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{{short description|1994 Indian Telugu film}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2024}}
{{Use Indian English|date=December 2024}}
{{Infobox film
| name = M. Dharmaraju M.A.
| image = M. Dharmaraju MA.jpg
| caption = DVD cover
| director = [[Ravi Raja Pinisetty]]
| based_on = ''[[Amaidhi Padai]]'' (Tamil)(1994) by [[Manivannan]]
| producer = Jonnada Ramana Murthy G. K. Reddy {{small|(Presenter)}}
| screenplay = Ravi Raja Pinisetty
| story = [[Manivannan]]
| starring = [[Mohan Babu]] [[Rambha (actress)|Rambha]] [[Surbhi Javeri Vyas|Surabhi]] [[Kaikala Satyanarayana|Satyanarayana]] [[Sujatha (actress)|Sujatha]]
| music = [[Raj–Koti]]
| cinematography = K. S. Prakash
| editing = Siva - Krishnamurthy
| studio = Sri Ravicharan Combines
| released = {{Film date|df=yes|1994|11|11}}
| country = India
| language = [[Telugu language|Telugu]]
}}

'''''M. Dharmaraju M.A.''''' is a 1994 Indian [[Telugu language|Telugu]]-language political drama film directed by [[Ravi Raja Pinisetty]].<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=M Dharmaraju M A (1994) |url=https://indiancine.ma/AORW/info |access-date=2024-12-14 |website=Indiancine.ma}}</ref> Produced by Jonnada Ramana Murthy, the film features [[Mohan Babu]] in a [[dual role]], including the title character, M. Dharmaraju. The supporting cast includes [[Rambha (actress)|Rambha]], [[Surbhi Javeri Vyas|Surabhi]], [[Kaikala Satyanarayana|Satyanarayana]] and [[Sujatha (actress)|Sujatha]]. The music was composed by [[Raj–Koti]].<ref name=":2" /> The film is a remake of the 1994 Tamil film ''[[Amaidhipadai|<bdi>Amaidhi Padai</bdi>]]''.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=2012-10-12 |title=Director Manivannan returns with 'Amaidhipadai' sequel |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2012/Oct/12/director-manivannan-returns-with-amaidhipadai-sequel-414681.html#:~:text=The%201994%20film%20revolves%20around,%22%20and%20%22Jallaad%22%20respectively. |access-date=2024-12-14 |website=[[The New Indian Express]] |language=en |archive-date=21 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220521144243/https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2012/oct/12/director-manivannan-returns-with-amaidhipadai-sequel-414681.html#:~:text=The%201994%20film%20revolves%20around,%22%20and%20%22Jallaad%22%20respectively. |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=10 November 2012 |title=No dual role for Nagaraja Cholan MA, MLA |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/no-dual-role-for-nagaraja-cholan-ma-mla/articleshow/17168257.cms |access-date=2024-12-14 |work=[[The Times of India]] |archive-date=24 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190424002350/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/No-dual-role-for-Nagaraja-Cholan-MA-MLA/articleshow/17168257.cms |url-status=live }}</ref>

Mohan Babu's performance as the titular character was widely acclaimed. The film also marked the acting debut of [[M. S. Narayana]], who later became one of Telugu cinema's most celebrated comedians.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kavirayani |first=Suresh |date=2015-01-24 |title=Telugu comedian M S Narayana passes away |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/150123/entertainment-tollywood/article/telugu-comedian-m-s-narayana-passes-away-0 |access-date=2024-12-14 |website=[[Deccan Chronicle]] |language=en |archive-date=27 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240527030841/https://www.deccanchronicle.com/150123/entertainment-tollywood/article/telugu-comedian-m-s-narayana-passes-away-0 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite news |last=Hemanth Kumar |date=23 January 2015 |title=MS Narayana loved his drink |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/ms-narayana-loved-his-drink/articleshow/45993927.cms |access-date=2024-12-14 |work=[[The Times of India]] |archive-date=27 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150127064815/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/MS-Narayana-loved-his-drink/articleshow/45993927.cms |url-status=live }}</ref>

== Plot ==
The film follows the rise of M. Dharmaraju, a shrewd man who transitions from a lazy individual to a powerful, corrupt politician. Initially assisting a politician (Satyanarayana), he wins a [[Member of the Legislative Assembly (India)|legislative seat]] and becomes increasingly arrogant and ruthless. Dharmaraju's son, Satyam, raised unknowingly about his father's deeds, seeks revenge upon discovering the truth about Dharmaraju's past. As Dharmaraju's corrupt actions intensify, Satyam, now a police officer, challenges him, ultimately confronting his father and ending his reign by killing him.

== Cast ==
{{Cast listing|
* [[Mohan Babu]] as M. Dharmaraju and Satyam (dual role)
* [[Rambha (actress)|Rambha]] as Seetha
* [[Surbhi Javeri Vyas|Surabhi]] as Thulasi
* [[Kaikala Satyanarayana]]
* [[Sujatha (actress)|Sujatha]]
* [[Annapurna (actress)|Annapurna]]
* [[Sri Lakshmi (actress)|Sri Lakshmi]]
* Saraswati
* Anuja
* Baby Sudeepa
* [[Mallikarjuna Rao (actor)|Mallikarjuna Rao]]
* [[Rallapalli (actor)|Rallapalli]]
* [[P. L. Narayana]]
* [[Sakshi Ranga Rao]]
* [[Nalinikanth]]
* [[M. V. S. Haranatha Rao]]
* [[Potti Prasad]]
* Kota Sankara Rao
* [[M. S. Narayana]] (debut)<ref name=":1" />
* [[Ironleg Sastri]]
* [[Raghunatha Reddy]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thehansindia.com/cinema/an-actor-par-excellence-661445|title=An actor par excellence!|work=[[The Hans India]]|first=HVRS|last=Prasad|date=12 December 2020|access-date=14 February 2020}}</ref>
* Juttu Narasimham
}}

== Production ==
{{Quote box
| quote = Ravi Raja Pinisetty forced me to play a small role in ''M. Dharmaraju M.A.'' against my wishes. He firmly believed I had great potential as an actor, and because of him, I am now successful. Sometimes, life forces you to change direction against your will, but it will be beneficial in the long run.
| source = M. S. Narayana<ref name=123T/>
| width = 30%
}}
''M. Dharmaraju M.A.'' was directed by [[Ravi Raja Pinisetty]], who also wrote the screenplay. The film is a remake of the 1994 Tamil film ''[[Amaidhipadai]]''.<ref name=":0" /> It was produced by Jonnada Ramana Murthy and presented by G. K. Reddy, the father of actor [[Vishal (actor)|Vishal]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=10 October 2006 |title=Chitchat with Vishal |url=https://www.idlebrain.com/news/2000march20/chitchat-vishal.html |access-date=2024-12-14 |website=[[Idlebrain.com]] |archive-date=12 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241112205339/https://www.idlebrain.com/news/2000march20/chitchat-vishal.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=10 July 2006 |title=Pandem Kodi Pressmeet |url=https://www.idlebrain.com/news/functions/pressmeet-pandemkodi.html |access-date=2024-12-14 |website=[[Idlebrain.com]] |archive-date=6 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181006230857/http://www.idlebrain.com/news/functions/pressmeet-pandemkodi.html |url-status=live }}</ref> [[M. V. S. Haranatha Rao]], who appeared in a supporting role, wrote the dialogues for the film.

[[M. S. Narayana]], initially a writer, contributed to the comedy track in the film.<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7p0gQha2UwA&t=118s |title=M Dharmaraju MA Telugu Full Length Movie |time=1:58 |access-date=2024-12-15 |via=YouTube}}</ref> Director Ravi Raja Pinisetty, seeking an actor with a distinct appearance described as "Dosakai Mokham" (cucumber face), cast Narayana, who was then working as a writer, after an assistant suggested his name.<ref name=":1" /> Although hesitant to act, Narayana accepted the role following Pinisetty's encouragement. This marked his acting debut and became a defining moment, leading to his rise as one of Telugu cinema's most celebrated comedians.<ref name="123T">{{Cite web |date=2012-06-18 |title=The man behind M.S.Narayana's acting debut |url=https://www.123telugu.com/mnews/the-man-behind-m-s-narayanas-acting-debut.html |access-date=2024-12-14 |website=[[123Telugu.com]] |language=en |archive-date=2 September 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120902014715/http://www.123telugu.com/mnews/the-man-behind-m-s-narayanas-acting-debut.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":1" />

== Music ==
{{Infobox album
| name = M. Dharmaraju M.A.
| type = Soundtrack
| artist = [[Raj–Koti]]
| cover =
| alt =
| caption = Soundtrack album cover
| released = {{Start date|df=yes|1994}}
| recorded = 1994
| venue =
| studio =
| genre = [[Film soundtrack|Feature film soundtrack]]
| length = {{Duration|m=24|s=}}
| label = [[Aditya Music]]
| producer = Raj–Koti
| prev_title =
| prev_year =
| next_title =
| next_year =
}}
The music for ''M. Dharmaraju M.A.'' was composed by [[Raj–Koti]], with lyrics written by [[Sirivennela Seetharama Sastry]]. Audio soundtrack was released on [[Aditya Music]] label.<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jIv82mODTgY |title=M Dharmaraju MA (యమ్ ధర్మరాజు MA) Telugu Movie Full Songs Jukebox |publisher=[[Aditya Music]] |access-date=2024-12-15 |via=YouTube |archive-date=15 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241215070345/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jIv82mODTgY&gl=US&hl=en |url-status=live }} Credits in video description.</ref>

Source:<ref>{{Citation |title=M. Dharmaraju M.A. - All Songs |url=https://www.jiosaavn.com/album/m.-dharmaraju-m.a./oG0lqUbj-JU_ |access-date=2024-12-15 |publisher=[[JioSaavn]] |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Citation |title=M. Dharma Raju M. A. (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) |url=https://music.apple.com/in/album/m-dharma-raju-m-a-original-motion-picture-soundtrack-ep/1041882465 |access-date=2024-12-15 |publisher=[[Apple Music]] |language=en-GB}}</ref>

{{track listing
| headline = Track list
| extra_column = Singer(s)
| total_length = 24:00
| title1 = Em Papa
| length1 = 03:56
| lyrics1 = [[Sirivennela Seetharama Sastry]]
| extra1 = [[S. P. Balasubrahmanyam]], [[K. S. Chithra]]
| title2 = Varevva Varahala
| length2 = 04:46
| lyrics2 = Sirivennela Seetharama Sastry
| extra2 = [[Mano (singer)|Mano]], K. S. Chithra
| title3 = Erra Errani Kurradhana
| length3 = 04:41
| lyrics3 = Sirivennela Seetharama Sastry
| extra3 = S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, K. S. Chithra
| title4 = Oppuko Sundari
| length4 = 05:01
| lyrics4 = Sirivennela Seetharama Sastry
| extra4 = Mano
| title5 = Sarasakura Dora
| length5 = 05:36
| lyrics5 = Sirivennela Seetharama Sastry
| extra5 = S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, [[Malgudi Subha]]
}}

== Reception ==
''M. Dharmaraju M.A.'' was released on 11 November 1994. Mohan Babu's performance as the title character received praise for his portrayal. However, the film failed at the box office.<ref>{{cite web |last=Sri |date=15 July 2010 |title=Interview: Ravi Raja Pinisetty |url=http://www.telugucinema.com/c/publish/stars/interview_ravirajapinishetty2010_2.php |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101231093834/http://www.telugucinema.com/c/publish/stars/interview_ravirajapinishetty2010_2.php |archive-date=31 December 2010 |access-date=15 December 2024 |website=[[Telugucinema.com]] |page=2}}</ref>

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
* {{IMDb title|id=tt1431723}}
{{Ravi Raja Pinisetty}}

[[Category:1994 Indian films]]
[[Category:1990s political drama films]]
[[Category:1990s political satire films]]
[[Category:1994 Telugu-language films]]
[[Category:1994 films]]
[[Category:Fictional portrayals of the Andhra Pradesh Police]]
[[Category:Films about corruption in India]]
[[Category:Films about patricide]]
[[Category:Films directed by Ravi Raja Pinisetty]]
[[Category:Films scored by Raj–Koti]]
[[Category:Indian political satire films]]
[[Category:Telugu remakes of Tamil films]]

M. Dharmaraju M.A. - Revision history

TeresitaBunch at 13:26, 14 April 2026