Watch Devadasu

Devadasu is a 1953 romance drama film directed by Vedantam Raghavaiah. It features Akkineni Nageshwara Rao, Savitri and S.V. Ranga Rao in prominent roles. The film is based on the Telugu novel of the same name, written by Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay. Devadasu is considered to be one of the greatest romantic films in the history of Indian cinema.

The film follows the story of Devadasu (Akkineni Nageshwara Rao), the son of a wealthy landlord. He falls in love with Parvati (Savitri), a simple and kind-hearted woman from a lower caste. Despite societal pressure, they continue to see each other secretly. Devadasu's father, however, has other plans for his son's future and arranges for him to marry a wealthy girl named Janaki (Lalita) from a good family.

Devadasu, who is already heartbroken due to his unrequited love for Parvati, agrees to marry Janaki. But his love for Parvati continues to haunt him, and he turns to alcohol to drown his sorrows. He becomes a Devadas, a man who is consumed by his love and unable to move on.

As Devadasu spirals out of control, Parvati comes to his rescue. She takes care of him and tries to pull him back from the brink of self-destruction. But their love is forbidden, and their happiness is short-lived. In the end, Devadasu succumbs to his inner demons, and Parvati is left alone with her love unfulfilled.

The film is a poignant portrayal of unrequited love and societal pressures. The performances of the lead actors are exemplary, and the chemistry between Akkineni Nageshwara Rao and Savitri is palpable. Their love story is the heart and soul of the film, and their remarkable performances bring their characters to life.

S.V. Ranga Rao's portrayal of the wily and manipulative landlord is also noteworthy. He adds depth and nuance to the character, making him both despicable and relatable. His interactions with Devadasu and Parvati are some of the most tense and dramatic moments in the film.

The music of Devadasu is also a standout aspect of the film. Composed by C.R. Subburaman and S. Rajeswara Rao, the songs are soulful and melodious. The film's title song, "Aanandam Aanadam," is a classic and is still popular today.

Devadasu was a landmark film in Indian cinema. It was remade in several languages and has been an influence on many love stories that followed. The film's themes of love and sacrifice continue to resonate with audiences today, making it a timeless classic.