Mooga Manasulu


Mooga Manasulu is a 1964 Telugu-language drama film written and directed by Adurthi Subba Rao. The film stars Akkineni Nageswara Rao, Savitri, Jamuna in the lead roles and music composed by K. V. Mahadevan. Mooga Manasulu is based on the concept of reincarnation, the first of its kind in Indian cinema in the genre of semi-fiction intended to be more serious in tone with elements that encourage a broader range of moods throughout the narrative. The film was remade in Hindi as Milan directed by Rao himself, while the Tamil Praptham was adapted from Rao's work. The Telugu version received the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Telugu, and the Filmfare Best Film Award in 1964 and was screened at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival.

Plot

The plot of the film is based on the concept of Reincarnation and a beautiful love story. Newly married couple Gopi and Radha are on Honeymoon and traveling in a boat on the River Godavari. Gopi cries to the boatman to stop the boat as there were dangerous whirlpools ahead. On reaching the shore, Gopi takes Radha to an old building. The boatman tells them that it belonged to a Zamindar and takes them to the Samadhis, which reportedly belong to that of one Gopi and Radha. They, then, find an old lady lighting a Deepam light at the Samadhis. Gopi recognizes that she is none other than Gowri from his earlier birth. Gowri too recognized him as Gopi and breathes her last in his hands. The main story is narrated as the flashback by Gopi to Radha.
Gopi, an orphan lives on the River Godavari and carries passengers by boat. Radha is the daughter of a Zamindar. She goes to College on the other side of the river. Gopi carries her daily, purely likes her and used to give her a chrysanthemum flower daily. Gowri is a shepherd girl who loves Gopi intensely.
Radha's maternal uncle is Rajendra. His selfish plans result in the marriage of Radha with Ramaraju. As fate otherwise directs, Ramaraju dies and Radha becomes a widow and comes back to the village. Gopi is deeply disturbed by the unfortunate incident and tries to console Radha. Their affection is misunderstood by Gowri and villagers accuse an illegal relation between them, spread by Rajendra. Knowing this, Gopi leaves the village and Radha follow in search of him. Rajendra follows them to kill, and Gowri sacrifices her virginity to save them. Both Radha and Gopi die due to the whirlpools in the river.
After narrating the story, the newly wedded couple makes cremation of Gowri besides the Samadhis of Radha and Gopi.

Cast

Music composed by K. V. Mahadevan. All songs are evergreen blockbusters. Music released on Audio Company.
S. No.Song TitleLyricsSingerslength
1"Eenaati Ee Bandhamenatido"Acharya AtreyaGhantasala, P. Susheela4:31
2"Godari Gattundi"DasaradhiP. Susheela4:17
3"Muddabanthi Puvvulo Moogakalla Oosulu"Acharya AtreyaGhantasala4:19
4"Gowaramma Nee Mogudevaramma"KosarajuGhantasala, P. Susheela5:16
5"Naa Paata Nee Nota Palakala Chilaka"Acharya AtreyaGhantasala, P. Susheela5:20
6"Paadutha Teeyaga Challaga"Acharya AtreyaGhantasala4:38
7"Mukku Meeda Kopam"Acharya AtreyaJamuna Rani3:19
8"Maanu Maakunu Gaanu"Acharya AtreyaP. Susheela3:29

Awards