Watch Bhaktha Prahlada
- 1967
- 2 hr 50 min
Bhaktha Prahlada is a 1967 Indian Telugu-language mythological drama film directed by Chitrapu Narayana Rao. The film stars S. V. Ranga Rao, Roja Ramani, and Anjali Devi in the lead roles. It is based on the famous Hindu legend of Prahlada, a young devotee of Lord Vishnu who faces the wrath of his father, the demon king Hiranyakashipu, for his unwavering devotion to the god.
The movie begins with the story of Hiranyakashipu (S. V. Ranga Rao), the powerful demon king who becomes the ruler of the universe after obtaining a boon from Lord Brahma. However, his ego and cruelty lead him to despise the gods and their followers, and he declares himself the only god to be worshipped by all.
He becomes enraged when he finds out that his son Prahlada (Master Sridhar) is a devoted follower of Lord Vishnu and refuses to worship him. Hiranyakashipu tries to persuade his son to give up his faith, but Prahlada remains steadfast in his devotion and love for Vishnu.
The story then follows the trials and tribulations faced by Prahlada as Hiranyakashipu tries to punish him for his refusal to worship him. Prahlada survives attempts on his life, as well as various torturous methods employed by Hiranyakashipu to break his faith, including being trampled by elephants, bitten by venomous snakes, and thrown off a cliff. However, each time he miraculously survives, protected by Lord Vishnu.
Meanwhile, Hiranyakashipu's sister Holika (Roja Ramani) comes up with a plan to kill Prahlada by trapping him in a fire. But her plan backfires as Vishnu's divine powers protect Prahlada, and Holika burns instead.
As Hiranyakashipu's anger and frustrations peak, Lord Vishnu appears in the form of Narasimha, a half-man, half-lion avatar, to kill Hiranyakashipu and restore balance to the universe.
The film boasts commendable performances from the lead actors, especially S. V. Ranga Rao, who shines in the role of the ruthless demon king Hiranyakashipu. His portrayal of the character as a vicious tyrant with a thirst for power is quite convincing.
Another notable performance comes from Roja Ramani as Holika, who portrays her role with flair and charisma. Her brief screen time and the character's pivotal role in the story are handled well.
Despite the movie's age, the production values are decent. The set design and costumes are well-executed and add to the overall visual appeal of the movie. The film also has a beautiful and memorable soundtrack composed by S. Rajeswara Rao, with lyrics by legendary poet Veturi Sundararama Murthy.
Overall, Bhaktha Prahlada is a well-crafted and beautifully told tale of faith, devotion, and divine intervention. It touches on themes of family, sacrifice, and the power of love to overcome all obstacles. The movie is a must-watch for fans of mythological dramas and remains a timeless classic in Telugu cinema.