Ramudu Kadu Krishnudu (transl. Not Rama, Krishna) is a 1983 Indian Telugu-language drama film produced by N. R. Anuradha Devi under the Lakshmi Films Combines banner and directed by Dasari Narayana Rao. The film stars Akkineni Nageswara Rao in a dual role as Ramu and Krishna, alongside Jayasudha and Radhika, with music composed by Chakravarthy. It was released on 25 March 1983 and was recorded as a Super Hit at the box office.
Plot
Ramu, an introvert, is the son of a millionaire, Bahadoor Appa Rao, who adheres to family prestige. He is surrounded by his sly maternal uncle Gopal Rao and his family, who seek to usurp his wealth. The only one who showers motherly affection on him is his sister-in-law Varalamma, the wife of his deceased older brother. Ramu falls for a destitute woman named Sarada, but obeying his father's command, he abandons her and prepares to marry Gopal Rao's daughter, Jayamma. However, Jayamma is having an affair with her second cousin Giri and has become pregnant, which Varalamma discovers. Gopal Rao retaliates by falsely accusing Ramu and Varalamma, forcing them to leave the property. Meanwhile, Krishna, the sagacious younger brother of Ramu, lives with his mother Lakshmi and falls for a girl named Satya. Krishna eventually reunites the fragmented family, foils the schemes of Gopal Rao, and the film concludes with the marriages of Ramu and Sarada, and Krishna and Satya. The film's thematic message is that the cleverness of Krishna is more essential in the modern world than the righteousness of Rama.
Cast
- Akkineni Nageswara Rao as Ramu & Krishna (dual role)
- Jayasudha as Satya
- Radhika as Sarada
- Rao Gopal Rao as Gopal Rao
- Satyanarayana as Bahadoor Appa Rao
- Allu Ramalingaiah as Lingam
- Jayanthi as Varalamma
- Sukumari as Lakshmi
- Jayamalini as Jayamma
Soundtrack
The music was composed by Chakravarthy, with lyrics written by Dasari Narayana Rao. The song "Oka Laila Kosam" became a blockbuster and was later remixed in the 2014 self-titled film starring Naga Chaitanya, the grandson of Akkineni Nageswara Rao.
Linguistic Note
In the Telugu language, "Ramudu" refers to the deity Rama, "Kadu" means "not," and "Krishnudu" refers to the deity Krishna. The title thus translates literally to "Not Rama, but Krishna," reflecting the film's thematic contrast between the two divine figures from Hindu tradition.
