Adavi Ramudu (1977 film): Difference between revisions

What links here Related changes Page information Get shortened URL
Created by JJMC89 bot III
Last edited March 4, 2026
← Older edit
VisualWikitext
WikiDwarfBOT (talk | contribs)
Bots, trusted
8,493 edits
m add location
m cleaned up content per standard format and added references
 
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Short description|1977 Indian film by K. Raghavendra Rao}}
{{for|2004 Telugu film|Adavi Ramudu (2004 film)}}
{{for|2004 Telugu film|Adavi Ramudu (2004 film)}}
{{EngvarB|date=January 2021}}
{{EngvarB|date=January 2021}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2021}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2021}}
{{Infobox film
{{Infobox film
| location = India
| name          = Adavi Ramudu
| name          = Adavi Ramudu
| image          = Adavi Ramudu 1977.jpg
| image          = Adavi Ramudu 1977.jpg
| caption        = Theatrical release poster
| caption        = Theatrical release poster
| writer        = [[Jandhyala Subramanya Sastry|Jandhyala]] {{small|(dialogues)}}
| writer        = '''Story''':<br/>Satya Chitra Unit<br/>'''Screenplay''':<br/>K. Raghavendra Rao<br/>'''Dialogues''':<br/>[[Jandhyala]]
| story          = Satya Chitra Unit
| producer      = Satyanarayana<br/>Suryanarayana
| screenplay    = K. Raghavendra Rao
| producer      = Satyanarayana<br />Suryanarayana
| director      = [[K. Raghavendra Rao]]
| director      = [[K. Raghavendra Rao]]
| starring      = [[N. T. Rama Rao]] <br />[[Jayaprada]] <br />[[Jayasudha]]
| starring      = [[N. T. Rama Rao]]<br/>[[Jayaprada]]<br/>[[Jayasudha]]
| music          = [[K. V. Mahadevan]]
| music          = [[K. V. Mahadevan]]
| cinematography = [[A. Vincent]]
| cinematography = [[A. Vincent]]
| editing        = [[Kotagiri Venkateswara Rao]]<br />Kotagiri Gopala
| editing        = [[Kotagiri Venkateswara Rao]]<br/>Kotagiri Gopala Rao
| studio        = Satya Chitra
| studio        = Satya Chitra
| released      = {{start date|1977|4|28|df=y}}
| released      = {{Film date|1977|4|28|df=y}}
| runtime        = 143 mins
| runtime        = 143 mins
| country        = India
| country        = India
Line 23: Line 21:
}}
}}


'''''Adavi Ramudu''''' ({{translation|Forest Ramu}})  is a 1977 Indian [[Telugu language|Telugu]]-language [[action film]] produced by Satyanarayana and Suryanarayana and directed by [[K. Raghavendra Rao]]. The film stars [[N. T. Rama Rao]], [[Jaya Prada]] and [[Jayasudha]], with musical score by [[K. V. Mahadevan]]. The grand success of the 1973 [[Kannada]] film ''[[Gandhada Gudi]]'' prompted NTR to work on a script based on forest backdrop which resulted in this movie.<ref name="adaviramudu" /><ref name="Kartavya" />
'''''Adavi Ramudu''''' ({{translation|Forest Ramu}})  is a 1977 Indian [[Telugu language|Telugu]]-language [[action film]] directed by [[K. Raghavendra Rao]], who also wrote the screenplay. The film stars [[N. T. Rama Rao]], [[Jaya Prada|Jayaprada]] and [[Jayasudha]], with supporting roles played by [[Nagabhushanam (actor)|Nagabhushanam]], [[Kaikala Satyanarayana|Satyanarayana]], [[Gummadi (actor)|Gummadi]] and [[Jaggayya]].<ref name="adaviramudu">{{cite web |title=Retrospect: Adavi Ramudu (1977) |url=http://www.telugucinema.com/c/publish/movieretrospect/retro_adaviramudu.php |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120102153803/http://www.telugucinema.com/c/publish/movieretrospect/retro_adaviramudu.php |archive-date=2 January 2012 |access-date=15 December 2011 |website=[[Telugucinema.com]] |page=1}}</ref> The film was edited by [[Kotagiri Venkateswara Rao]], with music composed by [[K. V. Mahadevan]] and cinematography by [[A. Vincent]].<ref name="adaviramudu" />


This film won the [[Filmfare Best Film Award (Telugu)]]. It was recorded as the highest grossing Telugu film of the 1970s until its record was broken by the 1981 film ''[[Premabhishekam (1981 film)|Premabhisekham]]''.
Released on 28 April 1977, ''Adavi Ramudu'' received positive reviews and became an ''Industry'' ''Hit'', running for 366 days in theatres. It won the [[Filmfare Award for Best Film – Telugu]] and re-established N. T. Rama Rao as a leading star in Telugu cinema.<ref name="Kartavya">{{cite news |date=15 December 2016 |title=Kartavya (1979) |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/Kartavya-1979/article16833496.ece |access-date=13 January 2021 |work=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref> The film was a major breakthrough for director K. Raghavendra Rao, helping him gain prominence in the industry. It was the highest-grossing Telugu film of the 1970s until the record was surpassed by ''[[Premabhishekam (1981 film)|Premabhisekham]]'' in 1981.<ref name="cinegoer.com">{{cite web |date=17 January 2007 |title='Adavi Ramudu' Shares At Various Centres |url=http://www.cinegoer.com/adaviramudushares.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070213032052/http://www.cinegoer.com/adaviramudushares.htm |archive-date=13 February 2007 |access-date=13 February 2007 |website=Cinegoer}}</ref>


== Plot ==
==Plot==
Dharma Raju (Nagabhushanam) and his son Nagaraju (Satyanarayana) run a smuggling and illegal transport racket of forest produce. Ramu ([[N.T. Rama Rao]]) opposes and raises the villagers to fight against him. Padma (Jayaprada) who is the daughter of forest officer (Jaggayya) loves him. One tribal lady Chilakamma (Jayasudha) also loves Ramu as a brother. Dharma Raju takes the help of one Jaggu (Sridhar) to send Ramu away from the forest. The second half of the film reveals that Ramu is, in fact, a forest officer in a secret mission to investigate the case of forest affairs. The story finally leads to the arrest of all criminals.
Dharma Raju and his son Nagaraju run a smuggling and illegal transport racket of forest produce. Ramu opposes Raju and raises awareness among the villagers to fight against him. Padma, the daughter of the local forest officer, loves Ramu. One tribal lady Chilakamma also loves Ramu as a brother. Dharma Raju takes the help of one Jaggu to send Ramu away from the forest. The second half of the film reveals that Ramu is, in fact, a forest officer in a secret mission to investigate the case of forest affairs. The story finally leads to the arrest of all criminals.


== Cast ==
==Cast==
* [[N. T. Rama Rao]] as Ramu
*[[N. T. Rama Rao]] as Ramu
* [[Jayaprada]] as Padma
*[[Jaya Prada|Jayaprada]] as Padma
* [[Jayasudha]] as Chilakamma
*[[Jayasudha]] as Chilakamma
* [[Nagabhushanam (actor)|Nagabhushanam]] as Dharmaraju
*[[Nagabhushanam (actor)|Nagabhushanam]] as Dharmaraju
* [[Kaikala Satyanarayana|Satyanarayana]] as Nagaraju
*[[Kaikala Satyanarayana|Satyanarayana]] as Nagaraju
* [[Gummadi Venkateswara Rao|Gummadi]] as Raja Shekaram
*[[Gummadi (actor)|Gummadi]] as Raja Shekaram
* [[Jaggayya (actor)|Jaggayya]]
*[[Jaggayya]]
* [[Raja Babu (actor)|Raja Babu]] as Bheemanna
*[[Raja Babu (actor)|Raja Babu]] as Bheemanna
* [[Sreedhar Surapaneni|Sridhar]] as Jaggu
*[[Sreedhar Surapaneni|Sridhar]] as Jaggu
* [[Mada Venkateswara Rao|Mada]]
*[[Mallikarjuna Rao (actor)|Mallikarjuna Rao]]
* [[Pandari Bai]]
*[[Mada Venkateswara Rao|Mada]]
* [[Rama Prabha]]
*[[Pandari Bai]]
* [[Kavitha (actress)|Kavitha]]
*[[Rama Prabha]]
* Baby Rohini as Gowri
*[[Kavitha (actress)|Kavitha]]
*Baby Rohini as Gowri
*Shivanandakumar as Venkata Reddy


== Soundtrack ==
==Soundtrack==
{{Infobox album
{{Infobox album
| location = India
|name      = Adavi Ramudu
| name      = Adavi Ramudu
|type      = Soundtrack
| type      = Soundtrack
|artist    = [[K. V. Mahadevan]]
| artist    = [[K. V. Mahadevan]]
|released  = 1977
| cover      =
|genre      = [[Filmi]]
| alt        =
|length    = 27:24
| released  = 1977
|producer  = [[K. V. Mahadevan]]
| recorded  =
| venue      =
| studio    =
| genre      = [[Filmi]]
| length    = 27:24
| label      =
| producer  = [[K. V. Mahadevan]]
| prev_title =
| prev_year  =
| next_title =
| next_year  =
}}
}}


Music composed by [[K. V. Mahadevan]]. Lyrics were written by [[Veturi]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Adavi Ramudu (1977)-Song_Booklet |url=https://indiancine.ma/documents/CJU/info |website=Indiancine.ma |access-date=8 March 2021}}</ref>
The music was composed by [[K. V. Mahadevan]]. Lyrics were written by [[Veturi]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Adavi Ramudu (1977)-Song_Booklet |url=https://indiancine.ma/documents/CJU/info |website=Indiancine.ma |access-date=8 March 2021}}</ref> The song "Aaresukoboyi" was recreated for the 2004 Telugu film also titled ''[[Adavi Ramudu (2004 film)|Adavi Ramudu]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://idlebrain.com/news/2000march20/news246.html|title=Adavi Ramudu on 29 April|website=Idlebrain|access-date=27 September 2025|date=29 March 2004}}</ref>
{|class="wikitable"
{|class="wikitable"
|-
|-
Line 80: Line 69:
|2
|2
|"Ammathodu Abbathodu"
|"Ammathodu Abbathodu"
|SP Balu, [[P. Susheela]], [[S. Janaki]]
|S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, [[P. Susheela]], [[S. Janaki]]
|4:20
|4:20
|-
|-
|3
|3
|"Aarasukoboyi Paaresukunnanu"
|"Aaresukoboyi Paaresukunnanu"
|SP Balu, P. Susheela
|S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, P. Susheela
|4:17
|4:17
|-
|-
|4
|4
|"Ennallakennaallaku Ennellu"
|"Ennallakennaallaku Ennellu"
|SP Balu, P.  Susheela, S. Janaki
|S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, P.  Susheela, S. Janaki
|4:36
|4:36
|-
|-
|5
|5
|"Kuku Kuku Kokilamma"
|"Kuku Kuku Kokilamma"
|SP Balu, P.  Susheela
|S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, P.  Susheela
|4:38
|4:38
|-
|-
|6
|6
|"Choodara Choodara"
|"Choodara Choodara"
|SP Balu, P. Susheela, S. Janaki
|S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, P. Susheela, S. Janaki
|3:29
|3:29
|}
|}


== Production ==
==Production==
The grand success of [[Rajkumar (actor)|Rajkumar]]'s 1972 Kannada movie ''[[Gandhada Gudi]]'' made with a forest backdrop prompted NTR to work on a script and dialogues based on a forest backdrop.<ref name="adaviramudu" /><ref name="Kartavya">{{Cite news |date=15 December 2016 |title=Kartavya (1979) |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/Kartavya-1979/article16833496.ece |access-date=13 January 2021}}</ref> Producer Suryanarayana said, "After a disastrous Prema Bandham, we planned Adavi Ramudu with Ramarao gaaru, and a two-films old Raghavendra Rao. His much-celebrated Jyothi didn't start by that time. But Ramarao gaaru knew KRR well enough from the time Raghavendra Rao assisted 'pouraaNika brahma' Kamalakara Kameswara Rao in Pandava Vanavasamu and agreed readily to do the film. After completing the shooting, he just complemented us saying that shooting of this film shall remain as one of the best memories in his life. The film was such a big success that people of that generation speak volumes of it and feel nostalgic even today, wherever I go. I am really happy that I made such a film with my cousin Satyanarayana".<ref name="adaviramudu">{{Cite web |title=Retrospect: Adavi Ramudu (1977) |url=http://www.telugucinema.com/c/publish/movieretrospect/retro_adaviramudu.php |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120102153803/http://www.telugucinema.com/c/publish/movieretrospect/retro_adaviramudu.php |archive-date=2 January 2012 |access-date=15 December 2011 |website=telugucinema.com |page=1}}</ref>


Satya Chitra banner (of producers Nekkanti Veera Venkata Satyanarayana and Arumilli Suryanarayana) started their first film with Sobhan Babu's ''Tahsildar Gaari Ammaayi'' (12 November 1971), which was based on a serial by Kavilipati Vijayalakshmi in Andhra Prabha titled Vidhi Vinyaasaalu. The film was directed by K.S. Prakasha Rao, father of K. Raghavendra Rao; Raghavendra Rao was an assistant director for that film. The film was one of the big hits in Sobhan Babu's career in which he played a dual role. After that film, they made ''Prema Bandham'' (12 March 1976 – the same day as NTR's Aaradhana) with Sobhan Babu and Vanisree under the direction of K. Viswanath. but it was declared a flop as it could not sustain the craze. (The film was released on the same day or NTR's Aaradhana.)<ref name=adaviramudu />
=== Development ===
The success of [[Dr. Rajkumar|Rajkumar]]'s ''[[Gandhada Gudi]]'' (1972), which had a forest backdrop, inspired [[N. T. Rama Rao]] to pursue a similar theme for his next project.<ref name="adaviramudu" /><ref name="Kartavya" /> After the failure of [[:te:ప్రేమ_బంధం|''Prema Bandham'']] (1976), producers Nekkanti Veera Venkata Satyanarayana and Arumilli Suryanarayana of Satya Chitra banner approached Rama Rao to collaborate on ''Adavi Ramudu''. They chose [[K. Raghavendra Rao]], who had just started his directorial career and was familiar to Rama Rao from assisting [[Kamalakara Kameswara Rao]] on ''[[Pandava Vanavasam]]'' (1965). Rama Rao agreed to the project, and [[Jandhyala]] was brought in to write the script and dialogues.<ref name="adaviramudu" />


When they were planning their next film, they approached Raghavendra Rao to work for them, whom they already knew as an assistant director as he just started taking up direction independently. NTR had already given them dates in September 1976. At that time, [[Rajkumar (actor)|Rajkumar]]'s movie [[Gandhada Gudi]], made with a forest backdrop, went on to be a super hit in Kannada. This prompted the team to suggest that [[Jandhyala Subramanya Sastry]] should work on the script and dialogues based on a forest backdrop.<ref name=adaviramudu />
=== Casting ===
[[Jayasudha]], who had worked with Raghavendra Rao on ''Raja'' (1976), was cast in a significant role, while [[Jaya Prada|Jayaprada]], a rising star following the success of ''[[Siri Siri Muvva]]'' (1976), was chosen as the heroine. Sridhar was selected for another important role opposite Jayasudha. Jayasudha was unaware of playing a secondary role until the last minute, but since she had already agreed to do the film, she just went ahead keeping faith in Raghavendra Rao. Despite receiving positive feedback for her performance, she received letters from fans advising her to avoid second-lead roles in future films.<ref name="adaviramudu" />


Jayasudha, who already worked with K. Raghavendra Rao for his film ''Raja'', was chosen for an important role. Jayaprada was a new sensation in Telugu film industry and a budding artist at that time with her ''Sirisirimuvva'' being a super hit. Thus, she was taken for the heroine role. Sridhar was approached to do an important role opposite Jayasudha. Jayasudha was not aware that she was doing the second role until the last minute, but since she had already agreed to do the film, she just went ahead keeping faith in Raghavendra Rao. She got a lot of letters after the film's release from her fans requesting her to not do a second lead role again in any of her future films, though she had a good role in the movie (People were not aware that she signed this film before she did ''Jyothi'', as ''Jyothi'' hit the screens earlier than ''Adavi Ramudu'' and brought Jayasudha a good name.).<ref name=adaviramudu />
Although Rama Rao had committed to ''Adavi Ramudu'', he was also filming ''[[Daana Veera Soora Karna]]'' (1977) simultaneously and assured the producers that he would provide bulk dates after completing the latter project. The team proceeded with filming, confident in their cast and crew.<ref name="adaviramudu" />


Though he had given the dates for ''Adavi Ramudu'', NTR was doing ''Daana Veera Soora Karna'' at the same time, which he planned to complete before January in order to ready it for Sankranthi release. He called the producers Satyanarayana and Suryanarayana to inform them that he'd give bulk dates once he completed the shooting of ''Daana Veera Soora Karna''.<ref name=adaviramudu />
=== Filming ===
[[File:Jungle_trek,_Wild_planet_resort,_Mudumalai_10.jpg|thumb|Majority of the film was shot in [[Mudumalai National Park|Madumalai forest]].]]The majority of the film was shot in the dense [[Mudumalai National Park|Madumalai forest]], except for the opening scene, which was filmed in a [[Chennai|Madras]] studio on 9 January 1977. ''Adavi Ramudu'' was the first film for which Rama Rao had given dates for more than a month (35 days) outside Madras. It also marked Rama Rao's first colour film shot in [[CinemaScope|Cinemascope]], using a special lens imported from [[Japan]]. Cinematographer [[A. Vincent]], who had previously worked with Rama Rao on [[Sonta Ooru|''Sontha Vooru'']] (1956), returned to collaborate on this film after a long break.<ref name=":0">{{cite web |title=Retrospect: Adavi Ramudu (1977) |url=http://www.telugucinema.com/c/publish/movieretrospect/retro_adaviramudu_2.php |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121130042038/http://www.telugucinema.com/c/publish/movieretrospect/retro_adaviramudu_2.php |archive-date=30 November 2012 |access-date=25 June 2012 |website=[[Telugucinema.com]] |page=2}}</ref>


Except for the opening shot, the movie's filming was done in Madumalai forest. The opening shot was done in Madras in a studio on 9 January 1977. ''Adavi Ramudu'' was the first film for which NTR had given dates for more than a month (35 days) out of Madras. It is NTR's first color film shot in Cinemascope. This was also the first film that used a Cinemascope lens imported from Japan by Prasad Labs (Madras). Earlier Cinemascope films ''Alluri Seetharamaraju'' and ''Kurukshetram'' were done with a lens brought from Mumbai.  Cameraman Vincent first worked with NTR much earlier, for the film ''Sontha Ooru'' produced by Sree Ghantasala, and this was the second film for him with NTR after a long time.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Retrospect: Adavi Ramudu (1977) |url=http://www.telugucinema.com/c/publish/movieretrospect/retro_adaviramudu_2.php |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121130042038/http://www.telugucinema.com/c/publish/movieretrospect/retro_adaviramudu_2.php |archive-date=30 November 2012 |access-date=25 June 2012 |website=telugucinema.com |page=2}}</ref>
Due to the remote location, the production team faced logistical challenges. With only three government guesthouses available, they built new accommodations for the 300-member cast and crew, working for 50 days to set up temporary facilities. Supplies had to be transported daily from [[Mysore]], 250 km away.<ref name=":0" />


There were only three Government Guesthouses in Madumalai forest, and the producers could not accommodate the 300 plus cast and crew in that dense forest. So the producers took carpenters, molders, painters, etc. to the forest, worked for fifty days to build new guesthouses and took special permission for electricity in the middle of the forest. The nearest town or airport was 250&nbsp;km away from the forest, and for every small thing, they had to go all the way to Mysore. Thus, they used to get all of a day's needs each morning from Mysore.
Jayasudha recalled two accidents during filming. In one instance, both she and Jayaprada were thrown from elephants during a scene when the animals were startled by noise from junior artists. They escaped with minor injuries. In another incident, during a chase sequence, a horse cart axle broke, resulting in injuries for both actresses, requiring them to rest for a few days.<ref name=":0" />


Jayasudha recollects two accidents during this shooting: one was while doing a scene where she and Jayaprada were sitting on elephants. Junior artistes were practising a Dappu scene right then, and the elephants got panicked by the noise and threw down both the lead ladies with their trunks. Luckily, they escaped with minor injuries. Another one was a chase scene where she and Jayaprada were chased by villains while they were trying to escape on a horse cart. The cart's axle broke and both of them were injured and were forced to rest for a couple of days.
==Release==
The film was released on 28 April 1977 to positive reviews.<ref name=":1">{{cite web |date=28 April 2005 |title=Adavi Ramudu: 29 years passed but the magic still remains |url=http://www.idlebrain.com/dejavu/adaviramudu.html |website=Idlebrain.com}}</ref>


== Release ==
== Reception ==
The film was released on 28 April 1977 to positive reviews .
''Adavi Ramudu'' was a significant box office success, setting multiple records upon its release. It became the first film to collect more than ₹80 [[lakh]] in its first 50 days and the first to reach ₹1 [[crore]] within 67 days (10 weeks).<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Sri |date=27 November 2008 |title=Retrospect: Adavi Ramudu (1977) |url=http://www.telugucinema.com/c/publish/movieretrospect/retro_adaviramudu_3.php |access-date=2024-09-08 |website=[[Telugucinema.com]] |page=3 |archive-date=3 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111003004119/http://www.telugucinema.com/c/publish/movieretrospect/retro_adaviramudu_3.php |url-status=bot: unknown }}</ref>


The film collected {{INR|83 lakhs}} in its 50 days theatrical run and {{INR|1 crore}} within 67 days which was a then record later broken by NTR's own [[Vetagaadu]] in 1979. The film was the first Telugu film to collect Rs. 3 crores (Rs. 30 million). It had a 100-day run in 32 centres,<ref name="cinegoer.com">{{Cite web |date=17 January 2007 |title='Adavi Ramudu' Shares At Various Centres |url=http://www.cinegoer.com/adaviramudushares.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070213032052/http://www.cinegoer.com/adaviramudushares.htm |archive-date=13 February 2007 |access-date=13 February 2007 |website=Cinegoer}}</ref> a 175-day run in 16 centres,<ref name="cinegoer.com" /> and a 200-day run in 8 centres.<ref name="cinegoer.com" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=22 November 2005 |title=Adavi Ramudu: 29 years passed but the magic still remains |url=http://www.tollywoodinfo.com/modules/wfsection/article.php?articleid=61 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051122103054/http://www.tollywoodinfo.com/modules/wfsection/article.php?articleid=61 |archive-date=22 November 2005 |access-date=8 January 2018 |website=TollywoodInfo}}</ref> The film had a run for 302 days in Apsara theatre, [[Vijayawada]]. The film had a run for 365 days in four centers.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 5, 2006 |title=All Time Long Run (In Direct Centers) List |url=http://www.cinegoer.com/alltimelongrun.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070515123606/http://www.cinegoer.com/alltimelongrun.htm |archive-date=15 May 2007 |access-date=1 May 2007 |website=Cinegoer}}</ref> The film still holds the record for the longest run with regular shows in Secunderabad (161 days). The film collected approximately {{INR|1.4 million}} in its 366 days theatrical run from [[Waltair]], {{INR|274,000}} in its 115 days run from [[Eluru]], {{INR|700,000}} in its total run from [[Kakinada]], {{INR|684,663}} from [[Rajahmundry]], {{INR|13.56 lakhs}} from [[Hyderabad]] , {{INR|2 lakhs}} from [[Srikakulam]], {{INR|302,058}} from a single theatre in [[Kurnool]] and {{INR|335,513}} from its 100 days run in [[Tirupati|Tirupathi]]. In Hyderabad, the film was housefull for 47 days in Andhra Pradesh's then biggest film hall, Venkatesa 70&nbsp;mm where it collected 1.3 million, an amount twice the figure of the previous single theatre record collection. The film had such a euphoria among the people that it created a new unbroken record by completing 100 days theatrical run in two "''shift''" theatres while in Kanaka Mahal theatre at [[Nellore]] where it was very difficult  for a film to get four screenings a day, Adavi Ramudu was screened for five times a day until its 102nd day and held this record for almost nine years until broken by NTR's son, Nandamuri Balakrishna's Seetharama Kalyanam.<ref>{{Cite web |date=28 April 2005 |title=Adavi Ramudu: 29 years passed but the magic still remains |url=http://www.idlebrain.com/dejavu/adaviramudu.html |website=Idlebrain.com}}</ref>
The film completed a 100-day run in 32 centers, a 175-day run in 16 centers, and a 200-day run in 8 centers. It ran for 302 days at Apsara Theatre in Vijayawada and achieved a full-year (365-day) run in four centers, including Hyderabad, Vizag, Tirupati, and Vijayawada.<ref name="cinegoer.com" /> ''Adavi Ramudu'' was the first Indian film to run for a full year in four centres within a single state, breaking the previous record held by ''[[Sholay]]'' (1975), which ran for a year in three centers in Maharashtra.<ref name=":2" />


=== Legacy ===
As of 2008, it still held the record for the longest run in [[Secunderabad]], with 161 days of continuous screenings.<ref name=":1" />
The film re-brought NTR in the league of top heroes of the Telugu film Industry The success of the film made K. Raghavendra Rao an established director in Telugu cinema. The title of the film was used for [[Adavi Ramudu (2004 film)|a 2004 Prabhas starrer movie]].


== Notes ==
== Legacy ==
{{Notelist}}
The film re-brought N. T. Rama Rao into the league of top heroes of the Telugu Film Industry. The success of the film made K. Raghavendra Rao an established director in Telugu Cinema. The title of the film was used for a [[Adavi Ramudu (2004 film)|2004 film]].


== References ==
==Awards==
{{reflist}}
* [[Filmfare Award for Best Film - Telugu]] - N. V. V. Satyanarayana (1977)
* [[Nandi Award for Best Cinematographer]] - [[A. Vincent]] (1977)<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://ipr.ap.nic.in/New_Links/Film.pdf|title=నంది అవార్డు విజేతల పరంపర (1964–2008)|trans-title=A series of Nandi Award Winners (1964–2008)|publisher=[[Andhra Pradesh (magazine)|Information & Public Relations of Andhra Pradesh]]|access-date=21 August 2020}}(in [[Telugu language|Telugu]])</ref>


== External links ==
==References==
* {{IMDb title|0257362|Adavi Ramudu}}
{{Reflist}}
 
==External links==
*{{IMDb title|0257362}}


{{Filmfare Best Telugu Film}}
{{Filmfare Best Telugu Film}}
{{Jandhyala Subramanya Sastry}}
{{Jandhyala}}
{{K. Raghavendra Rao}}
{{K. Raghavendra Rao}}


[[Category:1977 films]]
[[Category:1977 films]]
[[Category:Telugu-language films]]
[[Category:1977 action films]]
[[Category:Indian films]]
[[Category:Films directed by K. Raghavendra Rao]]
[[Category:Films directed by K. Raghavendra Rao]]
[[Category:Films scored by K. V. Mahadevan]]
[[Category:Films scored by K. V. Mahadevan]]
[[Category:Films set in forests]]
[[Category:Films set in forests]]
[[Category:1970s Telugu-language films]]
[[Category:1977 Telugu-language films]]
[[Category:1977 Indian films]]

Latest revision as of 01:51, 4 March 2026


For 2004 Telugu film, see Adavi Ramudu (2004 film).

Adavi Ramudu
Theatrical release poster
Directed byK. Raghavendra Rao
Produced bySatyanarayana
Suryanarayana
Written byStory:
Satya Chitra Unit
Screenplay:
K. Raghavendra Rao
Dialogues:
Jandhyala
StarringN. T. Rama Rao
Jayaprada
Jayasudha
Music byK. V. Mahadevan
CinematographyA. Vincent
Edited byKotagiri Venkateswara Rao
Kotagiri Gopala Rao
Production
company
Satya Chitra
Release date
  • 28 April 1977 (1977-04-28)
Running time
143 mins
CountryIndia
LanguageTelugu

Adavi Ramudu (transl. Forest Ramu) is a 1977 Indian Telugu-language action film directed by K. Raghavendra Rao, who also wrote the screenplay. The film stars N. T. Rama Rao, Jayaprada and Jayasudha, with supporting roles played by Nagabhushanam, Satyanarayana, Gummadi and Jaggayya.[1] The film was edited by Kotagiri Venkateswara Rao, with music composed by K. V. Mahadevan and cinematography by A. Vincent.[1]

Released on 28 April 1977, Adavi Ramudu received positive reviews and became an Industry Hit, running for 366 days in theatres. It won the Filmfare Award for Best Film – Telugu and re-established N. T. Rama Rao as a leading star in Telugu cinema.[2] The film was a major breakthrough for director K. Raghavendra Rao, helping him gain prominence in the industry. It was the highest-grossing Telugu film of the 1970s until the record was surpassed by Premabhisekham in 1981.[3]

Plot[edit | edit source]

Dharma Raju and his son Nagaraju run a smuggling and illegal transport racket of forest produce. Ramu opposes Raju and raises awareness among the villagers to fight against him. Padma, the daughter of the local forest officer, loves Ramu. One tribal lady Chilakamma also loves Ramu as a brother. Dharma Raju takes the help of one Jaggu to send Ramu away from the forest. The second half of the film reveals that Ramu is, in fact, a forest officer in a secret mission to investigate the case of forest affairs. The story finally leads to the arrest of all criminals.

Cast[edit | edit source]

Soundtrack[edit | edit source]

Adavi Ramudu
Soundtrack album by
K. V. Mahadevan
Released1977
GenreFilmi
Length27:24
ProducerK. V. Mahadevan

The music was composed by K. V. Mahadevan. Lyrics were written by Veturi.[4] The song "Aaresukoboyi" was recreated for the 2004 Telugu film also titled Adavi Ramudu.[5]

S. No Song title Singers length
1 "Krushi Vunte Manushulu Rushulautaru" S. P. Balasubrahmanyam 6:07
2 "Ammathodu Abbathodu" S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, P. Susheela, S. Janaki 4:20
3 "Aaresukoboyi Paaresukunnanu" S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, P. Susheela 4:17
4 "Ennallakennaallaku Ennellu" S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, P. Susheela, S. Janaki 4:36
5 "Kuku Kuku Kokilamma" S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, P. Susheela 4:38
6 "Choodara Choodara" S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, P. Susheela, S. Janaki 3:29

Production[edit | edit source]

Development[edit | edit source]

The success of Rajkumar's Gandhada Gudi (1972), which had a forest backdrop, inspired N. T. Rama Rao to pursue a similar theme for his next project.[1][2] After the failure of Prema Bandham (1976), producers Nekkanti Veera Venkata Satyanarayana and Arumilli Suryanarayana of Satya Chitra banner approached Rama Rao to collaborate on Adavi Ramudu. They chose K. Raghavendra Rao, who had just started his directorial career and was familiar to Rama Rao from assisting Kamalakara Kameswara Rao on Pandava Vanavasam (1965). Rama Rao agreed to the project, and Jandhyala was brought in to write the script and dialogues.[1]

Casting[edit | edit source]

Jayasudha, who had worked with Raghavendra Rao on Raja (1976), was cast in a significant role, while Jayaprada, a rising star following the success of Siri Siri Muvva (1976), was chosen as the heroine. Sridhar was selected for another important role opposite Jayasudha. Jayasudha was unaware of playing a secondary role until the last minute, but since she had already agreed to do the film, she just went ahead keeping faith in Raghavendra Rao. Despite receiving positive feedback for her performance, she received letters from fans advising her to avoid second-lead roles in future films.[1]

Although Rama Rao had committed to Adavi Ramudu, he was also filming Daana Veera Soora Karna (1977) simultaneously and assured the producers that he would provide bulk dates after completing the latter project. The team proceeded with filming, confident in their cast and crew.[1]

Filming[edit | edit source]

Majority of the film was shot in Madumalai forest.

The majority of the film was shot in the dense Madumalai forest, except for the opening scene, which was filmed in a Madras studio on 9 January 1977. Adavi Ramudu was the first film for which Rama Rao had given dates for more than a month (35 days) outside Madras. It also marked Rama Rao's first colour film shot in Cinemascope, using a special lens imported from Japan. Cinematographer A. Vincent, who had previously worked with Rama Rao on Sontha Vooru (1956), returned to collaborate on this film after a long break.[6]

Due to the remote location, the production team faced logistical challenges. With only three government guesthouses available, they built new accommodations for the 300-member cast and crew, working for 50 days to set up temporary facilities. Supplies had to be transported daily from Mysore, 250 km away.[6]

Jayasudha recalled two accidents during filming. In one instance, both she and Jayaprada were thrown from elephants during a scene when the animals were startled by noise from junior artists. They escaped with minor injuries. In another incident, during a chase sequence, a horse cart axle broke, resulting in injuries for both actresses, requiring them to rest for a few days.[6]

Release[edit | edit source]

The film was released on 28 April 1977 to positive reviews.[7]

Reception[edit | edit source]

Adavi Ramudu was a significant box office success, setting multiple records upon its release. It became the first film to collect more than ₹80 lakh in its first 50 days and the first to reach ₹1 crore within 67 days (10 weeks).[8]

The film completed a 100-day run in 32 centers, a 175-day run in 16 centers, and a 200-day run in 8 centers. It ran for 302 days at Apsara Theatre in Vijayawada and achieved a full-year (365-day) run in four centers, including Hyderabad, Vizag, Tirupati, and Vijayawada.[3] Adavi Ramudu was the first Indian film to run for a full year in four centres within a single state, breaking the previous record held by Sholay (1975), which ran for a year in three centers in Maharashtra.[8]

As of 2008, it still held the record for the longest run in Secunderabad, with 161 days of continuous screenings.[7]

Legacy[edit | edit source]

The film re-brought N. T. Rama Rao into the league of top heroes of the Telugu Film Industry. The success of the film made K. Raghavendra Rao an established director in Telugu Cinema. The title of the film was used for a 2004 film.

Awards[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 "Retrospect: Adavi Ramudu (1977)". Telugucinema.com. p. 1. Archived from the original on 2 January 2012. Retrieved 15 December 2011.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 "Kartavya (1979)". The Hindu. 15 December 2016. Retrieved 13 January 2021.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 "'Adavi Ramudu' Shares At Various Centres". Cinegoer. 17 January 2007. Archived from the original on 13 February 2007. Retrieved 13 February 2007.
  4. ↑ "Adavi Ramudu (1977)-Song_Booklet". Indiancine.ma. Retrieved 8 March 2021.
  5. ↑ "Adavi Ramudu on 29 April". Idlebrain. 29 March 2004. Retrieved 27 September 2025.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 "Retrospect: Adavi Ramudu (1977)". Telugucinema.com. p. 2. Archived from the original on 30 November 2012. Retrieved 25 June 2012.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 "Adavi Ramudu: 29 years passed but the magic still remains". Idlebrain.com. 28 April 2005.
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 Sri (27 November 2008). "Retrospect: Adavi Ramudu (1977)". Telugucinema.com. p. 3. Archived from the original on 3 October 2011. Retrieved 8 September 2024.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  9. ↑ "నంది అవార్డు విజేతల పరంపర (1964–2008)" [A series of Nandi Award Winners (1964–2008)] (PDF). Information & Public Relations of Andhra Pradesh. Retrieved 21 August 2020.(in Telugu)

External links[edit | edit source]

Retrieved from "https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Adavi_Ramudu_(1977_film)&oldid=469816"
Discover more