Samsaram is the second Telugu Feature film which had Sr.NTR and ANR act together. The first film was Palletoori Pilla which was released on 27th April 1950. Till that point of time both these stalwarts were featured only in Folklore and mythological films. Initially Savitri was considered for the role of female lead opposite ANR for this film. But Savitri being a newcomer then, she was terrified to face the camera beside an acting legend like ANR. That was why she was given a guest role and Pushpalatha was made the heroine. Later ANR- Savitri combination became no.1 in Telugu Cinema and it is well known! Suryakantham- who was seen in lesser significant roles till then became highly noted actress from this film.
Story Details :
Raghu (Sr.NTR) is a sincere clerk in Collector’s Office. He believes in hard work and honesty. His wife Manjula (Lakshmi Rajyam) is a short tempered person. His younger brother Venu (ANR) is a straightforward person and quite aggressive. In short, he is an innocent youngster who is ignorant on the ways of the World. Raghu stays in the village and he gets his sister Kamakshi (Balasaraswathi) married by getting debts and working hard. But his sister doesn’t leave for her inlaws house even after marriage but stays back in Raghu’s place and trouble everyone around. Her husband Thatha Rao (Relangi) and mother in law Seshamma (Suryakantham) often arrive at Raghu’ s place to get their daughter in law back home. Raghu struggles to survive in a troublesome family of this sort.
Meanwhile Kamala (Pushpalatha) an affluent city bred girl comes to the village for picnic with friends. On the way her car breaks down and Venu helps her out. Kamala thanks Venu and invites him to her house in the city. She also introduces him to her father. It is at this juncture Venu returns to his home in the village and realizes the struggle his brother’s family is facing. Raghu loses his job and even goes away with disappointment. It is when Venu and Kamala solve the problems of the family and bring the story to a happy ending with their marriage.
Performances:
Sr.NTR is highly believable as the earthly character of Raghu with great histrionics and dialogue delivery. He understood the character quite well and does a great job. ANR is a treat to watch as Venu- the younger brother to Sr.NTR. Lakshmi Rajyam is terrific as the short tempered wife to Sr.NTR’s role. Suryakantham is brilliant as the mother- in- law to Kamakshi played well by Balasaraswathi. Pushpalatha is decent as the female lead for ANR.
Technical Aspects:
The dialogues and lyrics are written by Vempati Sadasivabrahmam with great ease. The main pillar of the film is direction and L.V.Prasad excels in it by making the film a great family oriented entertainer. Music by Susarla Dakshinamurthy scores well.