- Source: Sutradharulu
Sutradharulu (transl. The Initiators) is a 1989 Indian Telugu-language drama film written and directed by K. Viswanath. It stars Akkineni Nageswara Rao, Bhanuchander, Ramya Krishna and music is composed by K. V. Mahadevan. It is produced by Sudhakar and Karunakar under the Sudarshan Cine Enterprises banner.
This film is based on a story against violence shown in a rural background. This message is shown in a short graphic format as an introduction to the film. The film received National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Telugu, and three state Nandi Awards (including Third Best Feature Film).
Plot
The film begins in a village where Neelakantam, a tyrant, tramples the public. Hanumanth Dasu and his brother-in-law Rangadasu belong to a Haridasa family. Once, Neelakantam molests an orthodox Brahmin woman, Yashodamma, the wife of a Bhagavathar Acharyulu. So, Yashodamma forfeits herself as his wife and adopts Hanumathu Dasu's son, Tirumala Dasu, intending to give him a good education. After 20 years, Tirumala Dasu returns as a collector and pretends to be the sidekick of Neelakantam. According to the guidance of his father, they had a public revolution, and they succeeded in it. Parallelly, Seeta, the daughter of Rangadasu, who endears Tirumala Dasu, detests him but realizes his virtue afterward. Neelakantam ploys to squat the government lands, for which he initiates Tirumala Dasu to get them to the auction. Here, Tirumala Dasu takes bribes from different landlords and acquires the land from the villagers. Neelakhantam gets enraged and intends to destroy the village with the help of other landlords when Tirumala Dasu stops them. Being conscious of it, the villagers' onslaught on Neelakantam when Hanumath Dasu bars and pacifies them that violence is not the solution to resolve a problem. Finally, Neelakantam realizes his mistake, sheds all his weapons, and reforms to morality. Even Yashodamma reunites with her husband. At last, Hanumanth Dasu affirms that it's wiser to give the best punishment for the egregious to destroy their evil nature than eliminate them. Finally, it is proclaimed that Nonviolence is great piety.
Cast
Soundtrack
Music composed by K. V. Mahadevan. Music released on ADITYA Music Company.
Reception
Griddaluru Gopalrao in his review for Zamin Ryot opined that the film lacks novelty, and the talent of the lead cast is not fully realised.
Awards
National Film Awards of 1989
Best Feature Film in Telugu - Sudhakar & Karunakar
Nandi Awards - 1989
Third Best Feature Film - Sudhakar & Karunakar
Best Audiographer – Swaminathan
Special Jury Award – K. R. Vijaya
References
External links
Sutradharulu at IMDb