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Direction
Story
Cinematography
Music
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Seetharama Kalyanam story at a glance

 
Seetharama Kalyanam can be undoubtedly termed as one of the career defining films for Sr.NTR. It is interesting to see B.Saroja act equally good along with him in an epic film of this sort. It is extremely good to watch Sr.NTR adorn the challenging role of Ravana. It is even more good to watch B.Saroja, a beautiful and talented actress as his wife Mandodari in the film. Sr.NTR also wrote the script and directed this film. He planned the characterizations so perfectly that he included a song for Mandodari (Paadave Ragamayi Veena) exclusively. In fact, K.V. Reddy was initially considered to direct the film. He wanted SVR to play Ravana and Sr.NTR as Lord Rama. But Sr.NTR’s idea changed suddenly and despite the title being Seetharama Kalyanam, he wanted to adorn the role of Ravana and highlight his character. This wasn’t appreciated by K.V.Reddy and he advised Sr.NTR not to play a negative role. But when Sr.NTR insisted that he would play the role of Raavana, K.V.Reddy went off the project.  As a result, Sr.NTR took the directional responsibilities and selected Haranath for the role of Lord Rama. A new girl named Mani was chosen for the role of Seetha. She later rose to prominence as veteran actress Geethanjali. As the character of Ravana was strong in this script, they had to make Mandodari important and glamorous as well. With B.Saroja devi gracing the role, the character got a completeness.

Story Details:
Ravana (Sr.NTR) is stopped by Nandi when he goes straight to Kailasa to get darshan of Lord Shiva. A rift happens between Ravana and Nandi and the latter curses Ravana saying he would die in the hands of “Vaanaras”. Ravana doesn’t bother the curse and does a severe penance to shake the foundations of Kailasa. Lord Shiva feels delighted with the penance and grants Ravana few wishes to be fulfilled. As a result, Ravana becomes invincible. With the penance of sages and divine people, Lakshmi Devi(Mani/Geethanjali) is born on Planet Earth as Vedavathi who sacrifices her body to Ravana. Ravana lusts for her and tries to capture her. She immediately gets reborn in Lanka and says that she would destroy him – thereby turning into ashes. On the word of Mandodari (B.Saroja), the Rakshasas collect the ashes into a box and bury it in Janaka(Mikkilineni)’s kingdom. Janaka in the meantime performs puja for children and while tilling the ground, a baby girl in a box is found. He names her Seetha and looks after her with affection and care. On the other side in Ayodhya, Dasaradha (Nagaiah) is blessed with four sons who are the reincarnations of Narayana, Adhi Sesha, Shanka and Chakra as  Rama(Haranath), Lakshmana (Adhi Sesha), Bharata and Shatragnya. Rama and Laksmana go as a security for Vishwamitra (Gummadi)’s yaaga ritual. After it is finished, they go to Janaka Kingdom for the Swayamvara of Seetha. Ravana also arrives for the swayamvara in order to break the Shiva’s Bow- which is the condition to marry Seetha. But he fails to do so and gets insulted. Rama breaks the Shiva’s Bow and when Parasurama (K.V.S.Sharma) challenges the abilities of the former, the latter realizes the value of Rama and his reincarnation. The film ends with the phenomenal wedding of Seetha-Rama.

Performances:
Sr.NTR is fantastic as Ravana- a staunch Lord Shiva Devotee, a music lover, a greedy personality. He shares an interesting chemistry with his co-star B.Saroja. She does a brilliant job as Mandodari, the sane wife of an eccentric personality. Her innocent presence is a treat for the film. Haranath is handsome and perfect for the role of Lord Rama. Geethanjali is beautiful and youthful as the young Seetha- oozing out innocence and sweetness. She delivers very little dialogues in the film and yet makes an impact. Haranath and Geethanjali look like million bucks in the eternal wedding song of Telugu Cinema-‘Sri Seetharamula Kalyanam Chootamu Raarandi’.

Technical Aspects:
Samudrala Senior gave a new dimension to the Epic Ramayana by highlighting the Ravana’s point of view. The dialogues are crisp and high in literary value. Music is another asset for this epic and songs like ‘Kaanarara Kailasa Nivasa’,’Jayatvadabra Vibhramadbhama’ (Shiva Taandava Stotram written by Ravana himself),’ Govinda Damodara’,’Paadave Raagamayi’,’Sarasala Javaralanu’,’ O Sukumara Ninu Gani’ became evergreen hits. Sr.NTR does a great job as director as well and the film has good production values.

Cast and Crew:
Lord Rama- Haranath
Seetha- Mani/Geethanjali
Ravana- Sr.NTR
Mandodhari- B.Saroja
Haranath- Lakshmana
Janaka-Mikkilineni
Dasaradha-Nagaiah
Vishwamitra-Gummadi
Parasurama-K.V.S.Sharma
Dialogues- Lyrics:  Samudrala Senior
Music:  Gaalipenchala Narasimha Rao
Producer : N.Trivikrama Rao
 Director: Sr.NTR
Banner:  N.A.T
Release Date: 6th January 1961
 

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