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{{Use Indian English|date=November 2015}}
{{Use Indian English|date=November 2015}}
{{Infobox film
{{Infobox film
| name = Kurukshetram
| name           = Kurukshetram
| image = Kurukshetram poster.JPG
| image         = Kurukshetram poster.JPG
| caption = Theatrical release poster
| caption       =  
| director = [[Kamalakara Kameswara Rao]]
| director       = [[Kamalakara Kameswara Rao]]
| producer = A. S. R. Anjaneyulu
| producer       = A. S. R. Anjaneyulu
| writer = Tripuraneni Maharathi
| writer         = [[Samudrala Jr.]]<br/>{{small|(screenplay)}}
| starring = {{ubl|[[Krishna (Telugu actor)|Krishna]]|[[Krishnam Raju]]|[[Jamuna (actress)|Jamuna]]|[[Kaikala Satyanarayana]]|[[Anjali Devi]]|[[Vijaya Nirmala]]}}
<br/>[[Tripuraneni Maharadhi]] {{small|(dialogues)}}
| music = [[S. Rajeswara Rao]]
| starring       = {{ubl|[[Krishna (Telugu actor)|Krishna]]| [[Sobhan Babu]]|[[Krishnam Raju]]|[[Jamuna (actress)|Jamuna]]|[[Vijaya Nirmala]]}}
| music         = [[S. Rajeswara Rao]]
| cinematography = P. L. Roy
| cinematography = P. L. Roy
| editing = Kotagiri Gopala Rao
| editing       = Kotagiri Gopala Rao
| studio = Madhavi Padmalaya Combines
| studio         = Madhavi Padmalaya Combines
| distributor =  
| distributor   =  
| released = 14 January 1977
| released       = {{Film date|1977|01|14|df=yes}}
| runtime = 168 min.
| runtime       = 168 min.
| country = India
| country       = India
| language = Telugu
| language       = Telugu
| budget =  
| budget         =  
| gross =  
| gross         =  
}}
}}


'''''Kurukshetram''''' is a 1977 Indian [[Telugu language|Telugu]]-language [[Hindu mythological film]] produced by A. S. R. Anjaneyulu and directed by [[Kamalakara Kameswara Rao]]. It stars [[Krishna (Telugu actor)|Krishna]], [[Sobhan Babu]], [[Krishnam Raju]] and [[Kaikala Satyanarayana]] while [[Jamuna (actress)|Jamuna]], [[Vijaya Nirmala]], [[Anjali Devi]] and [[Gummadi (actor)|Gummadi]] played other important roles. During the shooting in Rajasthan the producer ran out of money and superstar Krishna became producer of the movie.
'''''Kurukshetram''''' is a 1977 Indian [[Telugu language|Telugu]]-language [[Hindu mythological film]] directed by [[Kamalakara Kameswara Rao]]. The film features an [[ensemble cast]] that includes [[Krishna (Telugu actor)|Krishna]], [[Sobhan Babu]], [[Krishnam Raju]], [[Jamuna (actress)|Jamuna]], and [[Vijaya Nirmala]]. It was produced by A. S. R. Anjaneyulu, with Krishna serving as the presenter. The screenplay was written by [[Samudrala Jr.]], while the dialogues were penned by [[Tripuraneni Maharadhi]]. Notable supporting roles were played by [[Kaikala Satyanarayana]], [[Anjali Devi]], [[Jaya Prada|Jayaprada]], [[Gummadi (actor)|Gummadi]], and [[Chandra Mohan (Telugu actor)|Chandra Mohan]]. The music was composed by [[S. Rajeswara Rao|Saluri Rajeswara Rao]].<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |date=2022-01-14 |title=45 ఏళ్ళ ‘కురుక్షేత్రము’ |url=https://ntvtelugu.com/movie-news/45-years-of-kurukshetra-movie-45-120598.html |access-date=2024-10-15 |website=NTV |language=te-IN}}</ref>
 
The film was shot in various locations, including [[Mysore]] and [[Rajasthan]], and is notable for its elaborate sets and innovative production techniques, particularly for its time. Despite underperforming at the Telugu box office, ''Kurukshetram'' found success with its Hindi dubbed version. The film is recognized for its technical superiority and craftsmanship.<ref name=":1" />


== Plot ==
== Plot ==
{{No plot|date=October 2021}}
The film depicts a series of key events from the [[Mahabharata]], beginning with the division of the kingdom. It progresses through significant moments, including the marriage of [[Subhadra]] and [[Arjuna]], the slaying of [[Jarasandha]], the [[Rajasuya|Rajasuya Yagna]], the infamous dice game, the subsequent exile of the Pandavas, and culminates in the [[Kurukshetra War]].


==Cast==
==Cast==
{{cast listing|
{{cast listing|*[[Krishna (Telugu actor)|Krishna]] as [[Arjuna]]
*[[Krishna (Telugu actor)|Krishna]] as [[Arjuna]]
*[[Sobhan Babu]] as [[Krishna]]
*[[Sobhan Babu]] as [[Krishna]]
*[[Krishnam Raju]] as [[Karna]]
*[[Krishnam Raju]] as [[Karna]]
Line 38: Line 40:
*[[Jaya Prada]] as [[Uttara (Mahabharata)|Uttara]]
*[[Jaya Prada]] as [[Uttara (Mahabharata)|Uttara]]
*[[Gummadi (actor)|Gummadi]] as [[Bhishma]]
*[[Gummadi (actor)|Gummadi]] as [[Bhishma]]
*[[Nagabhushanam (actor)|Nagabhushanam]] as [[Shakuni]]
*[[Nagabhushanam (actor)|Nagabhushanam]] as [[Sakuni]]
*[[Rao Gopal Rao]] as [[Shalya]]
*[[Rao Gopal Rao]] as [[Shalya|Salya]]
*[[Kanta Rao]] as [[Drupada]]
*[[Kantha Rao]] as [[Drupada]]
*[[Mannava Balayya|M. Balayya]] as [[Yudhishthira]]
*[[Mannava Balayya|M. Balayya]] as [[Yudhishthira|Dharma Raju]]
*[[Chandra Mohan (Telugu actor)|Chandra Mohan]] as [[Abhimanyu]]
*[[Chandra Mohan (Telugu actor)|Chandra Mohan]] as [[Abhimanyu]]
*Randhawa as [[Bhima]]
*Randhawa as [[Bhima]]
*[[Dhulipala Seetarama Sastry]] as [[Indra]]
*[[Dhulipala Seetarama Sastry]] as [[Indra]]
*[[Giri Babu]] as [[Dushasana]]
*[[Giri Babu]] as [[Dushasana|Dussasana]]
*[[Mukkamala]] as [[Dhritarashtra]]
*[[Mukkamala (actor)|Mukkamala]] as [[Dhrutarashtra]]
*[[Ramakrishna (Telugu actor)|Rama Krishna]] as [[Balarama]]
*[[Ramakrishna (Telugu actor)|Rama Krishna]] as [[Balarama]]
*[[Chandrakala]] as [[Rukmini]]
*[[Chandrakala]] as [[Rukmini]]
*[[Latha (actress)|Latha]] as [[Satyabhama]]
*[[Latha (actress)|Latha]] as [[Satyabhama]]
*[[Mohan Babu]] as [[Shishupala]]
*[[Mohan Babu]] as [[Sisupala]]
*Tyagaraju as Saindhava
*Tyagaraju as [[Jayadratha|Saindhava]]
*[[P. J. Sarma]] as [[Kripa]]
*[[P. J. Sarma]] as [[Kripa|Krupacharya]]}}
}}
*Jyothi Lakshmi as dancer in Mayasabha
 
==Production==
 
=== Development ===
''Kurukshetram'' and ''[[Daana Veera Soora Karna]]'' were produced around the same time. [[Krishna (Telugu actor)|Krishna]] began the production of ''Kurukshetram'' in parallel with [[N. T. Rama Rao]]'s ''Daana Veera Soora Karna''.<ref name="dvsk">{{cite web |last=Chinarayana |first=Pulagam |date=17 January 2017 |editor-last=Sri |editor2-last=NaChaKi |title=Daana Veera Soora Karna - Retrospective |url=https://archive.telugucinema.com/daana-veera-soora-karna-retrospective |access-date=13 July 2023 |work=[[TeluguCinema.com]]}}</ref> He co-produced the film with A. S. R. Anjaneyulu, who had previously produced ''[[Pandava Vanavasam]]'' (1965). The film was directed by [[Kamalakara Kameswara Rao]], with [[K. S. R. Das]] overseeing the war sequences. [[Samudrala Jr.]] wrote the screenplay, while [[Tripuraneni Maharadhi]] wrote the dialogues.<ref name=":1" /> Despite being a long-time associate of N. T. Rama Rao, Kameswara Rao’s decision to direct ''Kurukshetram'' caused a strain in their relationship.<ref name=":2" />
 
=== Casting ===
In ''Kurukshetram'', Krishna portrayed [[Arjuna]], while [[Sobhan Babu]] played [[Krishna]], and [[Krishnam Raju]] took on the role of [[Karna]]. [[Kaikala Satyanarayana|Satyanarayana]] appeared as [[Duryodhana]], with [[Chandra Mohan (Telugu actor)|Chandra Mohan]] as [[Abhimanyu]], and Randhava, son of renowned wrestler [[Dara Singh]], as [[Bhima]].<ref name=":1" /> [[Gummadi (actor)|Gummadi]] portrayed [[Bhishma]]. Only a few actors like Satyanarayana, Gummadi, [[Dhulipala]], and [[Mukkamala (actor)|Mukkamala]], appeared in both ''Kurukshetram'' and ''Daana Veera Soora Karna''.<ref name=":2" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Chinthakindhi Ramu |title=ఎన్టీఆర్ పెట్టిన కండీషన్‌ను బ్రేక్ చేసిన కైకాల సత్యనారాయణ... ‘దాన వీర శూర కర్ణ’ సమయంలో... |url=https://telugu.asianetnews.com/gallery/entertainment/kaikala-satyanarayana-when-kaikala-satyanarayana-breaks-sr-nt-rama-rao-condition-during-daana-veera-soora-karna-r2vooh |access-date=2024-10-15 |website=[[Asianet News Network]] |language=te}}</ref>
 
=== Filming ===
Unlike ''Daana Veera Soora Karna'', which was filmed entirely at [[Ramakrishna Cine Studios]], ''Kurukshetram'' featured elaborate sets and was shot in various locations, including [[Mysore]] and [[Rajasthan]], and [[Kurukshetra]] in [[Haryana]]. For the war scenes, Krishna took the crew along with elephants, horses, camels, and chariots to Kurukshetra. At a time when [[Computer-generated imagery|computer-generated graphics]] were not available, Krishna's innovative production techniques were considered groundbreaking in the Telugu film industry.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=15 November 2022 |title=Krishna, who rode risks to superstardom |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/krishna-who-rode-risks-to-superstardom-101668534141261.html |access-date=15 October 2024 |website=Hindustan Times}}</ref>


==Location==
==Music==
The music for ''Kurukshetram'' was composed by [[S. Rajeswara Rao|Saluri Rajeswara Rao]], featuring lyrics by renowned writers such as [[Sri Sri (writer)|Sri Sri]], [[C. Narayana Reddy]], [[Daasarathi|Dasaradhi]], [[Veturi]], and [[Aarudra]]. Verses from [[Tirupati Venkata Kavulu]], [[Jandhyala Papayya Sastry|Karunasri]], [[Samudrala Jr.]], and Joshua were also included. The film notably featured recitations from the ''[[Bhagavad Gita]]'' by [[Ghantasala (musician)|Ghantasala]], which were secured by [[Padmalaya Studios]] after his death.<ref name="dvsk" /> Notable songs from the soundtrack include "Mrogindi Kalyana Veena" and "Dharmakshetram Idhi Kurukshetram."<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=R |first=M. S. |date=2024-09-23 |title=దానవీరశూర కర్ణుడు గెలిస్తే... ‘కురుక్షేత్రం’లో అర్జునుడు ఓడిపోయాడు... |url=https://muchata.com/kurukshetram/ |access-date=2024-10-15 |website=Muchata |language=te}}</ref>


While Krishna was busy with the ''Kurusketram'', NTR was busy with the production of ''[[Daana Veera Soora Karna]]''.<ref>[http://www.greatandhra.com/viewnews.php?id=18363&cat=&scat=5 Super Star Krishna's Anger On Singer Ramakrishna ]</ref> While the former was shot in Mysore, Rajasthan, and other places with huge settings, DVSK was made locally in Ramakrishna Cine Studios.  The people who worked for both the films were [[Gummadi (actor)|Gummadi]] ([[Parashurama]] in ''DVSK''), [[Kaikala Satyanarayana]] (Bheema in ''DVSK''), [[Dhulipala]] ([[Shakuni]] in ''DVSK''), [[Mukkamala]] ([[Shalya]] in  ''DVSK'').
{{Track listing
| headline      = Track list
| extra_column  = Singer(s)
| all_music    =  
| title1        = Dharma Kshetram
| lyrics1      = [[Sri Sri (writer)|Sri Sri]]
| extra1        = [[S. P. Balasubrahmanyam]]
| title2        = Alukala Kulukula
| lyrics2      = [[Veturi]]
| extra2        = S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, [[P. Susheela|P. Suseela]]
| title3        = Ide Mayasabha Mandiram
| lyrics3      = [[Samudrala Jr.|Jr. Samudrala]]
| extra3        = B. Vasantha, Vani Jairam
| title4        = Harivillu Divinunchi
| lyrics4      = [[Dasarathi]]
| extra4        = P. Suseela, [[V. Ramakrishna]]
| title5        = Mrogindi Kalyanaveena
| lyrics5      = [[C. Narayana Reddy]]
| extra5        = S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, P. Suseela
}}


==Soundtrack==
== Reception ==
* "Dharma Kshertam" (Lyricist: [[Sri Sri (writer)|Sri Sri]]; Singers: [[S. P. Balasubrahmanyam]])
Despite underperforming at the Telugu box office, ''Kurukshetram'' received some appreciation in Bangalore,<ref name=":2" /> while its Hindi dubbed version achieved significant success.<ref name=":1" /> The film is recognized for its technical superiority and innovative production techniques, showcasing Krishna's dedication.<ref name=":0" /> However, critics felt that Krishna and Sobhan Babu's portrayals of Arjuna and Krishna did not resonate as strongly as N. T. Rama Rao's previous performances, which was seen as a disadvantage for ''Kurukshetram''. In contrast, Satyanarayana's portrayal of Duryodhana received praise, reminiscent of [[S. V. Ranga Rao]]'s powerful performances in similar roles. In retrospect, while ''Daana Veera Soora Karna'' became a blockbuster, ''Kurukshetram'' is noted for its ensemble cast and production quality.<ref name=":1" />
* "Alukala Kulukula" (Lyricist: [[Veturi]]; Singers: S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, [[P. Susheela]])
* "Ide Mayasabha Mandiram" (Lyricist: [[Samudrala Ramanujacharya|Jr. Samudrala]]; Singers: P. Susheela)
* "Harivillu Divinunchi" (Lyricist: [[Aarudhra]]; Singers: P. Susheela, [[V. Ramakrishna]])
* "Mrogindi Kalyanaveena" (Lyricist: [[C. Narayana Reddy]]; Singers: S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, P. Susheela)


==External links==
==External links==
Line 76: Line 105:


[[Category:1977 films]]
[[Category:1977 films]]
[[Category:Indian films]]
[[Category:1977 Telugu-language films]]
[[Category:1970s Telugu-language films]]
[[Category:1977 Indian films]]
[[Category:Hindu mythological films]]
[[Category:Hindu mythological films]]
[[Category:Films directed by Kamalakara Kameswara Rao]]
[[Category:Films directed by Kamalakara Kameswara Rao]]
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[[Category:Films shot in Mysore]]
[[Category:Films shot in Mysore]]
[[Category:Films based on the Mahabharata]]
[[Category:Films based on the Mahabharata]]
 
[[Category:Padmalaya Studios films]]
 
{{1970s-Telugu-film-stub}}

Latest revision as of 19:46, 20 March 2026

Kurukshetram
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Directed byKamalakara Kameswara Rao
Produced byA. S. R. Anjaneyulu
Written bySamudrala Jr.
(screenplay)
Tripuraneni Maharadhi (dialogues)
Starring
Music byS. Rajeswara Rao
CinematographyP. L. Roy
Edited byKotagiri Gopala Rao
Production
company
Madhavi Padmalaya Combines
Release date
  • 14 January 1977 (1977-01-14)
Running time
168 min.
CountryIndia
LanguageTelugu

Kurukshetram is a 1977 Indian Telugu-language Hindu mythological film directed by Kamalakara Kameswara Rao. The film features an ensemble cast that includes Krishna, Sobhan Babu, Krishnam Raju, Jamuna, and Vijaya Nirmala. It was produced by A. S. R. Anjaneyulu, with Krishna serving as the presenter. The screenplay was written by Samudrala Jr., while the dialogues were penned by Tripuraneni Maharadhi. Notable supporting roles were played by Kaikala Satyanarayana, Anjali Devi, Jayaprada, Gummadi, and Chandra Mohan. The music was composed by Saluri Rajeswara Rao.[1]

The film was shot in various locations, including Mysore and Rajasthan, and is notable for its elaborate sets and innovative production techniques, particularly for its time. Despite underperforming at the Telugu box office, Kurukshetram found success with its Hindi dubbed version. The film is recognized for its technical superiority and craftsmanship.[2]

Plot[edit | edit source]

The film depicts a series of key events from the Mahabharata, beginning with the division of the kingdom. It progresses through significant moments, including the marriage of Subhadra and Arjuna, the slaying of Jarasandha, the Rajasuya Yagna, the infamous dice game, the subsequent exile of the Pandavas, and culminates in the Kurukshetra War.

Cast[edit | edit source]

  • Jyothi Lakshmi as dancer in Mayasabha

    • Production[edit | edit source]

    Development[edit | edit source]

    Kurukshetram and Daana Veera Soora Karna were produced around the same time. Krishna began the production of Kurukshetram in parallel with N. T. Rama Rao's Daana Veera Soora Karna.[3] He co-produced the film with A. S. R. Anjaneyulu, who had previously produced Pandava Vanavasam (1965). The film was directed by Kamalakara Kameswara Rao, with K. S. R. Das overseeing the war sequences. Samudrala Jr. wrote the screenplay, while Tripuraneni Maharadhi wrote the dialogues.[2] Despite being a long-time associate of N. T. Rama Rao, Kameswara Rao’s decision to direct Kurukshetram caused a strain in their relationship.[1]

    Casting[edit | edit source]

    In Kurukshetram, Krishna portrayed Arjuna, while Sobhan Babu played Krishna, and Krishnam Raju took on the role of Karna. Satyanarayana appeared as Duryodhana, with Chandra Mohan as Abhimanyu, and Randhava, son of renowned wrestler Dara Singh, as Bhima.[2] Gummadi portrayed Bhishma. Only a few actors like Satyanarayana, Gummadi, Dhulipala, and Mukkamala, appeared in both Kurukshetram and Daana Veera Soora Karna.[1][4]

    Filming[edit | edit source]

    Unlike Daana Veera Soora Karna, which was filmed entirely at Ramakrishna Cine Studios, Kurukshetram featured elaborate sets and was shot in various locations, including Mysore and Rajasthan, and Kurukshetra in Haryana. For the war scenes, Krishna took the crew along with elephants, horses, camels, and chariots to Kurukshetra. At a time when computer-generated graphics were not available, Krishna's innovative production techniques were considered groundbreaking in the Telugu film industry.[5]

    Music[edit | edit source]

    The music for Kurukshetram was composed by Saluri Rajeswara Rao, featuring lyrics by renowned writers such as Sri Sri, C. Narayana Reddy, Dasaradhi, Veturi, and Aarudra. Verses from Tirupati Venkata Kavulu, Karunasri, Samudrala Jr., and Joshua were also included. The film notably featured recitations from the Bhagavad Gita by Ghantasala, which were secured by Padmalaya Studios after his death.[3] Notable songs from the soundtrack include "Mrogindi Kalyana Veena" and "Dharmakshetram Idhi Kurukshetram."[2]

    Track list
    No.TitleLyricsSinger(s)Length
    1."Dharma Kshetram"Sri SriS. P. Balasubrahmanyam 
    2."Alukala Kulukula"VeturiS. P. Balasubrahmanyam, P. Suseela 
    3."Ide Mayasabha Mandiram"Jr. SamudralaB. Vasantha, Vani Jairam 
    4."Harivillu Divinunchi"DasarathiP. Suseela, V. Ramakrishna 
    5."Mrogindi Kalyanaveena"C. Narayana ReddyS. P. Balasubrahmanyam, P. Suseela 

    Reception[edit | edit source]

    Despite underperforming at the Telugu box office, Kurukshetram received some appreciation in Bangalore,[1] while its Hindi dubbed version achieved significant success.[2] The film is recognized for its technical superiority and innovative production techniques, showcasing Krishna's dedication.[5] However, critics felt that Krishna and Sobhan Babu's portrayals of Arjuna and Krishna did not resonate as strongly as N. T. Rama Rao's previous performances, which was seen as a disadvantage for Kurukshetram. In contrast, Satyanarayana's portrayal of Duryodhana received praise, reminiscent of S. V. Ranga Rao's powerful performances in similar roles. In retrospect, while Daana Veera Soora Karna became a blockbuster, Kurukshetram is noted for its ensemble cast and production quality.[2]

    External links[edit | edit source]

    References[edit | edit source]

    1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 "45 ఏళ్ళ 'కురుక్షేత్రము'". NTV (in తెలుగు). 14 January 2022. Retrieved 15 October 2024.
    2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 R, M. S. (23 September 2024). "దానవీరశూర కర్ణుడు గెలిస్తే... 'కురుక్షేత్రం'లో అర్జునుడు ఓడిపోయాడు..." Muchata (in తెలుగు). Retrieved 15 October 2024.
    3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Chinarayana, Pulagam (17 January 2017). Sri; NaChaKi (eds.). "Daana Veera Soora Karna - Retrospective". TeluguCinema.com. Retrieved 13 July 2023.
    4. ↑ Chinthakindhi Ramu. "ఎన్టీఆర్ పెట్టిన కండీషన్‌ను బ్రేక్ చేసిన కైకాల సత్యనారాయణ... 'దాన వీర శూర కర్ణ' సమయంలో..." Asianet News Network (in తెలుగు). Retrieved 15 October 2024.
    5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 "Krishna, who rode risks to superstardom". Hindustan Times. 15 November 2022. Retrieved 15 October 2024.
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