Bhakta Potana
Bhakta Potana (Telugu: భక్త పోతన) is a 1943 Telugu biographical film based on the life of Potana, who translated Bhagavatham into Telugu language. The film was scripted by Samudrala Raghavacharya, and directed by Kadiri Venkata Reddy. The film had celebrated Jubilee runs all over the South India including Mysore state and Kerala.[1] The film was remade in 1966, starring Gummadi Venkateswara Rao as Potana.[2]
| Bhakta Potana | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Kadiri Venkata Reddy |
| Produced by | B.N.Reddi M. Narayana Swamy |
| Written by | Samudrala Raghavacharya |
| Starring | Chittor V. Nagaiah |
| Music by | Chittor V. Nagaiah |
| Cinematography | K. Ramnoth |
Production company | |
Release date | 1943 January 7th |
Running time | 186 minutes. |
| Language | Telugu |
Plot
Bammera Potana is a staunch devotee of Lord Rama. He lived a pious life with his wife Narasamamba, son Mallanna and daughter Lakshmi in Ekasilapuram. Lord Rama appears before him and orders him to translate Bhagavatam into Telugu language. Sarada daughter of his brother-in-law Srinatha lived with his family after death of her mother. King Sarvagna Singabhoopala sends Srinatha to convince Potana to dedicate the Bhagavatam to him. Potana refused the request and dedicated his work to Lord Rama. The King's attempt to forcibly take it and abandon them from his kingdom. His intentions were nullified by divine intervention. The King realizes his mistake and brings back Potana and his family to the Kingdom and gave them necessary support leading a respectable life.
Cast
| Actor/Actress | Character |
|---|---|
| Chittor V. Nagaiah | Pothana |
| Mudigonda Lingamurthy | Ajamilini, the rowdy |
| Hemalatha Devi | Narasamamba, Pothana's wife |
| Vanaja Naalam | Lakshmi, Pothana's daughter |
| C. H. Narayana Rao | Lord Rama |
| Tanguturi Suryakumari | Goddess Saraswathi (cameo role) |
| Bezawada Rajarathnam | |
| Sivaram Vallabhajosyula | Mallanna, Pothana's son |
| Malladi Gourinatha Sastri | Sreenatha |
| Malathi K. | Sreenatha's daughter |
| Dr. V. R. Sarma | King Sarvagna Singabhoopala |
| Samrajyam | Court Dancer |
Crew
- Director : Kadri Venkata Reddy
- Writing credits : Samudrala Raghavacharya
- Producers : Moola Narayana Swamy and B.N. Reddi
- Original Music : Chittor V. Nagaiah
- Cinematography : K. Ramnoth
- Art Direction : A.K. Sekhar
- Production Management : Mudigonda Lingamurthy
- Assistant Director : Kamalakara Kameswara Rao
- Playback Singers : Malathi, Chittor V. Nagaiah, Vanaja N., Bezawada Rajarathnam and Sivaram V.
Soundtrack
There are about 20 songs and poems in Bhakta Potana.[3]
- Aataladadu Vadina Maataladadu (Singer: Nalam Vanaja)
- Baala Rasaala Saala Nava Pallava (Singer: V. Sivaram)
- Idi Manchi Samayamu Raara (Singer: Bezawada Rajaratnam)
- Evvani Chejaninchu (Potana poem)
- Immanujeswaraadhamulaki Kujambulu (Potana poem)
- Kamaneeya Bhoomi Bhaagamulu Lekunnave (Potana poem)
- Katuka Kantineeru (Potana poem) (Singer: Nagaiah)
- Maa Vadina Maa Vadina Sukumari (Singers: Malathi and Nalam Vanaja)
- Mandara Makaranda Maadhuryamunadelu (Potana poem) (Singer: Nalam Vanaja)
- Mata Pita Gurudevahita (Singers: Bezawada Rajaratnam and Nagaiah)
- Nammitinamma Seetamma (Singer: Hemalatha Devi)
- Nannu Vidichi Kadalakura Ramayya (Singer: Nagaiah)
- Nanu Paalimpaga Chanudenchitiva (Singers: Nagaiah and Nalam Vanaja)
- Paavana Guna Ramahare (Singer: Nagaiah)
- Raa Poorna Chandrika (Singer: Nalam Vanaja)
- Rama Rama Seetarama (Singers: Nagaiah and Nalam Vanaja)
- Sarva Dharman Parityajya (Singers: Nagaigh group)
- Sarva Mangala Naama Seetarama Rama (Singers: Nagaigh group)
References
- Bhaktha Potana (1943), M. L. Narasimham, Blast from the past, The Hindu, 11 December 2011.
- Bhakta Potana, 1966 film at IMDb.
- Lyrical details of Bhakta Potana at Ghantasala Galamrutamu.