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{{short description|1993 film by Bapu}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2015}}
{{Use Indian English|date=December 2015}}
{{Infobox film
| name = Srinatha Kavi Sarvabhoumudu
| image = Srinatha Kavi Sarvabhowmudu.jpg
| caption = Theatrical release poster
| writer = [[Mullapudi Venkata Ramana]] {{small|(Screenplay & dialogues)}}
| producer = Nandamuri Rama Krishna
| director = [[Bapu (director)|Bapu]]
| starring = [[N. T. Rama Rao]] [[Jayasudha]] [[Rajendra Prasad (actor)|Rajendra Prasad]]
| music = [[K. V. Mahadevan]] [[Pukazhenthi|Puhalendi]]
| cinematography = [[Nandamuri Mohana Krishna]]
| editing = Dasineni Subhash P. Suryanarayana
| studio = Srimathi Movie Combines
| based_on = {{Based on|''Kavi Sarvabhoumudu'' and ''Kavidvayamu''|Nori Narasimha Sastry}}
| released = {{Film date|df=y|1993|10|21}}
| runtime = 150 minutes
| country = India
| language = Telugu
| budget = ₹3 [[crore]]<ref name=":5" />
| gross =
}}

'''''Srinatha Kavi Sarvabhoumudu''''' ({{translation|Srinatha, the universal monarch of poets}}) is a 1993 [[Telugu language|Telugu]]-language [[biographical film]] directed by [[Bapu (director)|Bapu]] and written by [[Mullapudi Venkata Ramana]]. The film depicts the life of the 15th-century Telugu poet [[Srinatha]] and is based on the novels ''Kavi Sarvabhoumudu'' and ''Kavidvayamu'' by Nori Narasimha Sastry.<ref name=":4">{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DzxkHJ0qDA8&t=180s |title=శ్రీనాధ కవి సార్వభౌమా తెలుగు మూవీ Part 01/14 |last= |publisher=Shalimar Movies |time=3:00 |access-date=2024-12-30 |via=YouTube}}</ref> Produced by Nandamuri Rama Krishna, the film stars [[N. T. Rama Rao]] in the title role, alongside [[Jayasudha]], [[Kaikala Satyanarayana]], [[Rajendra Prasad (actor)|Rajendra Prasad]], [[Mikkilineni (actor)|Mikkilineni]], and [[Gummadi (actor)|Gummadi]] in supporting roles. The music was composed by [[K. V. Mahadevan]] and [[Pukazhenthi|Puhalendi]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Srinatha Kavi Sarvabhowmudu (1993) |url=https://indiancine.ma/AIGN/info |access-date=2024-12-30 |website=Indiancine.ma}}</ref>

Filming took place in locations including [[Rajahmundry]], [[Polavaram, Eluru district|Polavaram]], and [[Pattiseema]] along the [[Godavari River]]. The film was released in October 1993 but did not achieve commercial success.<ref name=":5" /> It was the final film featuring N. T. Rama Rao to release, although his last performance was in [[Major Chandrakanth (1993 film)|''Major Chandrakanth'']] (1993), which was released prior to this film.<ref name=":7" />

== Plot ==
The film begins at the [[Kondaveedu Fort|Kondaveedu]] court, where King [[Reddi Kingdom|Peda Komati Vema Reddi]] is instructed by Emperor Prouda Devaraya of Vidyanagaram to challenge his royal scholar, Gowda Dindima Bhattu, who has defeated poets throughout the kingdom. Poets who lose must bow before Bhattu, while those who win have the right to break his golden drum, a symbol of his heritage. To defend his kingdom's honour, Vema Reddi enlists the talented poet [[Srinatha]], who swears an oath before the Kondaveedu family deity's sword, Nandikanta Potaraju Katari, and sets off on his mission.

Srinatha, a hedonistic poet who enjoys an extravagant life with his devoted wife Sridevi, begins his journey with stops for pilgrimage and flirtatious poetry. Along the way, he meets his brother-in-law [[Pothana]], a natural poet, and invites him to join his lavish lifestyle. Pothana, however, declines, content with his simple life as a farmer.

During a stop in a village, a deceitful chieftain, Karanam Nagayya, attempts to embezzle funds allocated for Srinatha’s hospitality. When his scheme is exposed, Nagayya is punished, leading him to seek revenge. He incites Raja Vallabharaya, a subordinate of the emperor, against Srinatha. However, Vallabharaya, impressed by Srinatha’s intellect, becomes his admirer. Consequently, Srinatha mentions Vallabharaya in his works ''Kridabhinamam'', ''Naladamayanthi'', and ''Srungara Naishadham''.

Srinatha eventually arrives at Vidyanagaram, where Dindima Bhattu and his disciples mock his literary skills. Seeking a fair challenge, Srinatha befriends royal ambassador Sarparaya Telunga, who arranges a competition at the emperor’s court. Srinatha defeats Dindima Bhattu, breaks the golden drum, and earns the title "Kavi Sarvabhouma" (Emperor of Poets). The scholarly committee acknowledges Srinatha's unique contributions to literature, awarding him gold for his excellence.

Meanwhile, Vema Reddi is betrayed by Singa Bhupaludu of [[Rachakonda Fort|Rachakonda]], who seizes the imperial sword. Srinatha retrieves the sword through his literary talents but finds Kondaveedu in decline, with the prince, Chinna Vema Reddi, indulging in debauchery. Disillusioned, Srinatha abandons his wealth and status, choosing a humble life.

Over time, Srinatha becomes a wanderer, seeking patronage from various kings but finding none. He arrives in [[Palnadu]] and mocks its terrain, prompting Chennakesava to appear in the form of a child and inspire him to document their history in the ''Palanati Veeracharitra''. Eventually, Srinatha settles in a village, where Nagayya, still seeking vengeance, subjects him to humiliation and torture. When Nagayya is overthrown by a public uprising, Srinatha, now weary of life, decides to end his own. Sridevi dies in his lap, and Srinatha takes his own life by drowning. The film concludes with Srinatha's spirit ascending to the heavens.

== Cast ==
Source:<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |title=Srinatha Kavi Sarvabhowmudu (1993) Review |url=https://indiancine.ma/documents/JRY/0,314,3114,1750 |access-date=2024-12-30 |website=Indiancine.ma}}</ref>
* [[N. T. Rama Rao]] as [[Srinatha]]
* [[Jayasudha]] as Sridevi
* [[Kaikala Satyanarayana|Satyanarayana]] as Gowda Dindima Bhattu
* [[Mikkilineni (actor)|Mikkilineni]] as Pedakomati Vema Reddi
* [[Gummadi (actor)|Gummadi]] as Singa Bhupaludu
* [[Gadde Rajendra Prasad|Rajendra Prasad]] as Raja Vallabharaya / [[Nala]]
* [[Rallapalli (actor)|Rallapalli]] as Kanamam Nagayya
* [[Amanchi Venkata Subrahmanyam|A.V.S.]] as a Tamil poet
* [[Gundu Sudarshan]] as Ganapathi
* Bhavani Shankar as [[Pothana]]
* Raja as Yuvaraju
* Mallik Babu as Duggana
* [[Aamani]] as [[Damayanti]]
* Divyavani
* Sindhuja as [[cameo appearance|Special appearance]]
* [[Disco Shanti]] in an [[item number]]

== Production ==

=== Early efforts ===
[[N. T. Rama Rao]] had a long-standing ambition to portray the celebrated Telugu poet [[Srinatha]] on screen. The idea first emerged in 1966 when Bharat Films produced ''Bhakta Pothana'' under the direction of G. Ramineedu. Rama Rao was initially approached to play Srinatha in the film.<ref name=":5" /> He expressed a strong commitment to the role, requesting six months to study Srinatha's life and immerse himself in the poet’s customs and lifestyle. Rama Rao also proposed shaving his head for authenticity and completing the film within two months after preparation. However, the filmmakers hesitated and suggested using a [[wig]] instead, leading Rama Rao to decline the role.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |date=2023-01-08 |title=NTR: ఆ కోరికను అలా తీర్చుకున్న ఎన్టీఆర్‌ |url=https://www.andhrajyothy.com/2023/navya/ntr-fulfilled-that-wish-986069.html |access-date=2024-12-30 |website=[[Andhra Jyothi]] |language=te}}</ref>

The idea of portraying Srinatha remained significant to Rama Rao throughout his career. In 1983, while serving as the [[Chief minister (India)|chief minister]] of [[Andhra Pradesh]], he planned to produce and direct a film on Srinatha. [[J. V. Raghavulu]] was enlisted as the music director, and [[C. Narayana Reddy]] was assigned to write the lyrics. Some songs were recorded during the early stages of production. However, political pressures and the central government's refusal to grant permission for him to act while holding office led to the project being postponed.<ref name=":5" />

In December 1984, Rama Rao revived the project. Unhappy with the earlier compositions, he replaced J. V. Raghavulu with [[Pendyala (composer)|Pendyala Nageswara Rao]] as the music director and re-recorded the songs with singer [[V. Ramakrishna]].<ref name=":5" /> Rama Rao emphasized his personal connection to the role by taking on the responsibilities of directing and producing the film, which was titled ''Srinatha Kavi Sarvabhoumudu''. C. Narayana Reddy was tasked with writing the dialogues and lyrics. Despite his renewed commitment, the project faced further delays due to Rama Rao’s continued duties as chief minister, especially after his third term began in March 1985.<ref name=":5" />

=== Revival and development ===
After seven years of delay, the project moved forward under the direction of [[Bapu (director)|Bapu]]. Rama Rao collaborated with Bapu and writer [[Mullapudi Venkata Ramana]] for the film. They expressed concerns, noting that Srinatha's life did not provide a large enough narrative to captivate audiences.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=14 February 2022 |title=NTR: నష్టం వచ్చినా పర్వాలేదు |url=https://www.eenadu.net/telugu-news/movies/ntr-about-srinatha-kavi-sarvabhauma/0208/122031517 |access-date=2024-12-30 |website=[[Eenadu]] |language=te}}</ref> They also highlighted the financial risks involved in producing a film about a historical figure who was relatively unknown to the masses. Despite these concerns, Rama Rao remained determined, emphasizing that the film should be made with sincerity. He believed that even if it did not achieve widespread commercial success, it would still resonate with a smaller, appreciative audience.<ref name=":1" />

Following Rama Rao's insistence, the film was produced by his son, Nandamuri Rama Krishna, under the banner of Srimathi Movie Combines.<ref name=":0" /> Bapu directed the film, with Mullapudi Venkata Ramana providing the screenplay and dialogues. The story was based on the novels ''Kavi Sarvabhoumudu'' and ''Kavidvayamu'' by Nori Narasimha Sastry,<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":6" /> which depict the life of Srinatha.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kavisarvabhoumudu by Nori Narasimha Sastry |url=https://emesco.in/ProductDetails.aspx?ProductId=1335&BrandId=380&Name=Kavisarvabhoumudu |access-date=2024-12-30 |website=Emesco Books}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Kavidvayam, Somanatha Vijayam by Nori Narasimha Sastry |url=https://www.logili.com/novels/kavidvayam-somanatha-vijayam-nori-narasimha-sastry/p-7488847-46765387510-cat.html#variant_id=7488847-46765387510 |access-date=2024-12-30 |website=Logili |language=en}}</ref>

=== Filming ===
[[Principal photography]] took place in [[Rajahmundry]], [[Polavaram, Eluru district|Polavaram]], [[Pattiseema]], and other locations along the [[Godavari River]].<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Swathi |date=2015-07-25 |title=Bapu-Ramana with NTR – Not a Fairy Tale beginning, but a Fairy Tale ending - 2 |url=https://www.telugu360.com/bapu-ramana-with-ntr-not-a-fairy-tale-beginning-but-a-fairy-tale-ending-2/ |access-date=2024-12-30 |website=Telugu360 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-05-28 |title=విశ్వ విఖ్యాత రాజకీయ సార్వభౌమ |url=https://www.andhrajyothy.com/2023/andhra-pradesh/west-godavari/ntr-mahanadu-1075163.html |access-date=2024-12-30 |website=[[Andhra Jyothi]] |language=te}}</ref> The cinematography was handled by [[Nandamuri Mohana Krishna]], son of Rama Rao.<ref name=":0" /> The production was completed on a budget of ₹3 [[crore]].<ref name=":5" />

While ''Srinatha Kavi Sarvabhoumudu'' was the last film featuring N. T. Rama Rao to release,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nadadhur |first=Srivathsan |date=29 August 2023 |title=Telugu Language Day: Watch films that celebrate the glory of Telugu on OTT |url=https://www.ottplay.com/news/telugu-language-day-watch-films-that-celebrate-the-glory-of-telugu-on-ott/76c5c9ab26369 |access-date=2024-12-30 |website=[[OTTPlay]] |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Hymavati |first=Ravali |date=2022-11-16 |title=The Demises Of NTR, ANR, Krishnam Raju And Krishna Marks The End Of The Golden Era |url=https://www.thehansindia.com/cinema/the-demises-of-ntr-anr-krishnam-raju-and-krishna-marks-the-end-of-the-golden-era-769402 |access-date=2024-12-30 |website=[[The Hans India]] |language=en}}</ref> it was not his final performance. His last acting role was in [[Major Chandrakanth (1993 film)|''Major Chandrakanth'']] (1993), which was filmed after ''Srinatha Kavi Sarvabhoumudu'' but released earlier.<ref name=":7">{{Cite web |last=Prasanna Pradeep |date=2023-04-23 |title=Major Chandrakanth: నటరత్న చివరి చిత్రం ‘మేజర్ చంద్రకాంత్’! |url=https://ntvtelugu.com/movie-news/thirty-years-celbrations-of-major-chanrakanth-movie-356542.html |access-date=2024-12-30 |website=[[NTV (India)|NTV]] |language=te-IN}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=18 January 2022 |title=NTR Death Anniversary : నేడు అన్న ఎన్టీఆర్ 26వ వర్థంతి.. నటనలో, రాజకీయాల్లో అన్నగారి రూటే సెపరేటు.. |url=https://telugu.news18.com/news/national/ntr-death-anniversary-fans-and-family-pays-respect-to-great-legend-actor-and-politician-today-legendery-actor-26th-death-anniversary-ta-1167422.html |access-date=2024-12-30 |website=[[News18]] |language=te}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=28 May 2022 |title=NTR Jayanthi: ఎన్టీఆర్‌ సినీ చరిత్రలో పదనిసలు |url=https://www.eenadu.net/telugu-news/movies/interesting-facts-on-nandamuri-tarakaramarao-cini-career/0201/122105224 |access-date=2024-12-30 |website=[[Eenadu]] |language=te}}</ref>

[[AVS (actor)|AVS]] and [[Gundu Sudarshan]] were credited as debutants, though they had appeared in minor roles in earlier films.

== Music ==
{{Infobox album
| name = Srinatha Kavi Sarvabhoumudu
| type = film
| artist = [[K. V. Mahadevan]]
| cover =
| alt =
| released = 1993
| recorded =
| venue =
| studio =
| genre = Soundtrack
| length = 62:06
| label = Beats Audio
| producer = [[K. V. Mahadevan]]
| prev_title = Swathi Kiranam
| prev_year = 1992
| next_title = ' ()
| next_year =
}}

The film's music was composed by [[K. V. Mahadevan]] and [[Pukazhenthi|Puhalendi]], with lyrics penned by [[C. Narayana Reddy]]. The soundtrack was released under the Beats Audio label.<ref name=":6" />
{{Track listing
| collapsed =
| headline =
| extra_column = Singer(s)
| total_length = 62:06
| all_writing =
| all_lyrics =
| all_music =
| writing_credits =
| lyrics_credits =
| music_credits =
| title1 = Jejelu Jejelu
| extra1 = [[S. P. Sailaja]]
| length1 = 4:11
| title2 = Naladamayanthi
| extra2 = [[S. P. Balasubrahmanyam]], [[P. Susheela]]
| length2 = 9:06
| title3 = Hara Vilasam
| extra3 = S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, P. Susheela
| length3 = 4:29
| title4 = Abba Oho Yabba
| extra4 = SP Sailaja
| length4 = 4:23
| title5 = Pujarivari Kodalu (Padyam-1)
| extra5 = S. P. Balasubrahmanyam
| length5 = 10:14
| title6 = Tholakari (Padyam-2)
| extra6 = S. P. Balasubrahmanyam
| length6 = 19:48
| title7 = Kantikinidra Vachune (Padyam-3)
| extra7 = S. P. Balasubrahmanyam
| length7 = 6:38
| title8 = NTR Dialogues
| extra8 = NTR
| length8 = 3:17
}}

== Reception ==
The film was released on 21 October 1993<ref name=":0" /> and was a commercial failure.<ref name=":5" /><ref name=":3" />

Devaraju Ravi reviewed the film, calling it a masterpiece. He praised Bapu's direction, N. T. Rama Rao's performance, the dialogues, lyrics, and cinematography. He recommended that every Telugu person watch the film and urged the government to make it tax-free.<ref name=":6" />

== References ==
{{reflist}}
{{Bapu (film director)}}

[[Category:1993 films]]
[[Category:Films directed by Bapu]]
[[Category:Indian biographical films]]
[[Category:Hindu devotional films]]
[[Category:Films scored by K. V. Mahadevan]]
[[Category:1993 Telugu-language films]]

Srinatha Kavi Sarvabhoumudu - Revision history

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