Aatma Gowravam
Aatma Gowravam (transl. Self-Esteem) is a 1965 Telugu-language drama film, produced by D. Madhusudhana Rao under the Annapurna Pictures banner and directed by K. Viswanath. It stars Akkineni Nageswara Rao, Kanchana, Rajasree in the lead roles and music composed by S. Rajeswara Rao.
| Aatma Gowravam | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Theatrical release poster | |
| Telugu | ఆత్మ గౌరవం |
| Directed by | K. Viswanath |
| Produced by | D. Madhusudhana Rao |
| Written by | Gollapudi Maruthi Rao Bhamidipati Radhakrishna (dialogues) |
| Screenplay by | K. Viswanath |
| Story by | Yaddanapudi Sulochana Rani Gollapudi Maruthi Rao |
| Based on | Aathma Gouravam (Novel) |
| Starring | Akkineni Nageswara Rao Kanchana Rajasree |
| Music by | S. Rajeswara Rao |
| Cinematography | P. S. Selvaraj |
| Edited by | M. S. Mani |
Production company | |
| Distributed by | Navayuga Films |
Release date | 1965 |
Running time | 170 mins |
| Country | India |
| Language | Telugu |
The film marked the directorial debut of the great Indian film director K. Viswanath.[1] The film is based on the novel of same name by Yaddanapudi Sulochana Rani. It won the Nandi Award for Best Feature Film in that year. The film was screened at the Asian and African film Festival at Tashkent.[2][3]
Plot
The film begins on a wealthy couple Zamindar Varahala Rao (Relangi) & his shrew wife Santana Lakshmi (Suryakantam) who are perturbed as they are childless. Once Zamindar visits the village where he likes his farmer Ramaiah's (Gummadi) younger brother Srinivasa Rao / Vasu and wants to adopt him. Here, Ramaiah's mother Shanthamma (Hemalata) mentions that she aspires to couple up Vasu with his niece Savitri when Zamindar promises to fulfill her wish. But Santana Lakshmi does not give her acceptance as she desires to adopt her sister's son Venu. Then Zamindar forcibly makes her agree. Soon after the adoption, she breaks up connections between Vasu & his family and sends him to the city for education along with Venu. Years roll by, Vasu (Akkineni Nageswara Rao) & Venu (Chalam) study at college and in the village, Savitri (Kanchana) grows up keeping her entire hopes on Vasu. Once Vasu gets acquainted with Zamindar's close friend Bhaja Govindam (Ramana Reddy) and his daughter Geeta (Rajasri). Just after, Geeta falls for Vasu and adults decide to perform their espousal but Vasu does not have such intention. Meanwhile, an awful incident Ramaiah's wife Janaki (Pushpa Kumari) passes away, madcap Santana Lakshmi not even informs Vasu and he is unable to attend the funeral which woes Ramaiah more. After some time, Ramaiah reaches Zamindar with the marriage proposal of Vasu & Savitri where he is humiliated by Santana Lakshmi. In that anger, Ramaiah decides to perform a rich alliance for Savitri for which he agrees to marry the bridegroom's mad sister Parvati (Vasanthi). Just before the marriage, Savitri leaves the venue to commit suicide, yet, Ramaiah stands for piety and marries Parvati. Being cognizant of the afflict, Vasu immediately rushes to village where he is accused by Ramaiah but later on, realizing the factuality the brothers embrace each other. Parallelly, Savitri is rescued by Geeta who gives her shelter. Right now, the wheel of fortune brings Savitri nearer to Vasu and both of them fall in love without revealing her identity. Knowing it, Geeta blames Savitri for her deceit when Savitri divulges the reality. At present, Geeta makes Vasu perceive the actuality and unites him with Savitri. At last, Vasu, Savitri, Geeta, & Venu play a drama and make elders admit their mistakes. Finally, the movie ends a happy note with the marriage of Vasu & Savitri.
Cast
- Akkineni Nageshwara Rao as Srinivasa Rao
- Kanchana as Savitri / Sarala
- Rajasree as Geeta Devi
- Gummadi as Ramayya
- Relangi as Zamindar Varahala Rao
- Ramana Reddy as Bhajagovindam
- Chalam as Venu
- Allu Ramalingaiah as Appalacharyulu
- Suryakantam as Santaana Lakshmi
- Vasanthi as Parvati
- Hemalata as Saantamma
- Pushpa Kumari as Janaki
Soundtrack
| Antastulu | |
|---|---|
| Film score by Saluri Rajeswara Rao | |
| Released | 1965 |
| Genre | Soundtrack |
| Length | 36:34 |
| Label | H.M.V. Audio |
| Producer | Saluri Rajeswara Rao |
Music composed by Saluri Rajeswara Rao. Music released on H.M.V. Audio Company.
| S. No. | Song Title | Lyrics | Singers | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Preminichi Pellichesuko" | Arudra | Ghantasala | 3:30 |
| 2 | "Maaraajulochchaaru" | C. Narayana Reddy | P. Susheela, Vasantha | 3:14 |
| 3 | "Preminchanide Pellaadanani" | Arudra | Ghantasala, P. Susheela | 3:37 |
| 4 | "Paruvam Ponge Velalo" | C. Narayana Reddy | Ghantasala,P. Susheela | 4:04 |
| 5 | "Mundativale Naapai" | Dasaradhi | P.Susheela | 4:55 |
| 6 | "Andenu Nede Andani" | Dasaradhi | P. Susheela | 3:31 |
| 7 | "Oka Poolabaanam" | Dasaradhi | Ghantasala, P. Susheela | 3:41 |
| 8 | "Bratuku Netito Baruvai" | Arudra | P. Susheela | 3:30 |
| 9 | "Raanani Raalenani" | Arudra | Ghantasala | 3:23 |
| 10 | "Valapulu Virisina" | Sri Sri | Ghantasala, P. Susheela | 3:09 |
Awards
- The film won Nandi Award for Best Feature Film from Government of Andhra Pradesh.
Reception
Sport and Pastime gave a positive review citing "It has all the elements – a heart-warming story, good acting, pleasing music and conventional cliches – that appeal to the average moviegoer".[4]
References
- "Articles : Movie Retrospect : Atma gowravam (1966)". Telugucinema.com. Archived from the original on 25 February 2012. Retrieved 11 February 2012.
- Collections. Update Video Publication. 1991. p. 387.
- "Arts / History & Culture : Celebrating a doyen". The Hindu. 26 April 2012. Archived from the original on 1 July 2012. Retrieved 5 September 2012.
- FOR THE AVERAGE MOVIEGOER. Sport and Pastime. 23 April 1966. p. 52.