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Kurukshetram (1977 film)

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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Kurukshetram

Directed by Kamalakara Kameswara Rao

Written by Samudrala Jr.
(screenplay)
Tripuraneni Maharadhi (dialogues)
Produced by A. S. R. Anjaneyulu
Starring
Krishna
Sobhan Babu
Krishnam Raju
Jamuna
Vijaya Nirmala
Cinematography P. L. Roy
Edited by Kotagiri Gopala Rao
Music by S. Rajeswara Rao
Production
company
Madhavi Padmalaya Combines
Release date
14 January 1977
Running time 168 min.
Country India
Language Telugu
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
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
Krishna as Arjuna
Sobhan Babu as Krishna
Krishnam Raju as Karna
Jamuna as Draupadi
Kaikala Satyanarayana as Duryodhana
Vijaya Nirmala as Subhadra
Anjali Devi as Kunti
Jaya Prada as Uttara
Gummadi as Bhishma
Nagabhushanam as Sakuni
Rao Gopal Rao as Salya
Kantha Rao as Drupada
M. Balayya as Yudhishthira
Chandra Mohan as Abhimanyu
Randhawa as Bhima
Dhulipala Seetarama Sastry as Indra
Giri Babu as Dussasana
Mukkamala as Dhrutarashtra
Rama Krishna as Balarama
Chandrakala as Rukmini
Latha as Satyabhama
Mohan Babu as Sisupala
Tyagaraju as Saindhava
P. J. Sarma as Krupacharya
Production
Development
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
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
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
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. Title Lyrics Singer(s) Length
1. "Dharma Kshetram" Sri Sri S. P. Balasubrahmanyam
2. "Alukala Kulukula" Veturi S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, P. Suseela
3. "Ide Mayasabha Mandiram" Jr. Samudrala P. Suseela
4. "Harivillu Divinunchi" Dasarathi P. Suseela, V. Ramakrishna
5. "Mrogindi Kalyanaveena" C. Narayana Reddy S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, P. Suseela
Reception
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
Kurukshetram at IMDb
References
"45 ఏళ్ళ 'కురుక్షేత్రము'". NTV (in Telugu). 14 January 2022. Retrieved 15 October
2024.
R, M. S. (23 September 2024). "దానవీరశూర కర్ణుడు గెలిస్తే... 'కురుక్షేత్రం'లో
అర్జునుడు ఓడిపోయాడు..." Muchata (in Telugu). Retrieved 15 October 2024.
Chinarayana, Pulagam (17 January 2017). Sri; NaChaKi (eds.). "Daana Veera Soora
Karna - Retrospective". TeluguCinema.com. Retrieved 13 July 2023.
Chinthakindhi Ramu. " ‌
పెట్టిన కండీషన్‌
ను బ్రేక్ చేసిన కైకాల సత్యనారాయణ... 'దాన వీర
శూర కర్ణ' సమయంలో..." Asianet News Network (in Telugu). Retrieved 15 October 2024.
"Krishna, who rode risks to superstardom". Hindustan Times. 15 November 2022.
Retrieved 15 October 2024.
vte
Filmography of Kamalakara Kameswara Rao
vte
Works based on the Mahabharata
Categories: 1977 films1970s Telugu-language films1970s Indian filmsHindu
mythological filmsFilms directed by Kamalakara Kameswara RaoFilms scored by S.
Rajeswara RaoFilms shot in MysoreFilms based on the Mahabharata
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Sobhan Babu was an Indian actor known for his work in Telugu cinema. He made his
film debut in Bhakta Sabari (1959), but Daiva Balam (1959) was his first official
release. He garnered four Filmfare Awards South for Best Actor, and Special Mention
for Bangaru Panjaram (1969) at the 4th IFFI. Sobhan Babu was featured in National
Award winning films such as Sita Rama Kalyanam (1961), Mahamantri Timmarusu (1962),
Lava Kusa (1963), Nartanasala (1963), which was featured at the 3rd Afro-Asian Film
Festival, and Desamante Manushuloyi (1970). He is often referred to as Nata
Bushana.

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