i have ever seen in my life in any language. This movie has shown the talent of chiranjeevi. It shows chiranjeevi is a legend in acting. Though he was a commercial hero at that time, he dared to do a complete art film in his own production. this shows his love towards acting and the dedication. he is a legend of telugu film industry. Chiranjeevi him self said this is his one of the best films in his career.This movies has got a national award also. Though it did not collect money, it won many hearts and took chiranjeevi to the greatest heights. He is the king of Indian cinema.this was the first movie under anjana productions. Later he produced many movies under anjana productions. Rudraveena has its own place.

Rudraveena is the best movie I have seen till date. Excellent performances, perfect music direction and not the least great direction. I have seen it over 20 times and don't mind watching it again. The movie has a social message which is sent across the masses in a subtle manner. It is a very thought provoking movie and makes everyone ponder on "Dont ask what country has done to u but ask yourself what u have done to the country". The social issues of the 80's were perfectly captured and portrayed by the characters. Illayaraja's music is simply great and supplements the movie perfectly. Chiranjeevi's performance is worth mentioning. After watching this movie I have become a big fan of this MEGA STAR. Shobana's dancing was superb and she did a great job. Gemeni Ganesan as a strict brahmin and proud musician following all the age old rules is a star. His performance was splendid . As I end I would like to mention that the movie is a definite must see for one and all.

This is one of the finest and refined movie with great message I have ever seen. Chiranjeevi excelled in his character. The cast and entire crew of Rudraveena did a splendid job. The Karnatic music in this movie is my all time favorite. The album itself is a milestone. Even if a Single person changed his opinion towards consuming alcohol..this movie is Justified. The singers who have rendered their voice especially for the Karnatic songs are exceptionally appreciable. Chiru's eloquent expressions as a Karnatic Vocalist are awesome. I am a big fan of this movie and of course Chiranjeevi. I was a big fan of Chiranjeevi...But my admiration towards him doubled after seeing this message oriented movie. Ingeneral it won't appear to masses. But he dared to take the risk and he succeeded with the movie. I strongly recommend this movie.