Gudi Gantalu

Gudi Gantalu
Gudi Gantalu
	Theatrical release poster
Directed by	V. Madhusudhana Rao
Written by	Mullapudi Venkata Ramana (dialogues)
Screenplay by	V. Madhusudhana Rao
Story by	G. Balasubramaniam
Based on	Aalayamani (Tamil)
Produced by	Sunderlal Nehata; Doondy
Starring	N. T. Rama Rao; Krishna Kumari
Cinematography	C. Nageswara Rao
Edited by	N. S. Prakash
Music by	Ghantasala
Production; company	Raja Lakshmi Productions
Release date	14 January 1964;
Running time	168 minutes
Country	India
Language	Telugu

Gudi Gantalu (transl. Temple bells) is a 1964 Indian Telugu-language drama film directed by V. Madhusudhana Rao. It stars N. T. Rama Rao and Krishna Kumari, with music composed by Ghantasala.^[1] The film was produced by Sunderlal Nehata and Doondy. It is a remake of the Tamil film Aalayamani (1962).^[2]

Plot

Zamindar Srinivasa Rao, also known as Vasu, is a respected yet enigmatic figure whose godlike nature hides a darker side. In his childhood, Vasu caused the death of his friend Babu due to his possessiveness over Kasthuri, a tragic act that haunts him with guilt and a yearning for meaningful relationships. Meanwhile, Bhadrayya, Vasu's cunning manager, plots to seize Vasu's wealth by marrying his daughter Subhadra to him. Bhadrayya has two children, Krishna and Subhadra, and uses their status to manipulate situations for his benefit.

During this time, Vasu meets Hari, a brilliant student, and is deeply moved by his loyalty and dedication, forming a close bond with him. Subhadra, however, has feelings for Hari, but he rejects her as his heart belongs to Maya, a mysterious woman who is later revealed to be Kasthuri, the daughter of Subbayya, Vasu’s clerk. Vasu encounters Kasthuri and falls in love with her at first sight, unaware of her connection to his past. Simultaneously, Kasthuri's elder sister Kalyani is in love with Krishna. When Bhadrayya objects to their union citing a difference in status, Vasu intervenes and arranges Krishna and Kalyani's marriage.

Vasu later confesses his love for Kasthuri to Hari, who agrees to mediate the match. However, Hari is stunned to learn that Maya and Kasthuri are the same person. Out of gratitude toward Vasu, Hari and Kasthuri decide to sacrifice their love. Vasu and Kasthuri become engaged, but Bhadrayya, resentful of Vasu's interference, schemes to harm Kasthuri. When Vasu is injured while protecting her, Kasthuri begins to revere him as a deity, even as he reveals his darker, violent nature.

Manipulating Vasu’s insecurities, Bhadrayya poisons his mind with doubts about Hari and Kasthuri’s relationship, awakening Vasu’s vengeful side. In a fit of rage, Vasu attempts to kill Hari by pushing him off a cliff. However, he soon realizes the depth of Hari and Kasthuri’s loyalty and their sacrifice. Overcome with guilt, Vasu attempts to take his own life by jumping into the sea.

Vasu is rescued by a devout man named Ramadasu, who helps him recover and regain his strength. Determined to atone for his past, Vasu decides to unite Hari and Kasthuri. On their wedding day, Vasu discovers that Subhadra has taken Kasthuri’s place as the bride, and Kasthuri is now considered his widow. Devastated, Kasthuri declares her intent to end her life by jumping off the same cliff where Vasu tried to kill Hari. Vasu intervenes, saving her, and the two reconcile. The story concludes with the marriage of Vasu and Kasthuri, bringing a happy resolution to their turbulent journey.

Cast

N. T. Rama Rao as Srinivasa Rao / Vaasu
Krishna Kumari as Kasthuri
Jaggayya as Hari
V. Nagayya as Subbayya
Relangi as Krishna
Ramana Reddy as Bhadrayya
Mikkilineni as Ramadasu
Girija as Kalyani
Santha Kumari as Hari's mother
Vasanthi as Subhadra

Music

Music was composed by Ghantasala.^[3]

Song Title	Lyrics	Singers	length
"Neeli Kannula"	C. Narayana Reddy	P. B. Srinivas, P. Susheela	4:07
"Nee Kanu Doyini"	Narla Chiranjeevi	S. Janaki	3:24
"Doorana Neeli Meghalu"	Aarudhra	P. Susheela	3:53
"Evarikivaarau"	Acharya Aatreya	Ghantasala	3:46
"Neelona Nanne"	Dasaradhi	Ghantasala	3:43
"Janmamettiti Raa"	Anisetty	Ghantasala	4:55

Awards

Nandi Awards

Third Best Feature Film - Bronze - Nehata & Doondi (1964)^[4]

References

^ "గుడిగంటలు" [Gudi Gantalu]. Visalaandhra (in Telugu). 19 January 1964. p. 6. Archived from the original on 26 September 2023. Retrieved 26 September 2023.
^ Rangan, Baradwaj (15 June 2012). "Lights, Camera, Conversation… — The north-south non-divide". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 18 May 2018. Retrieved 28 February 2020.
^ "Gudi Gantalu (1964)-Song_Booklet". Indiancine.ma. Archived from the original on 26 September 2023. Retrieved 26 September 2023.
^ "నంది అవార్డు విజేతల పరంపర (1964–2008)" [A series of Nandi Award Winners (1964–2008)] (PDF) (in Telugu). Information & Public Relations of Andhra Pradesh. Archived (PDF) from the original on 23 February 2015. Retrieved 21 August 2020.

External links

Gudi Gantalu at IMDb

[1] "గుడిగంటలు" [Gudi Gantalu]. Visalaandhra (in Telugu). 19 January 1964. p. 6. Archived from the original on 26 September 2023. Retrieved 26 September 2023.

[2] Rangan, Baradwaj (15 June 2012). "Lights, Camera, Conversation… — The north-south non-divide". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 18 May 2018. Retrieved 28 February 2020.

[3] "Gudi Gantalu (1964)-Song_Booklet". Indiancine.ma. Archived from the original on 26 September 2023. Retrieved 26 September 2023.

[4] "నంది అవార్డు విజేతల పరంపర (1964–2008)" [A series of Nandi Award Winners (1964–2008)] (PDF) (in Telugu). Information & Public Relations of Andhra Pradesh. Archived (PDF) from the original on 23 February 2015. Retrieved 21 August 2020.

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