The Film that set a Titling Trend.
It’s a film that had a helpless woman stuck in a prostitution house as its leading lady, a compassionate hero who accepts her wholeheartedly and more importantly it’s a beautiful narration of how vulnerability can also be the biggest strength in life. The credit for taking a huge risk of making such a sensational subject back in 1941, goes to Mr. B. N. Reddy, who left a mark on the industry with this gem of a film, Devatha.
The title Devatha holds a great significance with two other films named after the same title, one film being the legendary NTR’s. The film was the third one to be produced under the banner Vahini Pictures, which is an absolute drama with an interesting plot.
Story Summary:
The protagonist Venu returns to India after finishing his studies abroad. He falls in love with the maid Lakshmi. In the course of time, Lakshmi gets pregnant because of Venu. But, due to few unexpected circumstances, Venu gets married to a rich woman Vimala, in a different town. Ironically, Vimala gets trapped in an extra-marital affair with trickster Sukumar and separates with Venu. Having himself stuck in a strange situation, Venu returns to his town only to find Lakshmi trapped in a prostitution house. As a final twist Lakshmi gets accused of a murder that takes place in the house. In the end she finally gets released after being proved innocent. Venu invites her into his life and treats her like a goddess.
The Team that led Devatha:
Directed by the renowned filmmaker B. N. Reddy, Devatha had a brilliant star cast of Nagaiah, Kumari, Bezawada Rajaratnam, CH. Narayana Rao, Lingamurthy, Tanguturi Surya Kumari in major roles. Senior Samudrala penned down songs and dialogues while Nagaiah composed music for the film. K. Ramnath’s cinematography received great appreciation and the songs in the film, Vendi Kanchalalo, Ennallundeda, Rave Rave Bangaru Papa etc. were huge hits in those days!
Highlights:
Devatha not only delivered financial success but also created a trend of titling films in Tollywood.
The title Devatha was shared by two other films. The first one was produced by famous comedian Padmanabham under the banner Rekha and Murali Arts, in the year 1965, with NTR and Savithri in the lead roles. Also, the 3rd Devatha was produced under Suresh Productions by Dr. D. Ramanaidu, with Shoban Babu and Sridevi in lead roles, in 1982. Both the films were successful just like Devatha.
Interestingly, the film’s plot of the hero having a sexual affair with an unmarried woman had influenced Nagaiah in his real life. Nagaiah was married twice but unfortunately both his wives had passed away. That made him stay single for a long time without the thoughts of marriage. During that time, he was attracted to Jayalakshmi, who took shelter in his home. He got close to her physically and married her the next day in Adayar temple in Madras. They were together till their last days.
