Palnati Yuddham () is a 1966 Indian Telugu-language historical war film directed by G. Ramineedu. It stars N. T. Rama Rao and P. Bhanumathi, with music composed by S. Rajeswara Rao. The film is based on the Battle of Palnadu which occurred in Palnadu region in CE. It was produced by T. Hanumantha Rao, Y. Lakshmaiah Chowdary, and D. Suryanarayana under the Sri Anurupa Films banner. The film was first made under the same title in 1947. It received the Certificate of Merit for Best Feature Film in Telugu at the 13th National Film Awards.
Plot The film begins at Palnadu, where Chief Minister Brahmanaidu and his wife, Ithamba, are blessed with a long-awaited son. The capital city of Gurajala is filled with ecstasy during the naming ceremony, where the child is named Balachandra. King Nalagamaraju, his brother Narasimha Raju, and their stepmother Vidhyala Devi all arrive to offer their blessings to the newborn. However, the joy is short-lived when palace astrologers foresee an omen: the child is destined to cause a catastrophic, blood-drenched war across Palnadu. Devastated but bound by his steadfast pacifism, Brahmanaidu commands his men to kill the infant to save the kingdom. Unbeknownst to him, his brother-in-law, Kannamma Naidu, shields the baby and raises him in secret.
Besides, the country faces a calamity when the enlightened view of Brahmanaidu camps lower strata refuges in the temples and conducts almsgiving beyond castes. At which, lofty Gopamantri is deplorable and hurls wily Nayakuralu Nagamma. Utilizing a prestigious edict accorded by King Anuguraju to govern the kingdom for three days, Nagamma creates demolition. Plus, artfully puppets Nalagamaraju is instilling Brahmanaidu as outwit, which makes him resign. Hence, Vidyadevi also quits with her brother Kommaraju & son Malidevadulu with their share Macherla.
Years roll by, and under the tutelage of Brahmanaidu, Macharla glitters irk Nagamma. Accordingly, she moves a pawn by knitting Nalagamaraju's daughter, Peerindevi, with Alaraju, the son of Kommaraju. Following incites, Malideva, a rooster, fights Kodi Pandalu with a stipulation that the exile loser for seven years and perfidiously Nagamma triumphs. During that plight, Brahmanaidu acts as a backbone by acquiring vitals for adobe. Moreover, he is mindful of Balachandra's existence and ventures to wipe him out. However, with the insight that no soul can amend his destiny, he embraces him.
Currently, Balachandra weds Maguva Manchala, the daughter of Kannamma Naidu. Soon, he lures a dancer, Sakhbhai, and rapt to her, overlooking his wife, who grieves her. After seven years, Brahmanaidu sends Alaraju as a mediator when Nagamma magnifies Narasimharaju's urge to cabals. After a robust debate, Narasimharaju scapegoats Alaraju by poisoning, and Peerindevi is sacrificed by Sathi when Balachandra swears her to decapitate Narasimharaju. Brahmanaidu conceals the war from Balachandra, but the truth becomes known about who furiously moves. Amid this, he spends time with Manchala at the outset of their marital life, and Balachandra is engrossed in her beauty. Nevertheless, Manchala awakes his valor and bravely conveys him to the field.
The war begins at Karampuudi, which accelerates massive destruction at the mark of death. Balachandra dies heroically, accomplishing his pledge, and Manchala follows him. Brahmanaidu uproars therein when he lets anybody withstand, and Nagamma remorsefully bows her head down. At last, Brahmanaidu entrusts the kingdom to Nalagamaraju and proclaims Nagamma to reinstate her sins. Finally, the movie ends with Brahmanaidu proceeding toward the forest for penance.
Cast N. T. Rama Rao as Palnati Brahmanaidu Bhanumathi as Nayakuralu Nagamma Kanta Rao as Alaraju Haranath as Balachandrudu Gummadi as Nalagaama Raju Rajanala as Narasimha Raju M. Balaiah as Malidevadulu Mikkilineni as Kannama Naidu Mukkamala as Kommaraju K. V. S. Sarma as Gopa Mantri Prabhakar Reddy as Kannama Dasu Tyagaraju as Veerabhadrudu Anjali Devi as Ithamba Jamuna as Maguva Manchala Hemalatha as Vidyala Devi Chayadevi as Rekhanba L. Vijayalakshmi as Subbai Vasanthi as Peerindevi
Soundtrack
Music composed by S. Rajeswara Rao. S. No.Song title Lyrics Singers length1"Satavahana"Pulupula SivaiahB. Gopalam1:362"Velugocchene" Malladi Ramakrishna SastrySwarnalatha, Vasantha3:573"Jaya Sambho"Malladi Ramakrishna SastryBhanumathi Ramakrishna3:024"Teeyani Tolireyi"AarudhraP. B. Srinivas, S. Janaki4:025"Rammante Raavemira"KosarajuP. Susheela4:336"Oka Megham"DasaradhiP. Susheela, S. Janaki3:597"Amma Bangaru Talli"Malladi Ramakrishna SastryP. Susheela1:208"Sheelamugalavari Chinavada"Malladi Ramakrishna SastryM. Balamuralikrishna, P. Susheela3:009"Rati Cheti Rachiluka"Malladi Ramakrishna SastryM. Balamuralikrishna, P. Susheela4:30
Awards The film won National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Telugu - certificate of merit in 1967. Also Bhanumathi received the Rashtrapati Award for her role.
References
See also Palnati Yuddham (1947 film)