Aravinda Sametha Veera Raghava

2018 Indian film by Trivikram Srinivas From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Aravinda Sametha Veera Raghava (transl.Veera Raghava along with Aravinda) is a 2018 Indian Telugu-language action drama film written and directed by Trivikram Srinivas.[2][5] The film stars N. T. Rama Rao Jr. and Pooja Hegde alongside Jagapathi Babu, Naveen Chandra, Eesha Rebba and Sunil. S. Thaman composed the soundtrack, in his official 100th musical composition.

Written byTrivikram Srinivas
Produced byS. Radha Krishna
Starring
Quick facts Directed by, Written by ...
Aravinda Sametha Veera Raghava
Theatrical release poster
Directed byTrivikram Srinivas
Written byTrivikram Srinivas
Produced byS. Radha Krishna
Starring
CinematographyP. S. Vinod
Edited byNaveen Nooli
Music byS. Thaman
Production
company
Release date
  • 11 October 2018 (2018-10-11)[1]
Running time
162 minutes[2]
CountryIndia
LanguageTelugu
Budget60 crore[3]
Box officeest. 190 crore[4]
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The film follows Veera Raghava Reddy, who returns from London. After a brutal attack that leaves his father dead, Raghava seeks to break the cycle of violence instead of avenging him. He leaves for Hyderabad, where he meets Aravinda and her family, and is compelled to protect them. As his relationship with Aravinda grows, he attempts to end the generational blood feud.

Aravinda Sametha Veera Raghava was released theatrically on 11 October 2018 to positive reviews, with praise directed at the performances of N. T. Rama Rao Jr., Pooja Hegde and Jagapathi Babu, the emotional depth of the story, action choreography, Trivikram's writing and direction, and Thaman's soundtrack and background score. The film was a major commercial success, opening to ₹60 crore and grossing ₹190 crore worldwide, becoming the third highest-grossing Telugu film of 2018.[6][5][7] Jagapathi Babu won the Filmfare Best Supporting Actor Award for his performance. The film is widely considered an antithesis to traditional factionalism based films and is frequently cited in analyses regarding the evolution of the "faction film" genre. It delves into the psychological, emotional, and social repercussions of generational violence, with a specific focus on the role of women in ending such cycles.[8]

Plot

In Rayalaseema, Andhra Pradesh, a 30-year feud divides the villages of Kommaddi and Nallagudi, led by Narappa Reddy and Basi Reddy, respectively. The ongoing conflict has caused extensive suffering, especially for the families involved. The reason why this feud started is because 30 years ago Basi Reddy was playing cards with a villager from Kommaddi. When the villager won, Basi reddy refused to pay 5 rupees as part of the bet. The villager insulted him for being arrogant and Basi Reddy beheaded him as he got angry. Because of this, the feud started and both Basi Reddy and Narappa Reddy lost their fathers in this fight. 30 years later, Narappa Reddy eagerly anticipates the return of his son, Veera Raghava Reddy, who has been in London for the past 12 years for his studies. However, on their way home from the railway station, they are ambushed by Basi Reddy's men, resulting in the deaths of Narappa Reddy and his brother-in-law. Raghava survives the attack and retaliates by killing Basi Reddy's men and stabbing Basi Reddy in the neck, leaving him presumed dead.

Raghava returns home with his father's and uncle's bodies, leaving his family devastated. His grandmother, Jeji, and his henchman's wife, Nagamani, help him reconsider the cycle of violence, leading him to leave for Hyderabad in hopes that his absence will reduce hostilities between the villages. In Hyderabad, Raghava befriends Neelambari, a mechanic, and rescues Aravinda, the daughter of lawyer Saradhi, from goons who hold a grudge against her father. When Neelambari is arrested for unknowingly carrying Raghava’s gun, Raghava seeks Saradhi's help to secure his release. Saradhi agrees to help if Raghava will protect his daughters, Aravinda and Sunanda, from the threats against them. Raghava agrees and soon bonds with Aravinda's younger sister, though Aravinda initially keeps her distance.

During this time, Raghava shares a story inspired by his life with Aravinda's younger brother, Prateek, which is published in the school periodical. Basi Reddy, who survived Raghava's earlier attack, convinces his son Bala Reddy to kill Raghava, upon reading it. Basi Reddy's men try to kidnap Prateek to lure Raghava out, but Raghava intervenes and stops the attempt without taking any lives. Realizing Basi Reddy is alive, Raghava is cautious yet determined to avoid further bloodshed. Bala Reddy, seeking revenge, kidnaps Aravinda and Prateek, but Raghava contacts Basi Reddy, threatening his son's life if his family members are not released. After ensuring their safety, Raghava decides to leave Hyderabad at Saradhi's request, but not before promising Aravinda that he would come back. Intrigued, Aravinda uncovers Raghava's past through Neelambari, and decides to create a documentary on the village factions and travels to Kommaddi, accompanied by him. In Kommaddi, she learns more about the conflict and grows closer to Raghava, confessing her feelings for him over the phone.

Raghava later attends a conference with Bala Reddy and influential ministers, attempting to broker a peace treaty between the villages. Although Bala Reddy initially resists, Raghava eventually convinces him. However, Basi Reddy, upon learning of the peace effort, kills his son in a rage. When one of Basi Reddy's henchmen identifies Aravinda as Raghava's love interest, Basi Reddy takes her and Neelambari hostage.

In a final showdown, Basi Reddy calls Raghava to a field, where he wounds Aravinda and Neelambari in a bid to provoke Raghava into a fight. Enraged, Raghava resists, reluctant to continue the cycle of violence. Basi Reddy then reveals that he killed Bala Reddy and framed Raghava, hoping to reignite the feud. Two of Basi Reddy's men, witnessing Raghava's restraint, realize Basi Reddy's ruthlessness and take Aravinda and Neelambari to a hospital. Left with no other option, Raghava kills Basi Reddy, setting the field ablaze to obscure the evidence. Afterwards, Raghava confesses to Basi Reddy's widow, who agrees to end the cycle of violence by publicly claiming that Basi Reddy killed his son and then fled. She files a police report to corroborate her claim, and Raghava nominates her as the MLA, which she accepts to bring peace to the villages.

Cast

Production

The discussion for this film began with N. T. Rama Rao Jr., when Rao was shooting Nannaku Prematho in 2015 and finally materialised in 2018.[9] Pooja Hegde was selected to collaborate with Rao for the first time.[10] Anirudh Ravichander, who was initially signed on composing the music was replaced by S. Thaman after the failure of Agnyaathavaasi.[11] Natarajan Subramaniam was signed as the cinematographer initially, but dropped out and P. S. Vinod stepped in.[12]

The shooting for the film began on 6 April 2018 with an action sequence in Ramoji Film City of Hyderabad.[13] Filming also took place in Pollachi in June.[14] The shoot was completed in September 2018.[15] Pooja Hegde dubbed her voice in Telugu for the first time in this film.[16]

Themes

"In most of the films based on Rayalaseema factionalism, only the act of violence was glorified; however, none of those films focused on the aftermath of a war. Both Jr NTR and I became interested in starting our story with a bloody act of war to give the film a context and then explore how the protagonist shuns that path to bring peace. Later, when I came up with the idea of focusing on the lives of women and how families are torn apart due to such violence, it gave us a lot more depth to explore."

Trivikram on why he chose such genre[17]

Aravinda Sametha is based on the factionalism present in the region of Rayalaseema, a theme which was dominant in Telugu cinema during late 1990s and early 2000s.[17]

Music

The soundtrack album of Aravinda Sametha Veera Raghava features four songs composed by S. Thaman, with one song being added in the extended soundtrack of the film.[18] The film was his official 100th musical composition.[citation needed] The audio rights were of the film were purchased by Zee Music Company. Lyrics for the songs were written by Sirivennela Seetharama Sastry, Ramajogayya Sastry, and Penchal Das. Initially, the makers planned to release the full audio album directly into the market, without hosting any audio launch event for the film.[19]

The first single track titled "Anaganaganaga" was released on 15 September 2018.[20] On 18 September 2018, the makers unveiled the second single track titled "Peniviti" sung by Kaala Bhairava, which was termed as an intense, raw, rustic number.[21] The lyrical video of Yeda Poyinadu was released on 25 September 2018.[22][23]

The tracklist was unveiled on 19 September 2018, and the complete soundtrack album was unveiled the following day, on 20 September 2018.[24]

Marketing and release

On 19 May 2018, the title of the film was revealed as Aravinda Sametha.[25] Jr. NTR was featured in a chiseled avatar who worked out extensively with international trainer Lloyd Stevens for his new look for the film.[26] Also S. Thaman's background music in the motion poster was appreciated by fans.[27] The promotions of the film were commence on 10 September 2018.[28]

A pre-release event was held on 2 October 2018, at H.I.C.C. Novotel hotel in Hyderabad, where the makers also launched the theatrical trailer of the film.[29] The trailer received predominantly positive response from all corners.[30]

Aravinda Sametha Veera Raghava was released theatrically on 11 October 2018. The film was dubbed and released in Tamil as Idhu Ennoda Jilla.[31] The film's Japanese Blu-ray was officially released on 3 April 2024.[32]

Reception

Critical reception

Srivathsan Nadadhur of The Times of India gave 3.5 out of 5 stars stating, "An emotional drama camouflaged in a commercial exterior, here's a film that's courageous to stand apart from slapstick madness. Trivikram's treatment of this plot scores over his indulgence as Jr NTR delivers another fine performance".[33]

Manoj Kumar R of The Indian Express gave 3 out of 5 stars stating, "Tarak plays his role with a notable maturity that is gained through many films over the course of 18 years. Aravindha is Pooja’s plum role that allows her to capitalize on her strengths."[34]

Janani K India Today gave 3 out of 5 stars stating, "Aravinda Sametha Veera Raghava is a commercial actioner backed by Trivikram's engaging script and Jr NTR's excellent performance. After the debacle of Pawan Kalyan-starrer Agnyaathavaasi, director Trivikram Srinivas has bounced back with Jr NTR's Aravinda Sametha Veera Raghava" The review also praised Hegde, noting, "She has done a commendable job as a documentary filmmaker and a student of anthropology."[35]

News18 gave 3 out of 5 stars stating "Jr NTR elevates tried-tested story of factionalism".[36] Priyanka Sundar of Hindustan Times gave 3 out of 5 stars stating "Jr NTR is the torchbearer of peace in a film on factionalism".[37]

Hemanth Kumar CR of Firstpost wrote "Jr NTR captures the moral dilemma of Raghava quite spectacularly. Pooja Hegde makes a good impression with her role, and for a change, she becomes an intrinsic part of the narrative."[38] Sangeetha Devi Dundoo of The Hindu wrote "Pooja Hegde is impressive as Aravinda. The strength of Aravinda Sametha... is in its writing. Trivikram, with some help from Penchal Das, gives us a film where characters speak the Rayalaseema dialect as though they've done it all their life."[39]

Awards and nominations

More information Date of ceremony, Award ...
Date of ceremony Award Category Recipient(s) and nominee(s) Result Ref.
17 February 2019 TSR– TV9 National Film Awards Best Heroine Pooja Hegde Won [40][41]
10 August 2019 Sakshi Excellence Awards Best Actress Pooja Hegde Won [42][43]
Most Popular Actress of the Year Pooja Hegde Won
15 & 16 August 2019 8th South Indian International Movie Awards Best Film – Telugu Haarika & Hasinee Creations Nominated [44]
Best Director – Telugu Trivikram Srinivas Nominated
Best Actor – Telugu N. T. Rama Rao Jr. Nominated
Best Music Director – Telugu S. Thaman Nominated
Best Lyricist – Telugu (Peniviti) Ramajogayya Sastry Nominated
Best Male Playback Singer – Telugu (Peniviti) Kaala Bhairava Nominated
21 December 2019 66th Filmfare Awards South Best Actor – Telugu N. T. Rama Rao Jr. Nominated [45][46]
Best Actress – Telugu Pooja Hegde Nominated
Best Supporting Actor – Telugu Jagapati Babu Won
Best Music Director – Telugu S. Thaman Nominated
Best Lyricist – Telugu (Peniviti) Ramajogayya Sastry Nominated
Best Male Playback Singer – Telugu (Peniviti) Kaala Bhairava Nominated
Best Female Playback Singer – Telugu (Reddamma Thalli) Mohana Bhogaraju Nominated
29 September 2019 17th Santosham Film Awards Best Comedian Sunil Won [47]
Best Music Director S. Thaman Won
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References

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