70 years of Devadasu: Read on for more trivia on this evergreen Telugu classic

Hyderabad: Devadasu, this beautiful vintage visual artwork is one of the best films of the Telugu cinema industry.

Though the story of Devadas and Parvathi is ubiquitous across languages, it is the performances of Akkineni Nageswara Rao and Savitri who played the lead roles that make the Telugu version stand out from the rest. This masterpiece has been watched and continues to be loved by every new generation.

Devadasu was released on June 26, 1953, and Monday marks 70 years since the release of the film, directed by Vedantam Raghavaiah.

Here’s why it is considered a masterpiece:

1. Iconic Performances

ANR’s portrayal of Devadasu, a tragic character consumed by love and addiction, is regarded as one of the finest performances in Indian cinema. Savitri’s performance as Parvathi, the love interest of Devadasu, was equally impactful and added depth to the narrative.

2. Emotional Storytelling:

Devadasu delves into themes of unrequited love, societal expectations, and self-destruction. It beautifully captures the protagonist's emotional turmoil and creates a poignant narrative that resonates with the audience.

3. Memorable Music

The film’s music, composed by CR Subburaman and lyrics penned by Samudrala Raghavacharya, were instant classics. Songs like “Jagame Maaya,” “O Devadas,” and “Gundellona Nadakundi” are evergreen classics cherished by Telugu music lovers.

4. Strong Cultural Impact

Devadasu brought a refreshing change to Telugu cinema by portraying complex characters and emotions. It set new benchmarks for storytelling and character development, inspiring future filmmakers to explore deeper themes in their works.

Trivia about Devadasu

1. The film is based on the famous Bengali novel of the same name written by Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay. Later, it was adapted into various regional languages in India.

2. Devadasu marked the debut of Akkineni Nageswara Rao as a lead actor and cemented his position as one of the finest actors in Telugu cinema.

3. The film’s dialogues were written by Samudrala Raghavacharya, who was known for his poignant and impactful writing style.

4. Devadasu was a massive commercial success and ran for more than a year in theatres, establishing a record then.

5. The film’s success led to a Tamil remake titled Devadas, starring Gemini Ganesan and Savitri in the lead roles. It was also well-received by the audience.

Devadasu remains a milestone in Indian cinema, known for its timeless storytelling, powerful performances, and emotional depth. It continues to be celebrated as a masterpiece and has left an indelible mark on Telugu film history.