Devadasu: Evergreen Love Story that Enthralled Film Goers for 70 Years
When nouns like the names of characters or companies become verbs, it is considered to be the pinnacle of success -- Google for searching something on the Internet, or Xerox for photocopying to cite a few as examples.
In Telugu states, Devadasu or Devdas -- the character created by Bengali writer Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay -- achieved this feat. It is a tribute to the acting prowess of Akkineni Nageshwar Rao that whenever a man wears a sad and drunk look people use 'Devadas' moniker for him.
The novel, which was published 106 years ago, has been adapted 20 times as a film. But none of them seen the kind of success that ANR's Devadesu, which was released 70 years ago on June 26, 1953, had. In fact, Hindi actor Dilip Kumar praised ANR stating that "There is only one Devadas, and that is Akkineni Nageswara Rao".
The story revolves around Devadasu, who is timid and fearful of his father and family values unlike the bold and courageous character of heroine. The hero wavers most of the times pertaining to his life and love while the leading lady is in full control. The hero gets addicted to vices losing his lady and the lady moves on with her new responsibilities. When you look at it, it looks like a depressing, wearing and upsetting story which cannot appeal to anyone.
But Devadasu created a tsunami at box office in 1953 and whenever it get released on big screens and small screen. It ran for 60 weeks in Tamil dominated Madurai and 200 days in Hyderabad.
The audience got instantly connected with the pain and sufferings of ANR and Savitri. Nothing is more painful than respecting and upholding a true love. Both ANR and Savitri epitomised the lead characters in a way which no one could ever do it. The movie became immortal thanks to its evergreen 15 teasing, love, pathos and philosophical melodies.
When actor Krishna produced Devadas with him and his wife Vijayanirmala in lead roles, it bombed at the box office as ANR's Devadasu was re-released in theatres in a show of strength.
An exceptional true friendship and love story in zamindars era of yesteryears which is more relevant in our times where the lead pair always love and respect each other irrespective of their status, age and condition. One of the main reason for the movie to become an everlasting treat for cinema lovers.
