Watch Lava Kusa

Lava Kusa is a 1963 Telugu-language film directed by C. S. Rao and starring N.T. Rama Rao, Anjali Devi, and Chittor V. Nagaiah. The film is based on the Hindu epic Ramayana and tells the story of the twin brothers Lava and Kusa, who are born to Lord Rama and his wife Sita while they are in exile in the forest. The film was a tremendous success and is considered a classic of Telugu cinema.

The film opens with Rama (N.T. Rama Rao) and Sita (Anjali Devi) being banished to the forest by Rama's father, King Dasharatha. While in the forest, Sita is kidnapped by the demon king Ravana, and Rama sets out to rescue her with the help of his monkey army. After a long and grueling battle, Rama finally kills Ravana and rescues Sita. However, rumors begin to circulate that Sita has been unfaithful to Rama during her captivity, and Rama is forced to exile her from the kingdom.

While in exile, Sita gives birth to twin boys, Lava and Kusha. The boys are raised in the forest by Sita, who teaches them the Ramayana and the art of archery. Many years pass, and Lava and Kusha have grown into skilled warriors. One day, they encounter Rama in the forest and are tasked with defending their mother's honor.

The film is notable for its performances, particularly that of N.T. Rama Rao, who portrays both Rama and Ravana. Anjali Devi is also excellent as Sita, and Chittor V. Nagaiah is convincing as the wise old sage Valmiki.

The film also benefits from an excellent score by Ghantasala Venkateswara Rao. The music is epic and stirring, perfectly complementing the film's themes of love, loyalty, and sacrifice. The film's most famous song is "Siva Siva Siva Shankara," which has become a classic of Telugu music.

The film's production values are also impressive, with lavish sets and colorful costumes. The battle scenes are particularly well-done, with impressive choreography and special effects.

While the film is primarily a retelling of the Ramayana, it also explores themes of identity and belonging. Lava and Kusha are torn between their loyalty to their mother and their desire to be accepted by their father's kingdom. Their struggles resonate with audiences, making the film a powerful commentary on the human experience.

In conclusion, Lava Kusa is a classic of Telugu cinema that is still beloved by audiences today. Its epic storyline, impressive performances, and stirring music make it a must-see for fans of Indian cinema.

Lava Kusa is a 1963 fantasy movie with a runtime of 205 hours. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.2.