anand-koka

This movie is not as much the story of Rama as much the story of Ravana. And as Ravana, NTR did a phenomenal job. It has to be one of his best movies, if not the best. B Saroja Devi gave an equally good performance. Kanta Rao as Narada does his usual best. All in all this is a must see. Starts as being a devotee of Shiva with his Rudra Veena Ganum that culminates in getting all the power leads to his arrogance. It is a classic example of 'Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely'. As the movie progresses, you assess the self-destructive path of Ravana (although the final destruction is not part of this movie). NTR's dialog delivery, mannerisms, facial expressions remind you why he was the best in portraying pouranikas.

What a great cast, storyline and overall performances. NTR excels in the role of Sri Krishna, while Jamuna is the star - with a superb portrayal as Satyabhama. Kanta Rao in his usual role of Narada (Tampula mari Naradayya) had his finest performance in this movie. Anjali as Rukmini was ideal. Padmanabham provides comic relief along with Vanisree. Jamuna portrays all the different moods of Satyabhama effortlessly - anger, arrogance, carelessness, sorrow, helplessness and finally, repentance. 'Virajalagalada...' is a top song with Jamuna looking beautiful. 'Idi Saragala Thota...' is more cheesy and less classic for this movie. Vijaya Lakshmi performs a beautiful dance (song) in praise of Krishna. All in all a very beautiful movie - very enjoyable.

NTR shows his versatility yet again - this time as Bruhannala. SV Ranga Rao excelled in such a negative role as Keechaka. Savitri looks her best and performs beyond compare. Storyline is from the classic 'Virataparvam'. But all the Pandavas approach Virta rajah with very similar story and need to stay for 1 year and yet does not cause any recognition on anyones part. Quite dismaying, almost incredulous. Granted it is a story from the past, the least they could do is come up with more plausible dialogs to express it. I never found the need for Savitri to say that she is married to 5 Gandharvas - isn't that a dead give away. Why does Bheema have to say he used to cook in Hastinapuram. But I will give excellent points for the cast. Relangi provides endless humor - as usual. Vijayalakshmi as Uttara was beautiful - all her dances show her true skill.