Major Chandrakanth (1993 film)

Last updated

Major Chandrakanth
Major Chandrakanth 1993 poster.jpg
Theatrical release poster
Directed by K. Raghavendra Rao
Written by Paruchuri Brothers
(Story & dialogues)
Produced by Mohan Babu
Master Manchu Manoj (Presenter)
Starring N. T. Rama Rao
Mohan Babu
Nagma
Ramya Krishna
Sarada
Cinematography A. Vincent
Ajayan Vincent
Edited byGautham Raju
Music by M. M. Keeravani
Production
company
Release date
  • 23 April 1993 (1993-04-23)
CountryIndia
LanguageTelugu

Major Chandrakanth is a 1993 Indian Telugu-language action drama film directed by K. Raghavendra Rao and written by the Paruchuri brothers. Produced by Mohan Babu under the Sree Lakshmi Prasanna Pictures banner, the film stars N. T. Rama Rao in the title role, alongside Mohan Babu, Nagma, Ramya Krishna, Sarada, and Amrish Puri. [1] The music for the film was composed by M. M. Keeravani. [2]

Contents

Released on 23 April 1993, Major Chandrakanth was a major box office success. The film's success was boosted by a popular soundtrack, especially the song "Punyabhumi Na Desam." The film marked N. T. Rama Rao's final acting performance, even though Srinatha Kavi Sarvabhoumudu (1993) released later. While Major Chandrakanth was completed after Srinatha Kavi Sarvabhoumudu, it was released earlier. [3]

Plot

The film follows the story of Major Chandrakanth, a patriotic hero awarded the Param Vir Chakra for saving foreign delegates from the terrorist GK. During the mission, his close friend, Major Rajasekhar, is fatally injured. Before his death, Rajasekhar asks Chandrakanth to ensure that his daughter, Sita, marries his son, Sivaji. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, Sivaji becomes involved in crime, joining forces with a girl named Hema. Unbeknownst to him, Sivaji works for the corrupt politician and MP Gnaneswara Rao, who causes chaos in society with his five sons.

Sivaji unknowingly encounters Sita and, while evading the police, accidentally ties the sacred thread (taali) to her during a mass wedding ceremony. Meanwhile, Chandrakanth returns home to his family, which includes his wife Savitri and daughters Bharati and Jhansi, and begins confronting Gnaneswara Rao's criminal activities. During protests against political injustices, Chandrakanth suffers baton blows. Sivaji, puzzled by his father’s actions, questions why he involves himself in such struggles. In response, Chandrakanth passionately explains his patriotism, inspiring his family. This deeply impacts Sivaji, who undergoes a transformation, resolves to abandon his deceitful ways, and decides to leave his criminal past behind. However, Gnaneswara Rao retaliates by having Sivaji arrested, and Chandrakanth collapses from his injuries.

When Chandrakanth confronts his son Sivaji in anger about his past actions, Sivaji explains the circumstances that led to his transformation. While Chandrakanth was stationed at the border, Sivaji was forced to commit fraud to save his brother-in-law. What started as a one-time action soon became a habit, leading him into a life of deception. Despite understanding this, Chandrakanth disapproves of Sivaji’s actions, causing Sivaji to leave home. With Hema’s help, he sets out to expose the real culprits. Seeing Sivaji’s reformation, Chandrakanth is moved and learns of his marriage to Sita, eventually accepting their union with pride.

Chandrakanth arranges a marriage for his daughter Jhansi with Inspector Raju, the son of a pacifist named Swarajya Rao. However, Jhansi is in love with Gnaneswara Rao's son, Lokesh, and Gnaneswara Rao attempts to sabotage the marriage. Despite this, Chandrakanth successfully ensures the marriage takes place. Tragedy strikes when Savitri is diagnosed with terminal cancer, and Gnaneswara Rao teams up with GK to create further havoc. Hema and Sivaji follow them, but Hema dies in the process.

Chandrakanth exposes Gnaneswara Rao’s crimes in court, but Gnaneswara Rao escapes using false alibis. Soon after, Savitri passes away, and Chandrakanth vows to destroy the corrupt forces. Gnaneswara Rao captures Chandrakanth, attempting to force him to reveal border secrets. Meanwhile, Sivaji collects evidence against Gnaneswara Rao. After Gnaneswara Rao kidnaps Chandrakanth’s family, both Sivaji and Chandrakanth fight to rescue them. Chandrakanth presents the evidence in the assembly, declaring that criminals like Gnaneswara Rao endanger the nation, and hands him over to the people's representatives. The story ends with Chandrakanth succumbing to his injuries.

Cast

Production

Development

N. T. Rama Rao intended to make a film to raise funds for the construction of the Basavatarakam Medical Trust Building and publicly shared this plan with the media. [4] Responding to this, Mohan Babu proposed the project Major Chandrakanth and secured his approval. The film marked the 12th production under Mohan Babu’s Sree Lakshmi Prasanna Pictures banner and the 12th collaboration between N. T. Rama Rao and director K. Raghavendra Rao. [4] The script, developed by the Paruchuri Brothers, was designed to highlight Rama Rao’s role, ensuring his character remained central to the narrative. [3]

Major Chandrakanth marked N. T. Rama Rao's final acting performance, even though Srinatha Kavi Sarvabhoumudu (1993) was released later. The film was completed after Srinatha Kavi Sarvabhoumudu but released earlier. [5] [6] [7]

Casting

Rama Rao portrayed the titular role of Major Chandrakanth, marking his return to social drama after nearly a decade. Sarada played a key role as his wife. Mohan Babu, who often appeared as an antagonist in Rama Rao's earlier films, played the second lead, paired with Nagma and Ramya Krishna. [5] Many renowned actors expressed a desire to work alongside Rama Rao in the film. [3] Manchu Manoj, Mohan Babu’s son, appeared as a child actor in the film, portraying one of Rama Rao’s grandchildren, and was also credited as the presenter of the film. [2] [8]

Filming

The film was officially launched on 20 November 1992, at Ramakrishna Cine Studios in Nacharam, Hyderabad. The event included Chandrababu Naidu switching on the camera and Lakshmi Prasanna giving the first clap. [5]

Filming took place in various locations, including Rajahmundry, Araku Valley, Delhi, Kulu Manali, and Kashmir. Scenes were also shot among army personnel in Chandigarh. On the final day of shooting, after completing the film, the entire crew became emotional as N. T. Rama Rao left the set. [4]

One of the standout songs, "Punyabhumi Na Desam," written by Jaladi, featured Rama Rao portraying several iconic figures, including Chhatrapati Shivaji, Alluri Sitaramaraju, Veerapandya Kattabrahmana, and Subhash Chandra Bose. [9]

Music

Major Chandrakanth
Film score by
M. M. Keeravani
Released1993
Genre Soundtrack
Length34:39
Producer M. M. Keeravani
M. M. Keeravani chronology
Pratap
(1993)		Major Chandrakanth
(1993)		 Varasudu
(1993)

The music for Major Chandrakanth was composed by M. M. Keeravani, [10] with lyrics written by Jaladi, Keeravani, Rasaraju, and Gurucharan.

"Punyabhumi Na Desam," written by Jaladi, gained significant acclaim and continues to inspire audiences. It is frequently played during national holidays. Other songs from the film, including "Muddulatho Onamaalu," "Uliki Padaku Allari Moguda," and "Neekkavalsindi," also became popular and contributed to the film's appeal. [3] [11]

No.TitleLyricsSinger(s)Length
1."Punyabhoomi Naadesam" Jaladi S. P. Balasubrahmanyam 6:25
2."Muddulatho Onamalu"M. M. Keeravani K. J. Yesudas, K. S. Chithra 4:46
3."Uliki Padaku Allari Moguda"RasarajuS. P. Balasubrahmanyam, K. S. Chithra4:17
4."Bunga Moothi"GurucharanS. P. Balasubrahmanyam, K. S. Chithra4:47
5."Lappam Tappam Gallaki"GurucharanS. P. Balasubrahmanyam, K. S. Chithra5:29
6."Neekkavalsindi"Gurucharan Mano, K. S. Chithra4:40
7."Sukhibhava Sumangali"JaladiS. P. Balasubrahmanyam, K. S. Chithra, Ramana4:15
Total length:34:39

Reception

Critical response

Sita of Sivaranjani magazine appreciated Rama Rao's performance, in addition of praising story and technical aspects of the film. [12] On the other hand, Zamin Ryot critic Alluru Rahim gave a more mixed review about the story and screenplay but appreciated Rama Rao's zeal for acting in the film. [13]

As Rama Rao's final film, Major Chandrakanth remains a key film in his cinematic career. [3]

Box office

The film achieved significant success and celebrated its centenary in multiple centers, with a prominent 100-day celebration event held in Tirupati. [5] [4]

During the event, N. T. Rama Rao announced his plans to marry Lakshmi Parvathi, which attracted widespread media attention. This led analysts to predict shifts in the state’s political landscape. However, despite these predictions, Rama Rao's Telugu Desam Party triumphed in the 1994 Assembly elections, reducing the Congress Party to just 26 seats. [3]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Srinatha</span> 15th century Telugu poet

Srinatha was a well-known 15th-century Telugu poet who popularised the Prabandha style of composition.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mohan Babu</span> Indian actor

Manchu Bhakthavatsalam Naidu, credited and also known as Mohan Babu, is an Indian actor and film producer known for his works predominantly in Telugu cinema. An alumnus of the Madras Film Institute, Mohan Babu has acted in more than 500 films in lead, supporting and a variety of roles.

<i>Sri Ramadasu</i> 2006 Indian film

Sri Ramadasu is 2006 Indian Telugu-language biographical film, based on the life of musician saint Kancharla Gopanna. A reboot of V. Nagayya's 1964 film Ramadasu; the film is written and directed by K. Raghavendra Rao. Produced by Konda Krishnam Raju, the film starred Akkineni Nageswara Rao and Akkineni Nagarjuna in lead roles, while the music was composed by M. M. Keeravani. Cinematography and editing were handled by S. Gopal Reddy and Sreekar Prasad respectively.

<i>Gorintaku</i> (2008 film) 2008 Indian film

Gorintaku is a 2008 Indian Telugu-language drama film directed by V. R. Prathap, starring Rajasekhar, Meera Jasmine, Aarthi Agarwal, and Akash in the lead roles. The film was a remake of the successful Kannada movie Anna Thangi, starring Shiva Rajkumar. The music was composed by S. A. Rajkumar. The film was released on 4 July 2008. It was dubbed, partially reshot, and released in Tamil as Maruthani on 10 September 2010 with an additional comedy track of Mayilswamy and Aarthi.

<i>Varasudu</i> 1993 Indian film

Varasudu (transl. Heir) is a 1993 Indian Telugu-language action film, produced by D. Kishore under the Sri Jayabheri Art Productions banner, presented by Murali Mohan, directed by E. V. V. Satyanarayana and cinematography by Chota K. Naidu. It stars Nagarjuna, Nagma and Krishna, with music composed by M. M. Keeravani. It is a remake of the Hindi film Phool Aur Kaante (1991) which is loosely based on the Malayalam film Parampara (1990). The film was a commercial success. The film completed a 200-day theatrical run.

Jaladi Raja Rao was a writer,and lyricist in Telugu cinema.

<i>Bobbili Simham</i> 1994 Indian film

Bobbili Simham is a 1994 Telugu-language action drama film directed by A. Kodandarami Reddy and produced by T. Trivikrama Rao under the Vijayalakshmi Art Pictures banner. It stars Nandamuri Balakrishna, Meena and Roja, with music composed by M. M. Keeravani. The film was recorded as a Super Hit at the box office.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sree Lakshmi Prasanna Pictures</span> Indian film production company

Sree Lakshmi Prasanna Pictures is an Indian film production company established by Manchu Mohan Babu on the name of his daughter Manchu Lakshmi Prasanna, in 1982. The company is based in Hyderabad. The first movie was Pratigna which successfully ran for 100 Days. Some of the most popular blockbusters are ''Assembly Rowdy'', Rowdygari Pellam, Alludu Garu, Major Chandrakanth, Pedarayudu and Rayalaseema Ramanna Chowdary have made the Sree Lakshmi Prasanna Pictures (SLPP) as one of the premier film houses in the country.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mikkilineni (actor)</span> Indian actor (1914–2011)

Mikkilineni Radhakrishna Murthy was an Indian actor and thespian known for his works predominantly in Telugu cinema. He was the founder of the theater group Praja Natya Mandali. He has received the honorary Kalaprapoorna from Andhra University, for his contributions towards Telugu theater and cinema.

<i>Srinatha Kavi Sarvabhoumudu</i> 1993 film by Bapu

Srinatha Kavi Sarvabhoumudu is a 1993 Telugu-language biographical film directed by Bapu and written by Mullapudi Venkata Ramana. The film depicts the life of the 15th-century Telugu poet Srinatha and is based on the novels Kavi Sarvabhoumudu and Kavidvayamu by Nori Narasimha Sastry. Produced by Nandamuri Rama Krishna, the film stars N. T. Rama Rao in the title role, alongside Jayasudha, Satyanarayana, Rajendra Prasad, Mikkilineni, and Gummadi in supporting roles. The music was composed by K. V. Mahadevan and Puhalendi.

<i>Seetharama Raju</i> 1999 Indian Telugu drama film

Seetharama Raju is a 1999 Indian Telugu-language drama film written and directed by Y. V. S. Chowdary. Produced by Nagarjuna, and D. Sivaprasad Reddy, it stars Nandamuri Harikrishna, Nagarjuna Akkineni, Sakshi Shivanand, and Sanghavi with music composed by M. M. Keeravani. The film won two state Nandi Awards.

<i>Aadarsam</i> (film) 1993 Indian film

Aadarsam (transl. Ideal) is a 1993 Indian Telugu-language drama film directed by Mouli. It stars Jagapathi Babu, Ashwini Nachappa, Raghu and music composed by M. M. Keeravani. It was produced by C. Venkataraju, G. Sivaraju under the Sri Vijaya Lakshmi Productions banner. Later it was dubbed into Tamil as Aananenna Pennenna.

<i>Punya Bhoomi Naa Desam</i> 1994 Indian film

Punya Bhoomi Naa Desam is a 1994 Indian Telugu film directed by A. Kodandarami Reddy and produced by Mohan Babu under the banner of his production company Sri Lakshmi Prasanna Pictures. It stars Mohan Babu and Meena in lead roles, while Dasari Narayana Rao, Gollapudi Maruti Rao, Annapoorna, Brahmanandam and Babu Mohan played other pivotal roles. The film is a remake of the Hindi film Krantiveer. The film's title is based off a song from Major Chandrakanth (1993), which also starred Mohan Babu.

<i>Sri Sita Ramula Kalyanam Chootamu Raarandi</i> 1998 Indian film

Sri Sita Ramula Kalyanam Chootamu Raarandi is a 1998 Indian Telugu-language romance family drama film, produced by Nagarjuna Akkineni under the Great India Entertainments banner and directed by debutant Y. V. S. Chowdary. It stars Akkineni Nageswara Rao, Venkat, and Chandni. The music was composed by M. M. Keeravani. The film was a box office success.

Yamajathakudu is a 1999 Indian Telugu-language fantasy comedy film, produced by Mohan Babu under his Sree Lakshmi Prasanna Pictures banner and directed by N. Shankar. It stars Mohan Babu, Rajendra Prasad, and Sakshi Shivanand with music by Vandemataram Srinivas. Despite releasing to positive reviews, the film was a box office failure.

<i>Pandaga</i> 1998 Indian film

Pandaga is a 1998 Telugu-language drama film directed by Sarath. It stars Akkineni Nageswara Rao, Srikanth, Raasi and music composed by M. M. Keeravani. It is produced under the Jayasri Art Pictures banner. It is a remake of the Malayalam film Katha Nayakan (1997).

<i>Pettandarulu</i> 1970 Indian film

Pettandarulu is a 1970 Telugu-language revolutionary film, produced by U. Visweswara Rao under the Jyothi Cine Syndicate banner, and directed by C. S. Rao. The film starred N. T. Rama Rao, Savitri, Shobhan Babu, Vijaya Nirmala and music composed by K. V. Mahadevan.

<i>Mathru Devata</i> 1969 Indian film

Mathru Devata is a 1969 Telugu-language drama film directed by Savitri. The film stars N. T. Rama Rao, Savitri, Sobhan Babu, with music composed by K. V. Mahadevan. It was produced by Atluri Purnachandra Rao and M. Chandra Sekhar under the Poorna Art Pictures banner.

References

  1. ↑ "Major Chandrakanth (1993)". Indiancine.ma. Retrieved 31 December 2024.
  2. 1 2 "27 ఏళ్ల కంప్లీట్ చేసుకున్న ఎన్టీఆర్, మోహన్ బాబు 'మేజర్ చంద్రకాంత్'." News18 (in Telugu). 23 April 2020. Archived from the original on 22 December 2023. Retrieved 22 December 2023.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Major Chandrakanth: నటరత్న చివరి చిత్రం 'మేజర్ చంద్రకాంత్'!". NTV (in Telugu). 23 April 2023. Retrieved 31 December 2024.
  4. 1 2 3 4 "ఆఖరి రోజు ఏడిపించేసిన ఎన్టీఆర్ - 'మేజర్ చంద్రకాంత్' చిత్రయూనిట్ భావోద్వేగపు వీడ్కోలు". ABP Desam (in Telugu). 27 May 2023. Retrieved 31 December 2024.
  5. 1 2 3 4 Thanjavur, Kiran Kumar (23 April 2021). "Major Chandrakanth@28Years: 28 ఏళ్లు కంప్లీట్ చేసుకున్న ఎన్టీఆర్, మోహన్ బాబుల 'మేజర్ చంద్రకాంత్'.. సాధించిన రికార్డులు ఇవే." News18 (in Telugu). Retrieved 31 December 2024.
  6. ↑ "NTR Death Anniversary : నేడు అన్న ఎన్టీఆర్ 26వ వర్థంతి.. నటనలో, రాజకీయాల్లో అన్నగారి రూటే సెపరేటు." News18 (in Telugu). 18 January 2022. Retrieved 30 December 2024.
  7. ↑ "NTR Jayanthi: ఎన్టీఆర్‌ సినీ చరిత్రలో పదనిసలు". Eenadu (in Telugu). 28 May 2022. Retrieved 30 December 2024.
  8. ↑ Choudhury, Anjali (9 December 2024). "Who is Manchu Manoj? Know all about actor involved in an alleged family feud with father Mohan Babu". Pinkvilla . Retrieved 31 December 2024.
  9. ↑ "When Sr NTR paid tribute to four freedom fighters in a song from 'Major Chandrakanth'". Deccan Herald . 15 August 2020. Retrieved 31 December 2024.
  10. ↑ "Major Chandrakanth". JioSaavn . Archived from the original on 3 January 2024. Retrieved 3 January 2024.
  11. ↑ Sekhar (23 April 2019). "26 ఏళ్ళ మేజర్ చంద్రకాంత్". 10TV (in Telugu). Retrieved 31 December 2024.
  12. ↑ Sita (1993). "సినిమా సమీక్ష: మేజర్ చంద్రకాంత్". Sivaranjani (in Telugu). Archived from the original on 4 August 2021. Retrieved 4 August 2021.
  13. ↑ Rahim, Alluru (30 April 1993). "ధీటైన నటనా ప్రతిభ కు ముసలితనం అడ్డు కాలేదు: మేజర్ చంద్రకాంత్" (PDF). Zamin Ryot (in Telugu). Archived (PDF) from the original on 18 November 2021. Retrieved 4 August 2021.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.