Seethakoka Chilaka
1981 Indian film
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Seethakoka Chilaka (transl. Butterfly) is a 1981 Indian Telugu-language teen romantic drama film directed by Bharathirajaa. The film was produced by Edida Nageswara Rao via Poornodaya Movie Creations banner and was simultaneously shot in Tamil as Alaigal Oivathillai.[1] Karthik (credited as Murali) played the lead role in both versions of the film, alongside Mucherla Aruna in this version, marking the career debut for both actors. The film won five Nandi Awards.
| Seethakoka Chilaka | |
|---|---|
Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Bharathirajaa |
| Screenplay by | Bharathirajaa |
| Dialogue by | Jandhyala |
| Story by | Manivannan |
| Produced by | Edida Nageswara Rao |
| Starring | |
| Cinematography | B. Kannan |
| Edited by | Kotagiri Venkateswara Rao |
| Music by | Ilaiyaraaja |
Production company | Poornodaya Movie Creations |
Release date |
|
| Country | India |
| Language | Telugu |
The film was retrospectively featured in the Indian Panorama section of the 9th International Film Festival of India, 1983.[2] It was remade by Bharathiraja in Hindi as Lovers in 1983.
Plot
Raghu, a young man from a village, spends his days roaming with his friends, teasing girls in the area. One day, a new resident, Karuna, arrives in the village. Raghu and his friends initially make mischief with her, but upon discovering that she is the sister of the feared David, they become wary of her. Raghu’s mother, a classical music teacher, begins instructing Karuna, who wishes to learn classical singing. Over time, Raghu and Karuna fall in love.
However, their relationship faces opposition due to religious and social differences. Karuna is a Christian, while Raghu is a Hindu. Additionally, David, Karuna’s brother, is a feared figure in the village and may act violently if he discovers their love. Despite the societal and familial disapproval, Raghu and Karuna continue their relationship. Eventually, they decide to leave the village, choosing to escape the constraints of their community and pursue their love freely.
Cast
- Murali as Raghu
- Aruna as Karuna
- Sarath Babu as David
- Silk Smitha as Lissy
- Jaggayya
- Dubbing Janaki
- Rallapalli
- Master Ali
Production
After Telugu film Edida Nageswara Rao liked the story of director Bharathiraja's Tamil film Alaigal Oivathillai (1981), which had been filming for a few days, he arranged for the film to be made in Telugu as well. Karthik, the lead of Alaigal Oivathillai, was retained in the same role and was credited as Murali.[3] Silk Smitha, who played a major role in Tamil, repeated her role in Telugu.[4] Nageswara Rao persuaded Bharathiraja to give the film a happy ending, and despite having already filmed the originally intended ending, he assented.[5]
Soundtrack
The music was composed by Ilaiyaraaja, with lyrics by Veturi.[6] The songs were chartbusters especially "Maate Manthramu".[3]
| Song | Singer |
|---|---|
| "Alalu Kalalu" (Duet) | Vani Jairam, Ilaiyaraaja |
| "Alalu Kalalu" (Solo) | Vani Jairam |
| "Saagara Sangamame" (Duet) | P. Susheela, S. P. Balasubrahmanyam |
| "Saagara Sangamame" (Solo) | Vani Jairam |
| "Minneti Sooredu" | Vani Jairam, S. P. Balasubrahmanyam |
| "Maate Manthramu" | S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, S. P. Sailaja |
| "Padindi Padindi" | Ramesh |
Release and reception
Seethakoka Chilaka was released on 21 August 1981, one month after Alaigal Oivathillai, and ran for 100 days in ten centres. It won the National Film Award for Best Telugu Feature Film,[3] and five Nandi Awards: Best Feature Film – Gold, Best Director (Bharathiraja), Best Supporting Actor (Sarath Babu), Best Music Director (Ilaiyaraaja) and Best Child Actor (Ali).[7]
