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Nelavanka

Nelavanka (1983)

Jan 25, 1983 1h 50m Drama Romance

Srirama Raju (Gummadi) is the zamindar of the village. Raheem (J.V. Somayajulu), his classmate and a friend, also works as his carriage-driver. The zamindar has two daughters Savitri (Rajyalakshmi) and Lalitha (Tulasi) and a son Ravi (Eswara Rao). Savitri is a born mute, while Tulasi goes to college. Tulasi meets Kiran (Kiran) who traps her in the name of love and later marries Savitri for money. Raheem's son Saleem (Rajesh) rescues Lalitha from Kiran. A couple of villagers who had grudges on Raheem create Hindu-Muslim clashes between the otherwise peaceful villagers. How all issues were resolved and the price they had to pay, to regain peace in the village as well as in their lives, forms the rest of the story.

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Directed by Jandhyala Subramanya Sastry

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Crew

Director
  • Jandhyala Subramanya Sastry

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Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, Nelavanka examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.

Director Jandhyala Subramanya Sastry brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 1983, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of Nelavanka took approximately 31 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 110 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 131 minutes long.
  • The musical score contains over 73 unique compositions.
  • Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
  • The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.

Historical Context

  • In 1983, when this film was released:
  • MTV launched, changing how music was marketed and consumed.
  • Economic policies were shifting toward deregulation in many Western countries.
  • Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.

How This Film Stands Out

Details

  • Release Date: January 25, 1983
  • Runtime: 1h 50m

Where to Watch

Eros Now Select Apple TV Channel

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