Bhakta Prahlada (1967 film)

Did You Know?

• The film was dubbed into Tamil and Hindi with scenes re-shot using different actors for Chanda-Amarka.
• Roja Ramani was recommended to Meiyappan by her father Satyam's employer, an editor of Cinema Rangam magazine.

Plot

The Four Kumaras visit Vaikuntha but are denied entry by gatekeepers Jaya-Vijaya, who are cursed to be born as mortals. Vishnu offers them a choice: seven lives as devotees or three as enemies; they choose the latter. Jaya-Vijaya are born as Hiranyakashipu and Hiranyaksha. Hiranyaksha torments the Earth and is killed by Vishnu as Varaha. Seeking revenge, Hiranyakashipu prays to Brahma for near-immortality. Indra tries to kill Hiranyakashipu's pregnant wife Leelavathi, but Narada saves her, and she gives birth to Prahlada. Hiranyakashipu invades Vaikuntha but cannot find Vishnu, proclaiming himself king. Five years later, Prahlada is sent to a hermitage for education but becomes a devotee of Vishnu. Hiranyakashipu confronts him, explaining that Vishnu killed his brother, but Prahlada refuses to stop worshipping Srihari.

Production

A. V. Meiyappan wanted to produce a film based on Prahlada's legend with his sons. Encouraged by the success of Naadi Aada Janme, he decided to produce Bhaktha Prahlada in Telugu, believing mythological films were more appreciated by Telugu audiences. D. V. Narasa Raju wrote the story and screenplay for a contemporary approach. Meiyappan wanted the film in color, unlike earlier black-and-white versions. Chitrapu Narayana Rao, who directed the 1942 film, approached Meiyappan in May 1965 and was signed as director. S. Rajeswara Rao composed the soundtrack and background score. A. Vincent handled cinematography, R. Vittal edited, and A. K. Sekhar was art director. S. V. Ranga Rao and Anjali Devi played Hiranyakashipu and Leelavathi. Roja Ramani was cast as Prahlada after an audition and screen test. Singer M. Balamuralikrishna made his acting debut as Narada. Haranath played Vishnu, with Relangi and Padmanabham as teachers Chanda and Amarka.

Soundtrack

S. Rajeswara Rao, with assistants Rajagopal and Krishnan, handled the music for this film. The soundtrack featured 23 songs and poems drawn from the Telugu Andhra Maha Bhagavatham. Lyrics came from six writers, including Samudrala Sr. and Jr. The song "Varamosage Vanamali" was set to Bihag raga, while "Kanulaku Veluguvu Neeve" used Mohana and Abheri ragas. His Master's Voice released the critically praised soundtrack.

Release and reception

Bhaktha Prahlada was released on 12 January 1967 and distributed by Navayuga Films. The first copy was screened for President Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, who praised the cast's performances. A reviewer for Andhra Prabha compared it favorably to earlier versions, citing better technology and performances. The Tamil version was reviewed by Kalki, which praised the color sequences, photography, and Ramani's performance. The film was a commercial success, completing a 100-day run, and received the Nandi Award for Third Best Feature Film in 1967.