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| {{short description|1962 film by Kamalakara Kameshwara Rao}} | | {{wikt|sa:नर्तनशाला}} |
| {{for|2018 Telugu film|Nartanasala (2018 film)}}
| | '''Nartanasala''' ({{lit|dance theatre}}) may refer to: |
| {{good article}}
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| {{Use dmy dates|date=May 2020}}
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| {{EngvarB|date=May 2020}}
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| {{Infobox film
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| | name = Nartanasala
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| | image = Nartanasala.jpg
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| | alt = Black and white poster featuring the film's ensemble cast.
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| | caption = Theatrical release poster
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| | director = [[Kamalakara Kameswara Rao]]
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| | producer = [[C. Lakshmi Rajyam]]<br />C. Sridhar Rao
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| | writer = [[Samudrala Sr.]]
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| | starring = [[N. T. Rama Rao]]<br />[[Savitri (actress)|Savitri]]<br />[[S. V. Ranga Rao]]<br />[[Relangi (actor)|Relangi]]
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| | music = [[Susarla Dakshinamurthi]]
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| | cinematography = M. A. Rehman
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| | editing = S. P. S. Veerappa
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| | studio = Rajyam Pictures
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| | distributor = Navayuga Films
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| | released = {{film date|1963|10|11|df=y}}
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| | runtime = 174 minutes
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| | country = India
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| | language = Telugu
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| }}
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| '''''Nartanasala''''' ({{translation|The dance pavilion}}) is a 1963 Indian [[Telugu language|Telugu]]-language [[Hindu mythological cinema|Hindu mythological film]] directed by [[Kamalakara Kameswara Rao]]. The film was produced by an actress [[C. Lakshmi Rajyam]] and her husband C. Sridhar Rao under the Rajyam Pictures banner. It stars [[N. T. Rama Rao]], [[Savitri (actress)|Savitri]], [[S. V. Ranga Rao]], and [[Relangi (actor)|Relangi]] while [[Mukkamala]], [[Mikkilineni (actor)|Mikkilineni]] and [[Dandamudi Rajagopal]] play supporting roles among others. [[Susarla Dakshinamurthi]] composed the film's soundtrack and background score. M. A. Rahman and S. P. S. Veerappa served as the cinematographer and editor respectively. T. V. S. Sarma was the film's art director.
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| Based on the ''[[Virata Parva]]'' of the Indian epic ''[[Mahabharata]]'', ''Nartanasala'' focused on the trials of the [[Pandava]]s in the last year of their exile. The Pandavas assumed different identities and lived incognito in [[Virata]]{{'s}} [[Matsya Kingdom]]. The [[Kaurava]]s wished to reveal the Pandavas' real identities so that they would repeat another exile of 13 years in a cyclic fashion. The issues faced by the Pandavas and their wife [[Draupadi]] at Matsya due to various factors, notably Virata's brother-in-law [[Kichaka]] form the rest of the story.
| | * [[Nartanasala (1963 film)|''Nartanasala'' (1963 film)]], an Indian Telugu-language Hindu mythological film |
| | * [[Nartanasala (2018 film)|''Nartanasala'' (2018 film)]], an Indian Telugu-language romantic comedy film |
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| The majority of ''Nartanasala''{{'s}} portions were filmed in the sets erected at [[Vauhini Studios|Vauhini]] and [[Bharani Pictures|Bharani]] studios in Madras (now [[Chennai]]). Produced with a budget of {{INR}}400,000, ''Nartanasala'' was released on 11 October 1963 in 26 centres. The film was a commercial success, completing a 100-day run in 19 centres and a 200-day run in two centres. It was also dubbed into [[Bengali language|Bengali]] and [[Odia language|Odia]] languages. ''Nartanasala'' won the [[National Film Award for Second Best Feature Film]] and the [[Filmfare Award for Best Film – Telugu]]. At the third Afro-Asian Film Festival held at [[Jakarta]] in 1964, ''Nartanasala'' received two awards: best male actor (Ranga Rao) and best art director (Sarma). For the April 2013 centennial of Indian cinema, [[News18]] included ''Nartanasala'' in its list of "The 100 greatest Indian films of all time".
| | ==See also== |
| | *[[Mahabharata (disambiguation)]] |
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| == Plot ==
| | {{disambiguation}} |
| The [[Pandava]]s complete 12 years of forest life as a part of their 13-year exile stipulation of a rigged dice game they were defeated in by the [[Kaurava]]s.{{efn|The [[Pandava]]s are a group of five brothers named [[Yudhishthira]], [[Bhima]], [[Arjuna]], [[Nakula]] and [[Sahadeva]]. They are the protagonists in the epic [[Mahabharata]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=14 October 2008 |title=Why Yudhishthira chose Nakul over the others |work=[[The Times of India]] |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/Why-Yudhishthira-chose-Nakul-over-the-others/articleshow/3592529.cms |access-date=3 May 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150109131433/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/Why-Yudhishthira-chose-Nakul-over-the-others/articleshow/3592529.cms |archive-date=9 January 2015}}</ref> The [[Kaurava]]s are a group of a hundred brothers, and are the Pandavas' cousins. They are the antagonists in the Mahabharata.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Prathi |first=Radha |date=16 December 2014 |title=Bringing up children |work=[[Deccan Herald]] |url=http://www.deccanherald.com/content/447924/bringing-up-children.html |access-date=3 May 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151116063413/http://www.deccanherald.com/content/447924/bringing-up-children.html |archive-date=16 November 2015}}</ref>}} As per the rule, in the 13th year, the Pandavas and their wife [[Draupadi]] have to assume different identities and live incognito until the upcoming [[Vijayadashami]]. In case their real identity is unveiled, they have to repeat their 13-year exile. That would give a chance to the Kauravas to stop the Pandavas from attacking and gaining the reigns of the [[Kuru Kingdom]] for a longer period, and possibly forever. The Pandavas choose the [[Matsya Kingdom]] ruled by [[Virata]], a kind-hearted but weak-spirited king. They hope to find employment in the king's palace.
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| [[Arjuna]], one of the Pandavas, recollects a curse that could help him stay incognito for one year. In the past, Arjuna was felicitated by [[Indra]], the king of deities for gaining the divine weapon, ''Pashupatastra'', from Lord [[Shiva]] through dedicated devotion. The celestial dancer [[Urvashi]] falls in love with Arjuna, but he rejects her advances as he considered her a motherly figure. Feeling insulted, Urvashi cursed him to lose his masculinity and turn into a eunuch. Indra arrived and asked Arjuna to treat this curse as a blessing in disguise as the 13th year is arriving. Taking this into account, Arjuna turns into a transgender dance teacher [[Brihannala]].
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| The remaining assume different identities based on their strengths[[Yudhishthira|{{mdash}}Yudhishthira]] as the advisor and dice player Kankubhattu, [[Bhima]] as the cook Valala, [[Nakula]] as horse groomsman Damagranthi, [[Sahadeva]] as cowherd Tantripala. Draupadi meets Virata's wife [[Sudeshna]] at a temple. She introduces herself as Sairandhri, an ill-fated woman married to five [[Gandharva]]s, and requests a job in her palace. Sudeshna agrees and promises that Sairandhri would never be used to perform unethical tasks and jobs. The Pandavas too join Virata's palace in these disguised forms and perform various duties. The Kauravas are in search of the Pandavas and their cousin [[Krishna]] learns about this. Arjuna's son [[Abhimanyu]] wishes to convey the same to the Pandavas and Krishna reluctantly agrees. Before sending him to Matsya, Krishna warns Abhimanyu not to reveal his real identity. Abhimanyu falls in love with Virata's daughter [[Uttarā (Mahabharata)|Uttaraa]] but does not reveal any details of his. Brihannala, who teaches dance to Uttara, learns this and is happy. Uttara's brother [[Uttara (Mahabharata)|Uttara Kumara]] too, wishes to see their alliance turn into a reality and waits for the opportunity.
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| Sudeshna's brother and Matsya's chief army commander [[Kichaka]] returns victorious from a conquest. Kichaka sees Sairandhri and is mesmerized by her beauty. He warns Sudeshna of dire consequences if Sairandhri does not willingly submit herself for unison. As Kichaka is the supreme power of Matsya, Virata and Sudeshna do not dare to oppose him. Sairandhri warns and pleads to Kichaka several times, which bear no result. One night, Valala disguises himself as a woman and waits in the dance hall. Believing the woman to be Sairandhri, Kichaka enters the hall and is killed by Valala. Valala also kills Kichaka's hundred brothers who attempt to kill Sairandhri by making her perform [[Sati (practice)|Sati]] with Kichaka's corpse.
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| The Kauravas learn about Kichaka's death due to a woman married to five Gandharvas in mysterious circumstances. They suspect that the Pandavas are hidden in Matsya and launch an attack on the kingdom's cattle. With all the soldiers engaged in war with Kauravas' allies, Virata's palace is almost empty. When Kauravas attack the remaining cattle, Uttara Kumara swears to fight against them. However, after watching their military troops, Uttara Kumara loses his confidence. Brihannala, who is his charioteer, volunteers to fight if Uttara Kumara handles the chariot, to which Uttara Kumara agrees.
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| Before the war, Brihannala asks the chariot to be directed to a Shami tree (''[[prosopis cineraria]]'') where the Pandavas' divine weapons are hidden. The 13th year ends on that day and Brihannala regains his form of Arjuna. On realizing who Brihannala is, Uttara Kumara is happy to serve him. Arjuna then uses the ''Sammohanastra'' weapon, which puts the Kaurava army to sleep. The cattle are rescued and the Pandavas declare that their 13-year exile has been completed. Krishna visits Matsya and the marriage of Uttaraa with Abhimanyu is finalized.
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| == Cast ==
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| {{div col|colwidth=30em}}
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| *[[N. T. Rama Rao]] as [[Arjuna]] and [[Brihannala]]<ref name="uiowa">{{Cite web |title=Narthanasala |url=https://uiowa.edu/indiancinema/narthanasala |publisher=[[University of Iowa]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170502031550/https://uiowa.edu/indiancinema/narthanasala |archive-date=2 May 2017 |access-date=2 May 2017}}</ref>
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| *[[Savitri (actress)|Savitri]] as [[Draupadi]] and Sairandhri<ref name="uiowa" />
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| *[[S. V. Ranga Rao]] as [[Kichaka]]<ref name="uiowa" />
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| *[[Relangi (actor)|Relangi]] as [[Uttara (Mahabharata)|Uttara Kumara]]<ref name="Sakshi BFP">{{Cite news |date=11 October 2013 |title=రసవత్తరం... ఈ 'నర్తనశాల' |language=te |trans-title='Nartanasala' is interesting |work=[[Sakshi (newspaper)|Sakshi]] |url=http://www.sakshi.com/news/movies/narthanasala-movie-completes-50-years-72281 |url-status=dead |access-date=2 May 2017 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170502025037/http://www.sakshi.com/news/movies/narthanasala-movie-completes-50-years-72281 |archive-date=2 May 2017}}</ref>
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| *[[Dandamudi Rajagopal]] as [[Bhima]] and Valala<ref name="TH BFP">{{Cite news |last=Narasimham |first=M. L. |date=7 April 2017 |title=Nartanasala (1963) |work=[[The Hindu]] |url=http://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/blast-from-the-blast-nartanasala-1963/article17867482.ece |url-status=dead |access-date=1 May 2017 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170421042822/http://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/blast-from-the-blast-nartanasala-1963/article17867482.ece |archive-date=21 April 2017}}</ref>
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| *[[Mukkamala]] as [[Virata]]<ref name="TH BFP" />
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| *[[Mikkilineni (actor)|Mikkilineni]] as [[Yudhishthira]] and Kankubhattu<ref name="TH BFP" />
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| *[[Sobhan Babu]] as [[Abhimanyu]]<ref name="uiowa" />
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| *[[Dhulipala Seetarama Sastry|Dhulipala]] as [[Duryodhana]]<ref name="Sakshi BFP" />
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| *[[M. Prabhakar Reddy|Prabhakar Reddy]] as [[Karna]]<ref name="Sakshi BFP" />
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| *[[Kaikala Satyanarayana|Satyanarayana]] as [[Dushasana]]<ref name="Sakshi BFP" />
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| *[[Allu Ramalingaiah]] as Vaalatulya<ref name="TH BFP" />
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| *[[Vangara Venkata Subbaiah|Vangara]] as Assistant Cook<ref name="credits" />
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| *Boddapati as Assistant Cook<ref name="credits" />
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| *[[Valluri Balakrishna|Balakrishna]] as Assistant Cook<ref name="credits" />
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| *Ramakoti as Assistant Cook<ref name="credits" />
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| *[[L. Vijayalakshmi]] as [[Uttarā (Mahabharata)|Uttaraa]]<ref name="uiowa" />
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| *Sandhya as [[Sudeshna]]<ref name="Sakshi BFP" />
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| *[[Padmini Priyadarshini]] as [[Urvashi]]<ref name="Padmini">{{Cite news |last=Sai |first=Veejay |date=6 February 2016 |title=From 'Ratnapuri Ilavarasi' to 'Life of Pi': The Last of the Classical Padminis |work=[[The News Minute]] |url=http://www.thenewsminute.com/article/ratnapuri-ilavarasi-life-pi-last-classical-padminis-38622 |url-status=dead |access-date=2 May 2017 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170502040624/http://www.thenewsminute.com/article/ratnapuri-ilavarasi-life-pi-last-classical-padminis-38622 |archive-date=2 May 2017}}</ref>
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| {{div col end}}
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| ;Cameo appearances<ref name="credits">{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6-Ty_TqzLV0 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211215/6-Ty_TqzLV0 |archive-date=2021-12-15 |url-status=live|title=Narthanasala |date=2017 |last=[[Kamalakara Kameswara Rao|Kameswara Rao, Kamalakara]] (director) |language=te |publisher=[[ETV (India)|ETV Cinema]] |place=India |medium=motion picture}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
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| *[[Kanchanamala]]<ref name="Kanchanamala">{{Cite news |last=Ramarao |first=Imandi |date=1 April 2017 |title=పంచరత్నాల హారం 'మాలపిల్ల' |language=te |trans-title=The valuable 'Malapilla' |work=[[Prajasakti]] |url=http://www.prajasakti.com/Article/Sneha/1911250 |url-status=dead |access-date=2 May 2017 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170502040922/http://www.prajasakti.com/Article/Sneha/1911250 |archive-date=2 May 2017}}</ref>
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| *[[Suryakantham (actress)|Suryakantham]]<ref name="TH BFP" />
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| *[[Kanta Rao]] as [[Krishna]]<ref name="uiowa" />
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| *[[C. Lakshmi Rajyam]] as [[Subhadra]]<ref name="TH BFP" />
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| *Nellore Kantharao as Jeemutha Mallu<ref name="TH BFP" />
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| == Production ==
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| === Development ===
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| ''Nartanasala'' was produced by actress [[C. Lakshmi Rajyam]] and her husband C. Sridhar Rao under the banner Rajyam Pictures. The film's story was based on ''[[Virata Parva]]'', one of the eighteen books of the Indian epic ''[[Mahabharata]]''.<ref name="TH BFP" /> Rajyam and Rao felt that barring ''[[Keechaka Vadham]]'' (1916{{mdash}}1918){{efn|While film historian [[S. Theodore Baskaran]], film director [[R. K. Selvamani]] and professor [[Prem Chowdhry]] state the film release date as 1916, Suresh Chabria and [[Film News Anandan]] said the film was released in 1917.{{Sfnm|1a1=Chowdhry|1y=2000|1p=140|2a1=Chabria|2y=2005|2pp=451–452}}<ref>{{cite news|url=http://madrasmusings.com/Vol%2021%20No%2010/otherstories.html |title=How old is Tamil Cinema? |work=[[Madras Musings]] |date=September 2011 |access-date=28 October 2015 |last=Baskaran |first=S. Theodore |author-link=S. Theodore Baskaran |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151028050046/http://madrasmusings.com/Vol%2021%20No%2010/otherstories.html |archive-date=28 October 2015}}
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| * {{cite news | url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/Director-Association-May-Screen-Classic-Films-for-Free/2015/11/26/article3146522.ece | title=Director' Association May Screen Classic Films for Free | work=[[The New Indian Express]] | date=26 November 2015 | access-date=14 May 2016 | last=K. R. | first=Manigandan | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160514024118/http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/Director-Association-May-Screen-Classic-Films-for-Free/2015/11/26/article3146522.ece | archive-date=14 May 2016}}
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| * {{Cite web |title=Tamil Cinema History – The Early Days |url=http://www.indolink.com/tamil/cinema/Memories/98/fna/fna1.htm |last=[[Film News Anandan]] |date=26 February 1998 |publisher=Indolink |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151028020625/http://www.indolink.com/tamil/cinema/Memories/98/fna/fna1.htm |archive-date=28 October 2015 |access-date=28 October 2015}}</ref> Film historians [[Randor Guy]], [[S. Muthiah]] and professor Knut A. Jacobsen asserted the film was released in 1918.{{Sfn|Jacobsen|2015|p=337}}<ref>{{Cite news |last=Guy |first=Randor |date=9 May 2002 |title=Remembering a pioneer |url=http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/mp/2002/05/09/stories/2002050900170300.htm |access-date=29 June 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150918005729/http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/mp/2002/05/09/stories/2002050900170300.htm |work=[[The Hindu]] |archive-date=18 September 2015}}
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| * {{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/arts/the-pioneer-tamil-filmmaker/article15949.ece |title=The pioneer 'Tamil' film-maker |work=The Hindu |date=7 September 2009 |access-date=29 June 2011 |last=Muthiah |first=S. |author-link=S. Muthiah |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150918005505/http://www.thehindu.com/arts/the-pioneer-tamil-filmmaker/article15949.ece |archive-date=18 September 2015}}</ref>}} and ''Vijayadasami'' (1937), no other Indian film dared to explore ''Virata Parva'' and found it a unique premise.<ref name="Sakshi BFP" /> Also, the belief that reading ''Virata Parva'' in Telugu-speaking lands would result in heavy rainfalls made the subject a culturally significant one.<ref name="Sakshi BFP" /> Samudrala Raghavacharya, better known as [[Samudrala Sr.]], wrote ''Nartanasala''{{'s}} script and [[Kamalakara Kameswara Rao]] was chosen to direct the film. ''Nartanasala'' was Kameswara Rao's first mythological film.<ref name="Sakshi BFP" />
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| [[Susarla Dakshinamurthi]] composed the film's music; M. A. Rahman and S. P. S. Veerappa served as the cinematographer and editor, respectively. T. V. S. Sarma was the film's art director.<ref name="credits" /> [[Raavi Kondala Rao]], one of the assistant directors, wrote the dialogue for the comedy portions on Kameswara Rao's insistence.<ref name="TH BFP" /> He also added the character of Vaalatulya (played by [[Allu Ramalingaiah]]), which was absent in the original script. Though Kameswara Rao offered to credit Kondala Rao as the first assistant director, the makers altogether left his name out later.<ref name="TH BFP" />
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| === Casting ===
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| Rajyam and Rao approached [[N. T. Rama Rao]] to play [[Arjuna]]{{'s}} role in the film. Rama Rao was happy to play Arjuna, but was hesitant to take up [[Brihannala]]{{'s}} part; he felt that even a slight misstep would result in rejection by the audience.<ref name="Sakshi BFP" /> Rajyam assured that Sarma's sketches would help Rama Rao look authentic. Sarma designed the look based on eunuch's statues in major temples and opted for Keralite hairstyles.<ref name="Sakshi BFP" /> Bengali makeup artist Haripada Chandra was signed to work on Rama Rao's work.<ref name="TH BFP" /> After getting approval from his mentor [[K. V. Reddy]] on Brihannala's look, Rama Rao agreed to be a part of the film's cast.<ref name="TH BFP" />
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| [[Savitri (actress)|Savitri]] and [[S. V. Ranga Rao]] were signed to play the other key roles of [[Draupadi]] and [[Kichaka]] respectively. [[Mikkilineni (actor)|Mikkilineni]], [[Dhulipala Seetarama Sastry]], [[Mukkamala]] and [[Relangi (actor)|Relangi]] played supporting roles.<ref name="Sakshi BFP" /> Wrestlers [[Dandamudi Rajagopal]] and Nellore Kantharao were signed to play [[Bhima]] and Jeemutha Mallu respectively.<ref name="TH BFP" /> [[Kanta Rao]] made a brief appearance as [[Krishna]] and Rajyam played his sister [[Subhadra]].<ref name="TH BFP" /> [[Sobhan Babu]] and [[L. Vijayalakshmi]] were paired to play the couple [[Abhimanyu]] and [[Uttarā (Mahabharata)|Uttaraa]]. This was Sobhan Babu's first of two films where he portrayed the character of Abhimanyu, the other being ''[[Veerabhimanyu]]'' (1965).{{Sfn|Rajadhyaksha|Willemen|1998|p=216}} On Rajyam's insistence, actress [[Kanchanamala]] made a [[cameo appearance]].<ref name="Kanchanamala" /> She shared the screen with [[Suryakantham (actress)|Suryakantham]] in the film.<ref name="TH BFP" /> It was Kanchanamala's last on-screen appearance.<ref name="Sakshi BFP" />
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| === Filming ===
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| The majority of ''Nartanasala''{{'s}} portions were filmed in the sets erected at [[Vauhini Studios|Vauhini]] and [[Bharani Pictures|Bharani]] studios in Madras (now [[Chennai]]).<ref name="Sakshi BFP" /> All the musical instruments used in the film were borrowed from the Madras Sangeetha Vidyalaya.<ref name="credits" /> The war sequences in the climax portion were filmed at [[Gudur]], a town in [[Andhra Pradesh]]; two cameras were simultaneously used to film the scenes.<ref name="Sakshi BFP" /> For the ''Gograhana'' (retrieving the kidnapped cows) episode, five thousand animals were brought with the help of Gogineni Venkateswara Rao.<ref name="Sakshi BFP" /><ref name="credits" /> ''Nartanasala'' was produced on a budget of {{INR}}400,000 with a runtime of 174 minutes.<ref name="Sakshi BFP" /><ref name="credits" />
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| When Raghavacharya fell ill, his son Samudrala Ramanujacharya (better known as [[Samudrala Jr.]]), wrote the monologue "Sandhaana Samayamidi Inkanu Sairandhri Raalede ..." (It is time for unison and Sairandhri hasn't turned up yet ...) for Ranga Rao.<ref name="TH BFP" /> Since Brihannala was a dance teacher and Vijayalakshmi, who played Uttaraa, was a trained classical dancer, Rama Rao took two-hour long daily lessons from the film's choreographer Vempati Pedha Satyam for a month.<ref name="Sakshi BFP" /><ref name="TH BFP" /> Satyam also held three-day rehearsals for Sobhan Babu with Vijayalakshmi to help him overcome his nervousness.<ref name="TH BFP" /> For the scene where Sairandhri was tied to a pole and dragged on a cart, Kameswara Rao employed a [[body double]]. When the intended artist did not turn up, another was employed and the scene was filmed. This made Kameswara Rao remark, "so now we have a dupe for a dupe {{sic}}".<ref name="TH BFP" />
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| == Music ==
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| {{Infobox album
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| | name = Nartanasala
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| | type = soundtrack
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| | artist = [[Susarla Dakshinamurthi]]
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| | cover =
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| | alt =
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| | released = 1963
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| | recorded =
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| | venue =
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| | studio =
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| | genre = [[Soundtrack]]
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| | length =
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| | language = [[Telugu language|Telugu]]
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| | label = [[Saregama]]
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| | producer =
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| | prev_title =
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| | prev_year =
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| | next_year =
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| }}
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| Susarla Dakshinamurthi composed the film's soundtrack and background score. ''Nartanasala''{{'s}} soundtrack, marketed by [[Saregama]], consists of 21 tracks including songs, poems, and collection of selected dialogue from the film.<ref name="track list">{{Cite web |title=Narthanasala (1963) |url=http://gaana.com/album/narthanasala |date=December 1963 |publisher=[[Gaana (music streaming service)|Gaana]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170503161849/http://gaana.com/album/narthanasala |archive-date=3 May 2017 |access-date=3 May 2017}}</ref> Out of 21 songs produced, only nine are used in the film.<ref name="uiowa" /> Raghavacharya and [[Sri Sri (writer)|Sri Sri]] penned the lyrics for the songs. P. V. Koteswara Rao of Bharani Studios worked on the re-recording and songs. [[RCA Photophone|RCA]] and [[Western Electric]] sound systems were used for the same.<ref name="credits" />
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| The song "Salalitha Raaga Sudharasa" is based on the [[Kalyani (raga)|Kalyani raga]] of the [[carnatic music]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=23 November 2016 |title=Kalyani raga was M Balamuralikrishna's all-time favourite |work=[[Deccan Chronicle]] |url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/music/231116/kalyani-raga-was-m-balamuralikrishnas-all-time-favourite.html |url-status=dead |access-date=2 May 2017 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170502094119/http://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/music/231116/kalyani-raga-was-m-balamuralikrishnas-all-time-favourite.html |archive-date=2 May 2017}}</ref> The makers were initially reluctant with the song's classic nature and insisted to change it. When Dakshinamurthi and Raghavacharya completed work on a new version, Kondala Rao and Satyam requested the makers to retain the previous version.<ref name="TH BFP" /> Due to the unavailability of singers [[Ghantasala (singer)|Ghantasala]] and [[S. Janaki]], Dakshinamurthi chose musician [[M. Balamuralikrishna]] and [[Bangalore Latha]] to provide the vocals.<ref name="TH BFP" /> The song "Jaya Gana Nayaka" is a [[Glossary of Carnatic music#Rāgamālika|ragamalika]] composition and is based on three ragas{{mdash}}[[Gambhiranata]], [[Todi (raga)|Todi]], and Punnagavarali.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Dakshinamurthy |first=M. |date=15 June 2014 |title=Ragamalika: A Garland Of Ragas |work=[[The Hans India]] |url=http://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Cinema/2014-06-15/Ragamalika-A-garland-of-Ragas/98561 |url-status=dead |access-date=2 May 2017 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170502095827/http://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Cinema/2014-06-15/Ragamalika-A-garland-of-Ragas/98561 |archive-date=2 May 2017}}</ref>
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| ''Nartanasala'' is one of Dakshinamurthi's critically acclaimed works in [[Telugu cinema]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Chandraraju |first=Anuja |date=16 February 2014 |title=Classicism on celluloid |work=The Hindu |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-cinemaplus/classicism-on-celluloid/article5694003.ece |url-status=dead |access-date=2 May 2017 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170502100400/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-cinemaplus/classicism-on-celluloid/article5694003.ece |archive-date=2 May 2017}}</ref> M. L. Narasimham of ''[[The Hindu]]'' noted that Dakshinamurthi's "melodious" background score contributed largely to the film's success.<ref name="TH BFP" /> "Salalitha Raaga Sudharasa" gained the status of a chartbuster,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Subrahmanyam |first=Velcheti |date=2 February 2012 |title=Master holds in hypnotic spell |work=The Hindu |url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/music/master-holds-in-hypnotic-spell/article2853125.ece |url-status=dead |access-date=2 May 2017 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170502100549/http://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/music/master-holds-in-hypnotic-spell/article2853125.ece |archive-date=2 May 2017}}</ref> while "Janani Siva Kamini" gained recognition as a prayer song.<ref name="Sakshi 9">{{Cite news |date=24 March 2016 |title=9X3= 27 ఆణిముత్యాలు |language=te |trans-title=9x3= 27 classics |work=Sakshi |url=http://www.sakshi.com/news/movies/sakshi-celebrates-9th-year-anniversary-326048 |url-status=dead |access-date=2 May 2017 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170502101902/http://www.sakshi.com/news/movies/sakshi-celebrates-9th-year-anniversary-326048 |archive-date=2 May 2017}}</ref> Other successful songs of ''Nartanasala'' were "Dariki Raboku", "Sakhiya Vivarinchave", "Evarikosam Ee Mandahasam", and "Naravara O Kuruvara".<ref name="Sakshi BFP" />
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| {{Tracklist
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| | headline = Track list<ref name="track list" />
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| | extra_column = Singer(s)
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| | total_length = 32:26
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| | title1 = Jaya Gana Nayaka
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| | lyrics1 = [[Samudrala Sr.]]
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| | extra1 = [[Ghantasala (singer)|Ghantasala]], [[S. Janaki]]
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| | length1 = 05:15
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| | title2 = Dariki Raboku
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| | lyrics2 = Samudrala Sr.
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| | extra2 = [[P. Susheela]]
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| | length2 = 03:01
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| | title3 = Evarikosam Ee Mandahasam
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| | lyrics3 = [[Sri Sri (writer)|Sri Sri]]
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| | extra3 = Ghantasala, [[P. Susheela]]
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| | length3 = 03:05
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| | title4 = Janani Siva Kaamini
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| | lyrics4 = Samudrala Sr.
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| | extra4 = P. Susheela
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| | length4 = 03.54
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| | title5 = Naravara O Kuruvara
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| | lyrics5 = Samudrala Sr.
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| | extra5 = S. Janaki
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| | length5 = 04:13
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| | title6 = Salalitha Raaga Sudharasa
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| | lyrics6 = Samudrala Sr.
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| | extra6 = [[M. Balamuralikrishna]], [[Bangalore Latha]]
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| | length6 = 05:19
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| | title7 = Sakhiya Vivarinchave
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| | lyrics7 = Samudrala Sr.
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| | extra7 = P. Susheela
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| | length7 = 02:43
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| | title8 = Seelavati
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| | lyrics8 = Samudrala Sr.
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| | extra8 = [[Bangalore Latha]]
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| | length8 = 04:56
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| }}
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| == Release and reception ==
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| {{quote box
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| | quote = I can understand ''Nartanasala'' or ''[[Mahamantri Timmarusu (film)|Mahamantri Thimmarasu]]'' having classical dances because one was a mythological and the other a historical. But Telugu producers insisted that if I acted in a film, there had to be a dance. In ''[[Gundamma Katha]]'', for example, a dance was included at the last minute at the producer's insistence.
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| | source = {{mdash}}Vijayalakshmi, in an interview with ''[[The Hindu]]'' in February 2015.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Krishnamachari |first=Suganthy |date=5 February 2015 |title=From Natya to numbers |work=The Hindu |url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/interview-with-l-vijayalakshmi/article6860381.ece |access-date=2 May 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160229092752/http://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/interview-with-l-vijayalakshmi/article6860381.ece |archive-date=29 February 2016}}</ref>
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| | align = right
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| | width = 35%
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| }}
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| ''Nartanasala'' was released on 11 October 1963 in 26 centres.<ref name="Sakshi BFP" /> Navayuga Films acquired the film's distribution rights.<ref name="credits" /> Katragadda Narsaiah of Navayuga worked on the film's posters and publicity.<ref>{{Cite news |date=22 April 2017 |title=నవయుగ ప్రయోగశీలి కాట్రగడ్డ నరసయ్య |language=te |trans-title=Katragadda Narsaiah, the creative genius of Navayuga |work=Prajasakti |url=http://www.prajasakti.com/Article/Jeevana/1917884 |url-status=dead |access-date=2 May 2017 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170502122420/http://www.prajasakti.com/Article/Jeevana/1917884 |archive-date=2 May 2017}}</ref> The film was commercially successful, managing to have a theatrical run of 100 days in 19 centres and 200 days in [[Hyderabad]] and [[Vijayawada]].<ref name="Sakshi BFP" /> According to ''The Hindu'', ''Nartanasala''{{'s}} complete theatrical run lasted for 25 weeks.<ref name="TH BFP" /> The film's [[Bengali language|Bengali]] and [[Odia language|Odia]] dubbed versions were commercially successful on par with the original.<ref name="Sakshi BFP" /> ''Nartanasala'' was adjudged the [[National Film Award for Second Best Feature Film|second best feature film]] at the [[11th National Film Awards]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Recipients of State awards for films 1963 |url=http://iffi.nic.in/Dff2011/Frm11thNFAAward.aspx |date=25 April 1964 |publisher=[[Directorate of Film Festivals]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170502124428/http://iffi.nic.in/Dff2011/Frm11thNFAAward.aspx |archive-date=2 May 2017 |access-date=2 May 2017}}</ref> It won the [[Filmfare Award for Best Film – Telugu]].<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=1Hg6AQAAIAAJ&q=nartanasala+filmfare |title=The Illustrated Weekly of India, Volume 85, Part 2 |publisher=The Times of India Press |year=1964 |page=59}}</ref> At the 3rd Afro-Asian Film Festival held at [[Jakarta]] in 1964, ''Nartanasala'' received two awards: best male actor (Ranga Rao) and best art director (Sarma).<ref>{{Cite web |title=6th International Film Festival of India |url=http://iffi.nic.in/Dff2011/Frm6IIFAAward.aspx?PdfName=6IIFA.pdf |date=1 November 1976 |publisher=Directorate of Film Festivals |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170502124953/http://iffi.nic.in/Dff2011/Frm6IIFAAward.aspx?PdfName=6IIFA.pdf |archive-date=2 May 2017 |access-date=2 May 2017}}</ref>
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| In its 87th volume released in 1966, the now-defunct magazine ''[[The Illustrated Weekly of India]]'' noted Kanchanamala's cameo appearance, stating, "her delivery was as flawless as in bygone days and the years had not robbed her of charm".<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=SuIhmCTlqAgC&q=narthanasala |title=The Illustrated Weekly of India, Volume 87 |publisher=The Times of India Press |year=1966 |page=76}}</ref> Reviewing ''Nartanasala'', the [[University of Iowa]] stated that the film "unfolds in a near-operatic style reminiscent of many genres of Indian folk theatre". Rama Rao's performance as Brihannala was praised: "Rao manages the transition well, swishing about in glittery drag and affecting exaggeratedly feminine mannerisms". The reviewer also found Kanta Rao's portrayal of Krishna "suitably charming, with an enigmatic style".<ref name="uiowa" /> M. L. Narasimham of ''The Hindu'' noted that the film provided one of the most fulfilling performances for Savitri as Sairandhri.<ref name="TH BFP" /> On its 45th anniversary, Telugu newspaper ''[[Sakshi (newspaper)|Sakshi]]'' praised the performances of Rama Rao and Ranga Rao as Brihannala and Keechaka respectively; the newspaper termed the former a "strange adventure" considering the actor's stardom.<ref name="Sakshi 9" /><!-- please add reviews archived here, since I (User:Kailash29792) don't know Telugu: https://indiancine.ma/KVH/documents -->
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| == Legacy ==
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| ''Nartanasala''{{'s}} success inspired filmmakers to explore the theme of a protagonist with a dark past living with a different identity in a place alien to him.<ref name="Sakshi BFP" /><ref name="Sakshi 9" /> The film's success also earned recognition to [[Padmini Priyadarshini]] (who played [[Urvashi]] in the film) as a dancer in South Indian cinema.<ref name="Padmini" /> In May 2012, Radhika Rajamani of [[Rediff.com]] mentioned ''Nartanasala'' for the letter N in her list, "The A to Z of Telugu Cinema".<ref>{{Cite web |title=Special: The A to Z of Telugu Cinema |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/slide-show/slide-show-1-south-special-the-a-to-z-of-telugu-cinema/20120507.htm |last=Rajamani |first=Radhika |date=7 May 2012 |work=[[Rediff.com]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151227142244/http://www.rediff.com/movies/slide-show/slide-show-1-south-special-the-a-to-z-of-telugu-cinema/20120507.htm |archive-date=27 December 2015 |access-date=2 May 2017}}</ref> In November 2012, ''[[The Times of India]]'' listed ''Nartanasala'' along with other unrelated films such as ''[[Missamma]]'' (1955), ''[[Mayabazar]]'' (1957), ''[[Gundamma Katha]]'' (1962), and ''[[Bommarillu]]'' (2006) in the list "Telugu classics to watch along with family this Deepavali". The commentator for ''The Times'' praised the songs, the overall treatment and Ranga Rao's portrayal of Kichaka.{{efn|[[Diwali]], also known as Deepavali or the festival of lights, is an Indian [[Hindu festival]] celebrated in the autumn season. Diwali is celebrated using [[Fireworks]] and lamps. The legends behind this festival are the slaying of [[Narakasura]] by [[Satyabhama]], [[Rama]]{{'s}} return to [[Ayodhya]] after exile, and an auspicious day to worship [[Lakshmi]] for wealth and prosperity.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Sastrigal |first=Sarma |date=30 October 2013 |title=The many legends of Deepavali |work=The New Indian Express |url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/The-many-legends-of-Deepavali/2013/10/30/article1862950.ece |access-date=2 May 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160314163614/http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/The-many-legends-of-Deepavali/2013/10/30/article1862950.ece |archive-date=14 March 2016}}</ref>}}<ref>{{Cite news |date=5 November 2012 |title=Telugu classics to watch along with family this Deepavali |work=The Times of India |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/Telugu-classics-to-watch-along-with-family-this-Deepavali/articleshow/17100912.cms |access-date=2 May 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141202085847/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/Telugu-classics-to-watch-along-with-family-this-Deepavali/articleshow/17100912.cms |archive-date=2 December 2014}}</ref> For the April 2013 centennial of Indian cinema, [[News18]] included ''Nartanasala'' in its list of "The 100 greatest Indian films of all time".<ref>{{Cite web |title=100 Years of Indian Cinema: The 100 greatest Indian films of all time |url=http://www.news18.com/photogallery/movies/100-years-of-indian-cinema-the-100-greatest-indian-films-of-all-time-903065.html |date=17 April 2013 |work=[[News18]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170502132316/http://www.news18.com/photogallery/movies/100-years-of-indian-cinema-the-100-greatest-indian-films-of-all-time-903065.html |archive-date=2 May 2017 |access-date=2 May 2017}}</ref> In the Telugu film ''[[Bhale Manchi Roju]]'' (2015), the old theatre from where the villain (played by [[P. Sai Kumar]]) operates is named ''Nartanasala'' after this film.<ref>{{Cite news |date=26 December 2015 |title='Bhale Manchi Roju' – Excellent writing makes this a winner (IANS Telugu Movie Review, Rating - ****) |work=[[Business Standard]] |agency=[[Indo-Asian News Service]] |url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/bhale-manchi-roju-excellent-writing-makes-this-a-winner-ians-telugu-movie-review-rating-115122600260_1.html |url-status=dead |access-date=2 May 2017 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170502133501/http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/bhale-manchi-roju-excellent-writing-makes-this-a-winner-ians-telugu-movie-review-rating-115122600260_1.html |archive-date=2 May 2017}}</ref>
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| == Cancelled remake ==
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| Rama Rao's son and actor [[Nandamuri Balakrishna]] announced ''Nartanasala''{{'s}} remake in 2004. Apart from directing the remake, Balakrishna played a [[dual role]] in the remake{{mdash}}those of Arjuna and Kichaka. [[Soundarya]] was signed to play [[Draupadi]] with [[Srihari]], [[Sarath Babu]], [[Uday Kiran]] and [[Asin]] cast in supporting roles. The remake's [[principal photography]] commenced on 1 March 2004.<ref>{{Cite news |date=8 March 2004 |title=Dream come true |url=http://www.thehindu.com/mp/2004/03/08/stories/2004030801500203.htm |url-status=dead |access-date=2 May 2017 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170502140113/http://www.thehindu.com/mp/2004/03/08/stories/2004030801500203.htm |work=[[The Hindu]] |archive-date=2 May 2017}}</ref> The remake was shelved later due to the death of Soundarya in an accident. In an interview with ''The Times of India'' in August 2014, Balakrishna said that he could not imagine anyone other than Soundarya for the character and after her death, he called off the film with no intention to revive it.<ref>{{Cite news |date=31 August 2014 |title=I have no plans to revive Narthanasala now : Balakrishna |work=The Times of India |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/I-have-no-plans-to-revive-Narthanasala-now-Balakrishna/articleshow/41344569.cms |url-status=dead |access-date=2 May 2017 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170502140306/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/I-have-no-plans-to-revive-Narthanasala-now-Balakrishna/articleshow/41344569.cms |archive-date=2 May 2017}}</ref>
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| ==Awards==
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| ;[[Filmfare Awards South]]
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| * Narthanasala won [[Filmfare Award for Best Film - Telugu]] produced by [[C. Lakshmi Rajyam]] (1963) <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2GkiAQAAIAAJ&q=%27%27Narthanasala%27%27|title=The Times of India Directory & Yearbook, Including Who's who|year=1964}}</ref>
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| == Notes ==
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| {{Notelist}}
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| == References ==
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| {{reflist}}
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| == Bibliography ==
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| {{refbegin}}
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| * {{Cite book |last=Chabria |first=Suresh |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=hFxwX-dM008CkC |title=Encyclopaedia of Hindi Cinema |publisher=[[Taylor & Francis]] |year=2005 |isbn=978-0-415-23440-5 |editor-last=Abel |editor-first=Richard |editor-link=Richard Abel (cultural historian) |chapter=Mudaliar, R. Nataraja }}
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| * {{Cite book |last=Chowdhry |first=Prem |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=1UNph7mAT2YC |title=Colonial India and the Making of Empire Cinema: Image, Ideology and Identity |publisher=[[Manchester University Press]] |year=2000 |isbn=978-0-7190-5792-2 |author-link=Prem Chowdhry}}
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| * {{Cite book |last=Jacobsen |first=Knut A. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=--9WCgAAQBAJ |title=Routledge Handbook of Contemporary India |date=11 August 2015 |publisher=[[Routledge]] |isbn=978-1-317-40358-6 }}
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| * {{Cite book |last1=Rajadhyaksha |first1=Ashish |url=https://indiancine.ma/texts/indiancine.ma%3AEncyclopedia_of_Indian_Cinema/text.pdf |title=Encyclopaedia of Indian Cinema |last2=Willemen |first2=Paul |publisher=[[Oxford University Press]] |year=1998 |isbn=0-19-563579-5 |orig-year=1994}}
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| {{refend}}
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| == External links ==
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| * {{IMDb title|0263778}}
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| {{Kamalakara Kameswara Rao}}
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| {{National Film Award Second Best Feature Film}}
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| {{Filmfare Best Telugu Film}}
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| {{Works based on the Mahabharata |state=collapsed}}
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| [[Category:1960s Telugu-language films]]
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| [[Category:1962 films]]
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| [[Category:Films based on the Mahabharata]]
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| [[Category:Films directed by Kamalakara Kameswara Rao]]
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| [[Category:Films scored by Susarla Dakshinamurthi]]
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| [[Category:Hindu mythological films]]
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| [[Category:Indian dance films]]
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| [[Category:Indian epic films]]
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| [[Category:Indian films]]
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| [[Category:1960s historical musical films]]
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| [[Category:Indian historical musical films]]
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| [[Category:Indian nonlinear narrative films]]
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| [[Category:Telugu-language films]]
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| [[Category:Second Best Feature Film National Film Award winners]]
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