NTR: Kathanayakudu (2019) - full transcript

Based on the journey of the legendary Telugu actor, filmmaker and ex-Chief Minister Late Taraka Rama Rao Nandamuri.

'This is a novel story;
pride of Telugu cinema'

'It has brought a distinct change
in Telugu history'

'It is our story'

'My father's life story'

'God blessed me and motivated me to bring
my parents' story on the silver screen'

'I am sure my audience will support me
and endorse me in this endeavor'

'With the interest
of my dear audience at heart'

'I remain your Nandamuri Balakrishna'

'1984 Madras'

It is advisable to discontinue
radiation, Lokeswari madam

Final stages



It can only reduce her pain

Not save her!

Do not cry, sister

Where is mother, Sai anna?

She went out for a breath of fresh air

She is in the garden

Mother...?

'Amma'

Hari...?

Is it you?

What are you doing here?

I asked you to
be with your father

Father asked me to be with you

That is why I came here



Alright

Come, sit

My dearest!

My vision is getting blurred

For my eyes to close gradually

I am preparing for it
once and for all

Nothing will happen to you

You will be fine

'Radiation and chemotherapy'

...affected your vision

Mother, you will be fine

You asked for father's photos
Here is the album, amma

Where is he?

Here...

My husband resembles God!

Until I see him once more

...I will be happy
if my eyesight is intact

'1947 Bezawada'

"My dear white dove"

[song from 'Swarga Seema']

You can record your voice for HMV

Rama Rao sir, I came
earlier than you today

Great! I have come on time

If women are employed
in jobs they are unfamiliar with

...then this is how it will be!

Mr Edukondalu

Why does it bother you
if ladies earn?

Remember for 9 months
with pain and discomfort

...a woman delivers a boy

Women may also rule
our country in the future

True, Rama Rao

Until recently we were ruled
by Queen Elizabeth, right?

- Namaste, registrar sir
- Namaste

Here is your file, lord

Clerk, sir

No one is lord here

Not just me

Do not address
anyone here like that

I have no objection
if you call me by my name

Hello, sir

Are you not Chenna Kesavalu?

'Yes, sir'

I have already signed your papers

Why have you come back again?

They asked for 2 papers

I could not find them, sir

The papers were all intact

What did they want?

We bribed those working for you
for 2 annas and came to meet you

We must bribe your superiors
Rs 2 each to obtain a signature

We are poor farmers
in need of a fair share

How can we afford, sir?

Give me the papers

Here, sir

Take a look

These papers are in order, right?
What is missing?

- Rama Rao sir
- Sign the papers

- Rama Rao sir
- SIGN THESE PAPERS NOW!

- Clerk...?
- Sir

- Take this and get it stamped
- Yes, sir

- Where did this money come from?
- This is not yours

Your sub-registrar chair has earned it

'You will get your share'

'Sesame sized sin; shared within'

Share it fair and square

- I will speak to him, you go
- He is furious

If we fulfill a task
that is not our duty

...we call it 'bribe'

If we take money to do our duty
then what is that called?

Rama Rao, you have
joined work recently

You must learn
to turn a blind eye

3 months ago
our nation obtained freedom

Even corruption got liberated!

I can see from the way
this office functions

Take this

- What is it?
- My resignation letter

Accept it

Rama Rao, out of 7000 applicants for
Madras Public Service Commission exam...

...you are 1 among 6
who got the job

1000s of people want
this kind of fortune

Do not kick it away

Rama Rao...!

I do not want that luck which supports
my family with others' misfortune

I can try changing human beings

But how can I change the system?

That is why I resigned

Let me take leave

You worked for 3 weeks

If you work for 1 more week
you can get your 1st month's salary

The breadwinner will be
the self proclaimed head of the house

If he ends up accepting bribes

...think about the countless
heads for the same house!

Lakshmi, keep an eye on
the sweet pudding on the stove?

Yes, sister

Today is your wedding anniversary, right?

My brother-in-law could have
taken the day off?

Very true

Both husband and wife could have bathed
in river Krishna and gone to the temple

I am sure you know your son will
never take off even for 1 day, right?

Talk of my angel!
He is back home

As if he will come of his own accord?

His boss must have packed him off early
knowing it is a special day!

Your father-in-law has sent you
a message from Komaravolu

Look who has come

He is now a registrar
So wondered if he can take off

- Nursed the baby?
- Can you go?

I have made your favorite
sweet pudding, dear

Let me bring it for you

I quit my job!

Why?

I did not like it

What do you intend doing then?

- What happened?
- I believe brother-in-law has quit his job

Director L. V.Prasad
recently wrote this letter

I am joining the cine field

Whaaat...?

Acting in a cinema?

Cine field, huh?

Quitting a well-paid job
and entering into cinema?

'Has this ever happened in our house?'

You objected to him becoming a pilot
Now you are against cinema

- Will you not let him follow his wish?
- Whom do we know in that field?

Whom did we know
when he took up this job?

Likewise

If he had accepted Mr Pullaiah's offer
he would have been 'Keelu Gurram' hero

- How will his wife cope?
- You objected because he was a student

Tarakam dear, he will
pay heed to your words

Dissuade him, dear

She will endorse
only her husband's wishes

Are you packing?

Not a very trustworthy field, right?

I know you will not
approve of my interest

Will you and I ever have
different interests, my dear?

God has blessed you
with an alluring personality

And given you a good education
and a golden heart

He has blessed you
with the ability to emote

People of Madras love you

Godspeed, my dear

Tarakam

What is this?

It is an unfamiliar city

If necessity demands, sell this

Tarakam

If you refuse
swear on me

- Do you really want to get into films?
- Yes, sir

Do you want to become
like hero Nageswara Rao?

No, sir

I want to become 'Rama Rao'!

"To Telugu people his name spells glory
He is a beacon of light shining brightly"

"To Telugu people his name brings fame
He is a beacon of light; an eternal flame"

"Star hero with 300 plus films to his name"

"His 'victory march' added to his fame
A star hero he became; won acclaim"

"To Telugu people his name brings fame
He is a beacon of light; an eternal flame"

"A legend with 300 plus films to his name"

"His 'victory march' added to his fame
A star hero he became; won acclaim"

"Unparalleled in his acting prowess
His attire, image, speech par excellence"

"Bheemasena, brave Arjuna, Lord Krishna
Generous Karna, worthy Suyyodhana"

"Bheeshma, Brihannula, Viswamitra
King of Lanka 10 headed Ravana"

"Epic roles you enacted; not only on reel
You breathed life into it as God so real"

"He enhanced the silver screen
with his films and roles evergreen"

"To every print
he added his imprint"

"He emoted expressions nine
filling hearts with adulation divine"

"Charismatic on the whole
Conquered every heart and soul"

"Hero evergreen in every scene
who enlivened the silver screen"

"To Telugu people his name brings fame
He is a beacon of light; an eternal flame"

"Star hero with 300 plus films to his name"

"His 'victory march' added to his fame
A star hero he became; won acclaim"

"Praise be to you"

"Jai ho!
Glory to you"

"Praise be to you"

'NTR...THE LEGENDARY HERO'

Stop...stop
What do you want?

Is this Mr L.V.Prasad's residence?

So what?
Go...go

Hey, let me go in

Coming from Bezawada
He has called me

No, go now

Hey, do you know who I am?

Rama Rao...!

When did you come?

Greetings, Prasad sir

You told me to come to Madras, right?

I am here now

I checked into a lodge
and came straight to meet you

I told you to come long ago

And you have come now?

You should have come
when Lady Luck called you

When you choose to come
Lady Luck will not be waiting

I am not pinning my hopes on luck

But on me!

Give me a chance to work hard

I will ensure Lady Luck favors me!

Well said!

B.A.Subba Rao is
auditioning for new faces

- Come, I will take you
- For hero, sir?

Yes, for a hero's role
Come along now

Trust me

I belong to you

One among you

I will give my life for you

By the time you give
your life, I will die!

- Yoganand
- Sir

- Ask him to leave
- You leave...next

Srinivasa Rao, please come in

Have faith in me
I belong to you

- I belong to you
- One among you

Sorry, sir, do you
want me to repeat it?

You sound like 'do you
want me to murder it again?'

- Next
- Come in

Kesava Reddy

- Yoga
- Sir

Do you know how a hero should look?

Nose as a captivating feature

...should be prominent

Eyes should have a magnetic appeal

When he smiles, it should
be like the moon shining

On the silver screen...

...he should look like
a Ravi Varma painting

Subba Rao

He is Rama Rao from Bezawada

'He has quit his job
as sub-registrar'

'If you audition him...'

Payment will be Rs 1116

Advance Rs 100

Cinema is 'Palletoori Pilla'
Your name is Jayanth

Yoganand, give him the script

Subba Rao, you have chosen him
without any audition?

You said it, Mr Prasad

When I was looking
for an artiste for a hero

...you brought a hero in person to me!

Let me also take that audition

I saw your drama
in Bezawada

I am organizing a photo shoot for my hero

Come here

Yoga, give him the agreement

Rama Rao, I am saying it again

Your payment is Rs 1,116

Advance is Rs 100

I will never forget your help

Rama Rao

I am introducing you
into the world of cinema

But I am the one
who introduced him to you!

Rama Rao, do this for me

Do this small role
in my film 'Mana Desam'

- You will get used to the camera
- Correct, Mr Prasad

Jayanth, go ahead and do it
You will become camera friendly

Alright

Started my career as a constable

And if I have come to this position

...how many places
I would have seen

How many people I would have met!

Otherwise could I have
come to this position?

Allow us to do our job

Cut it, okay

Print

Well done, Rama Rao

Focus on your duty

Very good
You did well

If your future is good...

...this will be
a dialog written by God!

Mr Prasad, you got hold
of a very talented man

Mr Nagaiah, pack up
for the day for you

Thank you

Your shot now

People will be shouting slogans loudly

You will lathi-charge them

Alright

- Rama Rao
- Sir

- It should be natural and realistic
- Sure

- Ready?
- Yes

Okay

Sound

Roll camera

'Rolling, sir'

Action

Praise be to independent India

Charge

Why are all of you still standing here?

Can you not understand
when I say 'go'?

Leave now

'Clear out of this place'

Did you not hear me?

- Clear out
- Rama Rao

Rama Rao...Rama Rao

Go away!

Cut it!

Prakash Rao, go and stop him

Rama Rao, stop

Go away!

Rama Rao, cut

He said 'cut'

Cut...?

I heard it as 'hit'!

You got into your role!
Their backs are so sore

Brother, if you act
in a murder scene...

...you may really kill that actor!

Please forgive me

It was not deliberate on my part

You asked me to be
natural and realistic-

Does it mean you can hit them so hard?

I am witnessing for the 1st time
true emotions required for cinema

You will carve a niche for yourself

Sir, Mr L.V.Prasad has sent him

Namaste, sir

I am Rama Rao

Mr Prasad asked me
to meet you at 7:00 a.m

You are very punctual

- Heard you got your Bachelor's degree
- Yes, sir

Handsome!

If you ask people which heroine
is beautiful, answer will be Kanchanamala

Tomorrow if you ask people
who is the most handsome hero...

...they will tell your name!

I am saying it today
Mark my words!

Today I am a little busy

- Meet me tomorrow, same time
- Sure, sir

Rama Rao

How about wearing
a fur cap like me?

It will suit you

- Meeting with Mr H.M.Reddy?
- Yes

Used up my meal tickets

- If you can get me 1 coupon
- For me also

Of course

I am keeping it here
Take it later

All the best, brother

Good morning, sir

Oh! You are here

Very punctual
I am impressed

You value time indeed

By the way
where do you stay?

Thousand Lights

Will it be around 5 miles from here?

- 7 miles, sir
- Then

Do you have a motor cycle?

No, sir, I came by walk

Learn this dialog

Rehearse it well

On Thursday at 7:00 a.m

Come at 6:00 a.m
I will let you know

I will take leave, sir

"You are in my heart one and only"

This life which will merge with the soil

Can it not be sacrificed for that land?

This life which will merge with the soil

Can it not be sacrificed for that land?

Brother

This life which will merge with the soil

Can it not be sacrificed for that land?

How is it?

Amazing!

Hero, this is the song
in your film 'Palletoori Pilla'

Master Adinarayana Rao has
composed the tune yesterday

This life which will merge with the soil

Can it not be sacrificed for that land?

[rehearsing the dialog]

Brother, if you had continued,
I would be half moustached!

[rehearsing the dialog]

How is it, brother?

You have repeated this 112 times!

Exclaiming 'fantastic' will
no longer be fantastic, brother

Look at that poor soul

This life which will merge with the soil

Can it not be sacrificed for that land?

He has forgotten his lyrics and
singing your dialog like a lunatic!

This life which will merge with the soil

Can it not be sacrificed for that land?

This life which will merge with the soil

Can it not be sacrificed for that land?

Rama Rao

If you ask, not just my life
I will bequeath you anything!

Your performance is outstanding

Listen, you are a great actor

- Keep it up
- Thank you, sir

Does it mean I got the hero role?

Why will you not get roles?

They will queue up
in front of your porch!

So...

...tomorrow Thursday

Can you come at 6:00 a.m?

- Yes, sir
- Good

Nageswara Rao and another
new face by name Rama Rao

The script is brilliant

2 heroes

It will be mind boggling

For every 1 rupee you invest
you will get Rs 10, I guarantee

That is alright, Subba Rao
1st let me listen to the story

Sir, hero has come

- Nageswara Rao or Rama Rao?
- Rama Rao sir

Tell him I am not here

I sent him back twice before
with this same reply

Someday I will produce a film

Tell him to wait until then

Go...go and tell him

Like I was saying-

Are you not Rama Rao?

In Bezawada I have seen you
in many dramas by National Art Theatre

Remember my name
I am Peketi Sivaram

Hey Yoganand

Rama Rao, director has not come as yet

When he comes out...

...tell him word by word
'I came to meet him'

Rama Rao

- Ask him to come after a couple of days
- Alright, sir

Good morning, sir

If you had to be here so early

...you should wake up
at least by 4:00 a.m, right?

I am not producing any cinema now

I am short of funds

I am older than you

To break this news to you...

...my self-respect came in between!

I was hoping one day or the other
you will come late

I thought I will use it
as an excuse and send you away

But even clocks will be
scared of your discipline!

I never thought of this possibility!

Let bygones be bygones

Kindly do not mistake me

Respected sir

If you specify a time
should I not be punctual?

How can you assume
I will not be?

I will take leave now

Please excuse me

I will not come back again

Poor chap, sir
He is leaving

I thought he will survive in cinema

You are sure he will survive in cinema!

He will make sure cinema survives!

Mark my words

Brother

May be you are being impulsive

Can you think about it once more?

There is nothing more to think

I am a perfectionist

I expect everyone
to be the same way

Give this letter
to Mr Subba Rao, brother

Rama Rao...Rama Rao

You are angry with Mr H.M.Reddy
Why show it on Mr B.A.Subba Rao?

How was he any better?

He said he will direct in 2 months

8 months have sped by

I must think of my family too, right?

Prakash Rao, hand over
that letter to Mr Subba Rao

I never thought you will
also leave us, brother

Stepping back is not in my blood

To keep my foot forward
I do not like this route

[vendors hawking]

Come, dear

Sit here

Please be seated

Tea...coffee...

Do you want coffee?

Thank you

- Where are you going?
- Bezawada

Sir, come fast
Train is leaving

Oh God!
The train has left

He has gone

We missed him!

- It was not meant to be
- For us, sir?

Yoganand, when my cinema got delayed

...even you thought less of me!

I was referring to him

Whether it is self respect...

...or arrogance, I am not sure

Sir...!

Come, tonga is ready

How can you make her travel
in this delicate condition?

Take her to the nearest hospital

Brother

You got down because of us

I do not know
the reason for your travel

It is alright, sister
I will take the night train

You take care

Where to?

Where are you going?

I sent you a letter
clearly stating I will not come

Yes, you wrote that silly letter!

You are my hero

You have signed an agreement too

Do not forget that

I do not like the procedures here, sir

Wait

Only your honesty will
take you places here

Look

To watch all your films

...that yet-to-be born baby
has stopped you for us

You will be
a renowned hero!

Listen, the funds are ready

Let us start shooting

Come along now

Jayanth

You are fighting a bull

You are trying to flex its horn

Where is the bull?

This is the bull!

Lift a little more

These are its horns

'Ready'

Roll camera

Rolling, sir

Action

Action

Rama Rao...Rama Rao

Camera is rolling

Rama Rao, action
Tame the bull

How can I fight without a bull?

Cut it...cut

Rama Rao, you do not
have to really fight a bull

We have a dupe to do that

You fight in a close up shot, enough

Dupe...?
Who is that?

He is the one

That is cheating

Is this how they shoot
wars in cinema?

Then will they fight really?

If you shoot like this
you are cheating the public

I will really fight with
the bull, bring it here

- Bring what?
- The bull!

You want to fight?

Are you taking a dig?

Brother, did you see it
prancing wildly?

It will trample you

I am the son of a farmer

If I get scared of a bull,
how can I become a hero?

Bring it here
I am ready

Rama Rao, you are so stubborn

Why will you not listen to us?

Alright, get the bull here

Bulli Reddy, bring the bull here

Action!

Cut...cut

I was the only young hero
in this industry until now

I thought I had no competition
Now I have to revise my opinion

In this cinema
you are not the only hero

I am there too

People call me Nageswara Rao

How will I not know you?

My younger brother and I
watched your 'Balaraju' thrice

Very good!

- Where are you from?
- Nimmakuru near Gudivada

Really...?

It is my hometown too

Other side of Gudivadi

Venkataraghava Puram

Your arm seems to be broken

Director sir

At least you could have been cautious

Whaaaat?

If he jumps on that animal
I should have been more cautious?

I was yelling 'cut...cut', Nageswara Rao

He heard 'cut' as 'hit' it seems

He hit everyone in the film 'Mana Desam'

Shall we go back to work?

1st we will take you
to the hospital, brother

'Bless the hand that feeds!'

Thanks to your meals ticket
we survived today

Betel leaves from Chettiyar

Not now, brother

I have an upset stomach

Have you not eaten yet?

'Brother...brother?'

My younger brother

'Rama Rao, someone has
come looking for you'

- Brother...?!
- Brother, what is this cast?

- What happened?
- During the shoot

When he jumped on the bull...

...it tossed him

- Where is it now?
- What? Bull?

Like older brother like younger brother

'Sunnundalu' and 'Kajjikayalu'

Savoury and snacks

That foldable cot
which all 3 of us fight for

...is all yours
till your stay here

I will thrash you if you eat

All that is only for my brother

How is everyone at home?

If you are doing well,
they will be good

If they hear about this injury,
how will they be?

Here, a letter from your dear wife

Freshen up

We will go out to eat

'My dear husband'

'Letter from Rama Tarakam'

'I hope you have
nothing lacking over there'

'For your dreams to come true'

'...I pray to river Krishna
and Goddess Durga daily'

'Do not worry about us'

'Our son Ramakrishna
was not keeping well yesterday'

'So I took him to the doctor'

'He has prescribed medicine
to be given thrice a day'

'He has been crying now'

'Our next door lady is very keen
to know when you will return'

'I have no idea why'

'I intend scolding her
one of these days'

'Please take me
to your cinema soon, dear'

'I feel like watching
a film with you'

'Take care of your health'

'Your loving wife
Ramatarakam'

Brother...brother
What happened?

- Brother
- Nothing

I just had a slight dizzy spell

You go and shower

For how many days?

What...?

Starving

If you deny it
swear on me

If I do not eat for 4 days,
is it the end of the world?

Our Subba Rao has not
got financial aid

He will pay when he gets

Until then?

Get up
Let us go

You cannot stay here
a moment longer

Where to?

Without knowing anything
for sure, no point leaving

Farmer's son and a registrar

You quit everything
for the sake of cinema

If you stop eating too
how will you live, brother?

If our parents got wind of this
they will feel terrible

Sister-in-law will die!

All this is only for them, brother

As soon as my hand heals
we will start the shoot

I will not have any other problem

This time I will tame the bull

I will not go to Bezawada either

I will take care of you
and stay with you

- You have got it wrong
- 'Rama Rao'

What is this?

We thought you gave
your meals ticket to us

We never knew
you were starving instead

Your personality is astonishing, brother

You were responsible
for his starvation

You will fill your stomach and burp

Will you not even know
if he ate or not?

Brother, these friends gave me shelter

Does it justify them
taking your coupons?

Brother, good deeds will never go waste

Not meals ticket, many more tickets
will be sold to watch his film, be patient

'Yes...yes'

Brother, you are
amidst shrewd con men

Better be careful!

4 cinemas

And a contract for 2 years

1st year Rs 500 per month

Rs 5000 per cinema

2nd year Rs 750 per month

Rs 7500 per cinema

Until we finish our films
you cannot accept any other offer

Agreed?

If you act in every cinema
without a dupe like this...

...you will have a perennial cast

You have not seen him in action

Even in the film 'Manadesam'
you know the backs of all the artistes

He beat them black and blue!

What are you thinking?

Are you okay with the contract?

I did not want to work
for a monthly salary

But I have given in
to this again

Alright

- I am the hero in all the cinemas?
- Of course

You sign the papers

Sign, Rama Rao

Golden opportunity

I am signing for a new life

Please bless me, sir

Go on, sign

Ready sir

Janaki, are you ready?

[song from 'Shavukaru']

"Friendship turned into a love shower
Brimming flowed as a joyous river"

"Weaving its waves, joy demonstrated
Victory of good over evil celebrated"

What do you think of the film?

Look there

The film is good
But not the theater

It will do well in good theaters

'Looks like the collection may be dicey'

Brother, this cine field will not suit us

Let us go back to our hometown

Do not be hasty, Trivikrama

This is not the end of the world
He has a bright future

What can it be?

Right from the beginning
this has been disappointing

Safe guarding his self respect
he quit his job as registrar

Now he is under the mercy of others

He is always been like this

He will go looking for trouble

Brother, let us go

We have to tell the people

Cinema is a powerful medium

All they do is sleep in the theaters

You saw only those who were asleep

I saw them watch the film
even when they were asleep

Cinema rules the theaters today

Tomorrow it will be
part of their daily life

Our culture will be a vital part of cinema

One who does not pay heed to his parents
will listen to his friend, brother

There is no better friend than cinema

'Goddess, I have a humble request'

Those who watched this story
and by word of mouth

May they be granted goodness of health
and all kinds of assets and wealth

As soon as Anji prays to Pathala Bhairavi
the Goddess says, 'so be it'

The cinema ends on this note

I am waiting for your opinion
about these dialogs, Mr Nagi Reddy

Do you want me to
be honest or lie?

Thank you so much

Those who watched this film
and by word of mouth

Interesting!

Chakanna, can we book
Nageswara Rao for the hero's role?

I feel...Nageswara Rao is a great actor
and a dear friend of mine

But as a director I cannot visualise
Nageswara Rao as Thota Ramudu, sir

What is this?

Nageswara Rao means fantasy hero, right?

- Have you watched 'Keelu Gurram'?
- You are still in 'Keelu Gurram' mind set

I have moved on to
'Pathala Bhairavi 'now

But Thota Ramudu is different

Girls are wrapping their books
with photos of Nageswara Rao

On the silver screen
1st time an ordinary man

...becomes an extraordinary man
That is Thota Ramudu's character

If Nageswara Rao cannot fit
we need a big hero for this

This is not a role for a big hero

But a role which can make a big hero

Enough of your opinion!

If you cannot get
a hero for that character

...we must change the character
to suit the hero

What do you say, Mr Pingali?

Thota Ramudu's character
will not change, sir

His role cannot be compromised

Who is it?

Rama Rao, huh?

Our Thota Ramudu is Rama Rao

I did not have faith
when Reddy was so sure

He flutters proudly like a victory flag

Winning horse of
Vijaya Vauhini banner

We will redeem our loss in 'Shavukaru'
including interest with this project

'You see that demi-god with the big belly?'

'Break his belly
with this steel mace'

'Carry out my order'

Hit hard!

How they celebrate a cinema!

Clapping and whistling

Just like that Nepali sorcerer
says in the film

If we do what the public like

...this celebration is
the result, Nagi Reddy!

Collection will also multiply, Chakanna

Strength of our cinema is proved
by Thota Ramudu's character

What do you say, Reddy?

Rama Rao, 1st super star
of Indian screens

'Hey! Who is on the screen?'

'Rama Rao garu, I say'

'Rama Rao sir is here'

'Praise be to NTR!'

[loud cheering]

- Glory to Thota Ramudu!
- Jai Pathala Bhairavi!

That is Thota Ramudu over there

'Bawa'

My dear

City of Madras welcomes you

- Your father
- Nana

Come to me, son

I watched all your films along with amma

- Ramakrishna, how are you?
- I am good, father

- How are you?
- I am fine

Come

Look over there, sir

'Pathala Bhairavi' hero, Rama Rao

Ask him for his autograph

Rama Rao sir
Autograph please

Hold him

Bawa, you said the cine field
is not trustworthy

If my beloved Tarakam sends me off

...whatever the field, I will
taste the fruits of success

- Thank you very much, sir
- 'Vanakkam'

4 rooms

Verandah

And a back yard

Rent is Rs 46

Rs 46?

- Every month?
- Yes, dear

How is the house?

Any house is like its owner's heart

That means how is it?

Spic and span
Spacious

This is our room

Beautiful

Waist band?

Looks expensive

After 'Pathala Bhairavi'
I got an advance for 6 films

I bought with that money

You bought this waist band
instead of my coin necklace

Coin necklace

I gave it to you
to sell in case of emergency

This is not jewellery, dear

It is confidence given to me by my wife

How can I sell that confidence?

Should I not preserve it
for my entire life?

After the shoot of
'Pelli chesi choodu'

...I will be free for a month

Shall we relax in Ooty's cool climate?

Ooty?

"Get married, rent a house happily
Spend the rest of our lives heartily"

"With comforts to heart's contentment
you should all lead a life of enjoyment"

Cut it

Mr Rama Rao

Concentration should be on the song

Lip movement and at the same time
on the hand movement

It should be very natural, okay?

'Mr Rama Rao'

Have you never played
the harmonium before?

No, sir

My wife knows
I used to watch her play

Mrs Rama Rao, please come

Me?

Please come and teach your husband

- Aiyaiyo!
- It is alright, madam

Come, Tarakam

Tarakam, come

'Mrs Rama Rao, please come'

[song from 'Pelli Chesi Choodu']

"Get married, rent a house cheerfully
Spend the rest of our lives blithefully"

"With comforts to heart's contentment
you should all lead a life of merriment"

Marvellous!

This is the marriage
between music and acting!

Rama Rao, did you observe?

Just act like your wife
That will do

Yes

Let us go for take, come on

Thank you, guru

Watch your disciple play his role now

"Get married, rent a house happily
Spend the rest of our lives heartily"

"With comforts to heart's contentment
you should all lead a life of enjoyment"

Marcus, actually-

Mr Rama Rao, would you mind
lending me Rs 200?

Gummadi sir, your expenses
seem to be escalating

In spite of my advice
you continue to smoke

I did not ask for this

You know of the draught
in Rayalaseema now?

I want to help a friend in Kurnool
to the best of my ability

I heard about it too
Poor people of Rayalaseema

At least our Govt should support them?

5 years since we attained freedom

What to do, sir?

I will help

Organize a cultural event
in the entire state for Rayalaseema

- And we can collect funds?
- Good idea

As far as I know, no film hero has
ever thought so much for the people

- You will be the first
- Not just me

We will form a group of like-minded people

Only harmonium

- Or do you play other instruments?
- I know a bit of violin

Tarakam

I mentioned about Ooty, right?

That plan is-

'Dear one and all
I am your mother'

'Your Telugu mother'

I have 3 children

Andhra, Telengana and Rayalaseema

One child is upset and crying now

Hands of the other children
should wipe his tears, right?

Mother, we give you our word
not to make you cry

We promise to help
the people of Rayalaseema

Prakasam, this should not be a drama

It must be something
more interesting

Mr Vemulapalli Sri Krishna is
part of your troupe I think?

Yes, why?

Let us sing in praise
of our Telugu land

- Song, huh?
- Fantastic

Both the ladies have agreed

Rehearse the song

"Raise your hand in single-minded unison
Praise in chorus, man of Telugu origin"

"Your past name and fame
accompanies you all the same"

"This land is known for its sacrifice
of blood and bravery; no compromise"

"Palanadu belongs to you
So does Velanadu too"

"Palanadu belongs to you
So does Velanadu too"

"Revel in the glory of Balachandrudu
the valiant warrior of Palnadu"

"Young general Tandra Paparayudu
committed royal suicide for Telugu"

"Nayakuralu Nagamma, Molla, Mallamma Devi
exemplary women synonymous with bravery"

"Sibling of every Telugu
Manchala, wife of Balachandrudu"

"Our Telugu land is the mother
who gave birth to many a brave warrior"

"Land for mothers here
with courage crystal clear"

You can collect funds from
your colleagues in the cine field

Who will have the heart to say 'no' to you?
Why are you asking the public?

This mission is not mere charity

But for Dharma and it is people's duty
to lead a responsible life

Reminding people of their duty
is the duty of artistes like us

"Buoyant and bouncy is river Gautami"

"River Krishna brims with prosperity"

"Buoyant and bouncy is river Gautami
River Krishna brims with prosperity"

"Enough if Tungabadra as its tributary
dances overflowing with felicity"

"In a nation where granaries flourish
no dearth of clothing or food to relish"

"If 30 million Telugu people unite on earth"

"Our neighboring lands will know our worth"

"You share the same mother
Telugu land's sister and brother"

"Why be hassled at hand
by step children of another land?"

Without discriminating
the young and old, male and female

...everyone gave magnanimously

Women were even better

Total collection 100000

I have written the accounts

You are the beacon of light
in our industry

We request you to donate this amount

'...to the Rayalaseema Karuvu sahaya Nidhi'

Rama Rao, wait

Who asked you to go there?

What do you think of yourself now?

Do you know how much
we are investing on you?

Only to watch you, people buy tickets
and flock to the theaters

If you interact with them
who will watch your films?

Did it not occur to you
to share your plan?

Govt can take care of the people

It is enough if actors
stay behind the screen

You are bound by our contract

How will you respond to this?

Tell me

What should I tell, sir?

I do not need a contract which entails me
to obtain permission even to seek alms

I thought I should act
for the people

If it comes between
my people and me

I will say 'no' to cinema also

I am indebted to Vijaya Vauhini
for giving me this stardom status

Thank you, I take leave

Rama Rao garu, what happened?

Give this collection
to Ramakrishna Mutt

Ensure it reaches
the people in Rayalaseema

What happened?
Your brother is upset?

He broke Vijaya Vauhini's contract

Is that so?

If he does not act in their film
as per their contract

...other producers will
hesitate to book him

Milk in Madras is
not thick enough, dear

Can we buy 4 buffaloes?

I am fine if you are
back to riding a cycle

I gave up only on
Vijaya studio's contract

Not victory!

Listen, brother

Nagi Reddy refused to give you a job, eh?

From now on
we will give jobs

We will produce films on our own

We will convert our drama banner
into a cinema production house

Call Pundarikaksham
He will support you

Your wish is my command!

National Art Theatre...NAT

'Rama Rao'

Rama Rao

Name of the banner is National Art Theatre

- Sounds great
- Guruji, namaste

Namaste, sir

Come and eat with us

Listen, I will eat only if
your husband gives his word

For what?

We are starting a fantasy film
called 'Chandrahaaram'

Kamalakar Kameswara Rao
is our debut director

Very good

Convey my best wishes

Best wishes it seems
Did you hear that, Prasad?

Rama Rao

Your call sheets are the only best wishes
for Telugu cinema now

- Please accept
- I did not walk out in a huff

Due to self respect

Producer Nagi Reddy vetoed you
Not Nagi Reddy the person

He was the one who sent us here

But it is-

Rama Rao, tell me this

Is it not as good as Mr Nagi Reddy
being here, if I have come?

Accept this advance

Will you take it or do you want me
to go on hunger strike here?

Please accept it, Rama Rao

If you respect us
accept this token advance

Madam, please persuade him

Tarakam, accept it

Very good

With our best wishes, madam

This is what I like about you

Madam, you offered to serve us lunch

If you serve me lunch and also
pack it in a lunch box for me

...I will make Nagi Reddy eat
and convey the good news

Bawa, can I buy
buffaloes with that money?

That amount is for
'Chandrahaaram', dear

Just like the film's title
can I get you a gold necklace?

Why spend on me, dear?

Spend this money on your dream
of making your own film

Tarakam

You never ask me for anything

Are you not there for me, dear?

Only if I need anything
more precious than you

There is nothing, right?

"O' Rama, allow me to be
by Your side to serve You daily"

"O' Rama, give me the pleasure
to be Your loyal, forever-servitor"

"O' Rama, allow me to be
by Your side to serve You daily"

Stop...stop

Hero will meet all of you, please wait

- He left from here, right?
- You are a star now

What brings you to
our humble abode, brother?

You could have sent a dove-

If I am a big star now
will I become a stranger?

I want to produce cinema
with my younger brother

Very good! 1st film from the banner of
Thota Ramudu is praise worthy!

You will choose
only renowned directors

Mr K.V.Reddy or Mr L.V.Prasad?

Thatineni Prakasa Rao

Brother

Accept it

I told my brother about
your story 'Pichi Pullayi'

He agreed to produce it

Thank you, brother

Hey Raju, you will be
the music director

- What about my advance?
- Wait, brother

Hey Yoganand, you will direct
the 2nd film from our banner

Prepare yourself

I am ready with our story, brother

'Thodu Dhongalu'

Very good

Thotakura Venkat Raju, you will
compose the music for this cinema too

This is for both the projects

In addition to your brother
you think of your friends' future too

You are really a hero

'Rama Rao sir
Will you come out please?'

I am coming
Please wait

"Like a hidden shadow
Like your attendant following you"

"Like an unseen shadow
Like a friend following you"

"I would like to pamper you
in all that you want to do"

"O' Rama, allow me to be
by Your side to serve You daily"

'Gireesam sir, is it not a sin
for widows to remarry?'

'I am so upset by your innocence'

'Parasara Smriti clearly emphasises
widows should opt for remarriage'

'Scholars in Rajamahendravaram
have written treatises on this'

'In olden days widows remarried
as a general practice'

'Venkatesam'

Cut

Excellent

Go and eat

- Well done, Janaki
- Mr Rama Rao

I thought it is difficult
to understand Gireesam's character

You did a splendid job

No one was prepared
to accept this role

With your courage, you have settled
my debt of gratitude to writer Gurazada

Only he who dares tastes success

Am I right, Rama Rao garu?

Pullaiah sir

'Kanyasulkam' is not just a drama

It is a philosophy in its own right

Sorry, brother
if I hit you too hard

"Those who think of you all the time
Those who plead to You, deity divine"

"O' Lord, grace us forever
in any avatar you favor"

"Those who think of you all the time
Those who plead to You, deity divine"

"O' Lord, grace us forever
in any avatar you favor"

"Seated in the heart of Your devotee
To be seen by human eyes a rarity"

"Seated in hearts of those devoted to you
To be seen, a rare phenomenon anew"

Onion 'pakoda'

If this is for me
what about your brother?

We have to work and
you will munch 'pakodas'?

"O' Rama, give me the pleasure
to be Your loyal, forever-servitor"

"O' Rama, allow me to be"

Careful!

- Aiyaiyo!
- Ramakrishna

Nothing to worry, ma

- Should you not be careful?
- Alright, father

"O' Rama, allow me to be
by Your side to serve You daily"

This divine image with 4 hands
holding a conch and discuss

...should appear in 'stop block', Marcus

'Reddy garu, I have exhausted
all my techniques'

This is for 'Mayabazar'

How can N.T.Rama Rao
play Lord Krishna's role?

He is the perfect choice

Think about it once more, Mr Reddy

If it is a fantasy film
and Thota Ramudu, agreed

Nagi Reddy feels Rama Rao is too rough
for the role of Lord Krishna

He played Lord Krishna in 'Sontha Ooru'
That film did not run even for 4 days

That was Krishna in a drama in the film
but this is Krishna in a real role

Reddy, this is a cinema on a huge scale

If necessary we can call
Mr 'Eelapata' Raguramaiah

Or else we can call CSR

Chakrapani garu, Rama Rao will
be the perfect choice

He has a spark of mischief in his eyes

Mavullayya, give me a cigarette

Sambayya, how many coconuts did you bring?

'1116, sir'

- Total waste
- Sir?

I said it is a waste
Go ahead

Sir, cigarette

Lord Krishna

If the producer does not like
how will the public accept him?

He will come now?

Not just Rama Rao

Reject me too

Sir...!

'Broad shoulders'

'Clear gaze in his eyes'

'Remarkable stride'

'Grace and splendor'

He is blessed with
all these qualities, Mr Reddy

God should never greet

"Glory to our benefactor, Lord Krishna
who rests on the snake 'Adisesha'"

[song from 'Mayabazar']

"Praise be to the destroyer of evil
Praise be to the protector of His people"

"He embraces his devotees in harmony
Praise be to the ruler of worlds many"

"Your sublime stories
handed down to us"

"Whether written, watched or heard too"

"Fortune will forever favor you
Hand in hand with blessings anew"

"With a peaceful heart and relaxed mind
rewards and recognition you will find"

Pithambaram

You have transformed a man
into God with your make-up

Oh no! I am not
worthy of that praise

He does not look like God
because of my make-up

It was the lord of 7 hills, who sat daily
in front of me and made me apply make up

Shot okay

Print

'Praise be to Lord of the 7 hills'

'Glory to You!'

'Praise be to our creator'

'Glory to You, Lord Vishnu'

'Glory to our one and only savior'

'Praise be to You'

Srikalahasti, Tirumala and Tirupati
Ganesha temple at Kanipakam

'Throvagunta Bus Station'

Come...come in
Get NTR's blessings

I want to get NTR's blessing
Will this bus take me?

Yes, yes
Get in

Srikalahasti...Tirupati

'Praise be to Lord of the 7 hills'

'Glory to You!'

'Praise be to our savior'

'Glory to you'

'Praise be to Lord of the 7 hills'

'Govinda! Govinda!!'

- Are you all keeping well?
- Yes, sir

- Did you have enough rain?
- Yes, sir

- What crops did you sow?
- Paddy, sir

Is it remunerative?

'Yes, sir'

Please save your earnings

Save it up for your children

- Do not spend lavishly
- 'Okay, swami'

Our pilgrimage to Tirupati is not complete
without seeing our hero NTR?

'Bless you, my dear son'

- Namaste, sir
- We take leave

Guruji, Ramayana is narrated by many

Brother wants to narrate
the story of Ravana

In my production, we want
this cinema to be directed by you

Seetha Rama Kalyanam

Good deeds elevate
even humans as God

That is the story of Rama

Wrong deeds however alter
even a great person into a demon

This is the story of Ravana

Rama Rao, I stood my ground you will be
Thota Ramudu in spite of all the resistance

I proved only you are Lord Krishna
on the silver screen

My heart which saw God in you
cannot see you as a demon

Brother, can we look
at some other story?

This is a story to be told
It has to be made into a film

- Mr Ravikant Nagaich
- Sir

What did you think of
the scene I narrated?

10 heads of Ravana

...should get established very clearly

Each head should appear
one after the other

I think this is the 1st time
on Indian screen

Sir, I have a couple of ideas

Through trick photography
if we want the desired effect

...it will take 2 hours for each head

I need 3 cameras and
I must try various masks

So...you need to
stay still for 20 hours

Without even moving a millimeter

Remain in the same posture

- Like a stone
- 20 hours?

Without moving?

It is alright

I will do it

Brother

Being stubborn, you almost lost
your eye sight in the film 'Chiranjeevulu'

Do you want to be paralysed now?

Time to take Telugu cinema
to greater heights, brother

My dream is a day will dawn

...when a Telugu cinema poster will be
stuck in at least 1 wall worldwide

Result can occur anytime

But effort should begin from us

- Okay, Mr Ravikant, are you ready?
- Ready, sir

- Sound
- 'Running, sir'

Roll camera

- 'Rolling, sir'
- And action!

Mountain!

'Mountains forward'

NTR sir, slowly hands up

'NTR sir, slowly hands down!'

Focus

How many hours to be like this?

- 8 hours
- 8 hours?

No break, one by one
finish lunch and return

Work is continuous

What about my brother?

Not possible
Next we need mask shots

- Sir, shall I serve you food?
- No need

- Will you have coffee?
- No, go away

Lights center...center

Sir, you have a call from home

- Hello
- This is Rukmangada speaking

Sister has given birth to a boy baby

Is that so?

- How is sister-in-law?
- Sister is fine

'I need to inform
my brother-in-law'

He is in a shot
I will inform him later

Only I should tell him personally

'10 hours for this shot to be over
I will inform him definitely'

A single shot for 10 hours?!

- How much more time?
- 7 hours

1st time on Indian screen, brother

Please, support

And...cut it!

NTR sir, excellent, sir...excellent

Oh! You are...you are a genius, sir!

Brother!

NTR sir

What happened, brother?

Brother!

Rama Rao sir, when you breathed life
into Ravana for the silver screen

...you have got a befitting son
who shares his birth star 'Moola'

You may think it is merely
a coincidence, but wait and watch

He will be a connoisseur of arts
and as emotive as Ravana

Since Mercury is in his own house
he will not have any demonic attributes

He can differentiate good and bad
and be an asset to your lineage

- He will live upto your name
- 'Moola'

'Kethu' star

Fervent warrior

My star is 'Swathi'

Ruled by 'Rahu'

Lover of peace

Any war is for peace after all?

In addition Gemini being his ascendant

...he will be ever young

Which means our boy
will never grow old

Even after 60 years...

...he will be busy making
all his dreams come true

Did you hear that?

You need to keep an eye on him

What name do you have in mind?

Come, my darling prince

Forever young means Lord Krishna, right?

Maybe that's why
he is the 8th child

A child who will never age

My heir in acting too

Nandamuri Balakrishnudu

Like it, Tarakam?

- Nice name
- Come, dear

Now let us write your name

Come...hold this ring

Nandamuri

Bala...Krishna!

Our 'Seetha Rama Kalyanam'
has been cleared by censor

All the members
gave a standing ovation

They thanked you for raising the bar
of Telugu cinema, brother

Thanks to the power of
Balakrishna's name

True, brother

'Praise be to Ravana
The great King of Lanka'

'With intentions cunning
features alluring, you vicious lady'

'Mesmerizing my forefathers'

'Did you not steal
the pot of ambrosia?'

'Taking the holy cow Kamadhenu
and sacred tree Kalpatharu'

'...did you not give us a naught?'

'Hey Gundakka...Gundakka'

'Hey'

'Do you know who I am?'

'How will I not know?'

'You are my dear brother'

'I am not out of my mind,
my dear brother'

Cut...print

Rama Rao, Nageswara Rao

Fantastic

You acted like real brothers, very good

Why 'very good'?
It is fantastic

When the 2 eyes of our industry
are acting, how will it not be good?

Come, Bullemma

Good to see you

I was worried that film company
may not send you

What happened, sir?

This story of Gundamma
is right upto my neck

See, I have both Rama Rao
and Nageswara Rao in my cinema

When one gives his date
the other will not and vice versa

- If both do, you will not be free
- Am I not here, sir?

We will be quick
Muththaiyah!

Nageswar Rao
Pack up

Rama Rao, dress change

- I will drive, you can go
- Hero sir

Hero garu

- What is it?
- Are you shifting to Hyderabad?

I heard you are selling your house

I would like to buy
Will you sell it to me?

I have no problem

Gemini and you can
come home next Sunday

- We can discuss about it
- Why wait till Sunday?

I have signed the check
Fill up any amount you want

Is this some kind of joke?

Have you become such a big shot
to sign a blank check?

Listen, Savitri

Earn more than you can

I will be happy for you

Do not try to grow above
your hard earned money

You will face the repercussions

'Get up, Bullemma'

'Get up...yes'

'Start grinding now'

'Bullemma, am I doing a good job?'

'Why are you smiling at me?'

'I am capable of cooking as well'

'My father is a vedic scholar'

'It is said, 'if you learn all the chores
your wife will ensure a happy married life'

'I guess you are unaware'

'Nowadays women are
competing with men?'

"Women's world is enlightened
From their sleep, awakened"

"Men's world now panic-stricken"

Cut...lights!

'Savitri, what happened to you?'

I want just 1 more 'take', director sir

1st time I am seeing Savitri
asking for another 'take'

Concentrate, dear

Can you give me 1 minute?

Alright, okay

Nothing wrong in what brother said, dear

When a lightman wanted money
to pay his children's tuition fee

...you wrote a cheque for Rs 1000

Rs 1000 is the annual income of a poor man

If you had paid the fees in the school
personally, I would have been happier

He is a slave to bad habits

How are we so sure
he will pay the fees?

Should we be vigilant
even when we help?

We need to guard
our earnings

Respect money

For women to live with self respect

...financial freedom is also necessary

You should be cautious and not
squander away hard earned money

We are concerned
only for your well being

Wanting lyrics for this song

...Kamalakara Kameswara Rao
asked the lyricist to write

Lyricist said, 'Why do you need lyrics
when Savitri can sing with her eyes?'

Then what, Bullemma?

Director sir

- Call for action
- 'Ready'

- It is getting late
- 'Ready...action!'

"Vemana our Telugu poet said so long ago"

"Reiterated by Brahmam our Telugu seer too"

"Beloved, lend me your ear"

"I am saying this now, my dear"

"Listen to Visanna's veda"

[song from 'Gundamma Katha']

Father, look at mother

She is unwilling to
send me to Nimmakuru

Did you not agree to send me
if I aced my exams?

You finished your 10th standard

Tell us what you want to be
in life, we will send you

I will build a huge studio
and make films with my father

Great! Do you need
my dates, dear producer?

Brother-in-law, he will
start competing with you

That is alright
He is our boy

Can I go then, father?

Fine, go

In Vauhini studio yesterday,
Suryakantham was playing my mother's role

She had to knock me on my head

She rapped so hard
my head started swelling!

It is alright, Relangi sir

In another cinema
she will act as your wife

You will get your turn
to knock her head!

Krishnakumari has not
understood the story

Even then Suryakantham will
beat me to a pulp!

Where will she give me
such an opportunity?

Brother, join us

Tomorrow is your birthday
No sign of any feast or treat

Tarakam has gone to our home town
I must attend my new film's inauguration

Feast enough
and a special treat

Rama Rao sir, can I talk to you?

I am coming

In the next film, I am supposed
to act as Suryakantham's husband

Take care of your head

Remember that hard knock!

Mr Relangi and CSR sir
are not available for shoot today

We requested Saradhi and AVM Studio

...to send them over for 4 hours
as today is last day of shoot

If you agree, I will complete
their shots and send them off

I do not mind at all

Relangi sir is in every film
and in constant demand

CSR sir is our film industry's guru

It is our duty to appreciate
experience and emergencies

- Go ahead
- Thank you

Ready

'Charu...Charu!'

'Chaaaaru!'

You should say
'My precious gem'

'- What, dear?
- My precious gem'

Good idea, director sir

In the title card
with this music

Shoot all of us!

Very true, 'Irugu Porugu'
which means neighbors

Fits well like this film's title
Even this setting

Brother

'We will rehearse once more'

- What, brother?
- 1 minute

What is it, brother?

What is it you are hesitating to tell me?

- Ramakrishna
- Ramakrishna?

What happened to Ramakrishna?
His small pox has worsened?

Did you get a call from home?

We have to rush to
our hometown right away

Such a young boy

Cannot be preserved
beyond 1 day

Let me inform the director

We will leave after the shooting

How can you think of shooting now, brother?

- Your eldest son
- Go and wait in the car

- I will come
- Not that, brother

What happened, sir?

'Charu!'

'Charu...!'

'Chaaaaru!'

'- What, dear?
- My precious gem!'

Shot okay

Namaste, sir

- See you later
- Thank you, sir

Next is your shot, guruji

Okay, brother
All the best

Tomorrow is your birthday

See you later

'Did you call me, dear?'

'I forgot why I called you'

'Oh...that?'

Cut!

Brother, I am ready

Sir

Sir, it is our shot now

Brother, ready

You come in from this side

You turn around and
throw the paper down

You will be hiding over there, madam

You will turn around from there

Krishna, I am talking to you
and your mind is elsewhere?

You come here and take
a look at this paper

After you read, he will come out
and take the paper-

Ready...ready
Have you understood?

Go, Krishna

Ready, sir
Take, sir

Take

What happened, brother?

- Cut...cut
- Sorry, master

1 more

Sorry, Krishnakumari

We will do 1 more 'take'

'Ready, all lights, take'

Cut...take okay

'Pack up'

Rama Rao sir, thank you

Cinema is over, only the ritual
of breaking the pumpkin is left

Namaste

Master, I shall take leave

Bye, Krishnakumari

Rama Rao sir, advance happy birthday

Pithambaram 'garu'
what happened to Rama Rao?

What happened, sir?

His eldest son Ramakrishna passed away

Whaaat?

His son died and he was shooting?

What is this, sir?

We could have cancelled it

And postponed the shoot?

Is cinema greater than one's own child?

Why did he do that?

We may not be able to get the dates
of so many artistes all over again

He always thinks no one should
incur loss because of him

Such a selfless intention on his part

Ramarao, what a tragedy has befallen you

'Son, Ramakrishna has left us'

Father! Look there

'Bawa'

He is the one who welcomes you
when you come home

Ask him to get up, dear

You tell him, dear

Ask him to get up, bawa

Please make him get up

Tell him to get up, bawa

'What a beautiful face!'

'Small pox has scarred his face badly'

'Aiyo! My son!'

Aiyo, Ramu!

Brother-in-law, it is already too late
If you take one last look at him-

When he left home, he said
'Father, I will see you soon'

'That image is fresh
right in front of my eyes'

His face scarred by pox marks

I do not want to see

In the pupil of my eye

He should always be glowing like the moon

Always like that

Namaste

Brother, L.V.Prasad sir called again

He is truly worried for you

He wanted Ramakrishna to
become a hero after 5 years

How does he know Ramakrishna's dream
was to produce good films?

KV Reddy sir, Chakrapani sir told me
they are coming here with others

Not necessary

Tell them we are coming

Brother, all shoots have been cancelled

Shooting will commence
only after 15 days

Tell them we are leaving tonight

I will be at the shooting spot
with make-up at 7:00 a.m sharp

Under these circumstances...?

Whatever the circumstance
work numbs the pain and provides solace

I must work now

3 shifts a day

'I should not even have time to see
my face without make up in the mirror'

'I will meet the producers
who were waiting for my call'

'I will accept all the stories
narrated to me'

'When there are no producers
we will produce the film'

'I should live the role, even in my sleep
I must get into the skin of the character'

'Maharaja!'

'For the sins you committed
like a tiger in sheep's clothing'

'...apologise to the people
as redemption'

'Or else'

'Or else'

'Downfall!'

'Cut!'

- Where is the art director?
- Here, sir

What is this, Krishna Rao?

How can the chain be so flimsy?

Make sure it does not come off

Vittalacharya sir

These dummy chains cannot
withstand my anger

Please get iron chains

Real iron chains

Iron chains will be heavy, Rama Rao sir

It can hurt your wrists

Vittalacharya sir

If I cannot bear this pain

...how can I enact
the struggles of this society

A man is born into
this world through pain

We cannot live without pain

- Continue
- Take 2

- Action
- 'Downfall'

'A rule unable to protect
its people should be abdicated'

'These skeletons will
unite as brave warriors'

'Each one of them, brick by brick,
will demolish your kingdom's foundation'

'Will you not share that secret?'

'The secret of that feat'

'Other than Arjuna, no one else knows'

'You have entangled us into
a complicated net, Brihannala garu'

'I will myself unearth that secret'

'Once this Uttara Kumar sets his mind
he can meet any challenge'

'Alright, Brihannala garu'

'How much has Uttaraa learnt as a dancer?'

'Nearing completion'

'- Want to test?
- Let her learn fully'

'- I will watch her dance
- You will be the best judge'

'Sister, from now on wind up
your dance, song and mischief'

'You should prove you are
unsurpassable as a dancer'

'Watching you dance
Abhimanyu should faint'

'Brother, you love teasing me'

'Did you notice that, Brihannala garu?'

'My sister blushes when she hears
the name 'Abhimanyu'?'

'I really feel Abhimanyu is
the perfect match for my sister'

'What do you say?
Yes or no?'

'When you say yes, will I say no?'

'If I say no, will you keep quiet?'

'That is why I will say yes'

'You are smart, Brihannala garu'

'I take leave'

'Cut'

No one can even imagine
the role of Gireesam

No one can do the role of Brihannala

You have done more than justice
to both the roles

Shall I tell you something?

Because you are Telugu
that English man does not know

If you had been that English man
no one could have caught you

- You flatter me
- It is true

We got a research center called NTR
for our Telugu cinema

We can try any experiment here

Brother, 1st shall we shoot?

Such a noble soul!!

He woke me up at 3:00 a.m daily and
made me practice for 3 months at a stretch

"Notes, count, rhythm in unison chime"

[song from 'Nartanasala']

"Notes, count, rhythm in unison chime"

"To her anklets tinkling divine"

- Look,Rama Rao is so beautiful
- Yes,sir

"Goddess Shakti danced to their rhyme"

"Lord Shiva's heart in that time
soaked in happiness sublime"

Hello?

Really?

Lakshmi, switch on the radio

Sister-in-law

'Govt of India has announced
the recipients of Padma Shri award'

'From Telugu cinema,
Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao'

'And Akkineni Nageswara Rao
have been chosen as awardees'

Brother

'2 heroes being jointly chosen
for the same language'

'1st time in the history
of Padma Shri awards'

'Mr Sunil Dutt has been chosen to
receive the Padma Shri in Hindi cinema'

Namaste, madam

'I am Raja Singh
from Gorakhpur, madam'

I know you
I know your father too

I have met him
in a conference

Most powerful leader in the world

Namaste, Mr Khan

People claim though she is a woman
no man has the guts to rival her

Women will be proud
of their gender, brother

They should look up to her
as their ideal idol!

- Mr Nageswara Rao, how are you?
- Greetings, Mr Narasimha Rao

Mr Rama Rao, I am P.V.Narasimha Rao

How can anyone not know you?

Let me introduce you
to our prime minister

Madam, Rama Rao ji
and Nageswar Rao ji

2 eyes of Telugu cinema

Namaste

I am very happy to meet both of you

To tell you the truth we have
a deep bond with Madras

We love your 'idli'
'dosa' and 'sambar'

Madrasis have a flair
for good food, madam

They are not just 'foodies', Shukla ji

They have stalwarts as leaders too

Like Sarvepalli Radhakrishanan ji

Mr V.V.Giri

Our P.V sir

Madam

I am not from Madras

I am a Telugu from Andhra

What is this Andhra and Tamil Nadu?
All are Madrasis from South India?

How can that be?

We hail from Andhra

We have an identity of our own

Our self respect
and our own tradition

How can everyone be slotted as Madrasis?

We both are selected for Padma Shri

And we are from Andhra Pradesh
Madam Prime minister

Brother, looks like
your mind is not on the game

More than the joy of
receiving Padma Shri

I am hurt about being
categorized as Madrasi

Why do you think
I shifted to Hyderabad?

So I will not be slotted like this!

How about thinking of
settling down in Hyderabad?

Whatever it is, our industry
should be within our territory

This is not an issue
pertaining to our industry

It affects our entire Telugu community

Even after obtaining our own state
we are classified as 'Madrasi'

A change has to dawn

Our lineage has to be respected
Our language has to be revered

Wisdom of our Telugu blood
must spread nation wide

'Emergency was declared
throughout the nation'

'Whichever political party opposed
the affairs of the central Govt'

'...was taken to task by the military'

'Voice of democracy was locked'

'As stated by
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh'

'Youth leader, chief minister's son'

'Muthuvel Karunanidhi Stalin
was taken into custody'

'And tortured brutally'

'The entire State protested in fury'

'Tamil Nadu changed into a sea of fire'

'Law & order crumbled'

'May this revolution flourish!'

Where are you going?

Rama Rao sir?

Please go quickly, sir

Stop!

There is a riot brewing, sir

Please go, sir

Inspector 'garu'

This guides our daily life

It should not be
lying like this on the road

Go

'Authority of all Govt officials
was cancelled'

'Emergency rule has been
imposed nationwide'

'Jails are over flowing with people'

'Prime minister's son Sanjay Gandhi
who held no official post'

'...is ruling the nation
with an iron hand of a dictator'

'Pedestrians on the road are being
subjected to sterilization under duress'

'This is a black day
for democracy'

'As stated by the Opposition party'

Hello?

Sir, I am an ordinary make-up technician

NTR sir made me a producer

With him and Balayya sir
I produced 'Annadammula Anubandham'

He gave me such a golden chance

But, sir-

What is the matter, Pithambaram sir?

Our film is not releasing
day after tomorrow, sir

N.T.Rama Rao's cinema is
not releasing as per schedule?

What are you saying?

Hello?

Sir, I am unable to send
the print out of the lab

Whole city is under curfew

Cannot even reach the railway station

Distributors are worried
your fans may cause damage to theaters

They are plaguing me with phone calls
I do not know what to do

I am already drowning in difficulties

I referred your name, borrowed money
and produced this film

If the film does not release tomorrow?

I am in a state of shock, sir

Do not worry, Pithambaram

I am there for you

This does not affect only you

It is a prestige issue for me also

At any cost

N.T.R cinema has to be released

Alright, sir

Cinema is toil and sweat
of a large group of people

Future of so many families

Faith that millions of
viewers place on us

No Emergency has the right to stop this

You stay there
I am coming over

Father?
Hari...?

This is Pithambaram's 1st release

He cannot bear it
if it does not release

Father?

Come with me
I am going to the lab

Brother, there is a curfew

- So what?
- Driver has not come either

Do I not know to drive?

After all curfew, uncle
Passenger is N.T.R!

- Who, sir?
- Can you not recognize?

N.T.R!

Good afternoon, sir
Lab is closed

We have orders
not to allow anyone inside

What?!

Father-

Sir, wait
You cannot go in

Pithambaram, print is ready?

None of the workers have turned up, sir

Those who are here are scared
to load the prints

They have stopped
the release of my film

Even after I told them
this is not Tamil cinema

- Hari
- Father

Bring the van here

Brother, load the prints into the van

We will talk to Mr Vasan

You go and do your work

Do not be scared
I am there for you

Thank you, sir

'Annadammula Anubandham'

What is this?
What is happening here?

N.T.R's cinema is releasing

What are you waiting for?
Go ahead and load

Riot and violence are rampant
following the CM's arrest

Curfew has been imposed

Emergency has been declared

Of course, your Emergency
pertains to authority

My urgency is for the sake
of millions of fans who believe in me

Sir, without prior approval

...we have strict orders to stop
any work at any place

Whose approval?

During Emergency rule you need
police approval for any task

Otherwise I have
the right to arrest you

In that case you will not have
enough trains for our fans who will revolt

Will your jails be able to accommodate?

Brother, we have loaded the prints

You have deposed the ruling party
and imprisoned the general public

You want to bury the people's basic rights
under prime minister's authority

You are breaking down our system
for the sake of individuals

Imposed Emergency rule,
thinking no one will question you

He will come soon

One who will question you will come

He will arrive to wipe out decades of
arrogance embedded in our nation

Then the ruling party will know
the true meaning of Emergency!

Mr Rama Rao

You may not be armed with
our dummy cinema guns

This heart which breathes cinema
will not be scared of your gunshot

We will go ahead with our mission

If you want to stop
go right ahead

He is a true hero, sir

N.T.R

With make-up, a hero

Without make-up

More than a hero!

Hey Dhandapani, I believe Dilip Kumar and
Raj Kapoor wanted to watch our film 'Julie'

- Arrange for a show in Bombay for them
- Alright, sir

I feel lost without Chakrapani

How is his health now, sir?

Cigarettes have burnt that man's life

He will never pay heed
to anyone's advice

Do you listen to me, hmmm?

How many times I have told you
not to be impulsive or angry?

That ACP spared you
being a Telugu himself

Without any qualms
he has beaten up CM's son, Stalin

And arrested the chief minister
Where do we stand?

Not even trying is
equal to committing suicide

I am not such a coward

More than me
my films are important

My fans are my foremost priority

I do not know where
your anger will take you

Come, sit down

What brings you here?

I am constructing a studio
in Hyderabad for Ramakrishna

- I need your advice
- Are you mad?

What is in Hyderabad
other than boulders?

When the film industry is here
why build a studio over there?

My deepest desire is
our industry moves to Hyderabad

Brother Nageswar Rao is also
building a studio there

Rama Rao, to expect the industry
to follow only you

...both of you are
not the only heroes

Look at this article, read it

Written by Kagada Sharma

Krishna is making a film called
'Kurukshetram' with his sons

Junior heroes challenge
the senior star heroes

Will they accept this challenge?

Rama Rao, Krishna and Shoban Babu
have entered this field

They have revealed your age
to the general public

If your film released once a month

...not even 1 flopped in a year

But now it is rare for even 1 film
to taste the joy of success

However great we may be
we must accept change

To sum it up in a nutshell, you need
a runaway success like 'Mayabazar'

Do you have such a film?

This is not the age
to fight with passage of time

We should give Time
only 1 golden chance to win over us

After we pass over, Time can be
proud of being the winner

I will see

I take leave now

You have come home for the 1st time
after we shifted here, brother

You could have brought
your wife too

She will be coming soon

Are we not settling down
in Hyderabad very soon?

Serve me now

We got this fish from river Krishna
because it is your favorite

Even if he says 'no'
you keep serving him

We are not in the habit
of saying 'enough'

Only you will count your calories
and starve your taste buds

Sister, do not fell shy
Just keep serving non stop

Listen, brother

What about that challenge
by Kagada Sharma?

Young heroes
and star heroes

What do we do?

'Daana Veera Soora Karna'

- What?
- Which I will direct

If you act as Lord Krishna
I will play Karna

If you choose Karna
I will be Krishna

Choice is yours

And my dream of directing you
will also be fulfilled

I would love to take up this offer too

Besides it will prove to our fans
we have no difference of opinion too

But-

What, brother?

I have promised Annapoorna
I will not act in a mythology film with you

What?

Yes, brother, during the shoot of
'Sri Krishnarjuna Yuddhamu'

Whichever hero he acts with
in any mythological film

...viewers look only at you!

Only yesterday I watched
Hindi cinema 'Sangam'

Starring Raj Kapoor, Rajendra Kumar

Remake that in Telugu

He can choose either hero's role
I am fine with that

That is a love story, right?

So your husband can
walk away with the laurels?

Brother, do you still smoke
or have you kicked that habit?

One shot in the morning
Depending on my role sometimes

I am sailing in the same boat!

After my by-pass
I take a shot only in a shot!

Now in the joy of meeting you

This is a bad habit, brother

You smoke in front of elders
you are insulting them

In front of youngsters
you are encouraging them

You smoke with friends
you are making it habit

If not in front of elders,
youngsters or with friends

...whom will you smoke with, brother?

People of equal status and wavelength

Either with you alone

Or all alone by myself

You have a script on
Chanakya Chandragupta, right?

Let us do that, brother

I will play Chanakya
and you be Chandragupta

Historical subject, right?

No problem

Okay, brother

Chanakya was written for me

I will gladly give it up for you

1st let me make this film on Karna
and release it in mid-January

Along with Duryodhana I will also
play the roles of Karna and Lord Krishna

- All the best, brother
- Thank you

"With Hanuman on my flag as my mascot"

"With steady steed in front that trot"

"Like the way I hold in my hand
the flute as a magic wand"

[song from 'Sri Krishna Rayabaram']

"Let this war begin astute
and end on a victory note"

Cut

- Mr Kannappa
- Sir

Mask shots of Krishna are done
I will get dressed as Duryodhana

Alright, sir

- Set up the next mask shots
- Come, Pithambaram garu

We have our studio work
and new projects to attend to

On top of all this
why these roles for me, father?

We may have 1000s of tasks to do

But persistence and planning will do

Check if the food is ready

Wait

Is that moustache Arjuna's
or the king of Anga's?

I am Arjuna

Arjuna's means your moustache should
be slim and smart, not like this

Mr Pithambaram
Please take note

Keep in mind, 'Nartanasala'

Thank God he does not want me
to act as Brihannala

Is food ready?

Narayana Reddy sir
What are you writing now?

I have just now penned a song
for 'Kurukshetram' cinema

"Veena strummed its strings in joyful aura
in the garden of love in mohana raga"

Beautiful stanza

Perfect duet between
Duryodhana and his wife Banumathi

A duet between Duryodhana and Banumathi?

What do you think?

No one else will come up with
such an idea other than you

Other than me no one will
get such a wonderful chance

Marvellous...miraculous!

'Chitram! Bhalare Vichitram!!'

This can be our song title

You pen the lyrics
I will change my costume

Yes, sir

"When Arjuna with Gandeeva bow
kills your warriors with his swift arrow"

"Even if Karna's form in million extends
as one by one Arjuna beheads"

Cut!

Kannappan sir, send the prints
of these 3 getups to the lab for checking

- Vempati Satyam sir
- Namaste, brother

My own eyes will cast a spell on you!

I do not know
what you will do

In 'Daana Veera Soora Karna'

I want the whole world to exclaim
'Vempati Satyam's dance was the highlight'

Your wish is my command!

Rama Rao sir

Vempati Satyam sir, has anyone
conceived a duet for Duryodhana?

Only an idiot will think of that!

Brother has

Aiyo!

I have in my film

Duryodhana and Banumathi
will sing a duet

Brother, I thought it was
in 'Kurukshetram' cinema

And I blabbered

As if Duryodhana is not
a handsome young man

Will he not be able to sing
and emote beautifully?

You turned the table so beautifully!

Follow the camera like this

2 cameras
1 tight, 1 mid range

Brother, shall we go for a take?

'Take'

"Heavenly...hey marvellous!"

"Magical...miraculous"

"You enticed the king to your palace"

"A feat so fabulous"

"Of his own accord my king visited me"

"Wondrous truly"

"Super...astounding!"

"Superb...astonishing!"

Lift it higher

Kannappa sir, strings tied for the moon
are visible, kindly go and check

How long did he give you
to pen this song?

1 hour 30 minutes

I was given exactly 1 hour
to light up this song sequence

Yes, over there

When Rama Rao sir is in the scene
who will look at the moon or a string?!

"Smart and shrewd as ruler fair"

"Aware of all the tricks in warfare"

"Smart and shrewd as ruler fair
Aware of all the tricks in warfare"

"In my heart so flustered
Lord of love seated undeterred"

"In the blink of an eye...ethereal"

"Phenomenal"

"However powerful a king you may be"

"You can be a king mighty"

"Sometime in solitude for a while"

"Thinking of his lady-love with a smile"

"Miracle of creation"

"A feat beyond expectation"

"Sublime soul satisfaction!"

"With Hanuman on my flag as my mascot"

"With steady steed in front that trot"

Brother-in-law

Your wife is here
Will you stop for 2 minutes please?

Namaste, madam

3 days since you came home

'3 months since you ate at home!'

Forgetting food and basic comforts
why this struggle and starvation, dear?

Mad woman!

Compared to the satisfaction of
a new creation for future generation

...how can this be burdensome?

Why take on so much
at this age?

What if something happens to you?

Even after I die, I will be alive
as the evergreen hero on silver screen

My dear!

Editor sir, will you also
behave like this at home?

I will not get such an opportunity
This is my last cinema

Mr Joshi
What are you saying?

In 30 years I have edited 1000 films

I will never get such an opportunity

I want to edit this film
and retire gracefully

Such a film will never be repeated
with 1 actor donning 3 roles

He has donned the caps
of producer and director

Krishna, Karna, Duryodhana

'Daana Veera Soora Karna'

'Rama Rao 'garu', you have created a masterpiece
in 43 days the world will revere'

'Guruji'

'What did you say?'

'Are you rejecting him on the basis of
his caste as a charioteer's son?'

'How can you accuse like this?'

'My brother Duschasana'

'Fetch the crown studded
with precious gems'

'Uncle, king of Gandhara'

'Fetch a golden throne
with the most intricate carving'

'My dear subjects, receive the blessings
of the sacred Bhagirathi river'

'Musicians, sing in your dulcet voices
accompanied by auspicious instruments'

'Royal ushers, get Karna ready'

'Women verily blessed'

'To be a just and good king to his subjects
as pure as his golden earring and armor'

'Apply sandalwood paste on him
to spread the fragrance of the new rule'

'Under the auspices of my subjects
supervised by our expert priests'

'Auspiciousness always and in all ways'

'I purify his lineage and remove
all blemishes smeared on him'

Janardhan, when will we
reach our location?

We will reach Madhumalai
in half an hour, sir

Then drive through
forest area for 90 minutes

Is Nagabushanam coming there?

Day after tomorrow, sir

We have planned a song with
Jayasudha and Jayapradha combination

How can you call them by their names?

Jayasudha madam
Jayapradha madam

Did you snip their umbilical cord
and name them?

Sorry, sir
My mistake

To watch our 'Adavi Ramudu'

Sorry, 'Adavi Ramudu sir'

Expectation is really high, sir

Why refer to the title with respect,
you stupid donkey!

You act over-smart
I will skin you alive

Sorry

My guruji's hermitage
is somewhere on this route

Who is your guruji, brother?

Sree Saila Jagadhguru Swami

Seer with divine attributes

Rama Rao sir, guruji is observing
his vow of silence now

He will not talk to anyone
or bless anyone

I do not mind, I will take
his blessings from a distance

Jewel in the crown in entertainment field
Your name and fame has spread worldwide

Nandamuri Tarakarama!

I am so fortunate

I came just to see a glimpse of you

I feel cherished with
your blessings now

This entire universe

...will bless you, my son

Will you eat with me?

My pleasure

Food is a sacred gift from God, Rama Rao

I will take leave, swami

May you be victorious

Swami, seeing him
you broke your vow of silence

You never let anyone touch you
But you embraced him and blessed him

May I know the reason, swami?

He is a fortunate soul
blessed by Lord Shiva

I wonder how many people are aware
of our epics and historical events

But in Andhra Pradesh he is the sole reason
our people are aware of our classics

He is destiny's child

He is unparalleled king
of our silver screen

He is the controller and guide to minds
and emotions of the future generation

"When born as a human being
a mere clay doll (s)he cannot be"

[song from 'Adavi Ramudu']

"If he is stubborn single-mindedly
another Brahma he can be"

"With hard work and sincerity
men can become seers saintly"

"They can become noble soles easily"

"For generations to come they will be
a beacon of light extra ordinary"

"Worshiped for eternity duly"

Mr Narasaraju, dialogs are all fine

Really humorous

But in the film 'Yamagola'
Emergency chaos should be obvious

This Emergency is at
its peak of autocracy

Let us criticize it vehemently

In such an entertaining subject

...will a serious episode
like Emergency fit in?

Mr Tatineni, why will we
convey it seriously?

It should be on a sarcastic note

Even Yama will listen
when a leader says it

Leave it to me now

You know the forced
sterilisation program?

That is good enough

Sounds good
Go ahead

'I am a Govt employee
with wife and children'

'I had a quota
for the surgeries'

'Unless I meet my target
I will not be paid, so I complied'

'That is all, sir
Please note this point'

'- On whose orders?
- Govt'

'Not the Govt, sir'

'Without any official authority'

'...a youth leader controls the Govt'

Cut

Rama Rao sir
Good, very good

We are referring to
the PM's son directly

Is it not dangerous?

Venkatratnam sir, he wanted me
to target the prime minister

I was the one
who restricted it to the son

"My dear lassie petite
if I peck you like a parakeet"

'You cannot bear my advances
my beloved princess"

"My dear lassie petite
if I peck you like a parakeet"

[song from 'Yamagola']

"You crossed your limit, naughty rogue"

"Stop teasing me, you wicked bloke"

"Enough of your rowdy behavior
my dear prancing prankster"

"My dear lassie petite
if I peck you like a parakeet"

"You cannot bear my advances
my beloved princess"

- Song is enticing
- Of course

But seeing how the women
in our family react, I am apprehensive

No doubt at all, it is a super hit
I will watch it again for sure

"Have you lost control, dear?"

Wait

Tell me, how is my 'Yamagola'?

No one is voicing any opinion?

You did not like it?

That stupid parrot song
with that young heroine?

What was that silly dance?

Not good, Lokamma?

Jayapradha must be
younger than me, father

With her as your pair-

I am a youngster too
I am just 25 years old in the film

Then you can carry a book
and go to college too

If my role demanded that
I would do even that

What, brother?

Take the example of Nageswara Rao sir

Not wanting to reveal his age
he buttons up his shirt very high

While you show off
4 buttons down

I do not know if the audience will watch

Taking extra care is brother's style
Being carefree is my style

Tarakam, what do you say?

Actually, brother-in-law

This touching and teasing
Intertwining feet, all these steps

Crossing limits of decency

I think my sister thinks that
Do not feel bad about it

"You crossed your limit, naughty rogue"
If these are the words what can I do?

In 'Chandragupta'

"In the youthful drizzle of your smile"

Did I not act refined
without touching the heroine?

Of course, you did

From song to song, role to role
there will be variations

I agree

We must change with the times
Only then people will listen to me

Wait and watch, this film
will become a sensation

This will inspire
many more films to follow

Indeed, yes
brother-in-law

It should inspire!

'Cyclone in Diviseema'

'It is reported to be the most
devastating cyclone of this century'

'Diviseema was wiped out'

Cyclone, brother-in-law
It will only get worse

If you are planning
to shoot, cancel it

Whether I try to call
Nimmakkuru or Komaravolu

I am unable to
reach anyone, uncle

Cyclone is really severe it seems

We are in Madras

Our friends and family are over there

I am scared, uncle

Oh god!

Electric poles have fallen down?

How about the poor people
living in the huts there?

Dead, huh?

What are you saying, uncle?

How are our people now?

Find out about the neighboring
towns and villages?

My husband wants to know
the status of towns nearby?

'It is ravaging one town
after another, huh?'

'Taken a toll on so many lives?'

Petrified of floods,
people are huddled to one side

Oblivious of the sea on the other side

...many were swept away by the waves

'Out of 900 people in that village
only 3 have survived'

"Hero of the silver screen"

"Film hero evergreen"

"VIP with a face to please
Listen to our pitiful pleas"

"Super star celebrity
Listen to our tearful plea"

"Water turned into a curse as tsunami
Our dreams washed to embers suddenly"

"Our walls crumbled before dawn break
Our lives we are forced to forsake"

"Oh my Lord!"

Our son is missing

I am sure he is dead

You cannot anyway bring him back alive

At least bring his body

We would like to see him

Cyclone has hit 83 villages
and turned them into graveyards

Look! Lord Venugopal's temple
situated in the village of Hamsaladeevi

The water rose right up to the temple tower

Only 100 people who took shelter
in the sanctum survived

Brother?

Greetings, Mr Krishna Rao

"Wish we could count the corpses countless"

"We pray to deities endless
offering vows limitless"

"Breathless with fear; en masse
Unable to breathe our last"

"Tears of the survivors streaming
Bursting as deluge, grief screaming"

"Mother, you have survived
coped with this disaster?"

"Is your son safe from the deluge of water?"

"Diviseema is erased
from the earth's face"

"Court of Vijayanagar long ago lauded
Diviseema poets for their talent exalted"

"All we want somehow
a handful of rice now"

My heart seems to explode in agony

"Telugu Super star please
Listen to our anguished pleas"

People who elevated us
to such lofty heights

Are now far away from food
and their near & dear ones

Tell me, brother

What shall we do?

Earlier for the sake of
Rayalaseema drought relief

...our film industry collected
a sizeable amount

Our industry collected donations
for our brave soldiers

We have always
risen to the occasion

This time too we will do the needful

Inspired in the same manner
we head towards Diviseema now

Namaste

If this NTR ANR Welfare Fund

...can wipe away even a few tears,
we have achieved our goal

We presume you will help us
and we are banking on you

Sister-in-law is not here, brother?

I will make the 1st contribution

That is wonderful
Please do, brother

- Brother
- Yes, Chellamma

- What will you give me?
- 1 minute, brother

Help in whatever way you can
to the victims of the flood

Brother, did you really
drink liquor in 'Prem Nagar'?

All that is part of acting

Do I look like an alcoholic to you?

Did I not tell you, our Balaraju
is a man with a golden heart?

Bless you, my dear

Brother?

Your wedding chain

This sacred thread is as good as
a gold wedding chain, brother

This gold chain may save so many women
from not becoming widows!

You have a heart of gold
Bless you, dear

Thank you
I take leave

- Namaste, Mr Rama Rao
- Namaste

What happened?

Fever
104°

He has undergone a heart surgery, right?
He should not strain too much

I have prescribed medicines
He will be alright

Do not worry, brother

My heart will listen to me

It will continue to beat
till I ask it to stop

You need to be healthy

We must continue to share
this healthy competition

Even if our hearts stop beating

...our cinema will still be
fresh in people's minds

And continue to compete

Please go to Vijayawada
I will handle this crisis here

It is alright
I will remain with you

Nageswara Rao sir, rest is
the medicine you need

Do not strain yourself now

Go home, brother

Get well soon, brother

Brother...brother

Brother!

'NTR Long live!'

'Long live NTR'

I need to speak to brother

Brother...brother
I want to talk to him

Brother, allow me inside

Brother...brother

Brother, my mother is very old

She is so anxious to meet you once
before she passes over

She is in her death bed
She cannot travel, brother

Brother, can you come over please?

Please say 'yes'

Brother, I beg of you

Hey! Leave her alone

Brother, will you visit my mother?

Where is your house?

'Namaste'

'Greetings'

'Are you being well?'

'How are you?'

'Welcome, brother'

Grandma, look who has come

Look who is here

Ah! Ramudu

Rama sir, is that you?

Welcome to my humble dwelling

Rama the God!

My dear child
Look at our special guest

Daily I see you

Are you not in that photo?

'Sir, what can I offer you?'

We do not even have
a handful of rice at home

Rama sir, can I offer you
our millet porridge?

Will you taste it?

Grandma, why do we eat
ragi porridge daily?

Why can we not eat rice?

Do you want to eat rice?

If you want to eat rice everyday
the God we pray to has to come down

Let me feed you,
my precious son

Have one more handful
my dear child

Enough, ma

Handful of rice served with love

...is equal to being fed
by my mother

'- Bless you my son
- Thank you, amma'

My lifelong dream has come true

'I will take leave, amma'

My younger brother

He reached God's feet

He combed his hair like you

And laughed like you

Formed unions and
instigated strikes

'He imitated your reel life
in his real life'

He crossed the paths of big shots

Is it possible to bring
a change in politics, brother?

How can our life be a cinema?

Society

Killed him

Seeking donations for Rayalaseema

...you trudged the streets of our state

Today you are here for Diviseema
acquainting yourself with us so freely

Ramaiya

What you are holding
is not a begging bowl

But a pot of rice
Here, give it to them

- Is it not for our Lord in Tirupati?
- This is also for God

Anyone who serves the people
is our Lord in Tirupati in human form

Please accept this

'Glory to Pathala Bhairavi!
Glory to NTR'

'Praise be to NTR'

He is Mr Mohan Kanda, officer in charge
of constructing houses in Diviseema

Namaste

Brother

Please accept it

Like a squirrel, our cinema industry
has collected a sum of 13 lakhs

This contains details of the donation

Govt announced
a relief fund of 10 lakhs

You have both collected 13 lakhs

With this amount

...in the name of cinema industry
proper houses will be built in each village

Ramakrishna Mission will take up
this responsibility, thank you

Do you recognise me?

- Are you Telugu?
- Not just that

I was a child artiste
in 'Pelli Chesi Choodu'

When you played the harmonium
for the "Pelli Chesukone" song

...I was the young boy
prancing in the background

Oho! Wonderful

I am so glad to see that mischievous boy
as a dutiful officer now, brother

That day is crystal clear in my mind

Your wife taught you
to play the harmonium

You called me aside and told me

'Cinema can come later
1st focus on your studies'

- We are proud of you, Mr Mohan Kanda
- Thank you, sir

Anyway everything will go
right as rain for our brother

1...2...!

"Bud behind leaves got drenched unbidden"

"Flower amidst branches hidden
got wet all of a sudden"

"Bud behind leaves got wet excitedly
Flower amidst branches got wet elatedly"

"River Ganga flowed with agility
as a deluge soaked in her beauty"

"Bubbly ripples in river Godavari
Knotted his 'dhoti' with her sari"

"The caged dove got wet too"

"Her heart's secret new
got wet through and through"

"Dove caged within
got drenched to the skin"

"Her soul's secret new
was soaked too"

"River Ganga flowed with agility
as a deluge soaked in her beauty"

"Bubbly ripples in river Godavari
Knotted his 'dhoti' with her sari"

[song from 'Vetagadu']

Sister, look how brother-in-law looks
at Sridevi without taking his eyes off

Hari, keep quiet

To see you romancing with
a 16 year old girl in the rain

Really interesting

Sridevi looks so beautiful

Both of you make
a lovely pair, dear

What happened, dear?

Rain used to thrill me
so much all these years

But now rain only reminds me
of all those poor people's tears

Like how you fought the British

...similarly people who betray our country

...should be stripped to their skin

Protect the future of
the land you were born in

'Whichever place may seem Heaven to you
your home is paradise' is your dialog

You will think of Mother India
for one last time

And breathe your last

We will freeze on your face

And my voice over
as the last dialog

End card will be displayed

Fantastic!

You narrated the story remarkably

We will do this film

- Go ahead
- Thank you

I should be the one
to thank you, Dasari sir

This is the right story
at the right time!

Thank you, sir

Really powerful title

'Sardar Papa Rayudu'

[from 'Sardar Papa Rayudu']

"Let the beat of drums true
echo the glory of Sitaramaraju"

"One who kills foe with fervor
in the battlefield without fear and favor"

"He strides with a purpose anew
This man of substance Sitaramaraju"

"One who kills his foes callously
in the battlefield whoever he may be"

"Powerful weapon held by Lord Rama
Most destructive Pashupatastra"

"One who kills foe any way
in the battlefield come what may"

"With a purposeful stride he passed by
like the blazing sun in the noon sky"

"One who kills foe with fervor
in the battlefield without fear and favor"

Cut

Mr Kranthi Kumar

How can you fall at my feet?

I cannot prevent myself
from doing so

I am Vinayaka Rao
Brother knows me very well

I just need 2 minutes with him

He is in his costume
He cannot see you

What is this, Dasari sir?

You too?

This is not Rama Rao's feet

But Alluri Sitarama Raju's feet

Even the shadow of a person who lives
for his people should be worshiped

Until now I was simply acting

Now I want to be true to life

'Mr Rama Rao'

- Greetings, sir
- Namaste, sir

Mr Dasari, can I meet them?

Certainly

'In this attire it feels like we are
seeing Alluri Sitarama Raju himself!'

'All of us are aware also
how much you love this character'

Tell us if there is any news,
we will write it down

News...?

I am turning 60 soon

All these years I lived for myself

From now on I am planning
to serve the people

Serving people?

What is this?
So many bags?

30 bags of letters

Have you brought to my house
all the letters meant for entire Madras?

'When I went to the revenue officer
to get a Govt 'ration card' he insulted me'

'We are enslaved
to these merciless officers'

'They insulted Anjaiah'

'Even if he is the P.M's son...'

'...how can he deride
a chief minister like that?'

'Our baby was in breach position
and the Govt hospital denied medical aid'

'My baby died in my womb'

Father, coffee

'My womb turned out
to be his graveyard'

'We have no future ahead if we are
devoid of blessings from any God'

Namaste

'Are you all doing fine?'

'Where is Babu?'

Hey, Babu, it seems your father-in-law
intends starting a political party?

I do not know

Are you lying to this Anjaiah?

As if he will decide
without telling you?

If I am marrying his daughter
he will consult me

Why will he tell me
if he is starting a party?

Is he entering politics or not?

Chief minister sir, do we not
know about Mr Rama Rao?

He will enter politics if he wants to

Before that, he will
inform us for sure

Sir, whatever the task
he will tell us before he starts

But he will not 'ask' us
what he should do!

Yes or no to politics
So be it!

- Who is that, brother-in-law?
- Who?

Who are you?

Wait, who are you?

- How can you barge in?
- Income tax department

We must check your accounts

All of you stay right here

Where is the remuneration details
for 'Super Man' cinema?

This is our record,
right from his 1st cinema

Give me the details of
your bank accounts also

Andhra Bank account #

Andhra Bank

06/3241

Indian Overseas Bank

42/4641

Syndicate Bank

IC2/8395

Correct, brother-in-law

Tarakam, make some tea for me

Serve them too

They are doing their job

Carry on with your work

- Do you personally maintain accounts?
- It is all in order

We pay tax for every naya paise

Officer, if we do not file our tax
you will fine us and leave

But my brother-in-law will skin me alive!

Forgive us, Mr Rama Rao

Central office ordered us
to check your accounts

We have to do our duty, right?

Govt is like our mother

In every successful person's earnings...

...his or her mother
has a rightful share

NTR is not interested
in his mother's share

Kindly convey this
to whoever sent you here

Madam, is sir entering politics?

I have no idea
Do you want him to?

If he enters politics,
will he still act in films?

He will come here now
You can ask him yourself

Why should he enter politics?

Now flowers are being showered on him

'If he enters politics
people will fling stones at him'

'Leave him alone'

Mother, you go inside
I will take over

- Brother...brother
- Hey! Move aside

Move, why are you falling on him?

- Stop
- Hari

- Wait
- Alright, brother

How are you?

'Crops are not flourishing'

'Our husbands drink
in the Govt liquor bars'

We are jobless
Our Govt is least bothered

I have been starving
for the past 6 months

Sharing our sorrow with
our family deity and you, our God

'...we prayed in Tirupati
and came here to see you'

Brother, whichever side we turn to
we only see disease and distress

'There is not even 1 hospital
to cover 20 villages'

'We are leading the life of a corpse'

Naidu

Congratulations on becoming
the 8th Chief Minister, master

Come with me

Your father-in-law and I
share a strong friendship

We studied together
at Guntur AC college

He has told me this too

He, Jaggayya, KVS Sarma
All of them got together

And staged dramas

Somehow I was insistent
I wanted to enter politics

So our paths went in different ways

Now

...I heard our ways are merging

For my swearing-in ceremony...

...it would be my pleasure
if my friend can join

Please find out if he can

I will invite him myself

I will check with him

'Praise be to NTR'

Mr Rama Rao, you came for
your friend's swearing-in ceremony

Similarly will you also enter politics?

I have come only to attend
my friend's swearing-in ceremony

Rajasekhara Reddy
from Pulivendula

- Namaste, sir
- 'My very good friend'

Your fan as well

I met you in Naidu's wedding

- Glad to meet you again
- Thanks, sir

Come

Mr Rama Rao

Emperor of the universe
in entertainment

N.T.Rama Rao!

Bhavanam Venkataram
Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh

We have grown now

Not in age!

I have grown, made a mark
in films and you in politics

Jaya

'Namaste, brother
How are you?'

Namaste

- How are you?
- Very good, brother

I, Bhavanam Venkataram

...do solemnly and sincerely affirm

...to bear true allegiance
to the Govt of India

Why take an oath when a mere sneeze
can deprive him of power?

In 4 years...

...he is the 3rd chief minister!

As chief minister of Andhra Pradesh

In our Congress party
even the chief minister lacks security

Then how will people be secure?

Bhaskara Rao

Nadendla Bhaskara Rao

Pleased to meet you

I watched your film
'Papa Rayudu' yesterday

I could glimpse the emotion
required in our Assembly

I heard you are also thinking
of entering politics

Not politics

But I am thinking of serving the people

'I take this oath
with God as witness'

When I read all those letters

When I listen to the anguish
of those poor souls

...there is a pain nudging my heart
Mr Ramoji Rao sir

Nudging pain!

That same ache
made me hold my pen

Kindled me to oppose Emergency rule

Is the present politics
worth all this pain?

'Everywhere I see injustice,
inability, prejudice'

'Servitude to the wealthy'

'Hard work of our Telugus
is being auctioned in Delhi!'

'Instead of being
elected through ballot box'

'CM's seat is decided
via pull and post box!'

'They function as mere
puppets on a string'

'11 years since the foundation stone
was laid for Vizag steel plant'

'Even the ground has not been cleared'

'3 yields a year is
usually Andhra's pride'

'Now the same land is affected by famine'

'Our Telugu community has become
irrelevant in our nation now'

'We have to reiterate our presence
in a loud voice for the nation to realize'

You have not had dinner

At least drink this glass of milk

In illiteracy...

...Andhra Pradesh tops the list!

In creating jobs...

...it occupies the last place!

This has to change

Drink this milk

Read from here till this page

Socialist, Capitalist, Communist

Potpourri

This is a radical
humanist philosophy

Thank you, Chelameswara Rao

I will send you few more books
with Venkateswara Rao

'Claiming to be
an exclusive fan of yours...'

...I will not reduce your level

If you touch people's lives...

...the entire youth will support you

It is not enough to just question
in a quest for justice

'People need a guide
to direct them too'

People will pay heed to your words

Let us meet

I will take leave, uncle

'See you, Rama Rao'

'Your name?'

'Bobbili Tiger!'

'Real name?'

'Bobbili Tiger'

'Prior to this when you were
summoned to the court...'

'...I remember you said
your name is Chakradhar'

'In those courts and
with those judgments...'

'...that Chakradhar died right then'

'Died as a human being?'

'Died mentally and in spirit'

'Reason being?'

'Unable to stand by and watch
the deterioration of this society'

'The degradation
none of us saw...'

'...did you alone witness it?'

'For people living near a sewage hole'

'...they will be able to digest
that stink in their system with ease'

'Only newcomers
unable to bear that stink'

'...will run away!'

'As a newcomer where did you come from?'

'From a place which upheld justice,
honesty, discipline, sacrifice and courage'

'As these values are non existent in
our society, you became Bobbili Tiger'

'Accept you killed people
according to your own wish'

'Not my whims and fancy'

'But people who tarnish
our nation's integrity'

A new model in Fiat
is out in the market

- I will buy it this year
- Sure

Father

These are NTR estates extension plans

'If you can look at it once-'

Father, we need to buy
new equipment for the studio

Will you take a look?

Do not bring all this
to me anymore

Take care of it yourself

Are you getting into politics?

What is wrong if he does?

Nothing wrong

But why should he?

Why not, uncle?

I thought 15 days in a month
you will serve the people

...while you continue to act

I never thought
you will quit all this

If you want to do good
you can be in any job

But if you aspire for a change-

Is politics the only answer?

Brother, that is a jungle

Infested with poisonous insects
and cruel beasts

So what?
My father is a lion

He should live in that jungle too

Holding your words as gospel

I endorsed every move of yours, brother

But if you are entering politics...

I will not follow you, brother

Namaste, Mr Ramoji Rao

Yes

I spoke with Nadendla Bhaskara Rao

I will be announcing tomorrow
in Hyderabad MLA Quarters

Alright

Yes, sir

One more time...

...think about it, dear

Tarakam, suppose we have Rs 75

All our necessities
are covered with Rs 60

What will we do
with the balance Rs 15?

Maximum I may live
up to 75 years of age

I will complete 60 soon

All our responsibilities are over

The remaining years of my life

...I want to share it with my people

I want to enter politics

What do you say?

Everyone...

...looks up to you as God!

In the political arena, you will also be
an ordinary man like everyone else, dear

Tarakam

For the people
who made me God...

...I am ready to become
an ordinary man now

But, my dear-

People are God, Tarakam

60 million women are struggling
with atrocities everyday

It is my responsibility
to protect them

Tarakam...?

Tarakam...?

Where is mother?

Father

I will be delayed
catching my flight

Tarakam...?

Tarakam

Brother...?

I will come up to the airport, brother

Mother said you and she
will never differ in your wishes

When you stepped out
to go to work

...I will come to our porch
to bid you farewell

You are going for the sake
of our people, right?

I will come up to the airport!

'If my beloved Tarakam sends me off'

'...whatever the field
I will taste the fruits of success'

Shall we start?

Praise be to Goddess
Pathala Bhairavi!

'I can try changing human beings'

'But how can I change the system?'

'That is why I resigned'

'What is this Andhra and Tamil Nadu?
All are Madrasis from South India?'

'Our Telugu community has become
irrelevant in our nation now'

'We have to reiterate our presence
in a loud voice for the nation to realize'

'Do you want to eat rice?'

'If you want to eat rice everyday
the God we pray to has to come down'

'Praise be to NTR'

Welcome, Mr Rama Rao

Mr Bhaskara Rao
How are you?

Along with my supporters
I have resigned from the Congress

We are with you
Your followers!

Namaste

'People respect and love you
to make you win the election'

I have the experience to run this party

Let us first think of
a name for the party

Then draft out
rules and regulations

For the golden future of our people...

...without their participation

...to discuss within these
4 walls is a waste of time

Mr Bhaskara Rao

Can you arrange for a mike
outside MLA quarters?

Certainly

We are...

...starting a political party!

Praise be to NTR!

Praise be to NTR!

[loud cheering]

Please sit down

This is...

...to have the required authority
to serve the people

To bring about
much needed changes

For a full fledged working Govt

For the Telugu community

For the eternal existence of Telugu land

For the future of
the son of Telugu soil

For the self respect
of every Telugu man and woman

Our Party

Our Party is

TELUGU DESAM

'The Beginning...'

'That is not a mere individual's voice'

'But voices of the needy in unison
that appeased their hunger'

'The voice that wiped their tears dry'

'The ignored heartbeats in accordance
as 1 voice of 60 million Telugus'

'The Telugu voice that uprooted
the tree of dictatorship to the ground'

'The Telugu State is not instrumental
in enlisting the number of voters'

'But it changes
the destiny of Indian politics'

'He is a dreamer, hard worker, toiler
and supporter of the labor class'

'The Hero who fought
for the sake of our motherland'

'The Great Leader who re-wrote
the history of Indian politics'

'NTR The Great Leader'

"NTR"

"If you don Rama's role, avatar of Vishnu
our hearts as temples will consecrate you"

"As Lord Krishna on screen if you appear
our hearts in devotion melt like butter"

"Even if God above descends in reality
we will not accept him as our deity"

"If God asks us why we will say
He does not resemble NTR in any way"

"We woke up at dawn really early
We packed our lunch and ready"

"We came in our bullock carts eagerly"

"We tore our shirts many happily
We shouted our throats hoarse loudly"

"Our love for you is for eternity"

"Reading about the fame you have acquired
even history will perspire for sure inspired"

"With success as the endless sky
you are the moon riding high"

"If you sing a song, tune enhanced
you will be saluted by the poet's hand"

"Listening to your honeyed words melodious
Telugu as a language will be most joyous"

"If any roles still remain
we have not seen you in"

"We can puff up our chest
it is their loss not yours at best!"

"Proudly our notebooks we cover
with your photos from the newspaper"

"Like a hero we pose too
idealizing our idol true"

"Like our eyes we cherish you
We tattooed your name and face too"

"Jewel in the crown for cinema true"

"We will not praise you sky high"

"If we cast an evil eye
Bad luck strikes you, that's why"

"Our hearts that hold you precious
cannot bear anything inauspicious"

"New spring is here
Nimmakuru brims with cheer"

"Run, dash disperse
Old water is off its course"

"You are invincible
Unbeatable"

"Whether rain or shine, day or night
Only 1 word echoes with delight"

"NTR"

"Booking counter, any theater
'Houseful' boards everywhere"

"Break all records previous
Box office hit prestigious"

"Dust away the dust
make way for THE best!"

"NTR the visionary"

"NTR the luminary"

"NTR the dignitary notable"

"NTR the humane being noble"

"NTR the legend extraordinary"