Virata Parvam
Virata Parvam[a] (transl. The book of Virata) is a 2022 Indian Telugu-language period romantic action drama film[4] written and directed by Venu Udugula, and produced by Suresh Productions and SLV Cinemas. The film stars Sai Pallavi and Rana Daggubati while Priyamani, Nandita Das, Naveen Chandra, Zarina Wahab, Easwari Rao, and Sai Chand play supporting roles. Set in Telangana region in the 1990s amidst the Naxalite movement, the film tells the story of Vennala (Pallavi), a young woman who is in pursuit of her love with Ravi Shankar (Daggubati), a Naxal leader.
| Virata Parvam | |
|---|---|
Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Venu Udugula |
| Written by | Venu Udugula |
| Produced by | Sudhakar Cherukuri Srikanth Chundi Rana Daggubati |
| Starring | Sai Pallavi Rana Daggubati |
| Cinematography | Dani Sanchez-Lopez Divakar Mani |
| Edited by | A. Sreekar Prasad |
| Music by | Suresh Bobbili |
Production companies | Sri Lakshmi Venkateswara Cinemas Suresh Productions |
Release date |
|
Running time | 150 minutes[1] |
| Country | India |
| Language | Telugu |
| Budget | ₹15 crore[2] |
| Box office | est. ₹12 crore[3] |
Principal photography began in July 2019 and ended in December 2020, with filming locations including Vikarabad, Warangal, and Hyderabad in Telangana, and Kerala. The film has music composed by Suresh Bobbili with cinematography by Dani Sanchez-Lopez and Divakar Mani. Initially scheduled to release on 30 April 2021, it has been postponed due to the COVID-19 situation in India. Virata Parvam was released theatrically on 17 June 2022.But though it Received positive reviews the movie was box office bomb.
Plot edit
Vennela was born in 1973 in Warangal district, amidst a cross-fire between the Naxals and the police. She grows up listening to the poetry of her father and is later inspired by the writings of Ravi Shankar (known as Comrade Ravanna), a Naxal leader who uses the pen name Aranya. Vennela becomes obsessed with Ravi's works, therefore admiring and loving him.
In 1992, the state police probes her village under suspicion that the villagers are sympathetic to the Naxals. They thrash Vennela's father severely as he objects to their actions. Vennela scolds the police in retaliation but they harass her. Ravi's troop arrives and ambushes the police. Ravi assures the safety of the villagers, impressing Vennela.
Vennela calls off the wedding with her cousin by telling him that she is deeply in love with Ravi, much to the dismay of her parents. She leaves her house the following day in pursuit of Ravi and writes to her parents not to search for her. Vennela meets Vidyadhar Rao in Karimnagar who publishes Ravi's books. She requests him to give Ravi's address but Rao declines to help her. He gets arrested by the police as she leaves the place. Vennela enquires and finds out Ravi's house. She meets his mother who tells her that Ravi left the place seven years ago and she has been waiting for him ever since. Vennela promises to deliver her letter to him and bring him back.
Vennela continues her search and learns that she can find Ravi at the Bhupalpally degree college. However, Vennela is frisked by the police who suspect her to be a Naxal sympathizer. The police bring her to the college to confirm her identity, only to engage in a shootout with Ravi's troop. Unable to meet him there, Vennela reaches out to Shakuntala, a human rights activist, and confesses her love for Ravi. Shakuntala arranges Vennela's meeting with Ravi but Ravi politely declines her proposal by saying he doesn't believe in love.
Meanwhile, the police arrive at that place and surround the building. Vennela helps to set up the explosives so that Ravi's troop can escape, however, she gets caught by the police. Ravi rescues her later that night and shelters her at Shakuntala's home. Vennela then decides to join the Naxals in the forest against Shakuntala's advice. Sammaiah, a senior party leader appreciates her spirit and recommends her to Ravi's troop. While Ravi initially rejects her recruitment, he lets her join based on Bharathakka's suggestion. Vennela takes up the arms and earns the party's appreciation for her humanitarian approach to the Naxal movement.
Sometime later, Sammaiah is caught by the police who threaten to expose his fraud of using the Naxal movement for financial benefits. He rejoins Ravi's troop to act as a covert agent of the police. Meanwhile, Vennela handovers the letter to Ravi and requests him to meet his mother. Based on a tip by Sammaiah, the police attack Ravi while he's meeting his mother. Ravi and Vennela fend off the police and escape. That night, Sammaiah kills 11 members of Ravi's troop by launching an assault on them and escapes. Sammaiah publicly claims that the Naxal movement has lost its ideals, therefore, it is infiltrated by his coverts who would work for the police.
Police send a false message from the party to Ravi which instructions him to weed out the covert in his troop. Raghu who was always wary of Vennela tells that she is the covert as she was Sammaiah's recruit. Bharatakka seconds him by proving that Vennela entered their troop using a string of lies. Bharatakka beats up Vennela asking for her confession but she pleads innocence. Vennela tries to submit her lost diary as proof of her innocence, only in vain. Regardless, Bharatakka confirms to Ravi that Vennela is the covert.
Ravi takes Vennela to a secluded place in the forest. Ravi confesses his love for Vennela but feels that she betrayed him. Angry and resentful, Ravi shoots Vennela into the adjoining waterfalls. Raghu and Bharatakka rush to Ravi and tell him that the message was fake. Distressed Ravi retrieves Vennela's body from the waters and sobs in grief, as do others.
Cast edit
- Sai Pallavi as Vennela
- Rana Daggubati as Dr. Ravi Shankar aka Comrade Ravanna and 'Aranya'
- Priyamani as Comrade Bharathakka
- Nandita Das as Shakuntala
- Naveen Chandra as Comrade Raghu
- Zarina Wahab as Ravi's mother
- Easwari Rao as Vennela's mother
- Sai Chand as Vennela's father
- Rahul Ramakrishna as Vennela's cousin
- Nivetha Pethuraj in cameo appearance as Dr. Sarala, aka Comrade Saralakka, a young doctor turned Naxalite who operates Vennela's mother on her birth later dies in a shootout.
Production edit
Development edit
In June 2018, Venu Udugula stated that his second directorial venture would be a period love story set in the backdrop of the 1990s, and it would be a "commercial entertainer" focusing on politics and action, apart from being centered on romance.[5] Sai Pallavi and Rana Daggubati were signed to play the lead roles in November 2018.[6][7] The film was launched in June 2019 in Hyderabad.[8]
The film is set during the Naxal movement which happened in Telangana in the 1990s. Udugula wrote the story from the events he witnessed from his childhood in Warangal.[9] Pallavi's character Vennela is based on Thumu Sarala, a 16-year-old girl from Warangal district. Sarala quit her studies in 1992 and enrolled herself in the Peoples War Group to join the naxalites in their cause. However, Sarala was killed by the naxals a month later under mysterious circumstances. Udugula felt the need to bring this story onto the screen, depicting the incident and the politics behind it.[10][11] The plot, however, follows a fictional storyline and characters written by Udugula.[12] Following the film's release, Pallavi, Daggubati and Udugula met Sarala's family to express their condolenses.[13]
The film is titled Virata Parvam, based on the fourth book of the Indian epic Mahabharata. The film is not related to the epic but Udugula stated that it shares several elements from that episode. “As my film has elements such as politics, conspiracy, love, vendetta and positivity, we felt that it would be an apt title,” Udugula added.[12]
Casting edit
Daggubati is cast in the role of Dr Ravi Shankar alias Comrade Ravanna.[14] For his role, Daggubati reduced his weight in order to look lean for the film.[15][16] Gopichand was Udugula's first choice for the lead before Daggubati was finalised.[17]
In May 2019, Priyamani was cast as Comrade Bharathakka, a Naxalite,[18][19] and documentary filmmaker Sai Chand was also appeared for a supporting role in the very same month.[20] Tabu was initially cast in the film, but due to schedule conflicts she was subsequently replaced by Nandita Das in August 2019.[21] The film marked Nandita Das' return to Telugu cinema, whose last appearance in a Telugu film was Kamli (2006).[22] Naveen Chandra, Zareena Wahab and Easwari Rao, and are cast in supporting roles.[23] Actress Nivetha Pethuraj is signed to play a crucial role in the film.[24]
Filming edit
The film was launched at a formal ceremony on 15 June 2019 by which principal photography began.[25] Filming of the first schedule took place at Dharipally in the rural part of Telangana, which is a minor schedule being wrapped up on 1 July 2019.[26] A lengthy schedule was held at Parkal, Warangal in September 2019 with portions involving Pallavi being shot.[27][28] In November 2019, Jaya Krishna Gummadi who eventually worked on the film was replaced by Dani Sanchez-Lopez after the former opted out citing schedule conflicts.[29] Hollywood stunt choreographer Stefan Richter was brought on board to direct the film's action sequences.[30] Filming of some crucial scenes took place in the forests of Kerala in January 2020,[31][32] and also in forests of Vikarabad and Warangal.[33] It is reported that major portion of the film has been shot before it was halted due to COVID-19 pandemic.[34] The filming resumed in December 2020, with the final schedule taking place in Hyderabad.[35][36]
Soundtrack edit
| Virata Parvam | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Soundtrack album by Suresh Bobbili | |||||
| Released | 30 June 2022 | ||||
| Genre | Feature film soundtrack | ||||
| Length | 32:33 | ||||
| Label | Lahari Music T-Series | ||||
| Producer | Suresh Bobbili | ||||
| Suresh Bobbili chronology | |||||
| |||||
| |||||
| Singles from Virata Parvam | |||||
| |||||
The film's soundtrack and score is composed by Suresh Bobbili who worked with Udugula in Needi Naadi Oke Katha. The first single from the film, "Kolu Kolu", written by Chandrabose and sung by Divya Mallika and Bobbili, was released by Lahari Music on 25 February 2021.[37][38]
The second single from the film,"Nagaadaarilo",written by Varam and sung by Dyavari Narendar Reddy, Sanapati Bhardwaj Patrudu, was released on 2 June 2022.[39]
| No. | Title | Lyrics | Singer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Kolu Kolu" | Chandrabose | Divya Malika, Suresh Bobbili | 3:47 |
| 2. | "Nagaadaarilo" | Dyavari Narendar Reddy, Sanapati Bharadwaj Patrudu | Varam | 3:18 |
| 3. | "Chalo Chalo - The Warrior Song" | Jilukara Srinivas | Suresh Bobbili | 2:53 |
| 4. | "Aasale Nee Rekkalaithe" | Mittapalli Surender | Yepuri Somanna | 3:14 |
| 5. | "Seshappa Padyam" | Seshappa Kavi | Sarath Santhosh | 2:29 |
| 6. | "Dharulaniyu Moose" | Krishna Shasthri | Swaroopa Reddy | 1:51 |
| 7. | "Thalli Manase" | Deyeri Narendar Reddy | Brinda, Sindhuja Srinivasan | 3:04 |
| 8. | "Mogulu Meeda Vennela" | Mitra | Vimalakka | 2:27 |
| 9. | "Penchukunna Prema Kosam" | Mittapalli Surender | Yepuri Somanna | 4:28 |
| 10. | "Pain of Vennela" | Deyeri Narendar Reddy | Sivani Saraswathula | 2:55 |
| 11. | "Kolu Kolu - Love Version" | Chandrabose | Nutana Mohan | 1:33 |
Release edit
Theatrical edit
Virata Parvam was released theatrically on 17 June 2022. Earlier, in response to the direct OTT release rumours in September 2020, the makers rejected such claims had announced that the film is scheduled only for theatrical release.[40] The film was scheduled for theatrical release on 30 April 2021 but was postponed in April 2021 due to the rising COVID-19 cases in the country.[41] In May 2022, the film's release date was announced as 1 July 2022 but later that month, the date was advanced to 17 June 2022.[42][43]
Home media edit
The post-theatrical streaming rights of the film were acquired by Netflix.[44] The film started streaming from 1 July 2022.[45]
Reception edit
Critical reception edit
Virata Parvam received positive reviews from critics.[46] Neeshita Nyayapati of The Times of India rated the film 3.5 out of 5 stars and wrote "Virata Parvam is not the kind of film that’s entertaining in the conventional sense, but it is the kind of film that stays with you".[47] Janani K of India Today rated the film 3.5 out of 5 stars and wrote "Virata Parvam is a moving tale about two revolutionaries that hits the right note. With terrific performances and brilliant music, the film is sure to invoke emotions from everyone".[48] Sowmya Rajendran of The News Minute rated the film 3 out of 5 stars and wrote "Virata Parvam is a middling love story that’s buoyed by Sai Pallavi’s performance".[49] Latha Srinivasan of Firstpost rated the film 2.5 out of 5 stars and wrote "Sai Pallavi as Vennela in Virata Parvam strikes a strong chord with the audience because of the range of emotions she essays so effortlessly on screen".[50] A critic for Pinkvilla rated the film 2.5 out of 5 stars and wrote "Sai Pallavi's glorious performance is the only thing that keeps the love story from seeming farcical and flimsy".[51]
Box office edit
Virata Parvam grossed ₹2.5 crore (US$310,000) worldwide on its first day with ₹1.5 crore (US$190,000) coming from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.[52] In the first week, the film grossed ₹10 crore worldwide.[53]
Despite positive reviews, the film performed poorly at the box office.[54] Virata Parvam grossed ₹12 crore worldwide,[3] against a budget of ₹15 crore.[2]
Notes edit
- ^ Alternatively spelt Viraata Parvam
References edit
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- ^ a b "'Virata Parvam' day 1 box office collection: Rana Daggubati and Sai Pallavi starrer sees a lukewarm opening". The Times Of India. 18 May 2022. from the original on 18 June 2022. Retrieved 18 June 2022.
- ^ a b "How much did Nani's 'Ante Sundaraniki' and Rana Daggubati's 'Virata Parvam' collect at the Tollywood box office?". The Times of India. 29 June 2022. from the original on 29 June 2022. Retrieved 29 June 2022.
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- ^ "Venu Udugula to direct a period love story". The Times of India. from the original on 24 September 2021. Retrieved 2 April 2021.
- ^ "Rana Daggubatti to work with Venu Udugula for Virata Parvam 1992". The Times of India. 1 November 2018. Retrieved 2 April 2021.[dead link]
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- ^ "Rana, Sai Pallavi's Virata Parvam launched". Telangana Today. Retrieved 15 December 2020.
- ^ "Rana Daggubati resumes shooting for Virata Parvam in the new normal". The Times of India. from the original on 14 December 2020. Retrieved 15 December 2020.
- ^ Kusuma, Sekher (16 June 2022). "Thumu Sarala: ఆ సరళే ఈ సాయి పల్లవి.. అన్నలే కొట్టి చంపేసి బూడిద చేసి.. 'విరాటపర్వం' రియల్ స్టోరీ" [Thumu Sarala: Sai Pallavi plays Sarala who was killed and burnt to ashes by the comrades. Virata Parvam real story]. Samayam Telugu (in Telugu). from the original on 17 June 2022.
- ^ "Sai Pallavi's 'Vennela' In 'Virata Parvam' Based On Real-Life Character". Outlook India. 15 June 2022. from the original on 17 June 2022.
- ^ a b Adivi, Sashidhar (22 March 2021). "Virata Parvam is not about Naxalite propaganda: Venu Udugula". Deccan Chronicle. from the original on 18 June 2022.
- ^ "Rana Daggubati, Sai Pallavi Meet Sarala, The Subject Of Their Next Film Virata Parvam". News18. 14 June 2022. from the original on 18 June 2022.
- ^ "Rana Daggubati's first glimpse as Comrade Ravanna from Viraata Parvam -". The Times of India. from the original on 14 December 2020. Retrieved 15 December 2020.
- ^ Nyayapati, Neeshita. "Rana Daggubati's lean look leads to speculation". The Times of India. from the original on 7 January 2021. Retrieved 2 April 2021.
- ^ "'Rana Daggubati to lose weight for 'Virata Parvam 1992'?". The News Minute. 27 April 2019. from the original on 19 April 2022. Retrieved 2 April 2021.
- ^ "Did you know Rana Daggubati was not the first choice for Virata Parvam?". The Times of India. from the original on 24 December 2020. Retrieved 2 April 2021.
- ^ "Priyamani bags important role in 'Virata Parvam 1992'". The News Minute. 3 May 2019. from the original on 19 April 2022. Retrieved 15 December 2020.
- ^ Adivi, Sashidhar (9 July 2020). "Priyamani finds many firsts in Virata Parvam". Deccan Chronicle. from the original on 25 January 2021. Retrieved 15 December 2020.
- ^ Nyayapati, Neeshita. "'Fidaa' father-daughter duo to appear together again in 'Virata Parvam 1992'". The Times of India. from the original on 12 November 2022. Retrieved 2 April 2021.
- ^ "Acclaimed actress Nandita Das replacing Tabu in Virata Parvam 1992?". The Times of India. from the original on 5 May 2022. Retrieved 2 April 2021.
- ^ "Nandita Das to star in Sai Pallavi-Rana Daggubati's 'Virataparvam'". The Week. from the original on 22 September 2019. Retrieved 15 December 2020.
- ^ "Sai Pallavi's first look in Rana Daggubati's Telugu film 'Viraata Parvam'". The Hindu. 9 May 2020. ISSN 0971-751X. from the original on 4 July 2020. Retrieved 15 December 2020.
- ^ "Nivetha Pethuraj to play a key role in Rana Daggubati, Sai Pallavi starrer Virata Parvam". The Times of India. from the original on 14 December 2020. Retrieved 15 December 2020.
- ^ Nyayapati, Neeshita. "Rana Daggubati and Sai Pallavi's 'Virataparvam 1992' launched". The Times of India. from the original on 5 May 2022. Retrieved 2 April 2021.
- ^ "Rana Daggubati and Sai Pallavi wrap up the maiden schedule of 'Virata Parvam 1992'". The Times of India. from the original on 5 May 2022. Retrieved 2 April 2021.
- ^ "Leaked video: Sai Pallavi's natural look from Virata Parvam 1992". The Times of India. from the original on 5 May 2022. Retrieved 2 April 2021.
- ^ "Sai Pallavi's leaked video clip from 'Virata Parvam: 1992' shoot goes viral". The News Minute. 19 September 2019. from the original on 6 December 2019. Retrieved 2 April 2021.
- ^ "Dani Sanchez-Lopez replaces Jayakrishna Gummadi as cinematographer in Virata Parvam 1992". The Times of India. from the original on 29 March 2020. Retrieved 2 April 2021.
- ^ "Hollywood stunt director for 'Virata Parvam', film has Sai Pallavi playing Naxal". The News Minute. 9 November 2019. from the original on 25 April 2022. Retrieved 2 April 2021.
- ^ Nyayapati, Neeshita. "Rana Daggubati and Sai Pallavi's 'Virata Parvam' shooting in Kerala forest". The Times of India. from the original on 25 July 2021. Retrieved 15 December 2020.
- ^ "Rana, Sai Pallavi shoot in Kerala forest for 'Viraata Parvam'". The News Minute. 18 January 2020. from the original on 12 June 2021. Retrieved 2 April 2021.
- ^ Adivi, Sashidhar (9 May 2020). "Lucky escape for Rana's film unit in Kerala". Deccan Chronicle. from the original on 22 December 2020. Retrieved 15 December 2020.
- ^ "Virata Parvam's climax to spring a surprise". Cinema Express. from the original on 25 January 2021. Retrieved 15 December 2020.
- ^ "మళ్లీ షూటింగ్ షురూ చేసిన రానా.. రాత్రి వేళల్లో చిత్రీకరణ". Samayam Telugu (in Telugu). from the original on 1 December 2020. Retrieved 15 December 2020.
- ^ "Rana Daggubati looks intense as a Naxal leader in his first look from 'Virata Parvam'". The Times of India. from the original on 14 December 2020. Retrieved 15 December 2020.
- ^ "First single from Rana Daggubati, Sai Pallavi's Virata Parvam out". The Times of India. from the original on 13 April 2021. Retrieved 2 April 2021.
- ^ "Virata Parvam's first song 'Kolu Kolu' gets over 5 Million views". The Times of India. from the original on 19 April 2021. Retrieved 2 April 2021.
- ^ "Virata Parvam: నగదారిలో ఫుల్ సాంగ్ వచ్చేసింది.. మరో లోకంలోకి తీసుకెళ్తున్న అద్భుతమైన ప్రేమకావ్యం." Tv9telugu. from the original on 5 July 2023. Retrieved 2 June 2022.
- ^ "Rana Daggubati's Virata Parvam not coming on OTT Platform, Makers aiming for theatrical release?". The Times of India. from the original on 30 May 2021. Retrieved 2 April 2021.
- ^ "Viraata Parvam seals its release date: Rana and Sai Pallavi to arrive on April 30". The Times of India. from the original on 28 January 2021. Retrieved 2 April 2021.
- ^ "Rana, Sai Pallavi, Venu Udugula's 'Virata Parvam' to release Worldwide In Theatres On July 1st". The Times of India. 6 May 2022. from the original on 6 May 2022. Retrieved 6 May 2022.
- ^ "Rana Daggubati and Sai Pallavi starrer Virata Parvam's release pushed to June 17th". Pinkvilla. 30 May 2022. from the original on 30 May 2022.
- ^ "Virata Parvam's streaming rights bagged by Netflix". LetsOTT. from the original on 26 December 2020. Retrieved 2 April 2021.
- ^ "Sai Pallavi, Rana Daggubati's Virata Parvam gets OTT release date". The Indian Express. 29 June 2022. from the original on 30 June 2022.
- ^ "Virata Parvam's Digital Rights Acquired By Netflix". News 18. 18 June 2022. from the original on 19 June 2022. Retrieved 19 June 2022.
The film was released on June 17. And, it is loved by fans and critics alike.
- ^ "Virata Parvam Movie Review: Sai Pallavi carries this beautiful and haunting naxalite drama". The Times of India. from the original on 24 April 2024. Retrieved 17 June 2022.
- ^ "Virata Parvam Movie Review: It's a Sai Pallavi show, Rana Daggubati lends support". India Today. from the original on 17 June 2022. Retrieved 17 June 2022.
- ^ "Virata Parvam review: A fierce Sai Pallavi anchors a middling love story". The News Minute. from the original on 5 July 2023. Retrieved 17 June 2022.
- ^ "Virata Parvam movie review: A Sai Pallavi show all the way". Firstpost. 18 June 2022. from the original on 18 June 2022. Retrieved 18 June 2022.
- ^ "Virata Parvam Movie Review: Sai Pallavi, Rana Daggubati's captivating acts and climax make it a decent film". Pinkvilla. from the original on 17 June 2022. Retrieved 17 June 2022.
- ^ "Virata Parvam Day 1 Collections: సాయి పల్లవి, రానా మ్యాజిక్ ఎంత మేర వర్కవుట్ అయింది?". News18 Telugu (in Telugu). from the original on 18 June 2022. Retrieved 18 June 2022.
- ^ "Virataparvam : ప్రమోషన్స్ ఫుల్.. కలెక్షన్స్ నిల్.. సాయి పల్లవి క్రేజ్ కూడా పనికి రాలేదు". 10TV (in Telugu). 23 June 2022. from the original on 5 July 2023. Retrieved 23 June 2022.
- ^ "Virata Parvam | అప్పుడే ఓటీటీలోకి 'విరాటపర్వం'.. స్ట్రీమింగ్ ఎప్పుడంటే?". Namasthe Telangana (in Telugu). 30 June 2022. from the original on 30 June 2022.
External links edit
- Virata Parvam at IMDb