Sri Rama Rajyam Audio Release

The grand audio launch of Balakrishna and Nayantara starrer ‘Sri Ramarajyam’ was held in a government college grounds in Bhadrachalam today, the 15th of August. This movie is directed by the veteran director K Baapu and produced by Yelamanchi Sai Babu under Sri Saibaba Movies banner. Musical scores were rendered by maestro Ilayaraja.

Fans from all over the state thronged Bhadrachalam a day before to attend the audio function. Apart from them the audio function was graced by Dr Akkineni Nageswara Rao, maestro Ilayaraja, Nandamuri Balakrishna, Nayantara, Srikanth, director K Baapu, producer Yelamanchi Saibabu, Murali Mohan, Balayya, Parachuri Gopalakrishna, cinematographer Raju, Boyapati Sreenu, Nagineedu, Sagar, Dasarath, Lava Kusa, Bala Hanuman, Jonnavittula Ramalingeswara Rao, etc.

After the prominent guests were invited on the dais, Balakrishna and Nayantara walked the ramp and mesmerized the fans. Later Dr Akkineni Nageswara Rao released the logo along with Ilayaraja and Balakrishna. This was followed by the audio release. Balakrishna released the first CD and presented it to Bhadrachalam pandit Koti Krishnamacharyulu and garlanded producer Yelamanchi Saibabu. Soon after that producer Saibabu felicitated Akkineni Nageswara Rao and Balakrishna with gajamala. This was followed by the clippings from various films of Late Sri N T Rama Rao and Akkineni Nageswara Rao. Producer Saibabu donated some amount to the needy for whom the cheques were presented by Akkineni Nageswara Rao, Balakrishna and Nayantara.

Later speaking at the audio function Jonnavithula Ramalingeswara Rao said, “The Telugu audience are lucky to get a wonderful boon in the form of this film. Such characters can be portrayed only by one person, that is Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao garu and after him it is only Balakrishna. Bapu has ventured into this project with the intention of showing Rama to the present generation. He considered this movie as his soul. Along with lions there are several animals in the forest. I’m grateful to Bapu garu for giving me the opportunity to pen lyrics for the songs in this film. It was really a great experience. Ilayaraja scored wonderful music and his musical scores were melodious and as sweet as honey. Akkineni Nageswara Rao garu did a wonderful job in the role of Valmiki. Similarly Balayya and Murali Mohan also showcased their talent. Producer Saibabu made this film without compromising in any department. If the audience are intending to do justice to this film, then they have to watch the film in the first week of its release.”

Maestro Ilayaraja said, “My tune is yours since I did it for all of you. I composed this music for the sake of audience, Balakrishna, Balayya and the film Sri Ramarajyam. Speaking about music is not an easy task. But Jonnavithula garu spoke a lot about music with focus. All the tunes that I gave in this film are for the songs written by him. Ramana garu okayed the songs. When I was studying 3rd class, I along with my brother saw Akkineni Nageswara Rao’s film ‘Laila Majnu’ in a touring talkies at our village. The songs in that film have immensely impressed me. I wish this film to become a big hit.”

Dr Akkineni Nageswara Rao said, “When producer Saibabu approached me with Valmiki’s role in Sri Ramarajyam, I questioned him why he chose to make this film at the time the heroines are dancing without any dress. He answered saying that he is a devotee of Rama and is doing several programmes as a respect to Lord Rama. He said that he kept aside Rs 25 crores for making this film. Bapu Ramana and Balakrishna together encouraged me. Balakrishna also suggested me to do this role. But right now I’m under complete rest, at this time I do not want to accept failure. There is a close association between me and the Rama character in my career because my first role was Rama in my career. Ramana and Bapu are my life long friends. They told me that they have given me this role only to make me happy and said that no one except me can do this role. That’s how I did this role. N T Rama Rao garu did all historical and mythological roles. His performance was such that there is a universal opinion stating that no one except him can do such films. Balakrishna proved that only lion will be born to lion. Ramayanam is a sentimental drama. At one point of time when I was doing ‘Lava Kusa’ I was advised to do the role of Lakshmana. However I hesitated to do since that role has less prominence. When they asked me to do Rama’s role I replied them saying that I’m not eligible to do that role. Since I do not have that personality I cannot do the roles played by Rama Rao garu. I know my drawbacks, therefore I did not take the risk of doing so. The heroine who did Seeta in this film is very beautiful. I saw her previous films. She is as beautiful as her name. When I saw this girl I predicted 50% of the film’s success. Ilayaraja garu rendered excellent music. It is possible only for Bapu garu to do films with artistic values because he works with complete dedication. They have crafted the film extremely well. I wish a grand success to this film.”

Srikanth said, “I worked with Akkineni Nageswara
Rao garu who is like two eyes for the film industry. I couldn’t work with Rama Rao garu, but that has been fulfilled with this film. I’m very happy for selecting me for this role. When I was approached with the role of Lakshmana, I instantly agreed to do this film without even listening to the script. This is my second film with Bapu garu, the first being ‘Radha Gopalam’. Ilayaraja garu composed amazing music. I’m very happy to note that I’m part of one such film for which Ilayaraja garu composed the music. By watching this film one will get a feeling of going to the temple.”

Nayantara thanked Balakrishna, producer and the director for giving the opportunity to be part of the film. She opined that it’s a blessing to do this film.

Balakrishna said, “I’m very happy that this audio function is being held at one such place where Rama lived at one period of time. It is very essential to speak about this Ramayanam. This is the book that preaches the human values. Literature alone is not our culture. We can also prove ourselves through our behaviour. Such culture is taught through Ramayanam. Even the Indian democratic government will follow the rules abide by the Ramarajyam. It is very essential to follow the culture said in the Ramayanam. We did not take the risk of giving the title ‘Lava Kusa’ since my father did that film. But the story of this film is about Lava Kusa. Music plays vital role in this film. Music has lot of strength. Many in India offers their services to the music. Babai Akkineni Nageswara Rao garu played the role of Valmiki which is the strength to the film. I’m happy to have worked with him. I learnt a lot from my father as well as babai. Nayantara did a leading role in my ‘Simha’ and she did Sita in this film. She has already proved her mettle in ‘Simha’. I would n’t have done this film had Nayantara opted out of this film. Ilayaraja garu rendered fabulous music to the film. I’m very confident that the songs in this film will become as popular as the songs in ‘Lava Kusa’. Sr actor Kanta Rao played the Lakshmana’s role in ‘Lava Kusa’ and the same has been played by Srikanth now. He is sure to earn a good image through this role. Bapu gari’s films will always showcase the Telugu traditions and customs. Such films can be filmed only by Bapu. It’s very unfortunate that Ramana garu is bo more to attend this function. I wish his soul to rest in peace. The technicians who worked for this film are simply superb. Similarly, the film is being made with good star cast. Bapu garu sketched ‘Sri Ramarajyam’ like a poem. Rama Rao garu is the label for the role of Ramudu. Hence I hope his blessings will always remain with us. The producer of this film never compromised on anything while making this film. I’m honoured to have got such wonderful fans. I want to do more good films for them in the future. I wish a ‘Happy Independence’ to all of you today.”