Devasthanam Review

Behind the Movie Devasthanam: Tollywood history says that, small films releasing with very low in buzz and high in substance have succeeded many a times in winning the hearts of audience. With a flawless devotional title of ‘Devasthanam’ and the genuine star cast of K. Vishwanath, SP Balasubramaniam, Aamani in front, let us see what Janardhana Maharshi offered us.

In the Movie Devasthanam: Good Samaritan Srimannarayana (K. Vishwanath) has no body to care for him is into his old days of life. He spends abundant time in a Temple in Chittoor answering to ‘Dharma Sandehas’ of people. The only fear for Srimannarayana is to have some one who can take the responsibility of conducting final rites and cremation, once he dies. So, he finds middle classed Samba Murthy (SP Balasubramaniam) as right person for this duty. Samba Murthy leads a simple and lovely life with wife Saraswati (Aamani). Although initially reluctant, he finally accepts to take the burden of fulfilling the last wish of Srimannarayana. Once they two start gelling with each other, Srimannarayana makes Samba Murthy understand the real meaning of life. In the course, Samba Murthy becomes a writer penning Hari Kathas on modern day life styles while Srimannarayana sings them in various Public and Religious events. Very soon, they earn much needed fame while all the financial proceedings earned by this ancient Telugu Art are diverted to Sarve Jana Sukhino Bhavanthu Trust which is meant to help poor Archakas in Temples and for preserving the Ancient Telugu Heritage. But, a tragedy strikes and still the old man Srimannarayana alone takes the onus of giving new life to Hari Katha.

Values & Out of the Movie Devasthanam: In these days of modern age, no where do we remember our cultural roots. Neither we have time to discuss on our dying heritage nor do we have any intentions of contributing something to preserve the same. In fact, director Janardhana Mahrshi exactly focuses on this aspect of Human Values well correlated with tradition, culture and heritage. Like the age old Telugu saying goes, ‘Dehamera Devalayam…Jeevude Sanathana Daivam,’ in this film Janardhana Maharshi preaches, respecting a person for having been born as a human being is in itself praising the God. Both the characters of Vishwanath and SPB touch your hearts to the core awakening a feeling of manliness. 

A scene in the film where an advocate Purushoththama Rao (Ramana Chary, IAS) vexed of living an immoral life comes to Vishwanath and SPB in search of peace, they make him write on a piece of paper ‘I Want Peace.’ Tearing of ‘I’ which implies Selfishness and ‘Want’ which means ‘Craving for Never Ending External Desires’ from the Paper will automatically lead a man towards only ‘Peace.’ Such heart warming messages are sprinkled through out the film by Janardhana Maharshi. The way Hari Katha episodes are narrated using contemporary life style of Internet, Computer and the penetrating social evils of Terrorism, Religious Extremism with demoralizing living standards are definitely innovative concepts. 

Swara Veena Pani’s musical compositions are to give a soothing experience for strained brains. Lyrics written for each of the song is full of meaning and strong message. ‘Paluku Thelupu Thallive’ and ‘Sambayya’ are just extraordinary. Thanks to Janardhana Maharshi’s ease in writing as heavy dialogues are spelt in simple words easily understandable for common audience. As film steers towards climax, the unexpected final twist makes viewer to leave the theatres with painful hearts. However, good films like these always lack in commercial potentiality and regular mind set of audience who enjoy formula movies with five songs, four comedy scenes and three fights may dislike this ‘Devasthanam.’ 

A matter of fact is that, Tollywood alone has directors who can handle this kind of rare subjects. ‘Devsthanam’ is a Pure Telugu Film made with Heart and Soul in right places. Definitely, this is a movie to be watched by everybody and in particular recommended for Hardcore Telugu Cultural Enthusiasts. Special appreciations to Janardhana Mahrshi.

Cinejosh Verdict of the Movie Devasthanam: Apt to its Tagline …‘Tirupathi Laddantha Teeyanaina Cinema’ 

                                                                             Reviewed by Srivaas