Gorantha Deepam story at a glance

There exist some films which may not fetch high returns or witness claps or whistles during its run in theaters. But just like a pickle tasting better as time passes by, they gain admiration in a slow fashion. In order to appreciate such films, the audience should witness some incidents in life which would make them realize the greatness of it. The audience should understand the philosophy of life and the ups and downs involving it. Every experience should teach something and transform as they age. In such stage, a film which looks odd previously would look like a masterpiece suddenly. One such brilliant film is Gorantha Deepam. Vanisri who usually was shown in makeup and lavish costumes is shown sans makeup throughout this film. Her natural beauty and great acting skills are clearly evident in Gorantha Deepam. Though the film’s story has ample scope of melodrama, emotional sequences and sadness- the film is without all such stereotypes. It is a great effort by Bapu-Ramana in showcasing the female lead on high note with utmost respect and admiration. Maybe that is the reason by Bapu-Ramana always term Gorantha Deepam as their best film though it couldn’t fetch returns. Bapu-Ramana are perfect example of those artistic souls who have the capacity to think ahead of times. During the days when Telugu Cinema was stuck in studio sets, wigs and artificial costumes, Bapu-Ramana made Sakshi in natural locations of Godavari River and made Bangaru Pichuka when Telugu Audience were unaware of full length comedy films. Gorantha Deepam tells a great truth of life that- living life to the fullest when things are not favorable is more important than living life when things are comfortable!

Story Details:
Seshu (Sridhar) is a good gentleman and an innocent person. He is a badminton champion as well. His father (Rao Gopala Rao) is irresponsible and an alcoholic. Seshu’s mother (Suryakantham) is a cunning and arrogant woman. She watches every film which arrives in the town. Padma (Vanisri) arrives as the daughter in law to such a troublesome house and she faces troubles right from the day one. Seshu’s friend Doctor Mohan (Mohan Babu) is an evil man who looks at women as objects of pleasure. His uncle Adinarayana Rao (Allu Ramalingaiah) run a gang involving drinking and prostitution. Mohan comes to Seshu’s house out of friendship and eyes Padma. He tries various strategies to get to her and in that course convinces Seshu to move to a new house with his wife. Padma, who is high on self respect doesn’t surrender to the evil gang of Mohan. The evil gang even create rift between Seshu and Padma and make Padma a loner. Padma remembers her father’s advice of solving one’s own problems and teaches the evil gang a lesson. She even makes her husband realize the wrongdoings of his friend Mohan. 

Performances:
This is an out and out Vanisri’s film where her acting extravaganza can be seen clearly. She looks naturally beautiful without makeup and does a great job in a mellowed yet strong role. Her performance is highly commendable in a challenging role of this sort. It was indeed a great challenge to take a totally contrasting role when she was in peaks of her commercial career. Sridhar who already acted in Bapu-Ramana ‘ hit film Mutyala Muggu delivers a balanced performance as Seshu. Mohan Babu is extremely believable as the lecherous doctor. Allu Ramalingaiah is witty and cruel as the uncle of Mohan. Rao Gopala Rao and Suryakantham are perfect as the hero’s parents.

Technical Aspects:
The film’s base story is written by Nerella Ramalakshmi and the film is adapted brilliantly by Mullapudi Venkataramana. Melodious music is another huge asset for this serious themed films with songs like Gorantha Deepam Kondantha Velugu, Godaku Chevulunteno became good hits. Bapu’s artistic direction is evident in every frame and his portrayal of female lead deserves a great mention.

Cast and Crew:

Padma- Vanisri

Seshu- Sridhar

Dr.Mohan- Mohan Babu

Seshu’s Father- Rao Gopala Rao

Seshu’s Mother- Suryakantham

Adinarayana Rao- Allu Ramalingaiah

Base Story- Nerella Ramalakshmi

Film Adaptation, Dialogues- Mullapudi Venkataramana

Lyrics- Arudra, C.Narayana Reddy, Dasaradhi

Music- K.V.Mahadevan

Producers- C. Ramachandra Rao, Mullapudi Venkata Ramana

Direction- Bapu

Banner- Chitrakalpana

Release Date-   Feb 1978