PATHALA BHAIRAVI 1951

Directed by:
Kadri Venkata Reddy

Produced by:
Chakrapani .
Nagi Reddy

Writing credits:
Subbanna Deekshitulu
Kamalakara Kameshwara Rao screen adaptation
Pingali Nagendra Rao dialogue
Pingali Nagendra Rao story
Kadri Venkata Reddy screen adaptation

Original Music by:
Ghantasala Venkateswara Rao

Cinematography by:
Marcus Bartley

Art Direction by:
Madhavapeddi Gokhale

Second Unit Director or Assistant Director:
T. Prakash Rao .... assistant director

Music Department:
Krishnaveni Jikki .... playback singer
Leela P. .... playback singer
Ghantasala Venkateswara Rao .... playback singer
Varma V.J. .... playback singer

Cast:
Rama Rao Taraka Nandamuri ... Thota Ramudu
S.V. Ranga Rao ... Nepala Mantrikudu
Malathi K. ... Indumathi
Seeta Rama Anjaneyulu Chilakalpudi
Girija ... Pathalabhairavi
Balakrishna ... Anji
Surabhi Kamalabai
Lakshmikantam
Padmanabham ... Dingiri
Hemalathamma Rao T G Kamala Devi ... Dancer
Relangi Venkatramaiah

Story:
Vijaya Banner was one of the most entertaining and respected production companies in 1950's. Vijaya's debutante film was 'Shavukaru'. It made inroads into box office despite of having a touch of art film. After the tremendous success of Shavukaru Vijaya produced a mythological film called 'Pathalabhairavi'.Pathala Bhairavi's shooting was trigged off on 5th Feb., 1950 and it finished it's shooting on 8th Feb, 1951. After getting released on 15th March 1951 'Pathala Bhairavi' created the box-office sensation by celebrating 100 days in 28 centers. It was one of the four films selected from India for International Film Festival in 1952. Some people claim that 'Pathala Bhairavi' was inspired by 'Arabian Nights'.

The first and foremost factor for the success of this film is none but the brilliant K V Reddy. Prior to Pathala Bhairavi, he directed films like 'Bhakta Potana', 'Yogi Vemana' and 'Guna Sundari Kathalu'. 'Pathala Bhairavi' paved way for a new trend in the mythological films. Another important factor for the fame of 'Pathala Bhairavi' was the dialogue writer 'Pingali'. Legend Ghantasala has given melodious music for this film.

As for as the story is concerned Thota Ramudu (N T R) expresses his desire to his friend Anji (BalaKrishna) he want to marry Indumathi (Malathi). This story consists of adventures by Thota ramudu. 'Entha Ghatu Premayo' is the most popular song of this film. With the entrance of 'nepali manthrikudu'(SV Ranga Rao) the story takes new turn.
As the father of Indumathi puts a condition that he will give his daughter to the man who is as wealthy as he is, 'Nepala Manthrikudu' preys 'Thota Ramudu' by showing him his powers. 'Premakosamai (Nepali Mantrikudi) Valalo Padene Papam Pasivadu' How appropriate this song is!

KV Reddy gets the full credit for this excellent film. This films starts with a theme of 'Dhairye Sahase Laxmi'. The same spirit runs through out the movie. If we look at the actor's performance NTR's Thota Ramudu stands as a synonym to heroism. Idumati character epitomizes the innocence, sensuality of the heroine. But the one who stole the thunder was SV Ranga Rao, who acted with fire in his Nepali manthrikudu' role. He personality too suited well for this character.

Dialogues in this film made a way into the lingo of Telugu people.
1. Raja Kumari labhistundi
2. Abhistam Siddistundi
3. Sahasam Sayara Dimbhaka
4. Bhoopalam Pagilenu
5. Nepali Mantrikudu: Mari Manaku Addamemiraa - Assistant:Mee Gaddame Guru
6. Mosam Guru
7.Nijam Cheppamannara Abaddam Cheppamannara
There are nine songs in this film. T G Kamala's 'Itihasam Vinnaraa', Relangi's 'Vinave Bala.. Naa prema Gola', Rani's 'Vagaloyi Vagalu' and VJ Varms's 'Premakosamai Valalo Padene' are like honeydews.