📌 Key Points
- ANR Atheist, Yet Starred as Staunch Devotee: Tollywood Stunned!
- Child Sridevi Graced Screen as ANR’s Daughter, Enchanting All!
- Atheist Duo (ANR & Director) Forged Devotional Epic: How?
- Iconic Bhakta Tukaram Music Still Reverberates: A Timeless Hit!
For Tollywood audiences in 1973, it was a sensational paradox: legendary Akkineni Nageswara Rao, a known atheist, starred as a staunch devotee in ‘Bhakta Tukaram’. This record-breaking devotional blockbuster captivated viewers with ANR’s extraordinary performance, defying his personal beliefs, and also featured the ethereal Sridevi as his daughter, a special attraction.
Atheist ANR’s Devoted Role
For Tollywood audiences, it was a sensational and perhaps shocking revelation: the legendary Akkineni Nageswara Rao, a known atheist, starred as a staunch devotee in the 1973 devotional film ‘Bhakta Tukaram.’ The movie not only broke records but also featured the ethereal Sridevi as his daughter, a special attraction for the film. ANR’s superb performance as a devotee, despite his personal beliefs, captivated audiences, making the film a resounding success. Directed by Madhusudana Rao and produced by P. Adinarayana Rao under the Anjali Pictures banner, this Telugu film showcased Akkineni Nageswara Rao as a staunch devotee of Panduranga, a role that stood in stark contrast to his personal lack of faith in God. The star-studded cast included Anjalidevi, Sivaji Ganesan, Kanchana, and Nagabhushanam, with music composed by producer P. Adinarayana Rao himself.
The film is based on the life story of Tukaram, a 17th-century devotee of Panduranga from Dehu village in Maharashtra. The story follows Tukaram (Akkineni Nageswara Rao) as he lives happily with his wife (Anjalidevi) and two children, renowned for his devotion. His piety, however, vexes Kumbhoji (Nagabhushanam), a self-proclaimed devotee who deceives villagers. Kumbhoji’s repeated attempts to undermine Tukaram’s influence include sending a courtesan, who ultimately transforms into a devotee herself. Later, Kumbhoji instigates the pontiff, claiming Tukaram’s devotional writings, penned by a Shudra, are against Hindu tradition and must be destroyed. Devastated when his painstakingly written works are cast into the water, Tukaram ceases eating and sleeping, meditating on God by the riverbank. Miraculously, God, in His mercy, restores the writings, leading even the previously angered pontiff to acknowledge Tukaram’s profound devotion. Kumbhoji’s malice continues unabated. In a fresh attempt to discredit Tukaram, he throws the idol of Panduranga from the temple into a well, spreading rumors that the deity abandoned the temple due to Tukaram, a Shudra. He even lodges a complaint with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Shivaji, who had already heard of Tukaram and whose gifts the devotee had rejected, decides to test him. He arrives to investigate the complaint, and during his observation, the idol of Panduranga miraculously reappears in the temple. Meanwhile, based on information provided by Kumbhoji, Shivaji’s enemies suddenly surround him. The film then explores how Shivaji, alone, fought them, what Tukaram told Shivaji when he pleaded to become his disciple, and how Tukaram ultimately achieved salvation.
Beyond the compelling narrative, the film’s strength lay in its seasoned performers, each delivering their best. Akkineni as Bhakta Tukaram and Anjalidevi as his wife shared profoundly sentimental scenes that moved audiences to tears, with Tukaram’s innocence evoking deep pity. Akkineni’s portrayal was mesmerizing, while Anjalidevi, a master of emotional depth, brought wonders to her role. Nagabhushanam offered a unique villain in Kumbhoji, brilliantly portraying him as cunning and foxy rather than overtly cruel. Sivaji Ganesan, living up to his formidable reputation, completely embodied the character of Chhatrapati Shivaji, while other actors also impressed within their respective roles.
Director Madhusudana Rao magnificently steered the film, ensuring its devotional essence remained undiluted. Rather than the Pandharipuram temple, the entire movie was shot at the Virupaksha Temple in Hampi, with most scenes reportedly filmed on the banks of the Tungabhadra River.
Tukaram’s Epic Journey, Cinematic Triumph
The music, comprising half the film’s strength, became a sensation in Tollywood. Eminent lyricists such as Atreya, Dasaradhi, Devulapalli Krishnasastri, Vetturi, and C. Narayana Reddy penned wonderful lyrics, which P. Adinarayana Rao, also the film’s producer, set to captivating tunes that mesmerized audiences. Singers Ghantasala, S.P. Balu, Ramakrishna, and Susheelamma breathed life into these compositions. Popular tracks like “Ghana Ghana Sundara…”, “Bhale Bhale Andalu Srushtinchaavu…”, “Unnaavaa Asalunnaavaa Unte Kallu Moosukunnaavaa…”, and “Padavelli Potundira…” were so pervasive that they could be heard in any temple pavilion. Even today, at least one song from ‘Bhakta Tukaram’ consistently features in popular devotional playlists.
This film holds several intriguing distinctions. Notably, both the lead actor, Akkineni (ANR), and the director, Madhusudana Rao, were atheists. This fact infused the devotional film with a unique flavor of progressive thought, particularly through Madhusudana Rao’s forward-thinking dialogues. The celestial beauty Sridevi appeared as Tukaram’s daughter, and Nagaraju, known for his role in ‘Lava Kusa,’ portrayed Lord Mahavishnu. Furthermore, due to Ghantasala’s ill health during production, singer Ramakrishna had the opportunity to lend his voice to some of the film’s memorable songs.
Upon its release, ‘Bhakta Tukaram’ achieved tremendous success and continues to be revered. It stands as a testament to compelling storytelling, stellar performances, and profound music, and is readily available on YouTube for new generations to discover.
Looking Ahead
ANR’s ‘Bhakta Tukaram’ remains a majestic testament to cinematic artistry, proving devotion on screen transcends personal beliefs. This timeless classic, now a click away for new generations, will undoubtedly continue enriching our cultural soul. Its profound legacy, a beacon of excellence, promises to resonate for decades.
