Bhagya Rekha (transl. Fortunes) is a 1957 Indian Telugu-language drama film, produced by Ponnaluri Brothers under the Ponnaluri Brothers Pvt. Ltd. banner and directed by B. N. Reddy. It stars N. T. Rama Rao, and Jamuna, with music composed by Pendyala Nageswara Rao. The film was dubbed into Tamil as Veettukku Vandha Varalakshmi (1958).
Contents
Plot
The film begins with Lakshmi, a kind-hearted orphan girl who is raised by her paternal uncle, Narayana Rao. However, her cruel aunt, Jagadamba, constantly mistreats her. Narayana Rao and Jagadamba have two children: Kotaiah, who dotes on Lakshmi, and Kathyayani, a spoiled, mischievous girl. Based on Lakshmi's horoscope, Narayana Rao predicts that she will secure a highly prosperous marriage. Following a family dispute, Kotaiah leaves home to join the army. Years pass, and Jagadamba fixes a match for Katyayani, but they like Lakshmi. As a result, Jagadamba necks her out. During that plight, she lands at Tirumala and rescues a baby of a wealthy couple, Nagabhushnam & Sitamma, when they shelter her when Lakshmi gains their credence. Moreover, their son Ravi loves her, which the elders accept, but it begrudges Nagabhushanam's brother-in-law Jaganadham as he aspires to splice his daughter Parvati with Ravi. So, he ploys by bribing Jagadamba & her sly brother Sambaiah, who forges that Lakshmi is already wedlock in childhood, making her exit. Besides, Kathyayani elopes with her beloved Pullaiah with the money. Parallelly, Kotaiah returns and divulges the reality that causes Ravi to collapse. Meanwhile, Pullaiah & Katyayani lose money when Lakshmi aids them in backing up. Knowing the whereabouts of Lakshmi via them, Kotaiah retrieves her. By this time, Ravi is terminally ill and has recovered from the idolization of Lakshmi. Finally, the movie ends on a happy note with the marriage of Ravi & Lakshmi.
Cast
N. T. Rama Rao as Ravi
Jamuna as Lakshmi
Relangi as Pullaiah
Ramana Reddy as Sambaiah
C.S.R. as Narayana Rao
Govindarajula Subba Rao as Musalaiah
Nagabhushanam as Kotaiah
Dr. Sivaramakrishnaiah as Jagannatham
K. V. S. Sarma as Nagabhushanam
Allu Ramalingaiah as Rangaiah
Padmanabham as Pullaiah's henchmen
Balakrishna as Pullaiah's henchmen
Peketi Sivaram as Photographer
Sowkar Janaki as Kathyayini
Suryakantham as Jagadamba
Hemalatha as Seetamma
E. V. Saroja as Dancer
Soundtrack
Music composed by Pendyala Nageswara Rao. The devotional song Neevundeda Kondapai is very popular.All the tunes for all the songs for both languages are the same with slight changes in playback singers.
Telugu Songs
Lyrics by Devulapalli, Kosaraju and Eramaakula Aadisesha Reddy. Playback singers are A. M. Rajah, Madhavapeddi Satyam, Malik, Mohanraj, P. Susheela, Jikki, P. S. Vaidehi & T. Satyavathi.
Veettukku Vandha Varalakshmi (Tamil) Songs
Lyrics by Kuyilan and C. A. Lakshmanadass. Playback singers are A. M. Rajah, Madhavapeddi Satyam, Malik, P. Susheela, Jikki and P. S. Vaidhehi.
Awards
National Film Awards
1957 – National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Telugu