Ramadasu (1964 film)

Ramadasu
Theatrical release poster
Directed by	V. Nagayya
Written by	Yadavalli Lakshmi Narayana Malladi Satyanarayana (dialogues)
Screenplay by	V. Nagayya
Based on	Life of Kancharla Gopanna
Produced by	V. Nagayya
Starring	V. Nagayya N. T. Rama Rao Akkineni Nageswara Rao Gummadi Sivaji Ganesan Anjali Devi
Cinematography	K. S. Prasad Jagirdaar
Edited by	G. D. Joshi A. S. Tangaveelu
Music by	Ashwathama V. Nagayya (Supervision)
Production company	V. N. Films[1]
Release date	23 December 1964 (1964-12-23)
Running time	180 minutes
Country	India
Language	Telugu

Ramadasu is a 1964 Indian Telugu-language biographical film, based on the life of Kancharla Gopanna, produced and directed by V. Nagayya. It stars Nagayya, with N. T. Rama Rao, Akkineni Nageswara Rao, Sivaji Ganesan and Anjali Devi in special appearances, with music composed by Ashwathama. The blockbuster film has garnered the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Telugu, and has garnered several state awards.^[2]

The film begins at Nelakondapalli, where Kancherla Gopanna lost his father in childhood. Currently, when his mother is ailing, Gopanna walks to Dhammakka, a devout servant who looks after the idols of Rama on the hill at Bhadrachalam. Soon, he backs, and his mother happily leaves her breath with the blessing of Rama, which shatters Gopanna. During that plight, he encounters Kabirdas, whose means of life is Rama's chanting. He enlightens Gopanna about grim reality and asks him to proceed further. Now the tale shifts to Golconda where Tanisha has strong faith in his true-blue ministers Madanna & Akkanna, the maternal uncles of Gopanna. They introduce him to the Empire, and he acquires his credence. Parallelly, there is a frequent call-off for the bridal connections of Madanna's daughter Kamala, as astrologers predict jail access is inevitable for the one that splices her. Despite this, Gopanna knits Kamala, and the couple is blessed with a son, Raghunatha.

After a while, Gopanna revisits Bhadrachalam on the eve of the Lord's wedding ceremony, where Kabir Das arrives, but vicious Dharmakarta Pratap Giri Panthulu & Tehsildar Allaudin expel him. However, with his idolization, Kabir Das proves his divinity. Plus, Gopanna hinders the illegal acts therein, which envies the knaves. Following this, he conducts Annadanam, a sacred offering at his home. Tragically, Raghunatha dies while dropping into a well when Kabir retrieves him back with his holy strength. Now, Gopanna faithfully serves his mentor, who proclaims that his devotion is ideal, blesses him with Srirama Taraka Mantram, and nobilitates him as Ramadasu. Thus, he pledges to sanctify his totality to the Lord by constructing a temple at Bhadrachalam. Besides, Tanisha discerns Gopanna's widespread popularity and delegates him as Bhadrachalam's Tehsildar. Afterward, he awakes spiritually and publicly, collecting assets owed to Tanisha's taxes. He seeks approval from the emperor, which falls short of Dharmakarta & Allaudin's ploy.

Years roll by, and Ramadasu triumphs in building a sublime temple when the heels tactically forge and accuse him of squandering govt funds. Ergo, Gopanna is apprehended and behind bars in a secluded prison. At which, he sculpts the idols of Sita, Rama & Lakshmana and orchestrates prayers. Ramadasu calls the Lord with reverence, humility, eagerness, and notwithstanding anger, but in vain. Ultimately, he implores Sita, which stirs Lakshmi, and she pleads Vishnu to secure him. Then, Vishnu states that Ramadasu was penalized since he caged a parrot for seven days in his past life. Currently, Vishnu takes the form of Rama & Adiseshu as Lakshmana sets foot at Golkonda and vanishes, clearing the debt. Hereupon, Tanisha is under a dichotomy when Kabirdas irradiates him with the fact. Therefore, Tanisha learns the eminence of Ramadasu and the foul play of Dharmakarta & Allaudin and acquits him. At last, Tanisha permanently bestows Bhadrachalam on Ramadasu and his heritage, Mutyala Talambralu. Finally, the movie ends happily, with Ramadasu dedicating himself to the Lord's prayers.

• N. T. Rama Rao as Rama
• Akkineni Nageswara Rao as Vishnu
• Sivaji Ganesan as Lakshmana
• Anjali Devi as Lakshmi

Music composed by Aswadhama. Music released on HMV Audio Company.

National Film Awards

• National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Telugu - 1964^[2]

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