Bhakta Prahlada (1967/I)

User Rating:

8.9/10   

Director:

Chitrapu Narayana Rao

Writers:

Narasa Raju D.V. (adaptation)
Narasa Raju D.V. (dialogue)

Genre:

Drama | Musical

Plot Keywords:

Hindu Mythological

Cast

Rojaramani	...	Prahlada
S.V. Ranga Rao	...	Hiraynakashipudu
Anjali Devi	...	Leelavathi
Harinath	...	Lord Vishnu
Dr. Mangalampalli Balamuralikrishna	...	Narada
Relangi Venkatramaiah	...	Chanda
Padmanabham	...	Markudu
Ramana Reddy
Kanakam

Also Known As:

Bhakt Prahlad (India: Hindi title) (dubbed version)
Bhakta Prahlada (India: Tamil title) (dubbed version)

Country:

India

Language:

Telugu

Color:

Color

Certification:

India:U

Company:

A.V.M. Productions

Movie Connections:

Alternate language version of Bhakta Prahlada (1967/II)

Bhakt Prahlad, the starter for all Vaishnawa's

*** This comment may contain spoilers ***

Starting with the two Guardians of Vaikunth, Jay and Vijay, blocking entry to the 5 (or 7) rishi's, this is the correct start of all Vishnu inspired avatar stories.

After being cursed and Vishnu taking pity on them they're offered to be born seven times as supreme devouts or three times over as the arch-enemy of Vishnu and mankind in general, thus causing Vishnu to kill them himself (which is the highest honour and closest way they could get Vishnu/God to touch them actually) through an avatar each time.

They choose the shortest option, which is being born three times as the arch-enemy of the Lord.

In the first series of incarnations it is through the 'lila' of Prahlad, the son of Hiranjakashap(-pu), that drives the latter mad with agony over his son's devotion to Vishnu, whilst Vishnu obviously is not visible to him.

The teachings of Narad help influence the foetal Prahlad during his mother's stay at the ashram of Narad and it's funny to see or rather hear Prahlad answering in acknowledgement to Narad's praise of Vishnu.

Prahlad is saved over and over by Vishnu and Laxmi, which is forever sung upon by Prahlad in the song that is the theme through the whole of the movie (He Prabhu Jot Jaga, Aisi, He Prabhu Jot Jaga, mere man me base Tu sada).

Of course this can't go on for ever and Hiranyakashipu will meet his end, but the question of course is how ...

An excellent movie as a starting point for any persons interested in getting to know the Hindu mythology but without the time or knowledge to absorb it through the written works.