Cast
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Venkatesh
as Rakesh
Srividya
as Sarada
Girish Karnad
as Mahendra
Ramya Krishnan
as Sandhya
Prema
as Surekha
Amanchi Venkata Subrahmanyam
as Gurulingam
Rallapalli Narasimha
as Anjibabu
Subbaraya Sharma
as Surekha's Father
Brahmanandam
as Gurulingam's Enemy
Somayajulu J V
as Judge
MVS Harinath Rao
as Singaram
Krishnaveni
as Balamani
Ananth Babu
as Singaram's Assistant
Kota Shankar Rao
as Public Prosecutor
Sarathi
as T.V. Shop Owner
Crew
Director
- Suresh Krishna
Producer
- D. Rama Naidu
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Dharma Chakram 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 Suresh Krishna 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 1996, 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 Dharma Chakram took approximately 31 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 150 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 209 minutes long.
- The costume department created over 183 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The film contains approximately 1088 individual shots.
- The musical score contains over 45 unique compositions.
Historical Context
- In 1996, when this film was released:
- The internet was beginning to transform communication and information access.
- Digital technology was transforming the entertainment industry.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Dharma Chakram shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Kalippattam, which focuses more on action than character development, Dharma Chakram subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Swayamkrushi and Kondaveeti Raja explore similar territory, Dharma Chakram stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: January 13, 1996
- Runtime: 2h 30m
