Venkataramaiah (SVR), once wealthy, now lives a modest life with his shrewish wife, Kanakadurga (Suryakantham). They adopt Suguna (Savitri), but their happiness is short-lived when they have a biological daughter, Varalakshmi (Girija). Kanakadurga’s favouritism towards Varalakshmi drives Suguna away. Suguna grows up to be a successful doctor, thanks to her foster father’s support. She falls in love with Chandram (ANR), a self-made man. However, Chandram’s health deteriorates, and he asks Suguna to marry his friend, Raghu (Jaggayya).
Suguna and Raghu lead a happy life together, serving the poor. But tragedy strikes when Raghu dies in an accident. Venkataramaiah, facing financial ruin, tries to force Varalakshmi to marry Chandram. After much turmoil, Chandram agrees. Despite their differences, Suguna and Varalakshmi eventually reconcile, and the family is reunited. Venkataramaiah, humbled by his experiences, learns to appreciate the love and support of those around him.
The very title, ‘Velugu Needalu’, has a metaphorical significance. Philosophically, it might denote Yin and Yang, but in the context of the film under review, a deeper meaning manifests. Lights and shadows represent two contrasting sides of humanity. Many philosophical works explore the idea that humans possess both positive and negative qualities. Light can represent our noble aspirations and virtues, while shadows symbolise our darker impulses and vices.
Director Adurthi Subbarao was a pioneering filmmaker who introduced aesthetically pleasing elements into commercial Telugu cinema. Critics opine that his work set a new standard for visual and artistic quality in Telugu cinema. And, to be sure, ‘Velugu Needalu’ was representative of his talent. Before this film, Adurthi had shown his inclination to make ‘sankari’ films with ‘Todi Kodallu’ and ‘Mangalya Balam’. The success of these films egged on the auter to explore rare themes like reincarnation. As today’s meme-makers would have said, ‘Velugu Neeludu icchina dhairyam’.
The film’s music by Pendyala Nageshwara Rao was elevated by Ghantasala’s renditions, especially through ‘Paadavoyi Bharatheeyuda’ and ‘Haayi Haayigaa Jaabilli’, both of which were also complemented by P Susheela’s immense talent. A crowning glory of the film’s soundtrack is that all but two songs were penned by the revolutionary poet, Sri Sri. ‘Kala Kaanidi Viluvainadi’ spoke to the hearts of the distraught. ‘Oh Rangayo Poola Rangayo’ remains one of the most acclaimed songs from Sri Sri.
From Relangi to Padmanabham, from Peketi Sivaram to Rajasulochana, from Thangavelu to Balaji, ‘Velugu Needalu’ saw the coming together of an ensemble cast.
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Velugu Needalu is now streaming on Disney Hotstar and Youtube (Free)
