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Simhadri (2003 film)

2026-06-25T03:19:37Z

2401:4900:D07D:5394:D971:C5FF:BFA5:4242:

{{short description|2003 film by S. S. Rajamouli}}
{{EngvarB|date=January 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2015}}
{{Infobox film
| name = Simhadri
| image = Simhadri 2003 DVD Cover art.jpg
| caption = DVD cover
| story = [[K. V. Vijayendra Prasad]]
| starring = [[N. T. Rama Rao Jr.]] [[Bhumika Chawla]] [[Ankitha]] [[Mukesh Rishi]]
| director = [[S. S. Rajamouli]]
| screenplay = S. S. Rajamouli '''Dialogue:''' Gangotri Viswanath M. Ratnam
| producer = V. Vijay Kumar Varma [[V. Doraswamy Raju]] (presenter)
| studio = [[VMC Productions]]
| cinematography = K. Ravindra Babu
| editing = [[Kotagiri Venkateswara Rao]]
| released = {{Film date|2003|07|9|df=y}}
| runtime = 169 minutes<ref>{{Cite web|title=Simhadri Telugu Full Length Movie {{!}}{{!}} N. T. Rama Rao Jr. , Bhoomika Chawla , Ankhita - YouTube|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nf4t_qjbb2U|access-date=2020-12-26|website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref>
| language = Telugu
| country = India
| narrator =
| music = [[M. M. Keeravani]]
| budget = {{INR|link=yes|6–8.5 [[crore]]}}<ref name="idlebrain.com"/><ref name="sakshi">{{Cite web|date=2017-05-05|title=భళి భళి భళిరా భళి రాజమౌళి|url=https://www.sakshi.com/news/family/special-story-to-ssrajamouli-473713|access-date=2020-07-31|website=Sakshi|language=te}}</ref>
| gross = {{Estimation}} {{INR|46 crore}}<ref name="sakshi" />
}}

'''''Simhadri''''' is a 2003 Indian [[Telugu language|Telugu]]-language [[action drama film]] directed by [[S. S. Rajamouli]] from a story written by [[K. V. Vijayendra Prasad]]. The film stars [[N. T. Rama Rao Jr.]], [[Bhumika Chawla]], and [[Ankitha]] with [[Mukesh Rishi]], [[Nassar (actor)|Nassar]], and [[Rahul Dev]] playing supporting roles. The film has music composed by [[M. M. Keeravani]] while the cinematography and editing are done by Ravindra Babu and [[Kotagiri Venkateswara Rao]] respectively. The film was a blockbuster.<ref name="sakshi" /><ref>{{Cite web|title=Here's N. T. Rama Rao Jr.'s Massive Net Worth as 'Young Tiger' rings in his 37th birthday; read here|url=https://www.republicworld.com/entertainment-news/regional-indian-cinema/jr-ntr-net-worth-2020-details-are-here|access-date=2020-06-01|website=Republic World}}</ref>

== Plot ==
An orphan and good-hearted lad Simhadri ([[N. T. Rama Rao Jr.]]) is 'adopted' and grows up under Ram Bhupal Varma's ([[Nassar (actor)|Nassar]]) family care in [[Visakhapatnam]]. The bond they share is like father and son. Kasturi ([[Ankitha]]) is Varma's granddaughter, and she likes Simhadri a lot. Once a week, Simhadri visits a mentally challenged girl called Indu ([[Bhumika Chawla]]). He entertains her and provides money to her caretakers ([[Rallapalli (actor)|Rallapalli]] and Ragini).

When Varma and his wife ([[Sangeeta (Telugu actress)|Sangeeta]]) discover Kasturi's wish to marry Simhadri, Varma decides to get them married. He makes a formal announcement to officially adopt Simhadri. At this time, it is revealed that Simhadri is very close to Indu. The alliance breaks off when Simhadri refuses to leave Indu (who is suspected to be his mistress).

Meanwhile, two separate groups are in search of Simhadri. They find him at the banks of [[Godavari River]] along with Indu. In the ensuing confrontation between one group of gangsters and Simhadri, Varma and his family are surprised to see that Simhadri, who used to be calm and composed, is ruthlessly killing many rowdies without mercy. Meanwhile, Indu gets injured as revenge. Simhadri is helped by the second group, who call him 'Singamalai Anna' (Brother Singamalai). When Indu comes back to her senses, she remembers her past and the first thing she does is stabbed Simhadri with an iron pole. Simhadri is hospitalized in critical condition. Then we see many buses carrying hoards of people demanding to see 'Singamalai Anna'. The leader of the second group, who was searching for help each other Simhadri, explains the 'Singamalai Anna' story in a flashback.

In the flashback, it is revealed that Varma's oldest daughter Saraswati ([[Seetha (actress)|Seetha]]) elopes with her lover, a [[Malayalee|Keralite]] named Aravind ([[Bhanu Chander]]). After some harsh words and saddened over Varma's rejection over her choice to marry her love, they both settle in [[Kerala]]. Learning of the sadness surrounding Varma and his wife, Simhadri takes up the job of uniting the family and visits [[Thiruvananthapuram]]. He joins the medical and spiritual therapy [[spa]] operated by Saraswati and her family under the disguise of a patient.

He finds that Indu is Varma's first granddaughter. He convinces the separated family to reunite and ask for forgiveness. During this time, Saraswati is killed by a local goon Bala Nair ([[Rahul Dev]]). A don named Bhai Saab ([[Mukesh Rishi]]) controls the mafia of Kerala. Bala and Bhai belong to the same mafia. Enraged by the death, Simhadri takes the law Bala into his hands and eradicates Bala and his small gang in Kerala. The local Kerala people start calling him 'Singamalai'. In the ensuing scenes, Simhadri finds himself developing into "Singamalai," eradicating Bhai Saab's network and illegal activities. Indu finds herself alone and constantly worrying about him. She proposes to her father that they should return to [[Andhra Pradesh]], because she rich man Indu who cannot stand their home without her mother, and Simhadri ignores her now.

Indu and Aravind decide to wounded returns to Visakhapatnam. However, Simhadri receives a call that Indu's father is carrying a bomb blasts in his briefcase. Aravind is seen rushing to catch a moving train, and Indu was about to lend him a hand. Unable to warn him, an honest destination, Simhadri has two choices: to let Indu's father die so people on the train can live, or let the bomb kill everyone on board, including Indu and her father.

Simhadri chooses the first option. As soon as Aravind catches the train bar handle, who become anger Simhadri shoots him in the back. Surprised at Simhadri's action, Indu jumps off the train to catch her falling father, and she gets fighting against to hit her head against a pole, causing her amnesia and becoming mentally challenged. After the flashback ends, people are seen and heard chanting ''Singamalai Singamalai'' outside the hospital. Bhai and his men arrive at the hospital to finish off Simhadri. But Simhadri has gained consciousness, and with the help of his friends, police and family (now reunited), he takes down Bhai and his army.

== Cast ==
{{colbegin}}
* [[N. T. Rama Rao Jr.]] as Simhadri / Singamalai
* [[Bhumika Chawla]] as Indira "Indu"
* [[Ankitha]] as Kasturi
* [[Mukesh Rishi]] as Bhai Saab
* [[Nassar (actor)|Nassar]] as Ram Bhupal Varma
* [[Rahul Dev]] as Bala Nair
* [[Brahmanandam]] as Talupulu
* [[Sharat Saxena]] as ACP Shaukat Ali, Simhadri's mentor
* [[Sangeeta (Telugu actress)|Sangeeta]] as Varma's wife
* [[Bhanu Chander]] as Aravind
* [[Seetha (actress)|Seetha]] as Saraswathi
* [[Rallapalli (actor)|Rallapalli]] as Indu's caretaker
* [[Chatrapathi Sekhar|Sekhar]] as Bala's aide
* Ragini as Indu's caretaker
* [[Venu Madhav (actor)|Venu Madhav]] as Iyer
* [[Ajay (actor)|Ajay]]
* [[Kota Srinivasa Rao]]
* [[Chalapathi Rao]]
* [[Sivannarayana Naripeddi]]
* [[Srinivasa Reddy]] as Thief
* [[Hema (actress)|Hema]]
* [[Ravi Babu]]
* [[G. V. Sudhakar Naidu]]
* [[Mahendran (actor)|Master Mahendra]]
* [[Sameer Hasan|Sameer]] as Doctor
* [[Rajan P. Dev]] as Kerala Chief Minister (guest appearance)
* [[Ramya Krishnan]] as [[Item number]] in the song "Chinnadamme Cheekulu"
{{colend}}

==Production==
After the success of ''[[Student No.1]]'' (2001), Rajamouli was initially supposed to direct a fantasy film with [[Prakash Kovelamudi|Kovelamudi Surya Prakash]] however the project was shelved due to high budget and lead actor's debut film ''[[Neetho]]'' (2002) became a failure.<ref name="raj">{{cite web |url=http://www.idlebrain.com/celeb/interview/ssrajamouli.html |title=SS Raja Mouli - Telugu Cinema interview |publisher=Idlebrain |access-date=6 April 2016}}</ref> Rajamouli narrated the subject of ''Simhadri'' to VMC Combines who agreed to produce the film. The film was supposed to be made with the pair of B. Gopal and Balakrishna, which was dropped.<ref name="raj"/>

Writer [[K. V. Vijayendra Prasad]] stated that he got the idea to write the story of this film while watching ''[[Moondram Pirai|Vasantha kokila]]'' (1982).<ref>{{Cite web |date=30 July 2017 |title=EXCLUSIVE: Vijayendra Prasad explains how 'Simhadri' was conceived |url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/exclusive-vijayendra-prasad-explains-how-simhadri-was-conceived-telugu-news-191672 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170731062355/http://www.indiaglitz.com/exclusive-vijayendra-prasad-explains-how-simhadri-was-conceived-telugu-news-191672 |archive-date=31 July 2017 |access-date=13 July 2021 |website=IndiaGlitz}}</ref>

==Soundtrack==

{{Infobox album
| name = Simhadri
| type = soundtrack
| artist = [[M. M. Keeravani]]
| cover =
| alt =
| released = 9 July 2003
| recorded = 2003
| venue =
| studio =
| genre = [[Film soundtrack|Feature film soundtrack]]
| length = 33:16
| label = [[Aditya Music]]
| producer = [[M. M. Keeravani]]
| prev_title = Tappu Chesi Pappu Kudu
| prev_year = 2002
| next_title = [[Okariki Okaru]]
| next_year = 2003
}}

Soundtrack was composed by M. M. Keeravani. He revealed that Rajamouli mostly selected tunes which are already used and left unused. The song "Ammaina Nannaina" was originally used for the film ''Kishkinda Kanda'' (1994) and the song "Chinnadamme" for the film ''Samarpana'' (1992).<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.idlebrain.com/news/2000march20/keeravani-simhadri.html | title=Keeravani on Simhadri songs | publisher=Idlebrain | accessdate=6 April 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Simhadri - All Songs - Download or Listen Free - Saavn |url=https://www.saavn.com/album/simhadri/kLr8wPQ0bak_ |website=Saavn |date=9 July 2003}}</ref>

{{Track listing
| headline = Track-List
| extra_column = Singer(s)
| total_length = 33:16
| title1 = Singamalai | extra1 = [[Kalyani Malik]] | lyrics1 = [[Chandrabose (lyricist)|Chandrabose]] | length1 = 4:34 | note1 = Lyrics are penned in [[Malayalam language|Malayalam]] by [[Vaali (poet)|Vaali]]
| title2 = Cheema Cheema | extra2 = [[S. P. B. Charan]], [[Ganga Sitharasu|Ganga]], [[Brahmanandam]]| lyrics2 = [[Veturi Sundararama Murthy]] | length2 = 4:31
| title3 = Ammaina Naannaina | extra3 = Kalyani Malik| lyrics3 = [[Sirivennela Seetharama Sastry]]| length3 = 5:10
| title4 = Chiraaku Anuko | extra4 = S. P. B. Charan, [[K. S. Chithra]] | lyrics4 = Chandrabose | length4 = 4:21
| title5 = Nannedo Seyamaku | extra5 = [[M. M. Keeravani]], [[Sunitha Upadrashta]]| lyrics5 = Chandrabose | length5 = 5:02
| title6 = Chinnadamme Cheekulu | extra6 =[[Mano (singer)|Mano]], [[Shreya Ghoshal]] | lyrics6 = [[Vennelakanti]] | length6 = 5:03
| title7 = Nuvvu Whistlesthe | extra7 = [[Tippu (singer)|Tippu]], K. S. Chithra| lyrics7 = Chandrabose | length7 = 4:35
}}

==Release and reception==

===Distribution===
Simhardri distribution rights were sold for {{INRConvert|12.5|c}}.<ref name="idlebrain.com">[http://www.idlebrain.com/movie/postmortem/chatrapati.html "Chatrapati – Post mortem – Telugu cinema – SS Rajamouli – Prabhas, Shriya"]. ''idlebrain.com''.</ref> It was made with a budget of {{INRConvert|8.5|c}} of production cost.<ref name="idlebrain.com"/>

===Critical reception===
Jeevi of [[Idlebrain.com|''Idlebrain'']] gave a positive review for the film, citing that the story is "pretty strong" and praised N. T. Rama Rao Jr.'s performance stating that the "character offered him the chance to use all his histrionic capability to impress the crowds and he utilized every frame of it to make a deep impact on the hearts of the viewers."<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.idlebrain.com/movie/archive/mr-simhadri.html | title=Telugu cinema review - Simhadri - SS Rajamouli | publisher=Idlebrain | accessdate=6 April 2016}}</ref>

===Box-office===
''Simhadri'' had a theatrical run of over 100 days and collected a distributor share of {{INR|24 [[crore]]}}.<ref>http://www.hindustantimes.com/regional-movies/magadheera-s-box-office-figures-were-inflated-ss-rajamouli-reveals/story-rR5cT7usgrFnBTWPwadtlO.html</ref><ref name="idlebrain interview with SSR">[http://www.idlebrain.com/news/2000march20/recordcenters.html]</ref>

==Remakes and dubbed versions==
After the success, the film was subsequently remade in [[Tamil language|Tamil]] as ''[[Gajendra (film)|Gajendra]]'' (2004) with [[Vijayakanth]] by Suresh Krissna.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/fr/2004/09/24/stories/2004092402430301.htm | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041121171241/http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/fr/2004/09/24/stories/2004092402430301.htm | url-status=dead | archive-date=21 November 2004 | work=[[The Hindu]] | title=Entertainment / Film review : Gajendra | accessdate=6 April 2016}}</ref> The film was also remade in [[Kannada]] as ''[[Kanteerava]]'' (2012) with [[Duniya Vijay]].The film was also remade in [[Bangladesh]] as '' [[Durdorsho]]'' (2005) with [[Shakib Khan]].

''Simhadri'' was dubbed in [[Malayalam]] with the same name, in [[Hindi]] as ''Yamraaj Ek Faulad'', and in [[Bhojpuri]] as ''Paap Ke Ant'',

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
* {{IMDb title|0375066|Simhadri}}

{{S. S. Rajamouli}}

[[Category:2003 films]]
[[Category:Telugu-language films]]
[[Category:Indian films]]
[[Category:Films scored by M. M. Keeravani]]
[[Category:Films directed by S. S. Rajamouli]]
[[Category:Telugu films remade in other languages]]
[[Category:Films shot in Kerala]]
[[Category:Indian action thriller films]]
[[Category:2000s Telugu-language films]]
[[Category:Films shot in Visakhapatnam]]
[[Category:Films featuring an item number]]
[[Category:Masala films]]
[[Category:2003 action thriller films]]

Simhadri (2003 film)

2026-06-25T03:17:18Z

2401:4900:D07D:5394:D971:C5FF:BFA5:4242:

{{short description|2003 film by S. S. Rajamouli}}
{{EngvarB|date=January 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2015}}
{{Infobox film
| name = Simhadri
| image = Simhadri 2003 DVD Cover art.jpg
| caption = DVD cover
| story = [[K. V. Vijayendra Prasad]]
| starring = [[N. T. Rama Rao Jr.]] [[Bhumika Chawla]] [[Ankitha]] [[Mukesh Rishi]]
| director = [[S. S. Rajamouli]]
| screenplay = S. S. Rajamouli '''Dialogue:''' Gangotri Viswanath M. Ratnam
| producer = V. Vijay Kumar Varma [[V. Doraswamy Raju]] (presenter)
| studio = [[VMC Productions]]
| cinematography = K. Ravindra Babu
| editing = [[Kotagiri Venkateswara Rao]]
| released = {{Film date|2003|07|9|df=y}}
| runtime = 169 minutes<ref>{{Cite web|title=Simhadri Telugu Full Length Movie {{!}}{{!}} N. T. Rama Rao Jr. , Bhoomika Chawla , Ankhita - YouTube|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nf4t_qjbb2U|access-date=2020-12-26|website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref>
| language = Telugu
| country = India
| narrator =
| music = [[M. M. Keeravani]]
| budget = {{INR|link=yes|6–8.5 [[crore]]}}<ref name="idlebrain.com"/><ref name="sakshi">{{Cite web|date=2017-05-05|title=భళి భళి భళిరా భళి రాజమౌళి|url=https://www.sakshi.com/news/family/special-story-to-ssrajamouli-473713|access-date=2020-07-31|website=Sakshi|language=te}}</ref>
| gross = {{Estimation}} {{INR|46 crore}}<ref name="sakshi" />
}}

'''''Simhadri''''' is a 2003 Indian [[Telugu language|Telugu]]-language [[action drama film]] directed by [[S. S. Rajamouli]] from a story written by [[K. V. Vijayendra Prasad]]. The film stars [[N. T. Rama Rao Jr.]], [[Bhumika Chawla]], and [[Ankitha]] with [[Mukesh Rishi]], [[Nassar (actor)|Nassar]], and [[Rahul Dev]] playing supporting roles. The film has music composed by [[M. M. Keeravani]] while the cinematography and editing are done by Ravindra Babu and [[Kotagiri Venkateswara Rao]] respectively. The film was a blockbuster.<ref name="sakshi" /><ref>{{Cite web|title=Here's N. T. Rama Rao Jr.'s Massive Net Worth as 'Young Tiger' rings in his 37th birthday; read here|url=https://www.republicworld.com/entertainment-news/regional-indian-cinema/jr-ntr-net-worth-2020-details-are-here|access-date=2020-06-01|website=Republic World}}</ref>

== Plot ==
An orphan and good-hearted lad Simhadri ([[N. T. Rama Rao Jr.]]) is 'adopted' and grows up under Ram Bhupal Varma's ([[Nassar (actor)|Nassar]]) family care in [[Visakhapatnam]]. The bond they share is like father and son. Kasturi ([[Ankitha]]) is Varma's granddaughter, and she likes Simhadri a lot. Once a week, Simhadri visits a mentally challenged girl called Indu ([[Bhumika Chawla]]). He entertains her and provides money to her caretakers ([[Rallapalli (actor)|Rallapalli]] and Ragini).

When Varma and his wife ([[Sangeeta (Telugu actress)|Sangeeta]]) discover Kasturi's wish to marry Simhadri, Varma decides to get them married. He makes a formal announcement to officially adopt Simhadri. At this time, it is revealed that Simhadri is very close to Indu. The alliance breaks off when Simhadri refuses to leave Indu (who is suspected to be his mistress).

Meanwhile, two separate groups are in search of Simhadri. They find him at the banks of [[Godavari River]] along with Indu. In the ensuing confrontation between one group of gangsters and Simhadri, Varma and his family are surprised to see that Simhadri, who used to be calm and composed, is ruthlessly killing many rowdies without mercy. Meanwhile, Indu gets injured as revenge. Simhadri is helped by the second group, who call him 'Singamalai Anna' (Brother Singamalai). When Indu comes back to her senses, she remembers her past and the first thing she does is stabbed Simhadri with an iron pole. Simhadri is hospitalized in critical condition. Then we see many buses carrying hoards of people demanding to see 'Singamalai Anna'. The leader of the second group, who was searching for help each other Simhadri, explains the 'Singamalai Anna' story in a flashback.

In the flashback, it is revealed that Varma's oldest daughter Saraswati ([[Seetha (actress)|Seetha]]) elopes with her lover, a [[Malayalee|Keralite]] named Aravind ([[Bhanu Chander]]). After some harsh words and saddened over Varma's rejection over her choice to marry her love, they both settle in [[Kerala]]. Learning of the sadness surrounding Varma and his wife, Simhadri takes up the job of uniting the family and visits [[Thiruvananthapuram]]. He joins the medical and spiritual therapy [[spa]] operated by Saraswati and her family under the disguise of a patient.

He finds that Indu is Varma's first granddaughter. He convinces the separated family to reunite and ask for forgiveness. During this time, Saraswati is killed by a local goon Bala Nair ([[Rahul Dev]]). A don named Bhai Saab ([[Mukesh Rishi]]) controls the mafia of Kerala. Bala and Bhai belong to the same mafia. Enraged by the death, Simhadri takes the law Bala into his hands and eradicates Bala and his small gang in Kerala. The local Kerala people start calling him 'Singamalai'. In the ensuing scenes, Simhadri finds himself developing into "Singamalai," eradicating Bhai Saab's network and illegal activities. Indu finds herself alone and constantly worrying about him. She proposes to her father that they should return to [[Andhra Pradesh]], because she rich man Indu, who cannot stand their home without her mother, and Simhadri ignores her now.

Indu and Aravind decide to wounded returns to Visakhapatnam. However, Simhadri receives a call that Indu's father is carrying a bomb blasts in his briefcase. Aravind is seen rushing to catch a moving train, and Indu was about to lend him a hand. Unable to warn him, an honest destination, Simhadri has two choices: to let Indu's father die so people on the train can live, or let the bomb kill everyone on board, including Indu and her father.

Simhadri chooses the first option. As soon as Aravind catches the train bar handle, who become anger Simhadri shoots him in the back. Surprised at Simhadri's action, Indu jumps off the train to catch her falling father, and she gets fighting against to hit her head against a pole, causing her amnesia and becoming mentally challenged. After the flashback ends, people are seen and heard chanting ''Singamalai Singamalai'' outside the hospital. Bhai and his men arrive at the hospital to finish off Simhadri. But Simhadri has gained consciousness, and with the help of his friends, police and family (now reunited), he takes down Bhai and his army.

== Cast ==
{{colbegin}}
* [[N. T. Rama Rao Jr.]] as Simhadri / Singamalai
* [[Bhumika Chawla]] as Indira "Indu"
* [[Ankitha]] as Kasturi
* [[Mukesh Rishi]] as Bhai Saab
* [[Nassar (actor)|Nassar]] as Ram Bhupal Varma
* [[Rahul Dev]] as Bala Nair
* [[Brahmanandam]] as Talupulu
* [[Sharat Saxena]] as ACP Shaukat Ali, Simhadri's mentor
* [[Sangeeta (Telugu actress)|Sangeeta]] as Varma's wife
* [[Bhanu Chander]] as Aravind
* [[Seetha (actress)|Seetha]] as Saraswathi
* [[Rallapalli (actor)|Rallapalli]] as Indu's caretaker
* [[Chatrapathi Sekhar|Sekhar]] as Bala's aide
* Ragini as Indu's caretaker
* [[Venu Madhav (actor)|Venu Madhav]] as Iyer
* [[Ajay (actor)|Ajay]]
* [[Kota Srinivasa Rao]]
* [[Chalapathi Rao]]
* [[Sivannarayana Naripeddi]]
* [[Srinivasa Reddy]] as Thief
* [[Hema (actress)|Hema]]
* [[Ravi Babu]]
* [[G. V. Sudhakar Naidu]]
* [[Mahendran (actor)|Master Mahendra]]
* [[Sameer Hasan|Sameer]] as Doctor
* [[Rajan P. Dev]] as Kerala Chief Minister (guest appearance)
* [[Ramya Krishnan]] as [[Item number]] in the song "Chinnadamme Cheekulu"
{{colend}}

==Production==
After the success of ''[[Student No.1]]'' (2001), Rajamouli was initially supposed to direct a fantasy film with [[Prakash Kovelamudi|Kovelamudi Surya Prakash]] however the project was shelved due to high budget and lead actor's debut film ''[[Neetho]]'' (2002) became a failure.<ref name="raj">{{cite web |url=http://www.idlebrain.com/celeb/interview/ssrajamouli.html |title=SS Raja Mouli - Telugu Cinema interview |publisher=Idlebrain |access-date=6 April 2016}}</ref> Rajamouli narrated the subject of ''Simhadri'' to VMC Combines who agreed to produce the film. The film was supposed to be made with the pair of B. Gopal and Balakrishna, which was dropped.<ref name="raj"/>

Writer [[K. V. Vijayendra Prasad]] stated that he got the idea to write the story of this film while watching ''[[Moondram Pirai|Vasantha kokila]]'' (1982).<ref>{{Cite web |date=30 July 2017 |title=EXCLUSIVE: Vijayendra Prasad explains how 'Simhadri' was conceived |url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/exclusive-vijayendra-prasad-explains-how-simhadri-was-conceived-telugu-news-191672 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170731062355/http://www.indiaglitz.com/exclusive-vijayendra-prasad-explains-how-simhadri-was-conceived-telugu-news-191672 |archive-date=31 July 2017 |access-date=13 July 2021 |website=IndiaGlitz}}</ref>

==Soundtrack==

{{Infobox album
| name = Simhadri
| type = soundtrack
| artist = [[M. M. Keeravani]]
| cover =
| alt =
| released = 9 July 2003
| recorded = 2003
| venue =
| studio =
| genre = [[Film soundtrack|Feature film soundtrack]]
| length = 33:16
| label = [[Aditya Music]]
| producer = [[M. M. Keeravani]]
| prev_title = Tappu Chesi Pappu Kudu
| prev_year = 2002
| next_title = [[Okariki Okaru]]
| next_year = 2003
}}

Soundtrack was composed by M. M. Keeravani. He revealed that Rajamouli mostly selected tunes which are already used and left unused. The song "Ammaina Nannaina" was originally used for the film ''Kishkinda Kanda'' (1994) and the song "Chinnadamme" for the film ''Samarpana'' (1992).<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.idlebrain.com/news/2000march20/keeravani-simhadri.html | title=Keeravani on Simhadri songs | publisher=Idlebrain | accessdate=6 April 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Simhadri - All Songs - Download or Listen Free - Saavn |url=https://www.saavn.com/album/simhadri/kLr8wPQ0bak_ |website=Saavn |date=9 July 2003}}</ref>

{{Track listing
| headline = Track-List
| extra_column = Singer(s)
| total_length = 33:16
| title1 = Singamalai | extra1 = [[Kalyani Malik]] | lyrics1 = [[Chandrabose (lyricist)|Chandrabose]] | length1 = 4:34 | note1 = Lyrics are penned in [[Malayalam language|Malayalam]] by [[Vaali (poet)|Vaali]]
| title2 = Cheema Cheema | extra2 = [[S. P. B. Charan]], [[Ganga Sitharasu|Ganga]], [[Brahmanandam]]| lyrics2 = [[Veturi Sundararama Murthy]] | length2 = 4:31
| title3 = Ammaina Naannaina | extra3 = Kalyani Malik| lyrics3 = [[Sirivennela Seetharama Sastry]]| length3 = 5:10
| title4 = Chiraaku Anuko | extra4 = S. P. B. Charan, [[K. S. Chithra]] | lyrics4 = Chandrabose | length4 = 4:21
| title5 = Nannedo Seyamaku | extra5 = [[M. M. Keeravani]], [[Sunitha Upadrashta]]| lyrics5 = Chandrabose | length5 = 5:02
| title6 = Chinnadamme Cheekulu | extra6 =[[Mano (singer)|Mano]], [[Shreya Ghoshal]] | lyrics6 = [[Vennelakanti]] | length6 = 5:03
| title7 = Nuvvu Whistlesthe | extra7 = [[Tippu (singer)|Tippu]], K. S. Chithra| lyrics7 = Chandrabose | length7 = 4:35
}}

==Release and reception==

===Distribution===
Simhardri distribution rights were sold for {{INRConvert|12.5|c}}.<ref name="idlebrain.com">[http://www.idlebrain.com/movie/postmortem/chatrapati.html "Chatrapati – Post mortem – Telugu cinema – SS Rajamouli – Prabhas, Shriya"]. ''idlebrain.com''.</ref> It was made with a budget of {{INRConvert|8.5|c}} of production cost.<ref name="idlebrain.com"/>

===Critical reception===
Jeevi of [[Idlebrain.com|''Idlebrain'']] gave a positive review for the film, citing that the story is "pretty strong" and praised N. T. Rama Rao Jr.'s performance stating that the "character offered him the chance to use all his histrionic capability to impress the crowds and he utilized every frame of it to make a deep impact on the hearts of the viewers."<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.idlebrain.com/movie/archive/mr-simhadri.html | title=Telugu cinema review - Simhadri - SS Rajamouli | publisher=Idlebrain | accessdate=6 April 2016}}</ref>

===Box-office===
''Simhadri'' had a theatrical run of over 100 days and collected a distributor share of {{INR|24 [[crore]]}}.<ref>http://www.hindustantimes.com/regional-movies/magadheera-s-box-office-figures-were-inflated-ss-rajamouli-reveals/story-rR5cT7usgrFnBTWPwadtlO.html</ref><ref name="idlebrain interview with SSR">[http://www.idlebrain.com/news/2000march20/recordcenters.html]</ref>

==Remakes and dubbed versions==
After the success, the film was subsequently remade in [[Tamil language|Tamil]] as ''[[Gajendra (film)|Gajendra]]'' (2004) with [[Vijayakanth]] by Suresh Krissna.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/fr/2004/09/24/stories/2004092402430301.htm | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041121171241/http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/fr/2004/09/24/stories/2004092402430301.htm | url-status=dead | archive-date=21 November 2004 | work=[[The Hindu]] | title=Entertainment / Film review : Gajendra | accessdate=6 April 2016}}</ref> The film was also remade in [[Kannada]] as ''[[Kanteerava]]'' (2012) with [[Duniya Vijay]].The film was also remade in [[Bangladesh]] as '' [[Durdorsho]]'' (2005) with [[Shakib Khan]].

''Simhadri'' was dubbed in [[Malayalam]] with the same name, in [[Hindi]] as ''Yamraaj Ek Faulad'', and in [[Bhojpuri]] as ''Paap Ke Ant'',

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
* {{IMDb title|0375066|Simhadri}}

{{S. S. Rajamouli}}

[[Category:2003 films]]
[[Category:Telugu-language films]]
[[Category:Indian films]]
[[Category:Films scored by M. M. Keeravani]]
[[Category:Films directed by S. S. Rajamouli]]
[[Category:Telugu films remade in other languages]]
[[Category:Films shot in Kerala]]
[[Category:Indian action thriller films]]
[[Category:2000s Telugu-language films]]
[[Category:Films shot in Visakhapatnam]]
[[Category:Films featuring an item number]]
[[Category:Masala films]]
[[Category:2003 action thriller films]]

Simhadri (2003 film)

2026-06-25T03:12:59Z

2401:4900:D07D:5394:D971:C5FF:BFA5:4242:

{{short description|2003 film by S. S. Rajamouli}}
{{EngvarB|date=January 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2015}}
{{Infobox film
| name = Simhadri
| image = Simhadri 2003 DVD Cover art.jpg
| caption = DVD cover
| story = [[K. V. Vijayendra Prasad]]
| starring = [[N. T. Rama Rao Jr.]] [[Bhumika Chawla]] [[Ankitha]] [[Mukesh Rishi]]
| director = [[S. S. Rajamouli]]
| screenplay = S. S. Rajamouli '''Dialogue:''' Gangotri Viswanath M. Ratnam
| producer = V. Vijay Kumar Varma [[V. Doraswamy Raju]] (presenter)
| studio = [[VMC Productions]]
| cinematography = K. Ravindra Babu
| editing = [[Kotagiri Venkateswara Rao]]
| released = {{Film date|2003|07|9|df=y}}
| runtime = 169 minutes<ref>{{Cite web|title=Simhadri Telugu Full Length Movie {{!}}{{!}} N. T. Rama Rao Jr. , Bhoomika Chawla , Ankhita - YouTube|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nf4t_qjbb2U|access-date=2020-12-26|website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref>
| language = Telugu
| country = India
| narrator =
| music = [[M. M. Keeravani]]
| budget = {{INR|link=yes|6–8.5 [[crore]]}}<ref name="idlebrain.com"/><ref name="sakshi">{{Cite web|date=2017-05-05|title=భళి భళి భళిరా భళి రాజమౌళి|url=https://www.sakshi.com/news/family/special-story-to-ssrajamouli-473713|access-date=2020-07-31|website=Sakshi|language=te}}</ref>
| gross = {{Estimation}} {{INR|46 crore}}<ref name="sakshi" />
}}

'''''Simhadri''''' is a 2003 Indian [[Telugu language|Telugu]]-language [[action drama film]] directed by [[S. S. Rajamouli]] from a story written by [[K. V. Vijayendra Prasad]]. The film stars [[N. T. Rama Rao Jr.]], [[Bhumika Chawla]], and [[Ankitha]] with [[Mukesh Rishi]], [[Nassar (actor)|Nassar]], and [[Rahul Dev]] playing supporting roles. The film has music composed by [[M. M. Keeravani]] while the cinematography and editing are done by Ravindra Babu and [[Kotagiri Venkateswara Rao]] respectively. The film was a blockbuster.<ref name="sakshi" /><ref>{{Cite web|title=Here's N. T. Rama Rao Jr.'s Massive Net Worth as 'Young Tiger' rings in his 37th birthday; read here|url=https://www.republicworld.com/entertainment-news/regional-indian-cinema/jr-ntr-net-worth-2020-details-are-here|access-date=2020-06-01|website=Republic World}}</ref>

== Plot ==
An orphan and good-hearted lad Simhadri ([[N. T. Rama Rao Jr.]]) is 'adopted' and grows up under Ram Bhupal Varma's ([[Nassar (actor)|Nassar]]) family care in [[Visakhapatnam]]. The bond they share is like father and son. Kasturi ([[Ankitha]]) is Varma's granddaughter, and she likes Simhadri a lot. Once a week, Simhadri visits a mentally challenged girl called Indu ([[Bhumika Chawla]]). He entertains her and provides money to her caretakers ([[Rallapalli (actor)|Rallapalli]] and Ragini).

When Varma and his wife ([[Sangeeta (Telugu actress)|Sangeeta]]) discover Kasturi's wish to marry Simhadri, Varma decides to get them married. He makes a formal announcement to officially adopt Simhadri. At this time, it is revealed that Simhadri is very close to Indu. The alliance breaks off when Simhadri refuses to leave Indu (who is suspected to be his mistress).

Meanwhile, two separate groups are in search of Simhadri. They find him at the banks of [[Godavari River]] along with Indu. In the ensuing confrontation between one group of gangsters and Simhadri, Varma and his family are surprised to see that Simhadri, who used to be calm and composed, is ruthlessly killing many rowdies without mercy. Meanwhile, Indu gets injured as revenge. Simhadri is helped by the second group, who call him 'Singamalai Anna' (Brother Singamalai). When Indu comes back to her senses, she remembers her past and the first thing she does is stabbed Simhadri with an iron pole. Simhadri is hospitalized in critical condition. Then we see many buses carrying hoards of people demanding to see 'Singamalai Anna'. The leader of the second group, who was searching for help each other Simhadri, explains the 'Singamalai Anna' story in a flashback.

In the flashback, it is revealed that Varma's oldest daughter Saraswati ([[Seetha (actress)|Seetha]]) elopes with her lover, a [[Malayalee|Keralite]] named Aravind ([[Bhanu Chander]]). After some harsh words and saddened over Varma's rejection over her choice to marry her love, they both settle in [[Kerala]]. Learning of the sadness surrounding Varma and his wife, Simhadri takes up the job of uniting the family and visits [[Thiruvananthapuram]]. He joins the medical and spiritual therapy [[spa]] operated by Saraswati and her family under the disguise of a patient.

He finds that Indu is Varma's first granddaughter. He convinces the separated family to reunite and ask for forgiveness. During this time, Saraswati is killed by a local goon Bala Nair ([[Rahul Dev]]). A don named Bhai Saab ([[Mukesh Rishi]]) controls the mafia of Kerala. Bala and Bhai belong to the same mafia. Enraged by the death, Simhadri takes the law Bala into his hands and eradicates Bala and his small gang in Kerala. The local Kerala people start calling him 'Singamalai'. In the ensuing scenes, Simhadri finds himself developing into "Singamalai," eradicating Bhai Saab's network and illegal activities. Indu finds herself alone and constantly worrying about him. She proposes to her father that they should return to [[Andhra Pradesh]], because she rich man Indu, who cannot stand their home without her mother, and Simhadri ignores her now.

Indu and Aravind decide to wounded returns to Visakhapatnam. Simhadri receives a call that Indu's father is carrying a bomb blasts in his briefcase. Aravind is seen rushing to catch a moving train, and Indu was about to lend him a hand. Unable to warn him, an honest destination, Simhadri has two choices: to let Indu's father die so people on the train can live, or let the bomb kill everyone on board, including Indu and her father.

Simhadri chooses the first option. As soon as Aravind catches the train bar handle, Simhadri shoots him in the back. Surprised at Simhadri's action, Indu jumps off the train to catch her falling father, and she gets fighting against to hit her head against a pole, causing her amnesia and becoming mentally challenged. After the flashback ends, people are seen and heard chanting ''Singamalai Singamalai'' outside the hospital. Bhai and his men arrive at the hospital to finish off Simhadri. But Simhadri has gained consciousness, and with the help of his friends, police and family (now reunited), he takes down Bhai and his army.

== Cast ==
{{colbegin}}
* [[N. T. Rama Rao Jr.]] as Simhadri / Singamalai
* [[Bhumika Chawla]] as Indira "Indu"
* [[Ankitha]] as Kasturi
* [[Mukesh Rishi]] as Bhai Saab
* [[Nassar (actor)|Nassar]] as Ram Bhupal Varma
* [[Rahul Dev]] as Bala Nair
* [[Brahmanandam]] as Talupulu
* [[Sharat Saxena]] as ACP Shaukat Ali, Simhadri's mentor
* [[Sangeeta (Telugu actress)|Sangeeta]] as Varma's wife
* [[Bhanu Chander]] as Aravind
* [[Seetha (actress)|Seetha]] as Saraswathi
* [[Rallapalli (actor)|Rallapalli]] as Indu's caretaker
* [[Chatrapathi Sekhar|Sekhar]] as Bala's aide
* Ragini as Indu's caretaker
* [[Venu Madhav (actor)|Venu Madhav]] as Iyer
* [[Ajay (actor)|Ajay]]
* [[Kota Srinivasa Rao]]
* [[Chalapathi Rao]]
* [[Sivannarayana Naripeddi]]
* [[Srinivasa Reddy]] as Thief
* [[Hema (actress)|Hema]]
* [[Ravi Babu]]
* [[G. V. Sudhakar Naidu]]
* [[Mahendran (actor)|Master Mahendra]]
* [[Sameer Hasan|Sameer]] as Doctor
* [[Rajan P. Dev]] as Kerala Chief Minister (guest appearance)
* [[Ramya Krishnan]] as [[Item number]] in the song "Chinnadamme Cheekulu"
{{colend}}

==Production==
After the success of ''[[Student No.1]]'' (2001), Rajamouli was initially supposed to direct a fantasy film with [[Prakash Kovelamudi|Kovelamudi Surya Prakash]] however the project was shelved due to high budget and lead actor's debut film ''[[Neetho]]'' (2002) became a failure.<ref name="raj">{{cite web |url=http://www.idlebrain.com/celeb/interview/ssrajamouli.html |title=SS Raja Mouli - Telugu Cinema interview |publisher=Idlebrain |access-date=6 April 2016}}</ref> Rajamouli narrated the subject of ''Simhadri'' to VMC Combines who agreed to produce the film. The film was supposed to be made with the pair of B. Gopal and Balakrishna, which was dropped.<ref name="raj"/>

Writer [[K. V. Vijayendra Prasad]] stated that he got the idea to write the story of this film while watching ''[[Moondram Pirai|Vasantha kokila]]'' (1982).<ref>{{Cite web |date=30 July 2017 |title=EXCLUSIVE: Vijayendra Prasad explains how 'Simhadri' was conceived |url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/exclusive-vijayendra-prasad-explains-how-simhadri-was-conceived-telugu-news-191672 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170731062355/http://www.indiaglitz.com/exclusive-vijayendra-prasad-explains-how-simhadri-was-conceived-telugu-news-191672 |archive-date=31 July 2017 |access-date=13 July 2021 |website=IndiaGlitz}}</ref>

==Soundtrack==

{{Infobox album
| name = Simhadri
| type = soundtrack
| artist = [[M. M. Keeravani]]
| cover =
| alt =
| released = 9 July 2003
| recorded = 2003
| venue =
| studio =
| genre = [[Film soundtrack|Feature film soundtrack]]
| length = 33:16
| label = [[Aditya Music]]
| producer = [[M. M. Keeravani]]
| prev_title = Tappu Chesi Pappu Kudu
| prev_year = 2002
| next_title = [[Okariki Okaru]]
| next_year = 2003
}}

Soundtrack was composed by M. M. Keeravani. He revealed that Rajamouli mostly selected tunes which are already used and left unused. The song "Ammaina Nannaina" was originally used for the film ''Kishkinda Kanda'' (1994) and the song "Chinnadamme" for the film ''Samarpana'' (1992).<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.idlebrain.com/news/2000march20/keeravani-simhadri.html | title=Keeravani on Simhadri songs | publisher=Idlebrain | accessdate=6 April 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Simhadri - All Songs - Download or Listen Free - Saavn |url=https://www.saavn.com/album/simhadri/kLr8wPQ0bak_ |website=Saavn |date=9 July 2003}}</ref>

{{Track listing
| headline = Track-List
| extra_column = Singer(s)
| total_length = 33:16
| title1 = Singamalai | extra1 = [[Kalyani Malik]] | lyrics1 = [[Chandrabose (lyricist)|Chandrabose]] | length1 = 4:34 | note1 = Lyrics are penned in [[Malayalam language|Malayalam]] by [[Vaali (poet)|Vaali]]
| title2 = Cheema Cheema | extra2 = [[S. P. B. Charan]], [[Ganga Sitharasu|Ganga]], [[Brahmanandam]]| lyrics2 = [[Veturi Sundararama Murthy]] | length2 = 4:31
| title3 = Ammaina Naannaina | extra3 = Kalyani Malik| lyrics3 = [[Sirivennela Seetharama Sastry]]| length3 = 5:10
| title4 = Chiraaku Anuko | extra4 = S. P. B. Charan, [[K. S. Chithra]] | lyrics4 = Chandrabose | length4 = 4:21
| title5 = Nannedo Seyamaku | extra5 = [[M. M. Keeravani]], [[Sunitha Upadrashta]]| lyrics5 = Chandrabose | length5 = 5:02
| title6 = Chinnadamme Cheekulu | extra6 =[[Mano (singer)|Mano]], [[Shreya Ghoshal]] | lyrics6 = [[Vennelakanti]] | length6 = 5:03
| title7 = Nuvvu Whistlesthe | extra7 = [[Tippu (singer)|Tippu]], K. S. Chithra| lyrics7 = Chandrabose | length7 = 4:35
}}

==Release and reception==

===Distribution===
Simhardri distribution rights were sold for {{INRConvert|12.5|c}}.<ref name="idlebrain.com">[http://www.idlebrain.com/movie/postmortem/chatrapati.html "Chatrapati – Post mortem – Telugu cinema – SS Rajamouli – Prabhas, Shriya"]. ''idlebrain.com''.</ref> It was made with a budget of {{INRConvert|8.5|c}} of production cost.<ref name="idlebrain.com"/>

===Critical reception===
Jeevi of [[Idlebrain.com|''Idlebrain'']] gave a positive review for the film, citing that the story is "pretty strong" and praised N. T. Rama Rao Jr.'s performance stating that the "character offered him the chance to use all his histrionic capability to impress the crowds and he utilized every frame of it to make a deep impact on the hearts of the viewers."<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.idlebrain.com/movie/archive/mr-simhadri.html | title=Telugu cinema review - Simhadri - SS Rajamouli | publisher=Idlebrain | accessdate=6 April 2016}}</ref>

===Box-office===
''Simhadri'' had a theatrical run of over 100 days and collected a distributor share of {{INR|24 [[crore]]}}.<ref>http://www.hindustantimes.com/regional-movies/magadheera-s-box-office-figures-were-inflated-ss-rajamouli-reveals/story-rR5cT7usgrFnBTWPwadtlO.html</ref><ref name="idlebrain interview with SSR">[http://www.idlebrain.com/news/2000march20/recordcenters.html]</ref>

==Remakes and dubbed versions==
After the success, the film was subsequently remade in [[Tamil language|Tamil]] as ''[[Gajendra (film)|Gajendra]]'' (2004) with [[Vijayakanth]] by Suresh Krissna.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/fr/2004/09/24/stories/2004092402430301.htm | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041121171241/http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/fr/2004/09/24/stories/2004092402430301.htm | url-status=dead | archive-date=21 November 2004 | work=[[The Hindu]] | title=Entertainment / Film review : Gajendra | accessdate=6 April 2016}}</ref> The film was also remade in [[Kannada]] as ''[[Kanteerava]]'' (2012) with [[Duniya Vijay]].The film was also remade in [[Bangladesh]] as '' [[Durdorsho]]'' (2005) with [[Shakib Khan]].

''Simhadri'' was dubbed in [[Malayalam]] with the same name, in [[Hindi]] as ''Yamraaj Ek Faulad'', and in [[Bhojpuri]] as ''Paap Ke Ant'',

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
* {{IMDb title|0375066|Simhadri}}

{{S. S. Rajamouli}}

[[Category:2003 films]]
[[Category:Telugu-language films]]
[[Category:Indian films]]
[[Category:Films scored by M. M. Keeravani]]
[[Category:Films directed by S. S. Rajamouli]]
[[Category:Telugu films remade in other languages]]
[[Category:Films shot in Kerala]]
[[Category:Indian action thriller films]]
[[Category:2000s Telugu-language films]]
[[Category:Films shot in Visakhapatnam]]
[[Category:Films featuring an item number]]
[[Category:Masala films]]
[[Category:2003 action thriller films]]

Simhadri (2003 film)

2026-06-25T03:11:57Z

2401:4900:D07D:5394:D971:C5FF:BFA5:4242:

{{short description|2003 film by S. S. Rajamouli}}
{{EngvarB|date=January 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2015}}
{{Infobox film
| name = Simhadri
| image = Simhadri 2003 DVD Cover art.jpg
| caption = DVD cover
| story = [[K. V. Vijayendra Prasad]]
| starring = [[N. T. Rama Rao Jr.]] [[Bhumika Chawla]] [[Ankitha]] [[Mukesh Rishi]]
| director = [[S. S. Rajamouli]]
| screenplay = S. S. Rajamouli '''Dialogue:''' Gangotri Viswanath M. Ratnam
| producer = V. Vijay Kumar Varma [[V. Doraswamy Raju]] (presenter)
| studio = [[VMC Productions]]
| cinematography = K. Ravindra Babu
| editing = [[Kotagiri Venkateswara Rao]]
| released = {{Film date|2003|07|9|df=y}}
| runtime = 169 minutes<ref>{{Cite web|title=Simhadri Telugu Full Length Movie {{!}}{{!}} N. T. Rama Rao Jr. , Bhoomika Chawla , Ankhita - YouTube|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nf4t_qjbb2U|access-date=2020-12-26|website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref>
| language = Telugu
| country = India
| narrator =
| music = [[M. M. Keeravani]]
| budget = {{INR|link=yes|6–8.5 [[crore]]}}<ref name="idlebrain.com"/><ref name="sakshi">{{Cite web|date=2017-05-05|title=భళి భళి భళిరా భళి రాజమౌళి|url=https://www.sakshi.com/news/family/special-story-to-ssrajamouli-473713|access-date=2020-07-31|website=Sakshi|language=te}}</ref>
| gross = {{Estimation}} {{INR|46 crore}}<ref name="sakshi" />
}}

'''''Simhadri''''' is a 2003 Indian [[Telugu language|Telugu]]-language [[action drama film]] directed by [[S. S. Rajamouli]] from a story written by [[K. V. Vijayendra Prasad]]. The film stars [[N. T. Rama Rao Jr.]], [[Bhumika Chawla]], and [[Ankitha]] with [[Mukesh Rishi]], [[Nassar (actor)|Nassar]], and [[Rahul Dev]] playing supporting roles. The film has music composed by [[M. M. Keeravani]] while the cinematography and editing are done by Ravindra Babu and [[Kotagiri Venkateswara Rao]] respectively. The film was a blockbuster.<ref name="sakshi" /><ref>{{Cite web|title=Here's N. T. Rama Rao Jr.'s Massive Net Worth as 'Young Tiger' rings in his 37th birthday; read here|url=https://www.republicworld.com/entertainment-news/regional-indian-cinema/jr-ntr-net-worth-2020-details-are-here|access-date=2020-06-01|website=Republic World}}</ref>

== Plot ==
An orphan and good-hearted lad Simhadri ([[N. T. Rama Rao Jr.]]) is 'adopted' and grows up under Ram Bhupal Varma's ([[Nassar (actor)|Nassar]]) family care in [[Visakhapatnam]]. The bond they share is like father and son. Kasturi ([[Ankitha]]) is Varma's granddaughter, and she likes Simhadri a lot. Once a week, Simhadri visits a mentally challenged girl called Indu ([[Bhumika Chawla]]). He entertains her and provides money to her caretakers ([[Rallapalli (actor)|Rallapalli]] and Ragini).

When Varma and his wife ([[Sangeeta (Telugu actress)|Sangeeta]]) discover Kasturi's wish to marry Simhadri, Varma decides to get them married. He makes a formal announcement to officially adopt Simhadri. At this time, it is revealed that Simhadri is very close to Indu. The alliance breaks off when Simhadri refuses to leave Indu (who is suspected to be his mistress).

Meanwhile, two separate groups are in search of Simhadri. They find him at the banks of [[Godavari River]] along with Indu. In the ensuing confrontation between one group of gangsters and Simhadri, Varma and his family are surprised to see that Simhadri, who used to be calm and composed, is ruthlessly killing many rowdies without mercy. Meanwhile, Indu gets injured. Simhadri is helped by the second group, who call him 'Singamalai Anna' (Brother Singamalai). When Indu comes back to her senses, she remembers her past and the first thing she does is stabbed Simhadri with an iron pole. Simhadri is hospitalized in critical condition. Then we see many buses carrying hoards of people demanding to see 'Singamalai Anna'. The leader of the second group, who was searching for help each other Simhadri, explains the 'Singamalai Anna' story in a flashback.

In the flashback, it is revealed that Varma's oldest daughter Saraswati ([[Seetha (actress)|Seetha]]) elopes with her lover, a [[Malayalee|Keralite]] named Aravind ([[Bhanu Chander]]). After some harsh words and saddened over Varma's rejection over her choice to marry her love, they both settle in [[Kerala]]. Learning of the sadness surrounding Varma and his wife, Simhadri takes up the job of uniting the family and visits [[Thiruvananthapuram]]. He joins the medical and spiritual therapy [[spa]] operated by Saraswati and her family under the disguise of a patient.

He finds that Indu is Varma's first granddaughter. He convinces the separated family to reunite and ask for forgiveness. During this time, Saraswati is killed by a local goon Bala Nair ([[Rahul Dev]]). A don named Bhai Saab ([[Mukesh Rishi]]) controls the mafia of Kerala. Bala and Bhai belong to the same mafia. Enraged by the death, Simhadri takes the law Bala into his hands and eradicates Bala and his small gang in Kerala. The local Kerala people start calling him 'Singamalai'. In the ensuing scenes, Simhadri finds himself developing into "Singamalai," eradicating Bhai Saab's network and illegal activities. Indu finds herself alone and constantly worrying about him. She proposes to her father that they should return to [[Andhra Pradesh]], because she rich man Indu, who cannot stand their home without her mother, and Simhadri ignores her now.

Indu and Aravind decide to wounded returns to Visakhapatnam. Simhadri receives a call that Indu's father is carrying a bomb blasts in his briefcase. Aravind is seen rushing to catch a moving train, and Indu was about to lend him a hand. Unable to warn him, an honest destination, Simhadri has two choices: to let Indu's father die so people on the train can live, or let the bomb kill everyone on board, including Indu and her father.

Simhadri chooses the first option. As soon as Aravind catches the train bar handle, Simhadri shoots him in the back. Surprised at Simhadri's action, Indu jumps off the train to catch her falling father, and she gets fighting against to hit her head against a pole, causing her amnesia and becoming mentally challenged. After the flashback ends, people are seen and heard chanting ''Singamalai Singamalai'' outside the hospital. Bhai and his men arrive at the hospital to finish off Simhadri. But Simhadri has gained consciousness, and with the help of his friends, police and family (now reunited), he takes down Bhai and his army.

== Cast ==
{{colbegin}}
* [[N. T. Rama Rao Jr.]] as Simhadri / Singamalai
* [[Bhumika Chawla]] as Indira "Indu"
* [[Ankitha]] as Kasturi
* [[Mukesh Rishi]] as Bhai Saab
* [[Nassar (actor)|Nassar]] as Ram Bhupal Varma
* [[Rahul Dev]] as Bala Nair
* [[Brahmanandam]] as Talupulu
* [[Sharat Saxena]] as ACP Shaukat Ali, Simhadri's mentor
* [[Sangeeta (Telugu actress)|Sangeeta]] as Varma's wife
* [[Bhanu Chander]] as Aravind
* [[Seetha (actress)|Seetha]] as Saraswathi
* [[Rallapalli (actor)|Rallapalli]] as Indu's caretaker
* [[Chatrapathi Sekhar|Sekhar]] as Bala's aide
* Ragini as Indu's caretaker
* [[Venu Madhav (actor)|Venu Madhav]] as Iyer
* [[Ajay (actor)|Ajay]]
* [[Kota Srinivasa Rao]]
* [[Chalapathi Rao]]
* [[Sivannarayana Naripeddi]]
* [[Srinivasa Reddy]] as Thief
* [[Hema (actress)|Hema]]
* [[Ravi Babu]]
* [[G. V. Sudhakar Naidu]]
* [[Mahendran (actor)|Master Mahendra]]
* [[Sameer Hasan|Sameer]] as Doctor
* [[Rajan P. Dev]] as Kerala Chief Minister (guest appearance)
* [[Ramya Krishnan]] as [[Item number]] in the song "Chinnadamme Cheekulu"
{{colend}}

==Production==
After the success of ''[[Student No.1]]'' (2001), Rajamouli was initially supposed to direct a fantasy film with [[Prakash Kovelamudi|Kovelamudi Surya Prakash]] however the project was shelved due to high budget and lead actor's debut film ''[[Neetho]]'' (2002) became a failure.<ref name="raj">{{cite web |url=http://www.idlebrain.com/celeb/interview/ssrajamouli.html |title=SS Raja Mouli - Telugu Cinema interview |publisher=Idlebrain |access-date=6 April 2016}}</ref> Rajamouli narrated the subject of ''Simhadri'' to VMC Combines who agreed to produce the film. The film was supposed to be made with the pair of B. Gopal and Balakrishna, which was dropped.<ref name="raj"/>

Writer [[K. V. Vijayendra Prasad]] stated that he got the idea to write the story of this film while watching ''[[Moondram Pirai|Vasantha kokila]]'' (1982).<ref>{{Cite web |date=30 July 2017 |title=EXCLUSIVE: Vijayendra Prasad explains how 'Simhadri' was conceived |url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/exclusive-vijayendra-prasad-explains-how-simhadri-was-conceived-telugu-news-191672 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170731062355/http://www.indiaglitz.com/exclusive-vijayendra-prasad-explains-how-simhadri-was-conceived-telugu-news-191672 |archive-date=31 July 2017 |access-date=13 July 2021 |website=IndiaGlitz}}</ref>

==Soundtrack==

{{Infobox album
| name = Simhadri
| type = soundtrack
| artist = [[M. M. Keeravani]]
| cover =
| alt =
| released = 9 July 2003
| recorded = 2003
| venue =
| studio =
| genre = [[Film soundtrack|Feature film soundtrack]]
| length = 33:16
| label = [[Aditya Music]]
| producer = [[M. M. Keeravani]]
| prev_title = Tappu Chesi Pappu Kudu
| prev_year = 2002
| next_title = [[Okariki Okaru]]
| next_year = 2003
}}

Soundtrack was composed by M. M. Keeravani. He revealed that Rajamouli mostly selected tunes which are already used and left unused. The song "Ammaina Nannaina" was originally used for the film ''Kishkinda Kanda'' (1994) and the song "Chinnadamme" for the film ''Samarpana'' (1992).<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.idlebrain.com/news/2000march20/keeravani-simhadri.html | title=Keeravani on Simhadri songs | publisher=Idlebrain | accessdate=6 April 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Simhadri - All Songs - Download or Listen Free - Saavn |url=https://www.saavn.com/album/simhadri/kLr8wPQ0bak_ |website=Saavn |date=9 July 2003}}</ref>

{{Track listing
| headline = Track-List
| extra_column = Singer(s)
| total_length = 33:16
| title1 = Singamalai | extra1 = [[Kalyani Malik]] | lyrics1 = [[Chandrabose (lyricist)|Chandrabose]] | length1 = 4:34 | note1 = Lyrics are penned in [[Malayalam language|Malayalam]] by [[Vaali (poet)|Vaali]]
| title2 = Cheema Cheema | extra2 = [[S. P. B. Charan]], [[Ganga Sitharasu|Ganga]], [[Brahmanandam]]| lyrics2 = [[Veturi Sundararama Murthy]] | length2 = 4:31
| title3 = Ammaina Naannaina | extra3 = Kalyani Malik| lyrics3 = [[Sirivennela Seetharama Sastry]]| length3 = 5:10
| title4 = Chiraaku Anuko | extra4 = S. P. B. Charan, [[K. S. Chithra]] | lyrics4 = Chandrabose | length4 = 4:21
| title5 = Nannedo Seyamaku | extra5 = [[M. M. Keeravani]], [[Sunitha Upadrashta]]| lyrics5 = Chandrabose | length5 = 5:02
| title6 = Chinnadamme Cheekulu | extra6 =[[Mano (singer)|Mano]], [[Shreya Ghoshal]] | lyrics6 = [[Vennelakanti]] | length6 = 5:03
| title7 = Nuvvu Whistlesthe | extra7 = [[Tippu (singer)|Tippu]], K. S. Chithra| lyrics7 = Chandrabose | length7 = 4:35
}}

==Release and reception==

===Distribution===
Simhardri distribution rights were sold for {{INRConvert|12.5|c}}.<ref name="idlebrain.com">[http://www.idlebrain.com/movie/postmortem/chatrapati.html "Chatrapati – Post mortem – Telugu cinema – SS Rajamouli – Prabhas, Shriya"]. ''idlebrain.com''.</ref> It was made with a budget of {{INRConvert|8.5|c}} of production cost.<ref name="idlebrain.com"/>

===Critical reception===
Jeevi of [[Idlebrain.com|''Idlebrain'']] gave a positive review for the film, citing that the story is "pretty strong" and praised N. T. Rama Rao Jr.'s performance stating that the "character offered him the chance to use all his histrionic capability to impress the crowds and he utilized every frame of it to make a deep impact on the hearts of the viewers."<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.idlebrain.com/movie/archive/mr-simhadri.html | title=Telugu cinema review - Simhadri - SS Rajamouli | publisher=Idlebrain | accessdate=6 April 2016}}</ref>

===Box-office===
''Simhadri'' had a theatrical run of over 100 days and collected a distributor share of {{INR|24 [[crore]]}}.<ref>http://www.hindustantimes.com/regional-movies/magadheera-s-box-office-figures-were-inflated-ss-rajamouli-reveals/story-rR5cT7usgrFnBTWPwadtlO.html</ref><ref name="idlebrain interview with SSR">[http://www.idlebrain.com/news/2000march20/recordcenters.html]</ref>

==Remakes and dubbed versions==
After the success, the film was subsequently remade in [[Tamil language|Tamil]] as ''[[Gajendra (film)|Gajendra]]'' (2004) with [[Vijayakanth]] by Suresh Krissna.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/fr/2004/09/24/stories/2004092402430301.htm | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041121171241/http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/fr/2004/09/24/stories/2004092402430301.htm | url-status=dead | archive-date=21 November 2004 | work=[[The Hindu]] | title=Entertainment / Film review : Gajendra | accessdate=6 April 2016}}</ref> The film was also remade in [[Kannada]] as ''[[Kanteerava]]'' (2012) with [[Duniya Vijay]].The film was also remade in [[Bangladesh]] as '' [[Durdorsho]]'' (2005) with [[Shakib Khan]].

''Simhadri'' was dubbed in [[Malayalam]] with the same name, in [[Hindi]] as ''Yamraaj Ek Faulad'', and in [[Bhojpuri]] as ''Paap Ke Ant'',

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
* {{IMDb title|0375066|Simhadri}}

{{S. S. Rajamouli}}

[[Category:2003 films]]
[[Category:Telugu-language films]]
[[Category:Indian films]]
[[Category:Films scored by M. M. Keeravani]]
[[Category:Films directed by S. S. Rajamouli]]
[[Category:Telugu films remade in other languages]]
[[Category:Films shot in Kerala]]
[[Category:Indian action thriller films]]
[[Category:2000s Telugu-language films]]
[[Category:Films shot in Visakhapatnam]]
[[Category:Films featuring an item number]]
[[Category:Masala films]]
[[Category:2003 action thriller films]]