Watch Lava Kusha

Lava Kusha is a 1963 Indian epic drama film directed by C. S. Rao and produced by Shankar Reddy. The movie stars N.T. Rama Rao, Anjali Devi, and Chittor V. Nagaiah in prominent roles. It is a retelling of the Ramayana as seen through the perspective of Lava and Kusha, the twin sons of Rama and Sita. The film opens with a brief introduction of the main characters and their backstories. Rama, the prince of Ayodhya, is banished from his kingdom along with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana. They spend the next fourteen years living in the forest, where they encounter various challenges, including battles with demons and the kidnapping of Sita by the demon king Ravana.

After a long and grueling battle, Rama finally defeats Ravana and rescues Sita. However, his victory is short-lived as rumors begin to circulate about Sita's chastity, leading Rama to banish her from his kingdom. She goes into self-exile and gives birth to two sons, Lava and Kusha, in the forest.

The story then moves ahead several years, showing Lava and Kusha as young boys who love to play and explore the forest. One day, they come across a group of rishis (holy sages) who are performing a yagna (ritual offering) to appease the gods. Lava and Kusha disrupt the proceedings by stealing the offerings meant for the gods, leading to a confrontation with the rishis.

The boys are eventually forgiven, and the rishis realize that they are the sons of Rama and Sita. Impressed by their bravery, the rishis invite them to perform the yagna themselves. Lava and Kusha agree and successfully complete the ritual, earning praise and respect from the rishis.

The story takes a dramatic turn when Rama, who is now king of Ayodhya, learns about his sons' existence. He is overcome with joy and rushes to the forest to meet them. However, when he sees Sita, he is overcome with anger and resentment towards her for the rumors that led to her exile.

Sita, who is tired of living in isolation, decides to undergo the agni pariksha (trial by fire) to prove her purity. She emerges unscathed, thus proving her innocence. Overcome with guilt and remorse, Rama apologizes to her and begs for her forgiveness. Sita forgives him but decides to return to the earth from where she came.

The film ends on a poignant note, with Rama and Lava-Kusha bidding farewell to Sita as she returns to the earth. The final scene shows the brothers returning to Ayodhya with their father, ready to take their place in the royal family.

Overall, Lava Kusha is a poignant retelling of the Ramayana from a fresh perspective. The performances by the lead actors are outstanding, particularly N.T. Rama Rao as Rama, who brings a depth of emotion to his portrayal of the character. The film's production values are impressive, with beautiful locations, costumes, and cinematography. The music and songs are also noteworthy, with memorable tunes by Ghantasala and S. Rajeswara Rao.