Narthanasala is one greatest film and pride of Telugu Cinema ever. It is one rare film which had every department in amazing perfection- such as performances, direction, music, lyrics and what not! It wouldn’t be surprising to know that the film was given national award for the 2nd best feature film in 1963. The film earned international accolades such as best art direction award at Afro Asian Film Festival held in Jakarta.
Story Details:
The basic storyline of the film is taken from the Viraata Parvam chapter of Great Mythological Epic in India- The Mahabharata. The story deals with the plight of Pandavas who have to live in hiding as per the rules of the game they play with their Arch rival cousins- Kauravas. The story goes in an interesting pace where every prominent character of Pandava family including their wife Draupadi is seen in a different avatar during this hiding period.
Trade
Performances: Sr.NTR played the role of Bruhannala- the Eunuch which is the disguise chosen by Arjuna for the reason of the curse he had. His feminine body language, facial expressions and the way he delivers the dialogues is an utter treat to watch. This film proved yet again that Sr.NTR can perform any role at incredible ease- even that of a technically challenging role of a Eunuch. Savitri is perfect as Draupadi who is away from her royal riches and glory during the exile period. Her performance along with SVR who played the role of Keechaka is one of the undisputed highlights of the film. SVR comes like a lightning in his performance, dialogue delivery and the romantic advances his character makes towards Draupadi. But Savitri is earthly, balanced and wonderfully at ease in such scenes- which yet again says why she is called as the most perfect actresses of South India ever.
Highlights
Technical Departments:
The music of the film by Susarla Dakshina Murthy is a huge asset. It is interesting to see Carnatic Exponent Dr. M.Balamurali Krishna sing a classical dance song “Salalitha Raaga Sudha” for Bruhannala character in this film. Janani Siva Kaamini, Dariki Raaboku Raaja, Sakhiya Vivarinchave are beautiful female solos sung by greatest playback singer P.Suseela Naravara Kuruvara song became one of the career best songs of legendary playback singer S.Janaki. Literally every song in the film is a gem. The art direction and production values are quite high and they made sure the film sets new standards as far as Mythological Epic based films are concerned. Dialogues by Samudrala Senior are mesmerizing and at the same time lucid to understand.