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{{EngvarB|date=January | {{EngvarB|date=January 2014}} | ||
{{Use dmy dates|date=October | {{Use dmy dates|date=October 2015}} | ||
{{Infobox film | {{Infobox film | ||
| name = | | name = Rudhramadevi | ||
| image = Rudrama Devi Poster.jpg | | image = Rudrama Devi Poster.jpg | ||
| caption = Theatrical release poster | | caption = Theatrical release poster | ||
| director = [[Gunasekhar]] | | director = [[Gunasekhar]] | ||
| producer = Gunasekhar<br>Raagini Guna<br>Neelima Guna<br>Yukthamukhi | | producer = Gunasekhar<br>Raagini Guna<br>Neelima Guna<br>Yukthamukhi Guna | ||
| writer = Gunasekhar | | writer = Gunasekhar | ||
| based_on = | | based_on = | ||
| starring = [[Anushka Shetty]]<br>[[Allu Arjun]]<br>[[Rana Daggubati]]<br>[[Vikramjeet Virk]]<br>[[Krishnam Raju]]<br>[[Prakash Raj]] | | starring = [[Anushka Shetty]]<br>[[Allu Arjun]]<br>[[Rana Daggubati]]<br>[[Vikramjeet Virk]]<br>[[Krishnam Raju]]<br>[[Prakash Raj]] | ||
| music = [[Ilaiyaraaja]] | | music = [[Ilaiyaraaja]] | ||
| cinematography = [[Ajayan Vincent]] | | cinematography = [[Ajayan Vincent]] | ||
| editing = [[Sreekar Prasad]] | | editing = [[A. Sreekar Prasad]] | ||
| studio = [[Neelima Guna|Gunaa Teamworks]] | | studio = [[Neelima Guna|Gunaa Teamworks]] | ||
| distributor = Gunaa Teamworks | | distributor = Gunaa Teamworks | ||
| Line 20: | Line 20: | ||
| language = Telugu<!--Parameter is not to be used for dubs. There should only be one entry here, unless the film was *shot* in two or more languages like Baahubali was.--> | | language = Telugu<!--Parameter is not to be used for dubs. There should only be one entry here, unless the film was *shot* in two or more languages like Baahubali was.--> | ||
| budget = {{Plainlist| | | budget = {{Plainlist| | ||
* {{INR}}60{{ndash}}80 crore{{efn|''[[India Today]]'' estimates the film's budget to be {{INR|60 crore}}.<ref>{{ | * {{INR}}60{{ndash}}80 crore{{efn|''[[India Today]]'' estimates the film's budget to be {{INR|60 crore}}.<ref>{{Cite news |date=31 August 2015 |title=Rudhramadevi release date: The historical drama to hit the screens on October 9 |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/rudhramadevi-release-date-the-hitorical-drama-to-hit-the-screens-on-october-9-291159-2015-08-31 |access-date=7 September 2020 |work=India Today}}</ref> ''[[The Indian Express]]'' estimates the film's budget to be {{INR|60 crore}}.<ref>{{Cite news |date=6 April 2015 |title='Rudhramadevi' not just a war film: Gunasekhar |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/regional/rudhramadevi-not-just-a-war-film-gunasekhar/ |access-date=7 September 2020 |work=The Indian Express}}</ref> }} | ||
}} | }} | ||
| gross = {{Estimation}} {{INR}}86.92 crore | | gross = {{Estimation}} {{INR}}86.92 crore | ||
}} | }} | ||
''''' | '''''Rudhramadevi''''' is a 2015 Indian [[Telugu language|Telugu]]-language [[3D film|3D]] [[Biographical film|biographical]] [[action film]] based on the life of [[Rudrama Devi]], one of the prominent rulers of the [[Kakatiya dynasty]] in the [[Deccan Plateau|Deccan]], and one of the few ruling queens in Indian history.<ref>Julius Jolly (1885) ''Outlines of an History of the Hindu Law of Partition, Inheritance, and Adoption:As Contained in the Original Sanskrit Treatises'', Thacker, Spink and Company, pp. 144–150:<br /></ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Bilkees I. Latif |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3-SCyobP0koC&pg=PA70 |title=Forgotten |date=2010 |publisher=Penguin Books India |isbn=978-0-14-306454-1 |page=70}}</ref> The film, written and directed by [[Gunasekhar]], features [[Anushka Shetty|Anushka]] in the title role alongside [[Allu Arjun]], [[Rana Daggubati]], [[Vikramjeet Virk]], [[Krishnam Raju]], [[Prakash Raj]], [[Suman (actor)|Suman]], [[Nithya Menen]], [[Adithya (actor)|Adithya]], and [[Catherine Tresa]]. The film was narrated by [[Chiranjeevi]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=27 January 2015 |title=Rudhramadevi Movie Database |url=http://filmdhamaka.in/rudhramadevi |access-date=27 January 2015 |publisher=Film Dhamaka}}</ref> The film's soundtrack and background score were composed by [[Ilaiyaraaja]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=31 March 2015 |title=Maestro Ilayaraja Heads to London for Re-Recording of Rudramadevi |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2015/mar/31/maestro-ilayaraja-heads-to-london-for-re-recording-of-rudramadevi-736147.html |access-date=7 September 2020 |work=The New Indian Express}}</ref> | ||
''Rudhramadevi'' was released worldwide on 9 October 2015, with dubbed versions in [[Hindi]] and [[Malayalam]] languages. The [[Tamil language|Tamil]] | ''Rudhramadevi'' was released worldwide on 9 October 2015, with dubbed versions in [[Hindi]] and [[Malayalam]] languages. The [[Tamil language|Tamil]] version was released by [[Sri Thenandal Films]] on 16 October.<ref>{{Cite web |date=7 October 2015 |title=Tamil version of Rudhramadevi to release on October 16 |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/regional-movies/tamil-version-of-rudhramadevi-to-release-on-october-16/story-aTe6Yzi1txC1HmoEo7eJNK.html |access-date=7 October 2015 |publisher=Hindustan Times}}</ref> The film opened to mixed reviews and grossed {{INR}}87 crore at the worldwide box office.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rudhramadevi box office collection: Anushka Shetty-starrer mints Rs 32 crore in the opening weekend |url=https://www.msn.com/en-in/entertainment/southcinema/rudhramadevi-box-office-collection-anushka-shetty-starrer-mints-rs-32-crore-in-the-opening-weekend/ar-AAflEi8 |website=msn.com}}</ref> The film became the fifth highest opening day grossing Indian film of 2015.<ref name="auto1">{{Cite web |date=10 October 2015 |title=Rudramadevi review: Lengthy but interesting period drama |url=http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/regional/rudramadevi-review-lengthy-but-interesting-period-drama/ |website=The Indian Express}}</ref><ref name="auto2">{{Cite news |date=10 October 2015 |title=Rudramadevi exempted from entertainment tax in TS |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/rudramadevi-exempted-from-entertainment-tax-in-ts/article7745022.ece |work=The Hindu}}</ref> It was the highest grossing female led film until 2018, when it was surpassed by the Telugu language biographical film, ''[[Mahanati]]''. ''Rudhramadevi'' went on to win the Telangana state Gaddar Film Award for Best Feature Film.<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 30, 2025 |title=Gaddar Telangana Film Awards: Adivi Sesh Thanks Telangana Government For Honouring Major, Expresses Gratitude To Mahesh Babu |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/entertainment-news/telugu/gaddar-telangana-film-awards-adivi-sesh-thanks-telangana-government-for-honouring-major-expresses-gratitude-to-mahesh-babu-article-151755732 |website=Times Now}}</ref> | ||
== Plot == | == Plot == | ||
[[Ganapatideva]] ([[Krishnam Raju]]) is the emperor of the [[Kakatiya]] dynasty who rules the Kakatiya Empire from [[Orugallu]] (present day [[Warangal]], Telangana) as its capital city. There are only two threats to Ganapati's rule. Murari Devudu ([[Adithya Menon]]) and Hari Hara Devudu ([[Suman (actor)|Suman]]), dukes of Kakatiya, are both obviously unsatisfied with Ganapati's reign, and plot to usurp the throne. Emperor [[Simhana|Singhana]] of the Devagiri Empire also wishes to conquer the Kakatiyas and name his grandson and heir, [[Mahadeva of Devagiri|Mahadeva]], as the king. Meanwhile, Ganapati's wife is pregnant | {{Long plot|date=September 2025}} | ||
[[Ganapatideva]] ([[Krishnam Raju]]) is the emperor of the [[Kakatiya]] dynasty who rules the Kakatiya Empire from [[Orugallu]] (present day [[Warangal]], Telangana) as its capital city. There are only two threats to Ganapati's rule. Murari Devudu ([[Adithya Menon]]) and Hari Hara Devudu ([[Suman (actor)|Suman]]), dukes of Kakatiya, are both obviously unsatisfied with Ganapati's reign, and plot to usurp the throne. Emperor [[Simhana|Singhana]] of the Devagiri Empire also wishes to conquer the Kakatiyas and name his grandson and heir, [[Mahadeva of Devagiri|Mahadeva]], as the king. Meanwhile, Ganapati's wife is pregnant and everyone prays for a boy child, because a prince can repel the Devagiri Empire and serve as a successor to the throne. A priest working for Murari and Hari Hara predicts Ganapati's baby will be a girl who will be the saviour of the kingdom. | |||
Ganapati's baby indeed turns out to be a girl, [[Rudramadevi]] ([[Anushka Shetty]]). Her birth disappoints Ganapati, who, being helpless, takes advice from his prime minister, Siva Devayya ([[Prakash Raj]]), to announce the baby to be a boy – | Ganapati's baby indeed turns out to be a girl, [[Rudramadevi]] ([[Anushka Shetty]]). Her birth disappoints Ganapati, who, being helpless, takes advice from his prime minister, Siva Devayya ([[Prakash Raj]]), to announce the baby to be a boy – Rudradeva. Murari and Hari Hara go mad after hearing the news that Ganapati gets a prince, a successor to be of the crown; they then angrily kill the priest who predicted king's heir would be a girl. Rudrama's gender and real name are kept secret from everyone other than Ganapati, his wife, and Siva Devayya; even Rudramadevi herself does not know she's a girl in her childhood. | ||
She is then brought up and trained in a prince's manner. After a few years of training, Rudrama, who goes about as Rudradev is summoned back to Oragallu for her coronation as the crown prince. At her coronation, she befriends Chalukya Veerabhadra ([[Rana Daggubati]]), a neighborhing prince, and forms a friendly rivalry with [[Gona Ganna Reddy]] ([[Allu Arjun]]), another neighboring prince. She sneaks out of the capital along with Chalukya to bathe in the river. She realizes her gender when she sees an elegant statue of a beautiful woman. After seeing the boys disrobe, she realizes that her body is different from theirs. She then runs to her mother angrily and confusedly to ask the reason for hiding her real gender; her mother confesses the story and tells her the reason was to protect the kingdom. In front of her parents and Siva Devayya, Rudrama swears to continue living as a boy until the kingdom's safety is assured. | |||
Years later, in a sporting event, Naga Devudu, the nephew of Murari and Hari Hara, fails to subdue a raging elephant. Murari and Hari Hara challenge | Years later, in a sporting event, Naga Devudu, the nephew of Murari and Hari Hara, fails to subdue a raging [[elephant]]. Murari and Hari Hara challenge Rudradeva to defeat the elephant. Rudradeva who was Rudrama accepts, however she is unaware that Murari and Hari Hara have rigged the competition so no one can win. Despite this, Rudrama wins the challenge, that adored the by several princesses in the scene, including Muktamba.Younger sister Ganapamba spoke to Muktamba and the others with pride and admiration about her brave elder brother, Rudradeva. | ||
Gona Ganna Reddy, one of Rudrama's playmates in childhood and who was then thrown out of the palace and is now called a traitor, shows up in the scene to confront Rudrama. Gona is now the leader of an opposition army, which has been a threat to Ganapati's position. He manages to escape when Ganapati's army tries to arrest him. On the day of the Koumudi festival, Muktamba, Anambika, and Ganapamba were joyfully celebrating with drinks. During their merriment, Anambika shared her affection for Ganna Reddy, while Muktamba confessed her fondness for Rudradeva. Unbeknownst to them, Rudradeva was secretly watching it all. Suddenly, he went into a hidden chamber, removed all his battle armor, and transformed into Rudrama. She longed to celebrate the femininity that lived within her. | |||
The two plan to reveal the secret and use it as an excuse to force Ganapati off the throne. However, before they can do so, Siva Devayya decides to reveal the secret to the people. | After the festival celebration, he happens to see her emerging from the river after a dip. Still caught in the thought of being Rudradeva, she absentmindedly calls him “friend,” only to suddenly realize that she is now Rudhrama. Embarrassed, she blushes deeply. From the very first moment he sees her, he feels drawn to her. But Rudhramaa teasingly pushes him into the river and walks away. | ||
Ganapati, unable to escape from the pressure from inside and outside his palace, decides to get Rudrama married to a princess as being Rudradeva, and he chooses Muktamba. Then Chalukya forgot Rudradeva’s royal duties and lost himself in love. Being Rudrama, in her graceful form, she shared his affection but told him she would marry him only after he fulfilled the duties. Then Chalukya said he would complete them and return to her, affectionately holding her nose. She responded with a teasing smile. On their wedding night, Rudrama, in order to protect her secret, tells Muktamba that she has taken a vow of celibacy until the kingdom is safe. The conversation is tapped by a spy of Murari and Hari Hara, and she tells it to the two, making the secret and the fame of the Ganapati's family in danger. | |||
In a secluded spot by the riverside Chalukya lies absorbed in thoughts of love. Rudradeva approaches him and reprimands him for neglecting his duties, challenging him outright. He declares that if Chalukya can defeat him in a sword duel, he will help Chalukya marry the woman he loves. But if Chalukya loses, he must forget her and return to his responsibilities and he accepts the challenge, and the two engage in a long, intense fight. During the prolonged duel, Chalukya’s sword accidentally slashes through the middle of Rudradeva’s tunic. The force of the strike tears it open, revealing a woman’s torso wrapped in a breast-band and that blow also knocks Rudradevan off-balance; his headgear falls, and his tightly bound hair comes loose. | |||
In that instant, Chalukya's warrior friend Rudradeva suddenly becomes his love interest Rudradevi. Overwhelmed with shame and unable to hide the truth any longer, she admits her deception, guilt written all over her face..The two plan to reveal the secret and use it as an excuse to force Ganapati off the throne. However, before they can do so, Siva Devayya decides to reveal the secret to the people. When Ganapamba knows that her one long respected elder brother were revealed was a woman named Rudrama, she lovingly embraced her, gently held and pampered her chin like an elder sister's caring. | |||
Then Anambika and Muktamba adorned and dressed Rudrama as one of their own. Though she was the eldest among them, Rudrama behaved like the youngest. Because it was their first time celebrating together, she tried to hide the blush that colored her cheeks from shyness, but Anambika and Muktamba noticed and laughing as Rudrama, biting her nails in embarrassment, squirmed a little when Mukthaba lovingly tickled her on the waist. Once hidden behind the guise of Rudradeva, she now fully embraced her true nature of the shyness and beauty of womanhood. Those moments filled with love and joy became a cherished memory, of dance and celebration. | |||
Siva Devayya then announces Rudramadevi's real identity and her to be the queen of the kingdom. The people of Kakatiya, after knowing Ganapati has cheated them for many years, become angry and unsatisfied and strongly object. Rudramadevi is not accepted by the people to be their queen and is hence driven out of the kingdom. Ganapati also loses the trust and support of his people because of this. Murari and Hari Hara take this chance to launch a coup using the secret passageway. They then proclaim that they will rule Oragallu in Mahadeva's name, while maintaining their own power. Before Murari and Hari Hara can kill Siva Devayya, he has a heart attack and dies. | Siva Devayya then announces Rudramadevi's real identity and her to be the queen of the kingdom. The people of Kakatiya, after knowing Ganapati has cheated them for many years, become angry and unsatisfied and strongly object. Rudramadevi is not accepted by the people to be their queen and is hence driven out of the kingdom. Ganapati also loses the trust and support of his people because of this. Murari and Hari Hara take this chance to launch a coup using the secret passageway. They then proclaim that they will rule Oragallu in Mahadeva's name, while maintaining their own power. Before Murari and Hari Hara can kill Siva Devayya, he has a heart attack and dies. | ||
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Rudramadevi and her army meet Gona Ganna Reddy's army on her way, which is surprisingly not about to attack her, but to help her get her crown back. It is revealed that Gona, who noticed Rudramadevi was a girl in their childhood, is not a traitor but a most loyal warrior of the kingdom. He had already expected that Rudramadevi would lose her power and be driven out of the kingdom one day, so he left the palace, pretending to be driven out for being a traitor, to form his own army to wait for the day. | Rudramadevi and her army meet Gona Ganna Reddy's army on her way, which is surprisingly not about to attack her, but to help her get her crown back. It is revealed that Gona, who noticed Rudramadevi was a girl in their childhood, is not a traitor but a most loyal warrior of the kingdom. He had already expected that Rudramadevi would lose her power and be driven out of the kingdom one day, so he left the palace, pretending to be driven out for being a traitor, to form his own army to wait for the day. | ||
After they join hands, their united army is greater and stronger than that of Murari and Hari Hara and beats the latter. They also repel and defeat the Devagiri Empire. Rudramadevi then gets her crown back, marries Chalukya | After they join hands, their united army is greater and stronger than that of Murari and Hari Hara and beats the latter. They also repel and defeat the Devagiri Empire. Rudramadevi then gets her crown back, marries Chalukya and becomes the first queen of South India. | ||
== Cast == | == Cast == | ||
<small>''Source''</small><ref>{{Cite web |date=2 March 2015 |title=Rudhramadevi Official Trailer || Anushka, Allu Arjun, Rana, Gunasekhar |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fc0QmDnNy3U |website=[[Gunasekhar|Gunaa Teamworks]] |via=YouTube}}</ref> | |||
{{colbegin}} | {{colbegin}} | ||
* [[Anushka Shetty]] as [[Rudrama Devi]] alias | * [[Anushka Shetty]] as Princess [[Rudrama Devi]] alias Prince Rudradeva Maharaja, princess of the [[Kakatiya Empire]], and later, the first queen in South Indian history; empress of [[Warangal|Orugallu]]. | ||
* [[Allu Arjun]] as [[Gona Ganna Reddy]] | ** [[Ulka Gupta]] as Young [[Rudrama Devi]], aged 14 | ||
* [[Rana Daggubati]] as Chalukya Veerabhadra | ** Medha as Young [[Rudrama Devi]], aged 9 | ||
* [[Vikramjeet Virk]] as [[Mahadeva of Devagiri|Mahadeva Nayakudu]] | * [[Allu Arjun]] as [[Gona Ganna Reddy]] a prince acts as rebel to Kakatiya Empire; who makes a huge army to support of Rudrama Devi for the battle Mahadeva Nayakudu. Later gains back his thrown [[Khilla Ghanpur|Vardhamanapuram]] from his paternal uncle Gona Lakuma Reddy with the support of Rudrama Devi and remains a loyal [[Samanta]] to her. | ||
* [[Krishnam Raju]] as [[Ganapatideva]] | **Vikram Lagadapati as Young [[Gona Ganna Reddy]] | ||
* [[Prakash Raj]] as Siva Devayya | * [[Rana Daggubati]] as Prince Chalukya Veerabhadra; ruler of [[Nidadavolu|Niravadyapuram]]; Rudrama Devi's love interest later husband; a loyal [[Samanta]] to [[Kakatiya Empire]]. | ||
* [[Suman (actor)|Suman]] as Hari Hara Devudu | ** [[Roshan Meka]] as Young Chalukya Veerabhadra | ||
* [[Vikramjeet Virk]] as King [[Mahadeva of Devagiri|Mahadeva Nayakudu]]; who dreams to conquer Orugallu | |||
** Yashwanth as Young Mahadeva Nayakudu | |||
* [[Adithya (actor)|Adithya]] as Murari Devudu | * [[Nithya Menen]] as Muktamba; wife of Rudra Deva to world, after revelation she became most trusted friend to Rudrama Devi. | ||
* [[Prabha (actress)|Prabha]] as Somamba, Ganapati Devudu's wife | * [[Catherine Tresa]] as Anambika; Gona Ganna Reddy's love interest later wife. | ||
* [[Vinod Kumar]] as Ganna Reddy's paternal uncle | * [[Krishnam Raju]] as King [[Ganapatideva]]; father to Rudrama Devi | ||
* [[Raja Ravindra]] as Anambika's father | * [[Prakash Raj]] as Prime Minister Siva Devayya; an intelligent and loyal to Kakatiya Dynasty | ||
* [[Suman (actor)|Suman]] as Hari Hara Devudu; a cunning [[Samanta]] wants to take over Orugallu. | |||
* [[Adithya (actor)|Adithya]] as Murari Devudu; younger brother of Hari Hara Devudu | |||
* [[Prabha (actress)|Prabha]] as Somamba, Ganapati Devudu's wife; and Rudrama Devi's mother | |||
* [[Hamsa Nandini]] as Madanika | * [[Aditi Chengappa]] as Ganapamba,younger sister of Rudrama | ||
* [[Ajay (actor)|Ajay]] as Prasadaditya | * [[Vinod Kumar Alva]] as Gona Lakuma Reddy; Ganna Reddy's cunning paternal uncle who rebels against Kakatiya Empire. | ||
* [[Baba Sehgal]] as Naga Devudu | * [[Raja Ravindra]] as Kotareddy, Anambika's father | ||
* [[Hamsa Nandini]] as Madanika, a spy to Mahadeva Nayakudu. | |||
* [[Ajay (actor)|Ajay]] as Prasadaditya, Loyal Commander in Chief of Kakatiya Empire. | |||
* [[Baba Sehgal]] as Naga Devudu; trusted henchman of Hari Hara Devudu. | |||
* [[Raza Murad]] as [[Simhana]], King of [[Devagiri]] | * [[Raza Murad]] as [[Simhana]], King of [[Devagiri]] | ||
* [[Jaya Prakash Reddy]] as Amba Devudu | * [[Jaya Prakash Reddy]] as Amba Devudu, a cunning [[Samanta]] to Kakatiya Empire | ||
* [[Subbaraya Sharma]] as Jayapa Naidu | * [[Subbaraya Sharma]] as Jayapa Naidu, a loyal [[Samanta]] to Kakatiya Empire | ||
* [[Venu Madhav (actor)|Venu Madhav]] as Tittibi | * [[Venu Madhav (actor)|Venu Madhav]] as Tittibi | ||
* [[Vennela Kishore]] as Manchana, an associate of Tittibi | |||
* [[Arpit Ranka]] as Varada Reddy | * [[Arpit Ranka]] as Varada Reddy | ||
* Akshara Mandhapati as Akshara Devi | * Akshara Mandhapati as Akshara Devi | ||
* [[ | * [[Krishna Bhagavaan]] as Somberi, Murari and Hari Hara's aide | ||
* [[ | * [[G. V. Sudhakar Naidu]] as Uppala Somudu | ||
* [[ | * Gary Tantony as [[Marco Polo]] | ||
{{colend}} | {{colend}} | ||
[[Vijayakumar (Tamil actor)|Vijayakumar]], [[Uttej]], [[Sivaji Raja]], [[Shanoor Sana|Sana]] and [[Rani (Tamil actress)|Raksha]] make special appearances in the song "Matthagajame". | |||
===Family Tree=== | |||
{{align|left|'''Kakatiya Empire'''}} | |||
{{Tree chart/start|align=center}} | |||
{{Tree chart| | | | | | | |||||| }} | |||
{{Tree chart| | |||KG|v|SMB|||||||||||||||||||||||KG=King Ganapatideva|SMB=Somamba Devi|}} | |||
{{Tree chart| |||||,|-|^|-|-|-|-|-|-|.| | ||||||||||||}} | |||
{{Tree chart|||||RD|-|CVR|||GNP|RD=Rudhramadevi|CVR=Chalukya Veerabhadra |GNP=Ganapamba }} | |||
{{Tree chart/end|align=center}} | |||
== Production == | == Production == | ||
[[File:1000 pillar temple warangal.jpg|thumb|[[Thousand Pillar Temple]] where the filming commenced.]] | [[File:1000 pillar temple warangal.jpg|thumb|[[Thousand Pillar Temple]] where the filming commenced.]] | ||
Director Gunasekhar readied a script based on the life of Rani Rudramadevi | Director Gunasekhar readied a script based on the life of Rani Rudramadevi. Gunasekhar selected Ilaiyaraja to compose the music and Thotta Tharani for art direction. [[Mahesh Babu]] and [[Jr. NTR]] were first approached for the role of Gona Ganna Reddy, but both of them rejected the offer. Later, [[Allu Arjun]] was eventually selected to do the role.<ref>{{Cite web |date=4 October 2012 |title=Anushka as a warrior princess |url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/tabloid/hyderabad/anushka-warrior-princess-335 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121007024334/http://www.deccanchronicle.com/tabloid/hyderabad/anushka-warrior-princess-335 |archive-date=7 October 2012 |access-date=24 November 2012 |website=Deccan Chronicle}}</ref> [[Neeta Lulla]] designed the costumes.<ref name="ger">{{Cite web |title=German technicians to work for Rudrama Devi |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/German-technicians-to-work-for-Rudrama-Devi/etarticleshow/17349075.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131217051144/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-11-24/news-interviews/35333145_1_gunasekhar-rudrama-devi-anushka |archive-date=17 December 2013 |access-date=29 November 2012 |website=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref> Rapper [[Baba Sehgal]] was hired by director [[Gunasekhar]] for a role.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Prasad Shiva |date=3 April 2013 |title=Baba Sehgal in Anushka's film |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Baba-Sehgal-in-Anushkas-film/etarticleshow/19359753.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130410221951/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-04-03/news-interviews/38247793_1_rani-rudrama-devi-baba-sehgal-director-gunasekhar |archive-date=10 April 2013 |access-date=22 April 2013 |work=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref> [[Vikramjeet Virk]], who earlier played a negative role in [[Ashutosh Gowarikar]]'s ''[[Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey]]'' (2010) and in [[Puri Jagannadh]]'s 2014 film ''[[Heart Attack (2014 film)|Heart Attack]]'', was selected to play a negative character named Mahadeva Nayakadu.<ref name=toi/> | ||
The filming was started on 14 February 2013 in [[Warangal]]. The first shot was shot at the [[Thousand Pillar Temple]] in Warangal.<ref>{{Cite web |date=14 February 2013 |title=Anushka – Guna Sekhar's Rudramadevi film launch |url=http://www.idlebrain.com/news/functions1/muhurat-rudramadevi.html |access-date=15 February 2013 |publisher=idlebrain.com}}</ref> Final schedule of shoot ended in July 2014.<ref name="toi">{{Cite news |last=Afrin Humayon |date=4 May 2013 |title=Vikramjeet Virk lands in T'wood |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/Vikramjeet-Virk-lands-in-Twood/etarticleshow/19864668.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130508064100/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-05-03/news-interviews/39008589_1_rudramadevi-telugu-anushka |archive-date=8 May 2013 |access-date=4 May 2013 |work=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref> | |||
== Soundtrack == | |||
{{Main|Rudhramadevi (soundtrack)}} | |||
The | The soundtrack album and background score were composed by [[Ilaiyaraaja]]. The audio music was planned to release separately in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh states having the Chief ministers of these states as chief guests. The songs were released simultaneously in [[Visakhapatnam]] and [[Warangal]] on 25 July 2015.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Rudhramadevi songs |url=http://www.telanganaroundup.net/rudhramadevi-mp3-songs-downloadlisten-online/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150328005040/http://www.telanganaroundup.net/rudhramadevi-mp3-songs-downloadlisten-online/ |archive-date=28 March 2015 |access-date=27 July 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Rudramadevi to release 3 of its songs on July 25th |url=http://www.sakshipost.com/index.php/entertainment/news-gossip/54548-rudramadevi-to-release-3-of-its-songs-on-ugadi.html?psource=Feature |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150403001530/http://www.sakshipost.com/index.php/entertainment/news-gossip/54548-rudramadevi-to-release-3-of-its-songs-on-ugadi.html?psource=Feature |archive-date=3 April 2015 |access-date=9 August 2015 |publisher=Sakshi}}</ref> Deccan Music named it as the Best Telugu Album of the month.<ref>[https://deccanmusic.wordpress.com/2015/03/31/best-telugu-songs-and-albums-of-march-2015/ Best Telugu Songs and Albums of July 2015] Deccan Music – 31 July 2015</ref> The soundtrack for the [[Tamil language|Tamil]] version were released on 15 August 2015 and the [[Malayalam]] version was released on 4 September 2015, respectively.<ref>{{Cite web |date=25 July 2015 |title=Rudhramadevi – Music Review (Telugu Movie Soundtrack) |url=https://www.musicaloud.com/2015/03/23/rudhramadevi-music-review-telugu-movie-soundtrack/ |access-date=6 June 2019 |publisher=Music Aloud}}</ref> | ||
== Release == | == Release == | ||
The film's official trailer was released on 2 March 2015.<ref>{{ | The film's official trailer was released on 2 March 2015.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Rudhramadevi official trailer crosses million hits |url=http://www.iluvcinema.in/telugu/rudramadevi-official-trailer-crosses-million-hits-on-youtube/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150307142131/http://www.iluvcinema.in/telugu/rudramadevi-official-trailer-crosses-million-hits-on-youtube/ |archive-date=7 March 2015 |access-date=25 July 2015}}</ref> The film was slated to be released on 26 June 2015, but it was but postponed to 9 October due to technical problems. [[Telangana]] state has given entertainment tax exemption for the film.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rudramadevi gets tax exemption – Telugu cinema news |url=http://www.idlebrain.com/news/today/rudramadevi-taxexemtion.html |website=idlebrain.com}}</ref> | ||
==Legal release online== | ==Legal release online== | ||
HeroTalkies has legally released ''Rudhramadevi'' in 2D and 3D formats to overseas customers who have [[3D television|3D TVs]].<ref>{{ | HeroTalkies has legally released ''Rudhramadevi'' in 2D and 3D formats to overseas customers who have [[3D television|3D TVs]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=15 November 2015 |title=Recent Tamil films release online |url=http://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/recent-tamil-films-release-online/article7880688.ece |access-date=27 December 2017 |work=The Hindu |via=www.thehindu.com}}</ref> | ||
== Reception == | == Reception == | ||
=== Critical response === | === Critical response === | ||
Upon release, the film received positive reviews, with critics praising the direction, narration, and Anushka's performance.<ref name="auto1" /><ref name="auto2" /> Belvoir Eagle gave the film 3.5/5 rating,<ref>{{ | Upon release, the film received positive reviews, with critics praising the direction, narration, and Anushka's performance.<ref name="auto1" /><ref name="auto2" /> Belvoir Eagle gave the film 3.5/5 rating,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rudramadevi (Rudhramadevi) Movie Review and Rating: 3.5/5, Allu Arjun, Anushka |url=http://www.belvoireagle.com/entertainment/rudhramadevi-aka-rudramadevi-movie-review-rating-twitter-response-ft-anushka-shetty-allu-arjun-398.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151009221537/http://www.belvoireagle.com/entertainment/rudhramadevi-aka-rudramadevi-movie-review-rating-twitter-response-ft-anushka-shetty-allu-arjun-398.html |archive-date=9 October 2015 |website=BLR Eagle}}</ref> and Kiaara Sindu of ''[[The Hans India]]'' rated 4/5.<ref>{{Cite web |date=9 October 2015 |title=Rudramadevi Review Out: UK Film Critic Gives 4 Star Rating – The Hans India |url=http://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/2015-10-08/Rudramadevi-review-out-UK-film-critic-gives-4-star-rating-179891 |website=thehansindia.com}}</ref> | ||
=== Box office === | === Box office === | ||
It grossed {{INRConvert|32|c}} in its first weekend at the domestic box office, and turned out to be a success.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Rudhramadevi Movie Review {3/5}: Critic Review of Rudhramadevi by Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movie-reviews/rudhramadevi/movie-review/49289505.cms |work=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref> | |||
== Accolades == | == Accolades == | ||
| Line 124: | Line 145: | ||
| [[Anushka Shetty]] | | [[Anushka Shetty]] | ||
| {{won}} | | {{won}} | ||
| style="text-align:center;" rowspan="3"| | | style="text-align:center;" rowspan="3"| | ||
|- | |- | ||
| Best Actor – Jury | | Best Actor – Jury | ||
| Line 139: | Line 160: | ||
| [[Anushka Shetty]] | | [[Anushka Shetty]] | ||
| {{won}} | | {{won}} | ||
| style="text-align:center;" rowspan="2"| <ref>{{ | | style="text-align:center;" rowspan="2"| <ref>{{Cite web |date=18 June 2016 |title=Winners of the 63rd Britannia Filmfare Awards (South) |url=https://www.filmfare.com/news/winners-of-the-63rd-britannia-filmfare-awards-south-13996.html |access-date=7 September 2020 |website=[[Filmfare]]}}</ref> | ||
|- | |- | ||
| [[Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor – Telugu|Best Supporting Actor – Telugu]] | | [[Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor – Telugu|Best Supporting Actor – Telugu]] | ||
| Line 150: | Line 171: | ||
| [[Anushka Shetty]] | | [[Anushka Shetty]] | ||
| {{nom}} | | {{nom}} | ||
| style="text-align:center;" rowspan="7"| <ref>{{ | | style="text-align:center;" rowspan="7"|<ref>{{Cite news |date=30 March 2017 |title=IIFA Utsavam: Complete winner's list |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/regional/iifa-utsavam-complete-winner-list-4592896/ |access-date=7 September 2020 |work=The Indian Express}}</ref> | ||
|- | |- | ||
| Best Supporting Actor – Telugu | | Best Supporting Actor – Telugu | ||
| Line 180: | Line 201: | ||
| Female Vocalist of the Year | | Female Vocalist of the Year | ||
| {{nom}} | | {{nom}} | ||
| style="text-align:center;"| <ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.mirchimusicawards.com/nominations-telugu-2015/| | | style="text-align:center;"| <ref>{{Cite web |title=Mirchi Music Awards 2015 Telugu Nominations |url=http://www.mirchimusicawards.com/nominations-telugu-2015/ |access-date=7 September 2020 |website=Mirchi Music Awards}}</ref> | ||
|- | |- | ||
! scope="row" rowspan="2"| [[Nandi Awards]] | ! scope="row" rowspan="2"| [[Nandi Awards]] | ||
| Line 187: | Line 208: | ||
| [[Allu Arjun]] | | [[Allu Arjun]] | ||
| {{won}} | | {{won}} | ||
| style="text-align:center;" rowspan="2"| <ref>{{ | | style="text-align:center;" rowspan="2"| <ref>{{Cite web |title=Nandi Film Awards G.O and Results 2015 |url=https://www.apsftvtdc.in/nandi-film-awards-2015.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201011114155/https://www.apsftvtdc.in/nandi-film-awards-2015.html |archive-date=11 October 2020 |access-date=7 September 2020 |website=APFTVTDC}}</ref> | ||
|- | |- | ||
| [[Nandi Award for Best Female Dubbing Artist|Best Female Dubbing Artist]] | | [[Nandi Award for Best Female Dubbing Artist|Best Female Dubbing Artist]] | ||
| Line 198: | Line 219: | ||
| ''Rudhramadevi'' – [[Gunasekhar]] | | ''Rudhramadevi'' – [[Gunasekhar]] | ||
| {{won}} | | {{won}} | ||
| style="text-align:center;" rowspan="2"| <ref>{{ | | style="text-align:center;" rowspan="2"| <ref>{{Cite web |date=17 August 2016 |title=Complete Winners List of Santosham Movie Awards 2016 |url=https://www.indiaherald.com/Movies/Read/145927/Complete-Winners-List-of-Santosham-Movie-Awards-2016/ |access-date=7 September 2020 |website=India Herald}}</ref> | ||
|- | |- | ||
| [[Santosham Best Actress Award|Best Actress]] | | [[Santosham Best Actress Award|Best Actress]] | ||
| Line 209: | Line 230: | ||
| ''Rudhramadevi'' – [[Gunasekhar]] | | ''Rudhramadevi'' – [[Gunasekhar]] | ||
| {{nom}} | | {{nom}} | ||
| style="text-align:center;" rowspan="7"| <ref>{{ | | style="text-align:center;" rowspan="7"| <ref>{{Cite news |date=27 May 2016 |title=SIIMA 2016 nominations out – here is the list |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/siima-2016-nominations-out-%E2%80%93-here-list-43912 |access-date=7 September 2020 |work=The News Minute}}</ref> | ||
|- | |- | ||
| [[SIIMA Award for Best Director – Telugu|Best Director – Telugu]] | | [[SIIMA Award for Best Director – Telugu|Best Director – Telugu]] | ||
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|- | |- | ||
|} | |} | ||
==Legacy== | ==Legacy== | ||
| Line 251: | Line 267: | ||
== External links == | == External links == | ||
* {{IMDb title|2807410}} | * {{IMDb title|2807410}} | ||
{{Gunasekhar}} | {{Gunasekhar}} | ||
[[Category:2015 films]] | [[Category:2015 films]] | ||
[[Category:2010s action war films]] | [[Category:2010s action war films]] | ||
[[Category: | [[Category:2015 war films]] | ||
[[Category:2015 Telugu-language films]] | |||
[[Category:Films set in Telangana]] | [[Category:Films set in Telangana]] | ||
[[Category:Films shot in Telangana]] | [[Category:Films shot in Telangana]] | ||
| Line 266: | Line 282: | ||
[[Category:History of India on film]] | [[Category:History of India on film]] | ||
[[Category:2010s historical action films]] | [[Category:2010s historical action films]] | ||
[[Category:Films set in forests]] | [[Category:Films set in forests]] | ||
[[Category:Films directed by Gunasekhar]] | [[Category:Films directed by Gunasekhar]] | ||
| Line 274: | Line 288: | ||
[[Category:Indian historical action films]] | [[Category:Indian historical action films]] | ||
[[Category:Indian biographical films]] | [[Category:Indian biographical films]] | ||
[[Category:Indian epic films]] | [[Category:Indian war epic films]] | ||
[[Category:Films about royalty]] | [[Category:Films about royalty]] | ||
[[Category:Biographical films about royalty]] | [[Category:Biographical films about royalty]] | ||
| Line 280: | Line 294: | ||
[[Category:Biographical action films]] | [[Category:Biographical action films]] | ||
[[Category:Historical epic films]] | [[Category:Historical epic films]] | ||
[[Category:Indian swashbuckler films]] | [[Category:Indian swashbuckler films]] | ||
[[Category:Indian nonlinear narrative films]] | [[Category:Indian nonlinear narrative films]] | ||
[[Category:2010s biographical films]] | [[Category:2010s biographical films]] | ||
[[Category:Films set in Warangal]] | |||
Latest revision as of 23:23, 3 March 2026
| Rudhramadevi | |
|---|---|
 Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Gunasekhar |
| Produced by | Gunasekhar Raagini Guna Neelima Guna Yukthamukhi Guna |
| Written by | Gunasekhar |
| Starring | Anushka Shetty Allu Arjun Rana Daggubati Vikramjeet Virk Krishnam Raju Prakash Raj |
| Music by | Ilaiyaraaja |
| Cinematography | Ajayan Vincent |
| Edited by | A. Sreekar Prasad |
Production company | |
| Distributed by | Gunaa Teamworks |
Release date |
|
Running time | 157 minutes |
| Country | India |
| Language | Telugu |
| Budget |
|
| Box office | est. ₹86.92 crore |
Rudhramadevi is a 2015 Indian Telugu-language 3D biographical action film based on the life of Rudrama Devi, one of the prominent rulers of the Kakatiya dynasty in the Deccan, and one of the few ruling queens in Indian history.[3][4] The film, written and directed by Gunasekhar, features Anushka in the title role alongside Allu Arjun, Rana Daggubati, Vikramjeet Virk, Krishnam Raju, Prakash Raj, Suman, Nithya Menen, Adithya, and Catherine Tresa. The film was narrated by Chiranjeevi.[5] The film's soundtrack and background score were composed by Ilaiyaraaja.[6]
Rudhramadevi was released worldwide on 9 October 2015, with dubbed versions in Hindi and Malayalam languages. The Tamil version was released by Sri Thenandal Films on 16 October.[7] The film opened to mixed reviews and grossed ₹87 crore at the worldwide box office.[8] The film became the fifth highest opening day grossing Indian film of 2015.[9][10] It was the highest grossing female led film until 2018, when it was surpassed by the Telugu language biographical film, Mahanati. Rudhramadevi went on to win the Telangana state Gaddar Film Award for Best Feature Film.[11]
Plot[edit | edit source]
 | This article's plot summary may be too long or excessively detailed. (September 2025) |
Ganapatideva (Krishnam Raju) is the emperor of the Kakatiya dynasty who rules the Kakatiya Empire from Orugallu (present day Warangal, Telangana) as its capital city. There are only two threats to Ganapati's rule. Murari Devudu (Adithya Menon) and Hari Hara Devudu (Suman), dukes of Kakatiya, are both obviously unsatisfied with Ganapati's reign, and plot to usurp the throne. Emperor Singhana of the Devagiri Empire also wishes to conquer the Kakatiyas and name his grandson and heir, Mahadeva, as the king. Meanwhile, Ganapati's wife is pregnant and everyone prays for a boy child, because a prince can repel the Devagiri Empire and serve as a successor to the throne. A priest working for Murari and Hari Hara predicts Ganapati's baby will be a girl who will be the saviour of the kingdom.
Ganapati's baby indeed turns out to be a girl, Rudramadevi (Anushka Shetty). Her birth disappoints Ganapati, who, being helpless, takes advice from his prime minister, Siva Devayya (Prakash Raj), to announce the baby to be a boy – Rudradeva. Murari and Hari Hara go mad after hearing the news that Ganapati gets a prince, a successor to be of the crown; they then angrily kill the priest who predicted king's heir would be a girl. Rudrama's gender and real name are kept secret from everyone other than Ganapati, his wife, and Siva Devayya; even Rudramadevi herself does not know she's a girl in her childhood.
She is then brought up and trained in a prince's manner. After a few years of training, Rudrama, who goes about as Rudradev is summoned back to Oragallu for her coronation as the crown prince. At her coronation, she befriends Chalukya Veerabhadra (Rana Daggubati), a neighborhing prince, and forms a friendly rivalry with Gona Ganna Reddy (Allu Arjun), another neighboring prince. She sneaks out of the capital along with Chalukya to bathe in the river. She realizes her gender when she sees an elegant statue of a beautiful woman. After seeing the boys disrobe, she realizes that her body is different from theirs. She then runs to her mother angrily and confusedly to ask the reason for hiding her real gender; her mother confesses the story and tells her the reason was to protect the kingdom. In front of her parents and Siva Devayya, Rudrama swears to continue living as a boy until the kingdom's safety is assured.
Years later, in a sporting event, Naga Devudu, the nephew of Murari and Hari Hara, fails to subdue a raging elephant. Murari and Hari Hara challenge Rudradeva to defeat the elephant. Rudradeva who was Rudrama accepts, however she is unaware that Murari and Hari Hara have rigged the competition so no one can win. Despite this, Rudrama wins the challenge, that adored the by several princesses in the scene, including Muktamba.Younger sister Ganapamba spoke to Muktamba and the others with pride and admiration about her brave elder brother, Rudradeva.
Gona Ganna Reddy, one of Rudrama's playmates in childhood and who was then thrown out of the palace and is now called a traitor, shows up in the scene to confront Rudrama. Gona is now the leader of an opposition army, which has been a threat to Ganapati's position. He manages to escape when Ganapati's army tries to arrest him. On the day of the Koumudi festival, Muktamba, Anambika, and Ganapamba were joyfully celebrating with drinks. During their merriment, Anambika shared her affection for Ganna Reddy, while Muktamba confessed her fondness for Rudradeva. Unbeknownst to them, Rudradeva was secretly watching it all. Suddenly, he went into a hidden chamber, removed all his battle armor, and transformed into Rudrama. She longed to celebrate the femininity that lived within her.
After the festival celebration, he happens to see her emerging from the river after a dip. Still caught in the thought of being Rudradeva, she absentmindedly calls him “friend,” only to suddenly realize that she is now Rudhrama. Embarrassed, she blushes deeply. From the very first moment he sees her, he feels drawn to her. But Rudhramaa teasingly pushes him into the river and walks away.
Ganapati, unable to escape from the pressure from inside and outside his palace, decides to get Rudrama married to a princess as being Rudradeva, and he chooses Muktamba. Then Chalukya forgot Rudradeva’s royal duties and lost himself in love. Being Rudrama, in her graceful form, she shared his affection but told him she would marry him only after he fulfilled the duties. Then Chalukya said he would complete them and return to her, affectionately holding her nose. She responded with a teasing smile. On their wedding night, Rudrama, in order to protect her secret, tells Muktamba that she has taken a vow of celibacy until the kingdom is safe. The conversation is tapped by a spy of Murari and Hari Hara, and she tells it to the two, making the secret and the fame of the Ganapati's family in danger.
In a secluded spot by the riverside Chalukya lies absorbed in thoughts of love. Rudradeva approaches him and reprimands him for neglecting his duties, challenging him outright. He declares that if Chalukya can defeat him in a sword duel, he will help Chalukya marry the woman he loves. But if Chalukya loses, he must forget her and return to his responsibilities and he accepts the challenge, and the two engage in a long, intense fight. During the prolonged duel, Chalukya’s sword accidentally slashes through the middle of Rudradeva’s tunic. The force of the strike tears it open, revealing a woman’s torso wrapped in a breast-band and that blow also knocks Rudradevan off-balance; his headgear falls, and his tightly bound hair comes loose.
In that instant, Chalukya's warrior friend Rudradeva suddenly becomes his love interest Rudradevi. Overwhelmed with shame and unable to hide the truth any longer, she admits her deception, guilt written all over her face..The two plan to reveal the secret and use it as an excuse to force Ganapati off the throne. However, before they can do so, Siva Devayya decides to reveal the secret to the people. When Ganapamba knows that her one long respected elder brother were revealed was a woman named Rudrama, she lovingly embraced her, gently held and pampered her chin like an elder sister's caring.
Then Anambika and Muktamba adorned and dressed Rudrama as one of their own. Though she was the eldest among them, Rudrama behaved like the youngest. Because it was their first time celebrating together, she tried to hide the blush that colored her cheeks from shyness, but Anambika and Muktamba noticed and laughing as Rudrama, biting her nails in embarrassment, squirmed a little when Mukthaba lovingly tickled her on the waist. Once hidden behind the guise of Rudradeva, she now fully embraced her true nature of the shyness and beauty of womanhood. Those moments filled with love and joy became a cherished memory, of dance and celebration.
Siva Devayya then announces Rudramadevi's real identity and her to be the queen of the kingdom. The people of Kakatiya, after knowing Ganapati has cheated them for many years, become angry and unsatisfied and strongly object. Rudramadevi is not accepted by the people to be their queen and is hence driven out of the kingdom. Ganapati also loses the trust and support of his people because of this. Murari and Hari Hara take this chance to launch a coup using the secret passageway. They then proclaim that they will rule Oragallu in Mahadeva's name, while maintaining their own power. Before Murari and Hari Hara can kill Siva Devayya, he has a heart attack and dies.
It doesn't take too long for the people to realize that who deserves to rule the kingdom, as Murari and Hari Hara start to prosecute them with higher tax rates and unprecedented cruelty and aristocracy soon after they take power. The desperate people, along with Siva Devayya (who faked his death), then turn to Rudramadevi to apologize and for help. Rudramadevi then forms these people as an opposition army to fight against her own kingdom's army.
Rudramadevi and her army meet Gona Ganna Reddy's army on her way, which is surprisingly not about to attack her, but to help her get her crown back. It is revealed that Gona, who noticed Rudramadevi was a girl in their childhood, is not a traitor but a most loyal warrior of the kingdom. He had already expected that Rudramadevi would lose her power and be driven out of the kingdom one day, so he left the palace, pretending to be driven out for being a traitor, to form his own army to wait for the day.
After they join hands, their united army is greater and stronger than that of Murari and Hari Hara and beats the latter. They also repel and defeat the Devagiri Empire. Rudramadevi then gets her crown back, marries Chalukya and becomes the first queen of South India.
Cast[edit | edit source]
Source[12]
- Anushka Shetty as Princess Rudrama Devi alias Prince Rudradeva Maharaja, princess of the Kakatiya Empire, and later, the first queen in South Indian history; empress of Orugallu.
- Ulka Gupta as Young Rudrama Devi, aged 14
- Medha as Young Rudrama Devi, aged 9
- Allu Arjun as Gona Ganna Reddy a prince acts as rebel to Kakatiya Empire; who makes a huge army to support of Rudrama Devi for the battle Mahadeva Nayakudu. Later gains back his thrown Vardhamanapuram from his paternal uncle Gona Lakuma Reddy with the support of Rudrama Devi and remains a loyal Samanta to her.
- Vikram Lagadapati as Young Gona Ganna Reddy
- Rana Daggubati as Prince Chalukya Veerabhadra; ruler of Niravadyapuram; Rudrama Devi's love interest later husband; a loyal Samanta to Kakatiya Empire.
- Roshan Meka as Young Chalukya Veerabhadra
- Vikramjeet Virk as King Mahadeva Nayakudu; who dreams to conquer Orugallu
- Yashwanth as Young Mahadeva Nayakudu
- Nithya Menen as Muktamba; wife of Rudra Deva to world, after revelation she became most trusted friend to Rudrama Devi.
- Catherine Tresa as Anambika; Gona Ganna Reddy's love interest later wife.
- Krishnam Raju as King Ganapatideva; father to Rudrama Devi
- Prakash Raj as Prime Minister Siva Devayya; an intelligent and loyal to Kakatiya Dynasty
- Suman as Hari Hara Devudu; a cunning Samanta wants to take over Orugallu.
- Adithya as Murari Devudu; younger brother of Hari Hara Devudu
- Prabha as Somamba, Ganapati Devudu's wife; and Rudrama Devi's mother
- Aditi Chengappa as Ganapamba,younger sister of Rudrama
- Vinod Kumar Alva as Gona Lakuma Reddy; Ganna Reddy's cunning paternal uncle who rebels against Kakatiya Empire.
- Raja Ravindra as Kotareddy, Anambika's father
- Hamsa Nandini as Madanika, a spy to Mahadeva Nayakudu.
- Ajay as Prasadaditya, Loyal Commander in Chief of Kakatiya Empire.
- Baba Sehgal as Naga Devudu; trusted henchman of Hari Hara Devudu.
- Raza Murad as Simhana, King of Devagiri
- Jaya Prakash Reddy as Amba Devudu, a cunning Samanta to Kakatiya Empire
- Subbaraya Sharma as Jayapa Naidu, a loyal Samanta to Kakatiya Empire
- Venu Madhav as Tittibi
- Vennela Kishore as Manchana, an associate of Tittibi
- Arpit Ranka as Varada Reddy
- Akshara Mandhapati as Akshara Devi
- Krishna Bhagavaan as Somberi, Murari and Hari Hara's aide
- G. V. Sudhakar Naidu as Uppala Somudu
- Gary Tantony as Marco Polo
Vijayakumar, Uttej, Sivaji Raja, Sana and Raksha make special appearances in the song "Matthagajame".
Family Tree[edit | edit source]
Kakatiya Empire
Production[edit | edit source]
Director Gunasekhar readied a script based on the life of Rani Rudramadevi. Gunasekhar selected Ilaiyaraja to compose the music and Thotta Tharani for art direction. Mahesh Babu and Jr. NTR were first approached for the role of Gona Ganna Reddy, but both of them rejected the offer. Later, Allu Arjun was eventually selected to do the role.[13] Neeta Lulla designed the costumes.[14] Rapper Baba Sehgal was hired by director Gunasekhar for a role.[15] Vikramjeet Virk, who earlier played a negative role in Ashutosh Gowarikar's Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey (2010) and in Puri Jagannadh's 2014 film Heart Attack, was selected to play a negative character named Mahadeva Nayakadu.[16]
The filming was started on 14 February 2013 in Warangal. The first shot was shot at the Thousand Pillar Temple in Warangal.[17] Final schedule of shoot ended in July 2014.[16]
Soundtrack[edit | edit source]
The soundtrack album and background score were composed by Ilaiyaraaja. The audio music was planned to release separately in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh states having the Chief ministers of these states as chief guests. The songs were released simultaneously in Visakhapatnam and Warangal on 25 July 2015.[18][19] Deccan Music named it as the Best Telugu Album of the month.[20] The soundtrack for the Tamil version were released on 15 August 2015 and the Malayalam version was released on 4 September 2015, respectively.[21]
Release[edit | edit source]
The film's official trailer was released on 2 March 2015.[22] The film was slated to be released on 26 June 2015, but it was but postponed to 9 October due to technical problems. Telangana state has given entertainment tax exemption for the film.[23]
Legal release online[edit | edit source]
HeroTalkies has legally released Rudhramadevi in 2D and 3D formats to overseas customers who have 3D TVs.[24]
Reception[edit | edit source]
Critical response[edit | edit source]
Upon release, the film received positive reviews, with critics praising the direction, narration, and Anushka's performance.[9][10] Belvoir Eagle gave the film 3.5/5 rating,[25] and Kiaara Sindu of The Hans India rated 4/5.[26]
Box office[edit | edit source]
It grossed ₹32 crore (US$4.5 million) in its first weekend at the domestic box office, and turned out to be a success.[27]
Accolades[edit | edit source]
| Award[lower-alpha 2] | Date of ceremony[lower-alpha 3] | Category | Recipient(s) | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CineMAA Awards | 12 June 2016 | Best Actress | Anushka Shetty | Won | |
| Best Actor – Jury | Allu Arjun | Won | |||
| Special Appreciation Award | Gunasekhar | Won | |||
| Filmfare Awards South | 18 June 2016 | Best Actress – Telugu | Anushka Shetty | Won | [28] |
| Best Supporting Actor – Telugu | Allu Arjun | Won | |||
| IIFA Utsavam | 28 – 29 March 2017 | Best Actress – Telugu | Anushka Shetty | Nominated | [29] |
| Best Supporting Actor – Telugu | Allu Arjun | Won | |||
| Best Supporting Actress – Telugu | Nithya Menen | Nominated | |||
| Best Performance in a Negative Role – Telugu | Vikramjeet Virk | Nominated | |||
| Best Lyricist – Telugu | Sirivennela Seetharama Sastry for ("Matthagajame") | Nominated | |||
| Best Male Playback Singer – Telugu | Hariharan for ("Aunka Neevena") | Nominated | |||
| Best Female Playback Singer – Telugu | Shreya Ghoshal for ("Punnami Puvvai") | Nominated | |||
| Mirchi Music Awards South | 27 July 2016 | Female Vocalist of the Year | Nominated | [30] | |
| Nandi Awards | 14 November 2017 | Best Character Actor | Allu Arjun | Won | [31] |
| Best Female Dubbing Artist | Sowmya Sharma | Won | |||
| Santosham Film Awards | 14 August 2016 | Best Film | Rudhramadevi – Gunasekhar | Won | [32] |
| Best Actress | Anushka Shetty | Won | |||
| South Indian International Movie Awards | 30 June – 1 July 2016 | Best Film – Telugu | Rudhramadevi – Gunasekhar | Nominated | [33] |
| Best Director – Telugu | Gunasekhar | Nominated | |||
| Best Actor – Telugu | Allu Arjun | Nominated | |||
| Critics Choice Best Actor – Telugu | Won | ||||
| Best Actress – Telugu | Anushka Shetty | Nominated | |||
| Critics Choice Best Actress – Telugu | Won | ||||
| Best Supporting Actress – Telugu | Nithya Menen | Nominated |
Legacy[edit | edit source]
Rudhramadevi is the first Telugu film to have its recording in London, United Kingdom. The garments and jewellery designed for the lead cast are available in NAC Jewellers in Chennai as Rudhramadevi Collections.
Notes[edit | edit source]
- ↑ India Today estimates the film's budget to be ₹60 crore.[1] The Indian Express estimates the film's budget to be ₹60 crore.[2]
- ↑ Awards are in alphabetical order.
- ↑ Date is linked to the article about the awards held that year, wherever possible.
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ "Rudhramadevi release date: The historical drama to hit the screens on October 9". India Today. 31 August 2015. Retrieved 7 September 2020.
- ↑ "'Rudhramadevi' not just a war film: Gunasekhar". The Indian Express. 6 April 2015. Retrieved 7 September 2020.
- ↑ Julius Jolly (1885) Outlines of an History of the Hindu Law of Partition, Inheritance, and Adoption:As Contained in the Original Sanskrit Treatises, Thacker, Spink and Company, pp. 144–150:
- ↑ Bilkees I. Latif (2010). Forgotten. Penguin Books India. p. 70. ISBN 978-0-14-306454-1.
- ↑ "Rudhramadevi Movie Database". Film Dhamaka. 27 January 2015. Retrieved 27 January 2015.
- ↑ "Maestro Ilayaraja Heads to London for Re-Recording of Rudramadevi". The New Indian Express. 31 March 2015. Retrieved 7 September 2020.
- ↑ "Tamil version of Rudhramadevi to release on October 16". Hindustan Times. 7 October 2015. Retrieved 7 October 2015.
- ↑ "Rudhramadevi box office collection: Anushka Shetty-starrer mints Rs 32 crore in the opening weekend". msn.com.
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 "Rudramadevi review: Lengthy but interesting period drama". The Indian Express. 10 October 2015.
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 "Rudramadevi exempted from entertainment tax in TS". The Hindu. 10 October 2015.
- ↑ "Gaddar Telangana Film Awards: Adivi Sesh Thanks Telangana Government For Honouring Major, Expresses Gratitude To Mahesh Babu". Times Now. 30 May 2025.
- ↑ "Rudhramadevi Official Trailer || Anushka, Allu Arjun, Rana, Gunasekhar". Gunaa Teamworks. 2 March 2015 – via YouTube.
- ↑ "Anushka as a warrior princess". Deccan Chronicle. 4 October 2012. Archived from the original on 7 October 2012. Retrieved 24 November 2012.
- ↑ "German technicians to work for Rudrama Devi". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 17 December 2013. Retrieved 29 November 2012.
- ↑ Prasad Shiva (3 April 2013). "Baba Sehgal in Anushka's film". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 10 April 2013. Retrieved 22 April 2013.
- ↑ 16.0 16.1 Afrin Humayon (4 May 2013). "Vikramjeet Virk lands in T'wood". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 8 May 2013. Retrieved 4 May 2013.
- ↑ "Anushka – Guna Sekhar's Rudramadevi film launch". idlebrain.com. 14 February 2013. Retrieved 15 February 2013.
- ↑ "Rudhramadevi songs". Archived from the original on 28 March 2015. Retrieved 27 July 2015.
- ↑ "Rudramadevi to release 3 of its songs on July 25th". Sakshi. Archived from the original on 3 April 2015. Retrieved 9 August 2015.
- ↑ Best Telugu Songs and Albums of July 2015 Deccan Music – 31 July 2015
- ↑ "Rudhramadevi – Music Review (Telugu Movie Soundtrack)". Music Aloud. 25 July 2015. Retrieved 6 June 2019.
- ↑ "Rudhramadevi official trailer crosses million hits". Archived from the original on 7 March 2015. Retrieved 25 July 2015.
- ↑ "Rudramadevi gets tax exemption – Telugu cinema news". idlebrain.com.
- ↑ "Recent Tamil films release online". The Hindu. 15 November 2015. Retrieved 27 December 2017 – via www.thehindu.com.
- ↑ "Rudramadevi (Rudhramadevi) Movie Review and Rating: 3.5/5, Allu Arjun, Anushka". BLR Eagle. Archived from the original on 9 October 2015.
- ↑ "Rudramadevi Review Out: UK Film Critic Gives 4 Star Rating – The Hans India". thehansindia.com. 9 October 2015.
- ↑ "Rudhramadevi Movie Review {3/5}: Critic Review of Rudhramadevi by Times of India". The Times of India.
- ↑ "Winners of the 63rd Britannia Filmfare Awards (South)". Filmfare. 18 June 2016. Retrieved 7 September 2020.
- ↑ "IIFA Utsavam: Complete winner's list". The Indian Express. 30 March 2017. Retrieved 7 September 2020.
- ↑ "Mirchi Music Awards 2015 Telugu Nominations". Mirchi Music Awards. Retrieved 7 September 2020.
- ↑ "Nandi Film Awards G.O and Results 2015". APFTVTDC. Archived from the original on 11 October 2020. Retrieved 7 September 2020.
- ↑ "Complete Winners List of Santosham Movie Awards 2016". India Herald. 17 August 2016. Retrieved 7 September 2020.
- ↑ "SIIMA 2016 nominations out – here is the list". The News Minute. 27 May 2016. Retrieved 7 September 2020.
External links[edit | edit source]
- Rudhramadevi on IMDb