Sri Rama Rajyam

Sri Rama Rajyam is a 2011 Indian Telugu-language Hindu mythological film, produced by Yalamanchali Sai Babu under Sri Sai Baba Movies banner[4] and directed by Bapu. Starring Nandamuri Balakrishna, Nayanthara , Akkineni Nageswara Rao, Srikanth, Roja appear in supporting roles and music composed by Ilaiyaraaja. The film is based on the epic Ramayana. The film was Bapu's final directional venture. The film depicts Rama's rule of Ayodhya after he returns home from Lanka, his separation from Sita and her reclusive life in the forest as she raises their children Lava and Kusa. The film won seven Andhra Pradesh State Nandi Awards, including the Nandi Award for Best Feature Film – (Gold) for the year 2011.[5] This film is a remake of a Telugu film Lava Kusha, released in the year 1963, which is known as the first full-length color film in Telugu Cinema.

Sri Rama Rajyam
Theatrical release poster
Directed byBapu
Produced byYalamanchali Sai Babu
Screenplay byBapu
Mullapudi Venkata Ramana
Based onRamayanam
by Valmiki
StarringNandamuri Balakrishna
Nayanthara
Akkineni Nageswara Rao
Srikanth
Roja
K. R. Vijaya
Murali Mohan
Brahmanandam
Vindu Dara Singh
M. Balayya
Music byIlaiyaraaja
CinematographyP. R. K. Raju
Edited byG. G. Krishna Rao
Production
company
Sri Sai Baba Movies
Release date
  • 17 November 2011 (2011-11-17)[1]
Running time
172 minutes
CountrySri Lanka and India
LanguageTelugu
Budget₹32 crore (US$4.5 million)[2]
Box office₹27 crore (US$3.8 million)(gross)[3]

The film was critically acclaimed and a commercial success in overseas.[6][7][8] The film had a special screening at International Film Festival of Sri Lanka on 28 November 2011.[9][10] The film was dubbed into Tamil in 2012 under the same title with S. P. Balasubrahmanyam and Chinmayi voicing the roles of Balakrishna and Nayanatara respectively. The film has also a Malayalam dubbed version with the same title. This film was also dubbed Hindi as Ayodhyapati Sri Ram.[11]

Plot

The story begins with Lord Rama (Nandamuri Balakrishna) returning to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana along with Goddess Sita (Nayanthara) and crowned as the emperor, settles down to a harmonious lifestyle. When his spies inform him that his reputation may be at stake as Sita had spent over a year in Ravana's Lanka, he asks Lakshmana (Srikanth) to ensure that Sita is sent to exile. A devastated, pregnant, and distraught Sita is rescued by Valmiki (Akkineni Nageswara Rao), who takes her to his Ashram by renaming her as Lokapavni, where she subsequently gives birth to twin sons Lava (Master Gaurav) and Kusha (Master Dhanush Kumar). Lord Hanuman (Vindu Dara Singh) also accompanies Sita and serves her in the form of tribal child Balaraju (Master Pavan Sriram). Valmiki trains them in every possible way, including knowledge, warfare, and religion. 10 years later, the twins decide to visit a drought and famine-ravaged Ayodhya to get the blessings of Srirama and Sita as well recite the Ramayan, and this is where they will find out that Srirama has exiled Sita, and they return home disappointed and refuse to recite the Ramayan anymore. The twins then stop the Aswamedha horse is not realizing that they will soon be thrust into confrontation with none other than Lakshman, Srirama, and the entire army of Ayodhya. After that, they know about their father, who is none other than Sri Rama. Sita reunites her two sons Kusha and Lava with their father Rama and returns to her mother Bhudevi (Roja).

Cast

Production

Development

Veteran director Bapu announced that he would remake 1963 film Lava Kusa with Balakrishna who reprises the role of Lord Rama which was enacted by his father N. T. Rama Rao in the original film.[12] Bapu's friend Mullapudi Venkata Ramana has written the screenplay and dialogues for the film and notably was his last film as he died before the film's release.[13] Bapu said that the title of the film was inspired from 1943 Hindi film Ram Rajya.[14]

Balakrishna was assigned to play Rama while Nayanthara was selected to play Seetha after considering Jyothika, Anushka Shetty and Sneha. Balakrishna said that when Saibabu approached him for the role the moment he said that Bapu is to direct the film, without any questions, he immediately said ‘yes'.[14] For the character, Balakrishna had to shave off his moustache.[15] Sandhya Janak was selected to play the role of queen Sumithra.[16] Saikumar was initially approached to the enact the character of Bharatha but he was eventually replaced by Sameer.[17] Gaurav, Dhanush and Pawan were selected to play the characters of Lava, Kusa and young Hanuman.[18]

Filming
"A mythological film calls for a lot of work as the sets need to have a period look. For "Sri Ramarajayam" I made huge sets of durbars and palace interiors. My art director gave the sketch to the RFC staff and they created the set for us. Nearly 700 workers from RFC worked on the sets and completed it on time".

—Yalamanchili Saibabu about the set designs of the film.[19]

The filming began on 22 November 2010.[20] The costumes for the film was designed by Anu Vardhan. Anu stated that for Nayanthara, she went and picked up tulasi mala from authentic places. Balakrishna had used his father's accessories and jewellery and Anu replicated it to match with the heroine.[21] Yugandhar Tammareddy of Pixelloid said that Bapu and his team gave storyboards down to the last detail. Along with 100 of his team members, Yugandhar had his task cut out. "The breathtaking palace, the pushpaka vimanam, the Bhoodevi sequence…" were all created by his team. Yugandhar said: "For the palace, we asked the filmmakers to erect a 12-foot palace set just so that there is authenticity when people walk on the floor, lean against a wall or touch a piece of furniture. The rest was done on visual effects".[22] The film was entirely shot at Ramoji Film City with a set erected resembling a kingdom.[19]

Soundtrack
Sri Rama Rajyam
Soundtrack album by
Ilaiyaraaja
Released15 August 2011 (2011-08-15)
Recorded2011
GenreFeature film soundtrack
Length50:25
LanguageTelugu
LabelAditya Music
ProducerIlaiyaraaja
Ilaiyaraaja chronology
Gaayam 2
(2010)		 Sri Rama Rajyam
(2011)		 Dhoni
(2012)

The audio of the film was released on 15 August 2011 and the launch was held at Bhadrachalam under Bhadradri Ramayya and Seetamma's Sannidi on the same day. The soundtrack was composed by Ilaiyaraaja and it features 15 tracks. The lyrics for the Telugu version were penned by Jonnavithhula Ramalingeswara Rao, while Mankombu Gopalakrishnan and Piraisoodan penned the lyrics for the Malayalam and Tamil versions respectively.

Telugu version
No.TitleSinger(s)Length
1."Jagadananda Karaka"S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, Shreya Ghoshal5:16
2."Evadunnadee Lokamlo"S. P. Balasubrahmanyam1:32
3."Sitarama Charitam"Shreya Ghoshal, Shweta Mohan6:35
4."Srirama Lera"Shreya Ghoshal, Sriram Parthasarathy4:47
5."Devulle Mechchindi"K. S. Chitra, Shreya Ghoshal5:25
6."Gali Ningi Neeru"S. P. Balasubrahmanyam4:36
7."Ramayanamu"K. S. Chitra, Shreya Ghoshal6:30
8."Dandakam"Surabhi Shravani, Keertana1:13
9."Sita Shrimantam"Shreya Ghoshal4:59
10."Rama Rama"Shweta Mohan, Anita4:35
11."Kalaya Nijama"Tippu1:55
12."Idi Pattabhi Ramuni"Shweta Mohan2:37
13."Saptashwarathamarudham"S. P. Balasubramanyam1:10
14."Shankuchakralu Polina"Shweta Mohan1:02
15."Mangalam Ramunaku"Anitha Karthikeyan, Keertana0:53
Total length:50:25
Malayalam version[23]
No.TitleSinger(s)Length
1."Jagadananda Karaka"Madhu Balakrishnan, Preetha P. V.5:16
2."Aarundivide Ulakathil"Madhu Balakrishnan1:32
3."Sitarama Charitam"Preetha P. V., Ranjini Jose6:35
4."Pattabhisheka"Ganesa Sundaram0:55
5."Ramaniduvan"Preetha P. V., Ranjini Jose3:41
6."Seethaseemandham"Chithra4:59
7."Vaayuvaanam"Madhu Balakrishnan4:38
8."Devarkalikichicha"Ranjini Jose, Preetha P. V.4:38
9."Rama Rama"Monisha3:11
10."Thambula Ragangal"Jyotsna2:19
11."Hrudutha Pathaksha"Madhu Balakrishnan0.48
12."Idhu Pattabhi Rama"Shweta Mohan2:37
13."Saptashwarathamarudham"S. P. Balasubramanyam1:10
14."Sanguchankrangal"Monisha1:02
15."Mangalam Raghurama"Jyotsna0:53
Total length:50:25
Tamil version; all songs written by Piraisoodan.[24]
No.TitleSinger(s)Length
1."Jagadananda Karaka"S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, Chinmayi5:16
2."Evan Irukkar"S. P. Balasubrahmanyam1:32
3."Sitarama Charitam"Shweta Mohan6:35
4."Pattabhisheka"Ganesa Sundaram0:55
5."Sree Ramavaarai"Sakyath, Chinmayi3:41
6."Seethaseemandham"Chinmayi4:59
7."Kanava Nijama"Tippu1.38
8."Devargal Thittikka"Chithra, Chinmayi4:38
9."Rama Rama"Shweta Mohan, Anitha, Chinmayi3:11
10."Divya Soundarya"Anitha, Keerthana2:19
11."Kaatru Vaanam"S. P. Balasubrahmanyam0.48
12."Idhu Pattabhi"Shweta Mohan2:37
13."Saptashwarathamarudham"S. P. Balasubramanyam1:10
14."Sanguchankrangal"Swetha1:02
15."Mangalam Ramanukku"Anitha, Chinmayi0:53
Total length:50:25

Release and reception

The film was supposed to release on 10 November but got postponed[25] and released on 17 November 2011.[1] The film has been released in Tamil on 27 July 2012. The Malayalam version was released as well. Producer Sai Babu has said that a good response has come from Malayalam movie lovers and is planning to release the Hindi version soon.[26]

The film was publicised with posters attached in tricycles. P. V. V. Raghavendra Babu, general manager of Prathima Multiplex told "We want to bring back olden days of publicity for the latest mythological movie of Sri Rama Rajyam and get film lovers back to the theatres".[27]

Upon release, the film received positive reviews from critics. CNN-IBN which gave a four stars, said "Sri Rama Rajyam is one film that the Telugu film industry can be proud of. Sri Rama Rajyam is a well-known story, so it's a challenge to remake such a classic, but Bapu's good work turns the remake into another classic. Filmgoers, who look for classics, should not miss this film".[28]

Deccan Chronicle rated three stars explains "Superstar Balakrishna finally stepped into his legendary father NTR's shoes and impressed audiences playing the role of Lord Rama. Veteran director Bapu deserves all the praise he gets for remaking the classic Lava Kusa (1963) and retaining the soul of the original".[29] NDTV described as "In all, Sri Rama Rajyam is a feel-good film that brilliantly showcases our ancient culture".[30]

Oneindia.in noted "Sri Rama Rajyam is a feel good film that showcases our ancient culture, heritage and values. The way Bapu managed to make the film into a visual and musical delight is extraordinary and it is a film that can give you an enriching experience while entertaining you in good measure".[31] Rediff gave three stars said "Kudos to Bapu and Saibabu for recreating the Ramayana magic on celluloid. Only Bapu, the veteran director, could have executed this mammoth task so well. Sri Ramarajyam is an optical feast. Go for it".[32] Sify gave verdict as "Good" and says "The movie holds ample strength to live up to the expectations at the box office. Bapu and his associate Ramana does not deviate much from Lava Kusa, and they took great pains to see that the element of exaggeration is completely checked".[33] The Hindu wrote: "The director Bapu should be applauded for re-inventing the mythological and using a glitzy starcast and getting an understated performance from all of them".[34]

Box office

The film has completed 50 days on 5 January 2012 in 49 centres at the box office.[35]

Awards
Ceremony Category Nominee Result
Nandi Awards - 2011 Best Feature Film – Gold Sai Babu Won
Best Actress Nayanthara Won
Best Music Director Ilaiyaraaja Won
Best Cinematography Raju Won
Best Make Up P. Ram Babu Won
Best Female Dubbing Artist Sunitha Won
Best Choreographer Sreenu Won
59th Filmfare Awards South[36] Best Actress – Telugu Nayanthara Won
Best Female Playback Singer – Telugu Shreya Ghoshal
("Jagadhananda Karaka")		 Won
Best Lyricist – Telugu Jonnavithhula Ramalingeswara Rao
("Jagadhananda Karaka")		 Won
1st South Indian International Movie Awards SIIMA Award for Best Cinematographer (Telugu) P. R. K. Raju Won

Legacy

Director K. Viswanath compared the duo Bapu and Ramana to "technically perfect and smooth" Rolls Royce.[37] Novel of the film based on the screenplay was released in 2012.[38] Rediff included the film in their list "Top Five Telugu Films of 2011".[39]

References
  1. "Sri Rama Rajyam Movie Official Blog". Naga Chaitanya. Retrieved 25 November 2011.
  2. "Sri Rama Rajyam is highest budget film in Balayya's career". Spergoodmovies. Archived from the original on 25 September 2011. Retrieved 30 July 2011.
  3. "Bala Krishna Sri Rama Rajyam Total Collections". Tollyrevenue. Retrieved 22 April 2013.
  4. Aakash. "Balakrishna's Sri Rama Rajyam Launched Today". 16 reels. Retrieved 22 November 2010.
  5. "2011 Nandi Awards winners list - The Times of India". The Times Of India.
  6. "2011: Telugu films bomb in overseas market!". Greatandhra.com. Retrieved 27 December 2011.
  7. M Suganth (13 November 2011). "Sri Rama Rajyam in demand". The Times of India. Retrieved 13 November 2011.
  8. Suresh Krishnamoorthy (18 November 2011). "Reliving the magic of 'Lava Kusa'". The Hindu. Chennai, India. Retrieved 18 November 2011.
  9. "I cast actors according to the requirement of the script" (PDF). IFFI daily. Archived from the original (PDF) on 16 December 2011. Retrieved 15 January 2012.
  10. "Sri Rama Rajyam at IFFI". Deccan Chronicle. Retrieved 27 November 2011.
  11. Prakash, Mythili (2 April 2012). "SPB and Chinmayi voice for Balakrishna and Nayanthara in Sri Rama Rajyam movie - Tamil Cinema News - Latest News on Kollywood". Tamilcinemanews123.blogspot.com. Retrieved 18 July 2018.
  12. "Bapu's Lava Kusa with Balakrishna". Sify.com. Retrieved 18 July 2018.
  13. "Writer Mullapudi passes away". Thehindu.com. 25 February 2011. Retrieved 18 July 2018.
  14. Narasimham, M. l (12 November 2011). "Preview: Epic comes full circle". Thehindu.com. Retrieved 18 July 2018.
  15. "Balakrishna's close shave". Timesofindia.indiatimes.com. Retrieved 18 July 2018.
  16. Chowdhary, Y. Sunita (3 December 2011). "Juggling multiple roles". Thehindu.com. Retrieved 18 July 2018.
  17. Murthy, Neeraja (20 February 2011). "His own voice". Thehindu.com. Retrieved 18 July 2018.
  18. Murthy, Neeraja (18 December 2011). "The epic wonders". Thehindu.com. Retrieved 18 July 2018.
  19. "Ramoji Film City: A world of fantasy". Timesofindia.indiatimes.com. Retrieved 18 July 2018.
  20. "Sri Rama Rajyam shoot from November 22". Sify.com. Retrieved 18 July 2018.
  21. Chowdhary, Y. Sunita (11 December 2011). "Customising fashion". Thehindu.com. Retrieved 18 July 2018.
  22. Dundoo, Sangeetha Devi (8 December 2011). "Photo finish". Thehindu.com. Retrieved 18 July 2018.
  23. https://www.raaga.com/malayalam/movie/sriramarajyam-songs-M0002653
  24. "Sri Rama Rajyam (2011) Tamil Movie CD-Rip 320KBPS MP3 Songs Music By Ilaiyaraaja". Starmusiq.com. Retrieved 18 July 2018.
  25. "Sri Ramarajyam postponed". Sify.com. Retrieved 18 July 2018.
  26. "Sri Rama Rajyam gets good reception in Malayalam". 123telugu.com. Retrieved 31 July 2012.
  27. Dayashankar, K. M. (24 November 2011). "Bringing back publicity through tricycles". Thehindu.com. Retrieved 18 July 2018.
  28. "Telugu Review: 'Sri Rama Rajyam' is a must watch". CNN-IBN. Retrieved 20 November 2011.
  29. B.V.S. Prakash. "Sri Rama Rajyam review: Glimpses of NTR in Balayya's role". Deccan Chronicle. Retrieved 19 November 2011.
  30. "Review in pics: Sri Rama Rajyam". NDTV. Archived from the original on 15 July 2012.
  31. "Sri Rama Rajyam – Movie Review". Oneindia.in. Retrieved 17 November 2011.
  32. Radhika Rajamani. "Review: Sri Ramarajyam is a visual treat". Rediff.com. Retrieved 17 November 2011.
  33. "Sri Ramarajyam review". Sify.com.
  34. Nanisetti, Serish (19 November 2011). "Return of the mythological". Thehindu.com. Retrieved 18 July 2018.
  35. "SRR completes 50 days". Deccan Chronicle. Retrieved 6 January 2012.
  36. "59th Idea Filmfare Awards South (Winners list)". Filmfare Awards. Retrieved 9 July 2012.
  37. Chowdhary, Y. Sunita (18 December 2011). "Back on screen". Thehindu.com. Retrieved 18 July 2018.
  38. Kolanu, Manjula (23 March 2012). "Epic on a storyboard". Thehindu.com. Retrieved 18 July 2018.
  39. "The Top Five Telugu Films Of 2011". Rediff.com. Retrieved 18 July 2018.
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