Take an age-old theme, manipulate a few angles here and there, find a talented
star cast, and hand over the reins to an experienced, creative director, and
viola! You have a movie that attracts masses despite the usual fare. This is
exactly what Suryavamsam did when it released in 1998. It ran for more
than 100 days. With the distributors seemingly caught by some strange bug that
is making them screen re-runs almost everywhere in the city, this is thankfully,
one of the few that is worth a watch.
Harishchandra Prasad (Venkatesh) is the righteous and powerful village leader
of Suryapet, and has everything and everyone under his control except his youngest
son Bhanuprasad (also played by Venkatesh). Bhanu is a carefree youth whose
natural aversion to education leaves him uneducated, and a big disappointment
to his father.
When his childhood sweetheart dumps him because of his illiteracy, and due
to a misunderstanding that arises with his father, Bhanu is treated with total
indifference by his family, which leaves him all by his lonely self. His salvation
comes in the form of Sita (Meena), a city bred girl who falls in love with him
for his simplicity and large-heartedness. The rest of the story deals with how
the love and faith of this couple conquers all. The tender situations and loving
moments have been all been captured beautifully. Venkatesh's performance as
an older man is commendable.
Venkatesh and Meena have excelled by giving, controlled and convincing performances.
The narration is slick and the camerawork is fine. The music is melodious and
soothing. This is a movie that gives you your money's worth for pure entertainment.