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{{short description|1989 film by Mani Ratnam}} | {{short description|1989 film by Mani Ratnam}} | ||
{{ | {{Use Indian English|date=September 2021}} | ||
{{Use dmy dates|date= | {{Use dmy dates|date=September 2021}} | ||
{{Infobox film | {{Infobox film | ||
| name = Geethanjali | | name = Geethanjali | ||
| image = Geethanjali | | image = Geethanjali 1989 poster.jpg | ||
| caption = Theatrical release poster | | caption = Theatrical release poster | ||
| director = [[Mani Ratnam]] | | director = [[Mani Ratnam]] | ||
| Line 12: | Line 11: | ||
| story = [[Mani Ratnam]] | | story = [[Mani Ratnam]] | ||
| screenplay = Mani Ratnam | | screenplay = Mani Ratnam | ||
| starring = {{ubl|[[Nagarjuna (actor)|Nagarjuna]]|[[Girija Shettar|Girija]]|}} | |||
| starring = {{ubl|[[ | |||
| music = [[Ilaiyaraaja]] | | music = [[Ilaiyaraaja]] | ||
| cinematography = [[P. C. Sreeram]] | | cinematography = [[P. C. Sreeram]] | ||
| editing = [[B. Lenin]]<br/>[[V. T. Vijayan]] | | editing = [[B. Lenin]]<br />[[V. T. Vijayan]] | ||
| studio = | | studio = Bhagyalakshmi Enterprises | ||
| distributor = | | distributor = Bhagyalakshmi Enterprises | ||
| released = {{Film date|df=y|1989|5| | | released = {{Film date|df=y|1989|5|19}} | ||
| runtime = 135 minutes{{sfn|Rangan|2012|p=290}} | | runtime = 135 minutes{{sfn|Rangan|2012|p=290}} | ||
| country = India | | country = India | ||
| Line 27: | Line 24: | ||
| gross = | | gross = | ||
}} | }} | ||
'''''Geethanjali''''' is a 1989 Indian [[Telugu language|Telugu]]-language [[romance film]], written and directed by [[Mani Ratnam]]. It stars [[Nagarjuna (actor)|Nagarjuna]] and [[Girija Shettar]] | '''''Geethanjali''''' is a 1989 Indian [[Telugu language|Telugu]]-language [[romance film]], written and directed by [[Mani Ratnam]]. It stars [[Nagarjuna (actor)|Nagarjuna]] and [[Girija Shettar|Girija]] who appears as the titular character. The music is composed by [[Ilaiyaraaja]]. Upon release, the film was a commercial success, running for over 100 days in theatres. The film won [[National Film Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment]] and also won six [[Nandi Awards]]. The film was later remade in [[Hindi]] as ''[[Yaad Rakhegi Duniya]]'' (1992). | ||
==Plot== | == Plot == | ||
Prakash, a carefree, mischievous student graduates from College. During his celebration with his friends, he gets into a road accident. Although the accident is only minor, during medical tests, he is diagnosed with terminal cancer and has a few months to live. Unable to hear his mother's constant wailing, he packs his bags and leaves | Prakash, a carefree, mischievous student graduates from College. During his celebration with his friends, he gets into a road accident. Although the accident is only minor, during medical tests, he is diagnosed with terminal cancer and has a few months to live. Unable to hear his mother's constant wailing, he packs his bags and leaves for his family's vacation home in [[Ooty]]. | ||
There, he meets | There, he meets Geetanjali, who enjoys playing pranks on people around her. In one incident, Geetanjali asks a guy to meet her near a church after sundown to elope with her. When he comes to meet her, she along with her sisters and friends plays an elaborate prank by dressing up as ghosts to scare him away. When she tries to pull the same prank on Prakash, who is already aware of this, it backfires as he pulls a bigger prank on her by dressing himself as a vampire and along with aerial wire stunts, scares her. | ||
After being unsuccessful in scaring Prakash away, Geethanjali forms another plan in which she complains to her grandmother that Prakash had asked her (Geethanjali) to elope with him. Furious at this knowledge, Geethanjali's grandmother confronts Prakash about it. Though Prakash tries his best to explain the truth, Geethanjali's grandmother chides him and humiliates him in public. Prakash becomes angry and retaliates by driving Geethanjali to a hillside area and leaving her there. Later that night, Geethanjali's youngest sister comes to Prakash and tells him that Geethanjali has still not returned home and they are getting worried about her. Prakash goes out to look for her and upon finding her shivering in the cold, brings her back to her family. Geethanjali's grandmother scolds Prakash for pulling such a stunt on Geethanjali as such things could have worsened her health condition. Curious at this, Prakash inquires about her health. To his dismay, he finds out that she has a terminal illness. This intrigues him as she is always happy and energetic. Geethanjali tells him that she's not worried about her impending death as everyone who lives in this world will be gone someday. She also tells him that she's not bothered about what happens in the future and she only lives for today. This teaches Prakash to take his | After being unsuccessful in scaring Prakash away, Geethanjali forms another plan in which she complains to her grandmother that Prakash had asked her (Geethanjali) to elope with him. Furious at this knowledge, Geethanjali's grandmother confronts Prakash about it. Though Prakash tries his best to explain the truth, Geethanjali's grandmother chides him and humiliates him in public. Prakash becomes angry and retaliates by driving Geethanjali to a hillside area and leaving her there. Later that night, Geethanjali's youngest sister comes to Prakash and tells him that Geethanjali has still not returned home and they are getting worried about her. Prakash goes out to look for her and upon finding her shivering in the cold, brings her back to her family. Geethanjali's grandmother scolds Prakash for pulling such a stunt on Geethanjali as such things could have worsened her health condition. Curious at this, Prakash inquires about her health. To his dismay, he finds out that she has a terminal illness. This intrigues him as she is always happy and energetic. Geethanjali tells him that she's not worried about her impending death as everyone who lives in this world will be gone someday. She also tells him that she's not bothered about what happens in the future and she only lives for today. This teaches Prakash to take his impending death in stride and live life to the fullest. | ||
Prakash begins to fall in love with Geethanjali and pursues her. Thinking that this is also a part of his mischief, Geethanjali keeps putting him off. But one thing leads to another and soon, she too reciprocates his love. One day, Prakash's mother comes to visit him and finds out about her son's love. Not knowing that Prakash has been keeping his illness a secret from Geethanjali, his mother blurts out the truth to Geethanjali. She becomes | Prakash begins to fall in love with Geethanjali and pursues her. Thinking that this is also a part of his mischief, Geethanjali keeps putting him off. But one thing leads to another and soon, she too reciprocates his love. One day, Prakash's mother comes to visit him and finds out about her son's love. Not knowing that Prakash has been keeping his illness a secret from Geethanjali, his mother blurts out the truth to Geethanjali. She becomes heartbroken knowing that Prakash's condition is worse than her own. She confronts Prakash and tells him to leave her. Prakash reminds Geethanjali that everyone dies one day and so will he. He tells her that his death is no exception. But a devastated Geethanjali admits that his own life is more important to her than her own and she would not be able to see his death. She begs him to leave her and tells him that she doesn't want to see him again. That night, Geethanjali's health worsens and she is admitted to the hospital. After getting the news, Prakash rushes to the hospital to meet her, but Geethanjali's father, who happens to be a doctor, requests him to leave since Geethanjali wishes the same. Prakash becomes sad and decides to leave the town. At the same time, Geethanjali undergoes an operation on her heart. Hours after her operation, Geethanjali slowly opens her eyes. Her whole family rejoices at her recovery. Geethanjali looks at her father and tells him that she wants to meet Prakash. The family finds out that he is planning to leave the town and rush to the railway station. Prakash sees Geethanjali and turns back to run to her and hold her hand which she outstretches. The movie ends as Geethanjali and Prakash reunite and kiss. | ||
==Cast == | == Cast == | ||
* [[ | * [[Nagarjuna (actor)|Nagarjuna]] as Prakash<ref name="filmcompanion">{{Cite web |last=Keramalu |first=Karthik |date=22 June 2021 |title=Finding The Roots Of Mani Ratnam’s Geethanjali |url=https://www.filmcompanion.in/features/telugu-features/geethanjali-movie-telugu-mani-ratnam-nagarjuna-ilayaraaja-finding-the-roots-of-mani-ratnams-geethanjali/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709194024/https://www.filmcompanion.in/features/telugu-features/geethanjali-movie-telugu-mani-ratnam-nagarjuna-ilayaraaja-finding-the-roots-of-mani-ratnams-geethanjali/ |archive-date=9 July 2021 |access-date=8 July 2021 |website=[[Film Companion]]}}</ref> | ||
* [[Girija Shettar|Girija]] as Geethanjali<ref name=" | * [[Girija Shettar|Girija]] as Geethanjali<ref name="filmcompanion" /> | ||
* [[Vijayakumar (Tamil actor)|Vijayakumar]] as Geethanjali's father | * [[Vijayakumar (Tamil actor)|Vijayakumar]] as Geethanjali's father{{sfn|Rangan|2012|p=290}} | ||
* [[Vijayachander]] as Prakash's father | * [[Vijayachander]] as Prakash's father{{sfn|Rangan|2012|p=290}} | ||
* Radhabai as Geethanjali's grandmother | * Radhabai as Geethanjali's grandmother{{sfn|Rangan|2012|p=290}} | ||
* [[Sumithra (actress)|Sumithra]] as Prakash's mother | * [[Sumithra (actress)|Sumithra]] as Prakash's mother{{sfn|Rangan|2012|p=290}} | ||
* [[Aruna | * [[Mucherla Aruna]] as Prakash's doctor{{sfn|Rangan|2012|p=290}} | ||
* [[Dubbing Janaki]] as Lakshmi | * [[Dubbing Janaki]] as Lakshmi | ||
* [[Neena (Tamil actress)|Baby Neena]] | * [[Neena (Tamil actress)|Baby Neena]] | ||
;Special appearances (listed alphabetically) | ;Special appearances (listed alphabetically) | ||
* [[Chandra Mohan (Telugu actor)|Chandramohan]] | * [[Chandra Mohan (Telugu actor)|Chandramohan]] | ||
* [[Sowcar Janaki]] as Chancellor | * [[Sowcar Janaki]] as Chancellor{{sfn|Rangan|2012|p=290}} | ||
* [[Disco Shanti]] in | * [[Disco Shanti]] in Ragada Ragada/ Vidiya Vidiya Nadanam | ||
* [[Silk Smitha]] in item number | * [[Silk Smitha]] in item number | ||
* [[Suthi Velu]] | * [[Suthi Velu]] as the Ooty house caretaker{{sfn|Rangan|2012|p=290}} | ||
==Production== | == Production == | ||
Fascinated by the script and box office performance of [[Mani Ratnam]]'s ''[[Mouna Ragam]]'' (1986), [[ | Fascinated by the script and box office performance of [[Mani Ratnam]]'s ''[[Mouna Ragam]]'' (1986), [[Nagarjuna (actor)|Nagarjuna]] was keen on featuring in a film directed by him. Nagarjuna revealed that he used to wait outside Ratnam's house every morning when the director would go on his daily walk to exchange conversation. After a month of regularly attempting to run into the director, Nagarjuna requested him to direct a Telugu film with him in the lead, which the director agreed to after initial reluctance.<ref>{{Cite web |date=14 January 2016 |title=Interview with Nagarjuna about Soggade Chinni Nayana |url=http://www.idlebrain.com/celeb/interview/nagarjuna-scn.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160117160414/http://www.idlebrain.com/celeb/interview/nagarjuna-scn.html |archive-date=17 January 2016 |access-date=1 February 2016 |website=[[Idlebrain.com]]}}</ref> The film was ''Geethanjali'', which remains the only Telugu film directed by Ratnam.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jha |first=Subhash K |date=10 April 2014 |title=Nagarjuna, Mahesh Babu to star in Mani Ratnam's next |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/nagarjuna-mahesh-babu-to-star-in-mani-ratnams-next/20140410.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220132401/http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/nagarjuna-mahesh-babu-to-star-in-mani-ratnams-next/20140410.htm |archive-date=20 December 2016 |access-date=27 October 2016 |website=[[Rediff.com]]}}</ref> [[Girija Shettar|Girija]] was cast as the lead actress after producer C. L. Narasa Reddy saw her at the wedding of Ratnam and [[Suhasini Maniratnam|Suhasini]].<ref name="tcinema">{{Cite web|last=Sri|date=6 August 2008|title=Movie Retrospect : Geetanjali (1989)|url=http://www.telugucinema.com/c/publish/movieretrospect/retrospect_geetanjali_1989_printer.php|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120418221743/http://www.telugucinema.com/c/publish/movieretrospect/retrospect_geetanjali_1989_printer.php|archive-date=18 April 2012|access-date=11 August 2012|website=Telugucinema.com}}</ref> Girija's voice was dubbed by [[Rohini (actress)|Rohini]] during post-production.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Kumar |first=P. K. Ajith |date=11 August 2011 |title=Back in action |work=[[The Hindu]] |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/back-in-action/article2346718.ece |url-status=live |access-date=28 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210202062049/https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/back-in-action/article2346718.ece |archive-date=2 February 2021}}</ref> [[Principal photography]] began on 12 October 1988 and was completed in sixty days. Most of the scenes were shot in [[Ooty]] and a few shots were filmed in [[Chennai|Madras]].<ref name=tcinema /> | ||
== Soundtrack == | |||
The music was composed by [[Ilaiyaraaja]], with lyrics by [[Veturi]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Geetanjali (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) by Ilaiyaraaja |url=https://music.apple.com/in/album/geetanjali-original-motion-picture-soundtrack/928959764 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210216160945/https://music.apple.com/in/album/geetanjali-original-motion-picture-soundtrack/928959764 |archive-date=16 February 2021 |access-date=9 September 2021 |website=[[Apple Music]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Geethanjali (1989) Telugu Super Hit Movie LP Vinyl Record by Ilaiyaraja |url=https://dmcvinyl.com/collection/geethanjali-by-ilaiyaraja/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210909113657/https://dmcvinyl.com/collection/geethanjali-by-ilaiyaraja/ |archive-date=9 September 2021 |access-date=9 September 2021 |website=Disco Music Center}}</ref> The first song finalised was "Oh Paapaa Laali!".{{sfn|Rangan|2012|p=82}} | |||
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The | |||
{{Track listing | {{Track listing | ||
| headline = Telugu | |||
| headline = | |||
| extra_column = Singer(s) | | extra_column = Singer(s) | ||
| total_length = 32:40 | | total_length = 32:40 | ||
| writing_credits = | | writing_credits = | ||
| lyrics_credits = | | lyrics_credits = | ||
| Line 102: | Line 69: | ||
| length1 = 5:44 | | length1 = 5:44 | ||
| title2 = Jagada Jagada | | title2 = Jagada Jagada | ||
| extra2 = | | extra2 = S. P. Balasubrahmanyam | ||
| length2 = 4:24 | | length2 = 4:24 | ||
| title3 = Aamani Paadave | | title3 = Aamani Paadave | ||
| extra3 = | | extra3 = S. P. Balasubrahmanyam | ||
| length3 = 4:24 | | length3 = 4:24 | ||
| title4 = Nandikonda Vaagullona | | title4 = Nandikonda Vaagullona | ||
| extra4 = | | extra4 = K. S. Chithra, S. P. Balasubrahmanyam | ||
| length4 = 5:02 | | length4 = 5:02 | ||
| title5 = Om Namaha | | title5 = Om Namaha | ||
| extra5 = [[S. Janaki]], | | extra5 = [[S. Janaki]], S. P. Balasubrahmanyam | ||
| length5 = 4:06 | | length5 = 4:06 | ||
| title6 = Oh Paapaa Laali! | | title6 = Oh Paapaa Laali! | ||
| extra6 = | | extra6 = S. P. Balasubrahmanyam | ||
| length6 = 4:27 | | length6 = 4:27 | ||
| title7 = Jallanta Kavvinta | | title7 = Jallanta Kavvinta | ||
| extra7 = | | extra7 = K. S. Chithra | ||
| length7 = 4:08 | | length7 = 4:08 | ||
}} | }} | ||
{{Track listing | {{Track listing | ||
| extra_column = Singer(s) | | extra_column = Singer(s) | ||
| headline = Tamil | |||
| headline = | |||
| all_lyrics = [[Vaali (poet)|Vaali]] | | all_lyrics = [[Vaali (poet)|Vaali]] | ||
| all_music = [[Ilaiyaraaja]] | | all_music = [[Ilaiyaraaja]] | ||
| title1 = Oh Priya Priya! | | title1 = Oh Priya Priya! | ||
| extra1 = [[Mano (singer)|Mano]], [[K. S. Chithra]] | | extra1 = [[Mano (singer)|Mano]], [[K. S. Chithra]] | ||
| title2 = Vidiya Vidiya Nadanam | | title2 = Vidiya Vidiya Nadanam | ||
| extra2 = | | extra2 = Mano | ||
| title3 = Kaviyam Padava Thendrale | | title3 = Kaviyam Padava Thendrale | ||
| extra3 = | | extra3 = Mano | ||
| title4 = Kattukulle Paatu Sollum | | title4 = Kattukulle Paatu Sollum | ||
| extra4 = | | extra4 = Mano, K. S. Chithra | ||
| title5 = Om Namaha | | title5 = Om Namaha | ||
| extra5 = | | extra5 = Mano, [[S. Janaki]] | ||
| title6 = Oh Papa Laali | | title6 = Oh Papa Laali | ||
| extra6 = | | extra6 = Mano | ||
| title7 = Aththadi Ammadi | | title7 = Aththadi Ammadi | ||
| extra7 = | | extra7 = K. S. Chithra | ||
}} | }} | ||
== | == Release == | ||
''Geethanjali'' was released on 19 May 1989. Narasa Reddy had to distribute the film himself in select places like [[Visakhapatnam]] as distributors were sceptical; despite this, it was a commercial success, running for over 100 days in theatres. The Tamil-dubbed version ''Idhayathai Thirudathe'' was released on 5 July 1989 and was also successful.<ref name="tcinema" /> | |||
== Accolades == | |||
{| class="wikitable" | |||
|+ | |||
!Event | |||
!Award | |||
!Awardee | |||
!{{Abbr|Ref.|References}} | |||
|- | |||
|[[37th National Film Awards]] | |||
|[[National Film Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment|Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment]] | |||
|''Geethanjali'' | |||
| style="text-align: center;" | <ref>{{Cite web |title=37th National Film Festival |url=http://dff.nic.in/2011/37nfa.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131002235001/http://dff.nic.in/2011/37nfa.pdf |archive-date=2 October 2013 |access-date=11 August 2012 |website=[[Directorate of Film Festivals]] |page=19}}</ref> | |||
|- | |||
|[[37th Filmfare Awards South]] | |||
|[[Filmfare Award for Best Director – Telugu|Best Director – Telugu]] | |||
|[[Mani Ratnam]] | |||
| style="text-align: center;" | <ref>{{Cite news |date=14 June 1990 |title=Double honour for Kamal |pages=3 |work=[[The Indian Express]] |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=P9oYG7HA76QC&dat=19900614&printsec=frontpage&hl=en |access-date=9 September 2021}}{{cbignore}}</ref> | |||
|- | |||
| rowspan="6" |[[Nandi Awards]] | |||
|[[Nandi Award for Best Feature Film|Best Feature Film – Gold]] | |||
|P. R. Prasad & C. Praveen Kumar Reddy | |||
| rowspan="6" style="text-align: center;" |<ref>{{Cite web |title=నంది అవార్డు విజేతల పరంపర (1964–2008) |trans-title=A series of Nandi Award Winners (1964–2008) |url=http://ipr.ap.nic.in/New_Links/Film.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150223135739/http://ipr.ap.nic.in/New_Links/Film.pdf |archive-date=23 February 2015 |access-date=21 August 2020 |publisher=[[Andhra Pradesh (magazine)|Information & Public Relations of Andhra Pradesh]] |language=Telugu}}</ref> | |||
|- | |||
|[[Nandi Award for Best Story Writer|Best Story Writer]] | |||
|Mani Ratnam | |||
|- | |||
|[[Nandi Award for Best Male Comedian|Best Male Comedian]] | |||
|[[Suthivelu]] | |||
|- | |||
|[[Nandi Award for Best Choreographer|Best Choreography]] | |||
|[[Mugur Sundar|Sundaram Master]] | |||
|- | |||
|[[Nandi Award for Best Cinematographer|Best Cinematographer]] | |||
|[[P. C. Sreeram]] | |||
|- | |||
|[[Nandi Award for Best Art Director|Best Art Direction]] | |||
|[[Thota Tharani]] | |||
|} | |||
== Legacy == | == Legacy == | ||
Nagarjuna became the heart-throb of Telugu | Nagarjuna became the heart-throb of Telugu filmgoers with ''Geethanjali''. An immense following of girls and ladies began for Nagarjuna. ''Geethanjali'' was released five months prior to another trend-setter, ''[[Siva (1989 Telugu film)|Siva]]'' starring Nagarjuna. These two films helped Nagarjuna gain both class and mass audience and were the stepping stones for many more blockbusters later in his career. Ratnam also gained a huge following in Andhra Pradesh with this film.<ref>{{Cite web |title=''Villain'' press meet |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/villain-press-meet-imagegallery-tollywood-kgosy6giiehsi.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161109225740/http://www.sify.com/movies/villain-press-meet-imagegallery-tollywood-kgosy6giiehsi.html |archive-date=9 November 2016 |access-date=9 November 2016 |website=[[Sify]]}}</ref> The film was unofficially remade in Hindi as ''[[Yaad Rakhegi Duniya]]'' (1992).<ref name="tcinema" /> | ||
==References== | == References == | ||
{{reflist}} | {{reflist}} | ||
==Sources== | == Sources == | ||
* {{ | * {{Cite book |last=Rangan |first=Baradwaj |title=Conversations with Mani Ratnam |title-link=Conversations with Mani Ratnam |publisher=[[Penguin Books]] |year=2012 |isbn=978-0-670-08520-0 |author-link=Baradwaj Rangan}} | ||
==External links== | == External links == | ||
*{{IMDb title|id=0097437 | *{{IMDb title|id=0097437}} | ||
{{Mani Ratnam}} | {{Mani Ratnam}} | ||
| Line 191: | Line 167: | ||
[[Category:1989 films]] | [[Category:1989 films]] | ||
[[Category: | [[Category:1989 romantic drama films]] | ||
[[Category: | [[Category:Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment National Film Award winners]] | ||
[[Category:Films directed by Mani Ratnam]] | [[Category:Films directed by Mani Ratnam]] | ||
[[Category: | [[Category:Films featuring an item number]] | ||
[[Category:Films scored by Ilaiyaraaja]] | |||
[[Category:Films shot in Ooty]] | [[Category:Films shot in Ooty]] | ||
[[Category:Films shot in Rajasthan]] | [[Category:Films shot in Rajasthan]] | ||
[[Category:Indian films]] | |||
[[Category:Indian romantic drama films]] | |||
[[Category:Telugu films remade in other languages]] | [[Category:Telugu films remade in other languages]] | ||
Revision as of 19:24, 29 June 2022
| Geethanjali | |
|---|---|
| Error creating thumbnail: File missing Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Mani Ratnam |
| Produced by | C. L. Narasa Reddy |
| Written by | Rajashri (dialogues) |
| Screenplay by | Mani Ratnam |
| Story by | Mani Ratnam |
| Starring | |
| Music by | Ilaiyaraaja |
| Cinematography | P. C. Sreeram |
| Edited by | B. Lenin V. T. Vijayan |
Production company | Bhagyalakshmi Enterprises |
| Distributed by | Bhagyalakshmi Enterprises |
Release date |
|
Running time | 135 minutes[1] |
| Country | India |
| Language | Telugu |
Geethanjali is a 1989 Indian Telugu-language romance film, written and directed by Mani Ratnam. It stars Nagarjuna and Girija who appears as the titular character. The music is composed by Ilaiyaraaja. Upon release, the film was a commercial success, running for over 100 days in theatres. The film won National Film Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment and also won six Nandi Awards. The film was later remade in Hindi as Yaad Rakhegi Duniya (1992).
Plot
Prakash, a carefree, mischievous student graduates from College. During his celebration with his friends, he gets into a road accident. Although the accident is only minor, during medical tests, he is diagnosed with terminal cancer and has a few months to live. Unable to hear his mother's constant wailing, he packs his bags and leaves for his family's vacation home in Ooty.
There, he meets Geetanjali, who enjoys playing pranks on people around her. In one incident, Geetanjali asks a guy to meet her near a church after sundown to elope with her. When he comes to meet her, she along with her sisters and friends plays an elaborate prank by dressing up as ghosts to scare him away. When she tries to pull the same prank on Prakash, who is already aware of this, it backfires as he pulls a bigger prank on her by dressing himself as a vampire and along with aerial wire stunts, scares her.
After being unsuccessful in scaring Prakash away, Geethanjali forms another plan in which she complains to her grandmother that Prakash had asked her (Geethanjali) to elope with him. Furious at this knowledge, Geethanjali's grandmother confronts Prakash about it. Though Prakash tries his best to explain the truth, Geethanjali's grandmother chides him and humiliates him in public. Prakash becomes angry and retaliates by driving Geethanjali to a hillside area and leaving her there. Later that night, Geethanjali's youngest sister comes to Prakash and tells him that Geethanjali has still not returned home and they are getting worried about her. Prakash goes out to look for her and upon finding her shivering in the cold, brings her back to her family. Geethanjali's grandmother scolds Prakash for pulling such a stunt on Geethanjali as such things could have worsened her health condition. Curious at this, Prakash inquires about her health. To his dismay, he finds out that she has a terminal illness. This intrigues him as she is always happy and energetic. Geethanjali tells him that she's not worried about her impending death as everyone who lives in this world will be gone someday. She also tells him that she's not bothered about what happens in the future and she only lives for today. This teaches Prakash to take his impending death in stride and live life to the fullest.
Prakash begins to fall in love with Geethanjali and pursues her. Thinking that this is also a part of his mischief, Geethanjali keeps putting him off. But one thing leads to another and soon, she too reciprocates his love. One day, Prakash's mother comes to visit him and finds out about her son's love. Not knowing that Prakash has been keeping his illness a secret from Geethanjali, his mother blurts out the truth to Geethanjali. She becomes heartbroken knowing that Prakash's condition is worse than her own. She confronts Prakash and tells him to leave her. Prakash reminds Geethanjali that everyone dies one day and so will he. He tells her that his death is no exception. But a devastated Geethanjali admits that his own life is more important to her than her own and she would not be able to see his death. She begs him to leave her and tells him that she doesn't want to see him again. That night, Geethanjali's health worsens and she is admitted to the hospital. After getting the news, Prakash rushes to the hospital to meet her, but Geethanjali's father, who happens to be a doctor, requests him to leave since Geethanjali wishes the same. Prakash becomes sad and decides to leave the town. At the same time, Geethanjali undergoes an operation on her heart. Hours after her operation, Geethanjali slowly opens her eyes. Her whole family rejoices at her recovery. Geethanjali looks at her father and tells him that she wants to meet Prakash. The family finds out that he is planning to leave the town and rush to the railway station. Prakash sees Geethanjali and turns back to run to her and hold her hand which she outstretches. The movie ends as Geethanjali and Prakash reunite and kiss.
Cast
- Nagarjuna as Prakash[2]
- Girija as Geethanjali[2]
- Vijayakumar as Geethanjali's father[1]
- Vijayachander as Prakash's father[1]
- Radhabai as Geethanjali's grandmother[1]
- Sumithra as Prakash's mother[1]
- Mucherla Aruna as Prakash's doctor[1]
- Dubbing Janaki as Lakshmi
- Baby Neena
- Special appearances (listed alphabetically)
- Chandramohan
- Sowcar Janaki as Chancellor[1]
- Disco Shanti in Ragada Ragada/ Vidiya Vidiya Nadanam
- Silk Smitha in item number
- Suthi Velu as the Ooty house caretaker[1]
Production
Fascinated by the script and box office performance of Mani Ratnam's Mouna Ragam (1986), Nagarjuna was keen on featuring in a film directed by him. Nagarjuna revealed that he used to wait outside Ratnam's house every morning when the director would go on his daily walk to exchange conversation. After a month of regularly attempting to run into the director, Nagarjuna requested him to direct a Telugu film with him in the lead, which the director agreed to after initial reluctance.[3] The film was Geethanjali, which remains the only Telugu film directed by Ratnam.[4] Girija was cast as the lead actress after producer C. L. Narasa Reddy saw her at the wedding of Ratnam and Suhasini.[5] Girija's voice was dubbed by Rohini during post-production.[6] Principal photography began on 12 October 1988 and was completed in sixty days. Most of the scenes were shot in Ooty and a few shots were filmed in Madras.[5]
Soundtrack
The music was composed by Ilaiyaraaja, with lyrics by Veturi.[7][8] The first song finalised was "Oh Paapaa Laali!".[9]
| No. | Title | Singer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Oh Priya Priya!" | K. S. Chithra, S. P. Balasubrahmanyam | 5:44 |
| 2. | "Jagada Jagada" | S. P. Balasubrahmanyam | 4:24 |
| 3. | "Aamani Paadave" | S. P. Balasubrahmanyam | 4:24 |
| 4. | "Nandikonda Vaagullona" | K. S. Chithra, S. P. Balasubrahmanyam | 5:02 |
| 5. | "Om Namaha" | S. Janaki, S. P. Balasubrahmanyam | 4:06 |
| 6. | "Oh Paapaa Laali!" | S. P. Balasubrahmanyam | 4:27 |
| 7. | "Jallanta Kavvinta" | K. S. Chithra | 4:08 |
| Total length: | 32:40 | ||
All lyrics are written by Vaali; all music is composed by Ilaiyaraaja.
| No. | Title | Singer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Oh Priya Priya!" | Mano, K. S. Chithra | |
| 2. | "Vidiya Vidiya Nadanam" | Mano | |
| 3. | "Kaviyam Padava Thendrale" | Mano | |
| 4. | "Kattukulle Paatu Sollum" | Mano, K. S. Chithra | |
| 5. | "Om Namaha" | Mano, S. Janaki | |
| 6. | "Oh Papa Laali" | Mano | |
| 7. | "Aththadi Ammadi" | K. S. Chithra |
Release
Geethanjali was released on 19 May 1989. Narasa Reddy had to distribute the film himself in select places like Visakhapatnam as distributors were sceptical; despite this, it was a commercial success, running for over 100 days in theatres. The Tamil-dubbed version Idhayathai Thirudathe was released on 5 July 1989 and was also successful.[5]
Accolades
| Event | Award | Awardee | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 37th National Film Awards | Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment | Geethanjali | [10] |
| 37th Filmfare Awards South | Best Director – Telugu | Mani Ratnam | [11] |
| Nandi Awards | Best Feature Film – Gold | P. R. Prasad & C. Praveen Kumar Reddy | [12] |
| Best Story Writer | Mani Ratnam | ||
| Best Male Comedian | Suthivelu | ||
| Best Choreography | Sundaram Master | ||
| Best Cinematographer | P. C. Sreeram | ||
| Best Art Direction | Thota Tharani |
Legacy
Nagarjuna became the heart-throb of Telugu filmgoers with Geethanjali. An immense following of girls and ladies began for Nagarjuna. Geethanjali was released five months prior to another trend-setter, Siva starring Nagarjuna. These two films helped Nagarjuna gain both class and mass audience and were the stepping stones for many more blockbusters later in his career. Ratnam also gained a huge following in Andhra Pradesh with this film.[13] The film was unofficially remade in Hindi as Yaad Rakhegi Duniya (1992).[5]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 Rangan 2012, p. 290.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Keramalu, Karthik (22 June 2021). "Finding The Roots Of Mani Ratnam's Geethanjali". Film Companion. Archived from the original on 9 July 2021. Retrieved 8 July 2021.
- ↑ "Interview with Nagarjuna about Soggade Chinni Nayana". Idlebrain.com. 14 January 2016. Archived from the original on 17 January 2016. Retrieved 1 February 2016.
- ↑ Jha, Subhash K (10 April 2014). "Nagarjuna, Mahesh Babu to star in Mani Ratnam's next". Rediff.com. Archived from the original on 20 December 2016. Retrieved 27 October 2016.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 Sri (6 August 2008). "Movie Retrospect : Geetanjali (1989)". Telugucinema.com. Archived from the original on 18 April 2012. Retrieved 11 August 2012.
- ↑ Kumar, P. K. Ajith (11 August 2011). "Back in action". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 2 February 2021. Retrieved 28 January 2021.
- ↑ "Geetanjali (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) by Ilaiyaraaja". Apple Music. Archived from the original on 16 February 2021. Retrieved 9 September 2021.
- ↑ "Geethanjali (1989) Telugu Super Hit Movie LP Vinyl Record by Ilaiyaraja". Disco Music Center. Archived from the original on 9 September 2021. Retrieved 9 September 2021.
- ↑ Rangan 2012, p. 82.
- ↑ "37th National Film Festival" (PDF). Directorate of Film Festivals. p. 19. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2 October 2013. Retrieved 11 August 2012.
- ↑ "Double honour for Kamal". The Indian Express. 14 June 1990. p. 3. Retrieved 9 September 2021.
- ↑ "నంది అవార్డు విజేతల పరంపర (1964–2008)" [A series of Nandi Award Winners (1964–2008)] (PDF) (in Telugu). Information & Public Relations of Andhra Pradesh. Archived (PDF) from the original on 23 February 2015. Retrieved 21 August 2020.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unrecognized language (link) - ↑ "Villain press meet". Sify. Archived from the original on 9 November 2016. Retrieved 9 November 2016.
Sources
External links
- Geethanjali on IMDb