Aaradhana is a defining film in many aspects for Telugu Cinema. It featured Chiranjeevi in a rustic rowdy role who was in heights of stardom. Suhasini was featured in the role of a Christian teacher who transforms the hero. Lyrics by Athreya and Sirivennela redefined the word classicism in Telugu Films. Music by Maestro Ilaiyaraaja worked wonders with Kannan’s camera work showing the beauty of Gangavaram Port in Vishakhapatnam. The film speaks of determination and that it’s never too late to reform or learn something good in lfe.
Story Details:
Puli Raju (Chiranjeevi) is a careless rustic rowdy in a small seaside village called Gangavaram near Vishakhpatnam town. He doesn’t care anybody or worries about his family either. This doesn’t make him a villain because he has a good heart towards people. He is uneducated and uncivilized in the beginning. Jennifer(Suhasini) is transferred to the village as a school teacher and in one instance she slaps Puli Raju for the carelessness he shows towards his mother (Dubbing Janaki). Puli Raju gets very angry with her slap but the transformation slowly starts within. He gets determined to study but Jennifer doesn’t oblige his request. With his stubbornness and will power, he convinces Jennifer that he is worthy of studying and the latter finally agrees to teach him. During this course, Puli Raju and Jennifer start admiring each other silently. Meanwhile, Jennifer’s friend (Rajasekhar) arrives in the town and Puli Raju feels lonely when Jennifer doesn’t find much time to spend with him. Puli Raju’s innocent relative Gangamma (Radhika) is head over heels on him. What happens to the relationship between Puli Raju and Jennifer? Will they unite eventually-forms the rest of the story.
Performances:
Chiranjeevi is extraordinary as Puli Raju in the film. He makes sure none of this real stardom value is reflected in the character he adorned. His rough looks, ease in carrying the native dressing is commendable. He looks fantastic in songs with ease. Suhasini is wonderful as the considerate school teacher Jennifer. She looks fantastic in simple cotton sarees and amazing in emotional scenes. Dubbing Janaki is very good as the mother of the hero. Rajasekhar is decent as the friend of Jennifer. Radhika’s funky presence as Gangamma deserves a special mention.
Technical Aspects:
The voice over of Hasya Brahma Jandhyala in the titles is a great highlight for the film. Dialogues by M.Babu Rao are realistic and in village style. Story by Somasundareshwar is interesting and unconventional. Camerawork by Kannan is extraordinary with the beauty of sea in every frame and the songs look visually rich. Music by Maestro Ilaiyaraaja is eternal with songs like Are Emaindhi and Teeganai Mallelu became all time hits. Athreya and Sirivennela gave amazing lyrics for these songs. Bharatiraja shows his directional brilliance in this sea side love story with great village touch. This film was made in Tamil as well in the name Kadalora Kavithaigal starring Satyaraj and Rekha in the lead roles.