Devadasu (1953 film)

Devadasu is a Telugu-language tragedy film directed by Vedantam Raghavaiah and produced by D. L. Narayana under the Vinodha Pictures banner. Released in 1953, it is based on the Sharat Chandra Chattopadhyay novel Devdas. The film stars Akkineni Nageswara Rao as Devadasu, Savitri as Parvati, and Lalitha as Chandramukhi.

The film tells the story of Devadasu, a young man from a wealthy Brahmin family, and Parvati (Paro), a girl from a middle-class family who are childhood sweethearts. Due to societal and caste differences, their families forbid their marriage. Devadasu, heartbroken and unable to cope with the separation, spirals into alcoholism and despair. Chandramukhi, a courtesan, attempts to provide him solace, but Devadasu is consumed by his love for Parvati and his deteriorating health. He eventually dies outside Parvati's house, never able to reunite with her.

Devadasu is considered a classic of Telugu cinema and is known for its tragic narrative, memorable performances, and evocative music composed by C. R. Subbaraman. The film was a commercial success and has been remade several times in different languages. It remains a significant cultural touchstone and a benchmark for tragic romances in Indian cinema. The film's dialogues and themes of unrequited love and social constraints continue to resonate with audiences.