Watch Jagadeka Veerudu Athiloka Sundari
- 1990
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8.1 (895)
Jagadeka Veerudu Athiloka Sundari is a Telugu language fantasy film directed by K. Raghavendra Rao and released in 1990. The movie stars two of the biggest stars of Telugu cinema, Chiranjeevi and Sridevi, in lead roles along with Tanikella Bharani in a supporting role. The movie opens with Indra, the king of the gods, impressed with the bravery of a mortal called Raju (Chiranjeevi) and decides to reward him by granting him a boon. Raju, who is a street-smart thief, asks for the power to see through walls so he can steal more efficiently. Indra, impressed with Raju's honesty and simplicity, instead grants him invincibility and sends him to earth as an avatar of Lord Vishnu.
Meanwhile, Priya (Sridevi) is a bubbly and happy-go-lucky young woman who lives with her mother and younger sister in a secluded hill station. Her father had gone missing years ago while trying to explore the secrets of the hills. Priya, who is fascinated by stories of supernatural beings and celestial beings, accidentally stumbles upon Raju and is convinced that he is a heavenly being sent by the Gods to protect her family and the village from evil forces.
Raju, who has fallen in love with Priya at first sight, initially tries to convince her that he is just a mortal, but her belief in him is unshakeable. Together, they set out to unravel the mystery behind the hills and the disappearance of Priya's father. They discover an underground kingdom ruled by a demon named Raja Mahendra (Amrish Puri), who had killed Priya's father and enslaved the celestial beings who guarded the secret treasures hidden in the mountains.
Raju, with his invincibility and bravery, fights off the demon and his minions and rescues the celestial beings. He also wins the heart of Priya and the gratitude of the villagers who worship him as a god-like figure. However, his invincibility and his status as an avatar come with a price - he must return to the heavens once his task is done, leaving behind the mortal life he had grown to love.
The movie is a classic example of the Telugu film industry's fascination with mythology and the supernatural. Director K. Raghavendra Rao, who is known for his opulent and larger-than-life productions, spare no expense in creating a world filled with magical creatures, wondrous locations, and a hero that is less a mortal and more a divine agent. The film is also notable for its impressive visual effects that were cutting edge for its time.
Chiranjeevi, who is a superstar of Telugu cinema, delivers a heroic performance as Raju. His combination of charm, wit, and physical prowess makes him the perfect choice for the role of an invincible hero who must fight off evil forces. He also displays a more vulnerable and human side in his interactions with Sridevi's Priya, giving the film a romantic angle that is both charming and endearing.
Sridevi, who was just coming off a string of successful Hindi films, is a breath of fresh air as Priya. Her energy, enthusiasm, and infectious laughter light up the screen and make her character relatable and likable. Her chemistry with Chiranjeevi is also one of the highlights of the movie, with their banter and flirtations providing comic relief.
Tanikella Bharani, who plays Priya's childhood friend, provides the film with an emotional anchor. His character's unrequited love for Priya adds a layer of poignancy to the film and makes the viewer invest in the outcome of the story.
Overall, Jagadeka Veerudu Athiloka Sundari is a delightful fantasy film that blends mythology and romance with action and adventure. Its lavish production values, impressive special effects, and charismatic performances make it a timeless classic of Telugu cinema.