Watch Mayabazar
- 2019
- 2 hr 34 min
Mayabazar (Tamil) is a 1957 Indian fantasy comedy film directed by Kadiri Venkata Reddy. The film stars N. T. Rama Rao and S. V. Ranga Rao in the lead roles along with Savitri, Gummadi, Mukkamala, and Relangi Venkata Ramaiah in other pivotal roles. The film is considered a classic and one of the greatest Indian films ever made. The story is set in the kingdom of Hastinapur, ruled by Balarama and his brother Krishna. Balarama’s daughter Sasirekha is to be married to Abhimanyu, the son of Arjuna. However, Sasirekha’s maternal uncle Sakuni hatches a plan to marry her to his son Lakshmana Kumara. He tricks Sasirekha’s father and takes her away to his kingdom. To rescue her, Balarama seeks Krishna’s help, who sends his nephew Ghatotkacha to bring Sasirekha back. Ghatotkacha, along with his friend and fellow magician, the dwarf Allaudin, enter Sakuni’s kingdom as performers in a troupe led by the Gandharva King.
The film is known for its innovative storytelling, imaginative visuals, and excellent performances by the cast. The climax of the film is particularly famous for its visual effects and the grandeur of the sets. It features a scene in which Ghatotkacha and his army invade Sakuni’s kingdom, with the help of a magic discus called the Sudarshana Chakra, and rescue Sasirekha.
The film is also famous for its music, composed by Pendyala Nageswara Rao. It features songs in various genres, including devotional, romantic, and comic. The song “Vivaha Bhojanambu” in particular, sung by Ghantasala and P. Leela, is a popular Telugu folk song that is still widely played at weddings and other celebrations in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
Mayabazar (Tamil) is a cultural landmark in Indian cinema, and it remains a popular film in South India. It has been remade several times in different languages, including Hindi, Kannada, and Bengali. The film’s enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless storytelling and the creativity of its makers. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in Indian cinema or folklore.