Athadu (transl. Him or transl. He)[1] is a 2005 Indian Telugu-language action thriller film written and directed by Trivikram Srinivas.[2] The film features an ensemble cast of Mahesh Babu, Trisha, Sonu Sood, Prakash Raj, Nassar, Sunil, Sayaji Shinde, Kota Srinivasa Rao and Brahmanandam.[3] It is produced by D. Kishore and M. Ram Mohan under the Jayabheri Arts banner. The soundtrack was composed by Mani Sharma. K. V. Guhan handled the cinematography of the film, while the film was edited by Sreekar Prasad.

Athadu
Theatrical release poster
Directed byTrivikram Srinivas
Written byTrivikram Srinivas
Produced byDuggirala Kishore
M. Ram Mohan
StarringMahesh Babu
Trisha
Sonu Sood
CinematographyK. V. Guhan
Edited byA. Sreekar Prasad
Music byMani Sharma
Production
company
Distributed byJayabheri Arts
Release date
  • 10 August 2005 (2005-08-10)
Running time
172 minutes
CountryIndia
LanguageTelugu

The film went on to become one of the highest grossing Telugu films and marked Mahesh Babu's career resurgence after a few unsuccessful films the Film gained cult status[4] It won 3 Nandi Awards and a Filmfare Awards South in Best Director category. It was later remade in Bengali as Wanted (2010), in Bengali as Rastar Chele (2009), and in Hindi as Ek: The Power of One (2009).

Plot edit

Nanda Gopal aka Nandu, an assassin, and his gateaway partner Malli, are hired by Shiva Reddy, an opposition leader, for an assassination attempt on Shiva Reddy during one of his political party meetings in hopes to garner sympathy votes. On the day of the hit, Shiva Reddy gets shot dead by someone and Malli also dies in an accident. Nandu jumps off the building onto a train and meets Pardhu, who is returning to his village Basarlapudi after running away twelve years ago. At Gudivada, the cops spots Nandu and fires at him, but accidentally kills Pardhu instead.

Nandu escapes in the ensuing confusion and arrives at Basarlapudi to inform Pardhu's death to the family. Thinking that Nandu is Pardhu, the latter's family rejoices at his return. Nandu grows closer to the family and solves many of their problems. Nandu also falls in love with Poori, Pardhu's cousin and fiancée. Nandu also reveals his real identity to Ramana, Parthu's old friend. Meanwhile, Anjaneya Prasad, a CBI officer, is handed the case of Shiva Reddy's murder. His investigation leads him to Basarlapudi and he becomes suspicious of Nandu. Using a clue from Sadhu, Nandu and Malli's mentor, in prison, Prasad traces the payment made to Nandu back to Basarlapudi.

Nandu flees before Prasad's arrival and Prasad informs Pardhu's death to the family. After Prasad and his team leave, everyone believes Nandu has cheated them, but Ramana tells everyone all the good deeds Nandu has done for the family. Nandu returns and confesses his true identity. He claims not to have cheated the family. Pardhu's grandfather tells Nandu that rather than flee the scene of the crime, Nandu came to them and solved their problems, and hence he considers him as Pardhu. He hands his son's shotgun to Nandu and encourages him to seek justice. Nandu calls Baji Reddy, the CM candidate, and blackmails him with the recording of their earlier conversation.

Baji Reddy tells him that Malli, who is alive, had killed Shiva Reddy. He had framed Nandu for the crime and also faked his death. Nandu records the entire phone call as evidence. Nandu finds Malli, but both are attacked by corrupt cops sent to kill them and take back the tape. Nandu kills them and fights Malli, who dies after the shotgun backfires due to a marble placed in the barrel. Prasad arrives and is handed the tape by Nandu as evidence. When Prasad confronts Baji Reddy with the evidence, Baji Reddy tells that the court won't convict him, but Prasad says that Shiva Reddy's son will kill him when he hears the tape. Cornered, Baji Reddy commits suicide, thereby closing the case.

Nandu immerses in Pardhu's ashes and meets Prasad, who decides to leave Nandu, keeping his grandfather’s shotgun and mentions that there is no need for it. Nandu then leaves for Basarlapudi to begin his new journey.

Cast edit

Production edit

Development edit

In an interview with the media about his film Julai, Trivikram shared his views on this film, stating :

I narrated the story of Athadu to Mahesh Babu before the start of Nuvve Nuvve shoot. Before making of Athadu, I fixed myself that I should not compromise at any cost. I wanted to make the film the way I envisioned it. I wanted to satisfy the audience in me after shooting every scene. I doubled checked each and every scene as an audience. I could able to do 80% of what I had imagined when I wrote the script. If you look at the first 15 minutes of the Athadu movie, you will realize the level of intensity and technical finesse.[5]

Casting edit

Initially, Trivikram wanted to do this film with Pawan Kalyan and narrated the script. But he did not show much interest in signing the film and also slept during script narration.[3][6] Mahesh Babu listened to the script of this film in 2002 but Trvikram and the film's producers had to wait for him till he completed the shooting schedules of S. J. Surya's science fiction film Naani and Gunasekhar's family drama Arjun as they were his existing commitments then. The shooting started a month later after the completion of Arjun. For his characterization and the dialogues uttered by the character he played, Mahesh had to adjust to Trivikram's style of dialogues, which took 10 days. Trisha Krishnan was selected for the leading female role. In an interview with the media on 29 June 2005 at the event of audio release stated that she would be seen in a role with shades of comedy though she added that her role was a limited one.[7]

Murali Mohan later revealed that he wanted his friend and former Telugu actor Sobhan Babu to play the role of Satya Narayana Murthy, which would have marked his comeback film which was busy with a highly profitable real estate business then. For the same, Murali Mohan even issued and sent a blank cheque to Sobhan Babu's residence at Chennai as the remuneration. But Sobhan Babu refused to do that role and rejected the offer politely. Later, Nassar portrayed that role with S. P. Balasubrahmanyam dubbing for him in frail voice and his performance was appreciated by critics.[8]

Filming edit

For the film's shoot, 160 motion cameras were imported from London to shoot time-freeze effect shots in action sequences which were clarified by Mahesh himself as still cameras only. Because of non compromising, not more than 10 shots were shot per day. 4 to 5 complicated action sequences were shot under the supervision of Peter Hein with much finesse, and the climax sequence was shot indoors, which took enormous time to complete thus making the principal photography end after a span of two years.[7] A big set was constructed at Ramanaidu Studios in Nanakramguda at Hyderabad where most of the film's family scenes were shot.[9] On 7 August 2004, a scene featuring Mahesh and Sunil was shot on the bridge of the lake at ICRISAT campus in Hyderabad.[10]

Soundtrack edit

Athadu
Soundtrack album by
Released29 June 2005
Recorded2005
GenreFeature film soundtrack
Length29:52
LanguageTelugu
LabelMaruthi Music
ProducerMani Sharma
Mani Sharma chronology
Narasimhudu
(2005)
Athadu
(2005)
Allari Pidugu
(2005)

Mani Sharma composed the music for this film marking his first collaboration with Trivikram Srinivas and eighth collaboration with Mahesh Babu. The film's soundtrack was released by Mahesh Babu's father and prominent Telugu actor Krishna on 29 June 2005 at the house set of the film constructed at Nanakramguda through Maruthi Music label. This album consists of six melodies composed by Mani Sharma while Sirivennela Sitaramasastri and Viswa penned the lyrics. Apart from Krishna, the film's lead pair, producers, and Maruthi Music representatives attended the event.[9]

The audio received moderately positive response from critics. IndiaGlitz wrote "Mani Sharma has tried to please all. If you are going to compare this one with his previous offerings for Mahesh, it does not do any one any good. On its own, the album has its moments."[11] Upon the film's release, Mani Sharma's work was acclaimed by the critics and audience alike. IndiaGlitz wrote "Mani Sharma's music, especially the title song, is very good. His re-recording also fits the bill."[12] idlebrain.com wrote "Music by Mani Sharma is good. The picturization of the first song which comes as background song for titles is wonderful. Neetho Cheppana song has got typical Mexican music. Background music and rerecording of the film is good."[13] Sify.com wrote "The highlights of Athadu are the camerawork of K. V. Guhan and the melodious music and background score of Mani Sharma. The Neeto Chappana number picturised in the tea estates of Darjeeling is the pick of the album."[14] Songs Sung By Eminent Singers Like S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, K. S. Chithra, Kavita Krishnamurti, Shreya Ghoshal, Mahalakshmi Iyer, KK etc

No.TitleLyricsSinger(s)Length
1."Adaraku"VishwaVishwa & Chorus4:57
2."Pillagali Allari"Sirivennela SitaramasastriShreya Ghoshal4:49
3."Avunu Nijam"Sirivennela SitaramasastriK.K, Sunitha5:05
4."Chandamama"Sirivennela SitaramasastriRanjith, Mahalakshmi Iyer5:28
5."Neetho Cheppana"Sirivennela SitaramasastriK.S. Chithra, S. P. Balasubrahmanyam4:33
6."Pilichinaa Raanantaava"Sirivennela SitaramasastriKavita Krishnamurthy, Karthik & Chorus4:57

Release edit

Domestic edit

The film released in 79 centers in Nizam region in Andhra Pradesh and was distributed by Maruthi Movies in which 3 centers screened the film for only 2 days. The film released in 24 centers across Visakhapatnam and was distributed by Sri Venkateswara Films. Sri Bharathi Pictures released the film in Krishna district in 18 centers.[15] The film was released simultaneously in 3 screens in Chennai and it was also the first Telugu film to do so.[16][17]

Overseas edit

The film was released with 6 prints in United States and was distributed by Vishnu Mudda and Soma Kancherla of Crown DVD distribution company. Because of the demand, another print was imported from India for screening.[18][19] The film's first screening in USA happened at Cine Plaza 13 at North Bergen on the night of 11 August 2005.[20] At Connecticut, a special screening was conducted on 19 August 2005. Initially one show was planned but because of the demand another show was screened. There at the theater, a turn out of 442 people was observed which included standing audience for 434 seats and about 60 could not be accommodated.[21] Apart from USA, the film released in selected screens in United Kingdom, Singapore, Germany and Australia.[19]

Home media edit

The DVD of the movie was released by Aditya Music under its Aditya Video Brand and won the best DVD award for its quality and is considered to be one of the highest sold DVDs in Tollywood history. After 7 years, Star Maa renewed the contract by paying an amount of 3.5 crores which was a record price for a 2005 Telugu film.[22]

Dubbed versions and remakes edit

The film was remade in Hindi as Ek: The Power of One (2009), in Bangladeshi Bengali as Rastar Chele (2009), in Indian Bengali as Wanted (2010), in Urdu as The Power of One (2013) and in Bhojpuri as Wanted (2018).

Despite the remakes in different languages, the film was dubbed and released in Tamil, Hindi, Malayalam, Bhojpuri, English, and Polish as Nandhu, Cheetah: The Power of One, The Target, Khiladi Bhaiya, The Power of One, and Poszukiwany respectively.

Reception edit

Critical reception edit

Sify stated, "The highlight of the film is Mahesh Babu who looks cool, confident and competent as a hit man with his expressive body language and mannerisms. Athadu just about makes it as a slickly packaged entertainer but only for want of a better alternative."[14] IndiaGlitz gave a review stating, "The story sure has splendid potential, but the director does not use them to the hilt simply because he attempts to do too many things almost simultaneously. Yet, all things considered, Athadu is a good entertainer. The problem is you can't praise it as the best yet cannot rubbish it as being useless. It is somewhere in between with more pluses than minuses."[12] Cinegoer.net gave a review stating, "True the film gives an image of a Hollywood base for the drama. Even the taking, screenplay structure and execution of scenes, less talk and more action – all add to this image. But there are elements in this film that only a Telugu man can do it originally. That is the love track. And the way Trivikram put to view the scenic structure between Mahesh Babu and Trisha is impressive and refreshing."[23]

Box office edit

The film netted 1 million from 3 screens in Chennai in its opening weekend debuting at second position pushing Shankar's Anniyan down to the third place.[17] It collected approximately 220 million (US$2.8 million) in its total run.[4] The film had a 50 days run in 205 centers[24] and a 100-day run in 38 centres.[25] The film had a 175-day run in Sudarshan 35 mm, Hyderabad, grossing 1.40 crores from the theater.,[4][26]

Accolades edit

Award[a] Date of ceremony[b] Category Recipient(s) Result Ref.
Filmfare Awards South 9 September 2006 Best Film – Telugu Athadu Nominated [27]
Best Director – Telugu Trivikram Srinivas Won
Best Actor – Telugu Mahesh Babu Nominated
Best Actress – Telugu Trisha Nominated
Best Comedian – Telugu Brahmanandam Nominated
Best Music Director – Telugu Mani Sharma Nominated
Best Male Playback Singer – Telugu Karthik (for "Pilichina Raanantaava") Nominated
Best Female Playback Singer – Telugu Shreya Ghoshal (for "Pillagali Allari") Nominated
Kavita Krishnamurti (for "Pilichina Raanantaava") Nominated
Nandi Awards 2006 Best Actor Mahesh Babu Won [28]
[29]
Best Dialogue Writer Trivikram Srinivas Won
Best Special Effects C. H. Srinivas (Prasad EFX) Won

Notes edit

  1. ^ Awards, festivals and organizations are in alphabetical order.
  2. ^ Date is linked to the article about the awards held that year, wherever possible.

References edit

  1. ^ "Tollywood takes divine path with its themes". The New Indian Express. 6 May 2012. Archived from the original on 5 July 2022. Retrieved 30 August 2022.
  2. ^ "Cheers for Mahesh's fans". The Hindu. 26 May 2005.
  3. ^ a b "Pawan Kalyan Was To Play Mahesh Babu's Role In Athadu". Oneindia Entertainment. 24 October 2013. Archived from the original on 23 February 2014. Retrieved 6 July 2014.
  4. ^ a b c "CineGoer.com – News Archives – January 2006". 2 March 2008. Archived from the original on 2 March 2006. Retrieved 23 January 2017.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  5. ^ "Interview with Trivikram". idlebrain.com. 7 August 2012. Archived from the original on 15 February 2015. Retrieved 5 July 2014.
  6. ^ "Pawan Kalyan, not Mahesh Babu was first choice for Athadu?". The Hans India. 26 October 2013. Archived from the original on 14 July 2014. Retrieved 6 July 2014.
  7. ^ a b "Chitchat with Mahesh Babu & Trisha". idlebrain.com. 29 June 2005. Archived from the original on 6 July 2015. Retrieved 5 July 2014.
  8. ^ "King of Kings : Shoban babu 6th Vardanthi". apherald.com. 20 March 2014. Archived from the original on 14 July 2014. Retrieved 5 July 2014.
  9. ^ a b "Audio release – Athadu". idlebrain.com. 29 June 2005. Archived from the original on 29 June 2014. Retrieved 6 July 2014.
  10. ^ "Chit Chat with Mahesh Babu". idlebrain.com. 9 August 2004. Archived from the original on 24 September 2014. Retrieved 5 July 2014.
  11. ^ "Athadu – Good, on its own". IndiaGlitz. 4 July 2005. Archived from the original on 15 April 2015. Retrieved 6 July 2014.
  12. ^ a b "Athadu – Guns and roses". IndiaGlitz. 11 August 2005. Archived from the original on 15 April 2015. Retrieved 6 July 2014.
  13. ^ "Athadu movie review". idlebrain.com. 10 August 2005. Archived from the original on 12 April 2015. Retrieved 6 July 2014.
  14. ^ a b "Movie Review : Athadu". Sify. 10 August 2005. Archived from the original on 24 December 2013. Retrieved 6 July 2014.
  15. ^ "Athadu release centers". idlebrain.com. Archived from the original on 13 April 2015. Retrieved 6 July 2014.
  16. ^ "The assassin". The Hindu. 11 August 2005. Archived from the original on 14 July 2014. Retrieved 6 July 2014.
  17. ^ a b Chennai Box-Office (Aug 12–15) Archived 6 June 2012 at the Wayback Machine. Sify.com (16 August 2005). Retrieved on 2015-07-23.
  18. ^ "Athadu in USA". idlebrain.com. 6 January 2006. Archived from the original on 13 April 2015. Retrieved 6 July 2014.
  19. ^ a b "Cycle Stand – Telugu Cinema Trade Story : Mahesh Babu's ATHADU sensation in USA". idlebrain.com. 16 September 2005. Archived from the original on 15 April 2015. Retrieved 6 July 2014.
  20. ^ "The experience of watching Athadu in New Jersey". idlebrain.com. 12 August 2005. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 6 July 2014.
  21. ^ "The experience of watching Athadu in CT". idlebrain.com. 22 August 2005. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 6 July 2014.
  22. ^ "Mahesh's Athadu satellite rights: MAA TV pays Rs 3.5 crores". The Hans India. 1 January 2014. Archived from the original on 16 February 2014. Retrieved 6 July 2014.
  23. ^ "Inspired By Hollywood Flicks". cinegoer.net. 12 August 2005. Archived from the original on 8 October 2013. Retrieved 6 July 2014.
  24. ^ Athadu 50 days centres Archived 6 May 2011 at the Wayback Machine. Idlebrain.com. Retrieved on 23 July 2015.
  25. ^ Nonstopcinema Box Office – Athadu 100 days centers : Telugu movies, tollywood, cinema Archived 5 March 2007 at the Wayback Machine. Nonstopcinema.com. Retrieved on 23 July 2015.
  26. ^ Box-Office Records And Collections – Maheshbabu's 75-Day Centres List. CineGoer.com. Retrieved on 23 July 2015.
  27. ^ "53rd Annual Filmfare Awards-South Winners". 9 September 2006. Archived from the original on 29 April 2007. Retrieved 17 September 2020.
  28. ^ "Nandi Film Awards G.O and Results 2005". APFTVTDC. Archived from the original on 16 May 2021. Retrieved 17 September 2020.
  29. ^ "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 17 September 2020.

External links edit