The Naa Desam film was a catalyst for NTR’s Telugu Desam Party’s win in the January 5, 1983, assembly elections in Andhra Pradesh. NTR announced TDP as a political party on March 29, 1982, and the film Naa Desam was released on October 27, 1982. The film created waves in those days, not only giving good profits to the producers but also being helpful to the Telugu Desam Party. The movie’s powerful themes and popular success are often credited with having significantly boosted NTR’s political career, paving the way for his electoral victory. Naa Desam (My Country), starring Sr. N. T. Rama Rao (NTR), Jaya Sudha, Satyanarayana, and Rao Gopala Rao, is a compelling political and social drama directed by K. Bapaiah. The film was a remake of Amitabh Bachchan’s Hindi film Lawaaris of 1981.
Storyline of the Film
The film centers on Rama Chandram (played by NTR), an honest, courageous, and influential figure dedicated to the welfare of the poor in his village. He is contrasted sharply with the antagonist, Pratap (Rao Gopala Rao), a cruel and selfish man who ruthlessly encroaches upon the lands of the poor. Pratap’s terror makes him feared by the villagers, but Rama Chandram refuses to tolerate the injustice and becomes the outspoken voice for the oppressed. The primary conflict, the “tug,” ensues between these two powerful figures.
NTR acted as dynamic youth
Poor Lakshmi (Jaya Sudha), a village girl, is drawn to Rama Chandram by his dynamism and compassion. Though initial misunderstandings arise, they soon reconcile, fall in love, and she encourages him to continue his fight for social justice. As Rama Chandram gains immense sympathy and support among the people, Pratap attempts to eliminate him. He fabricates false accusations to assassinate Rama Chandram’s character, leading to his wrongful imprisonment. Even in jail, Rama Chandram’s innate helpfulness and good conduct earn him respect from his fellow inmates and the jail staff. Upon his release, he sets out to expose all the corruption and crimes perpetrated by Pratap. The film culminates with the village people rallying overwhelmingly behind Rama Chandram, marking the triumph of good over evil.
Soundtrack and Impact
The film featured hit songs composed by Chakravarthy and lyrics by Veturi Sundararama Murthy. The singers of the songs include S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, P. Susheela, and N. Raja. The songs like “Nenokka Neturu Deepam,” “Rojulanne Maare,” “Unnadura Devudu,” and “Premaku Perantamu” drew the attention of the audience in those days.
Mass Hero Became CM after the Film
Naa Desam cemented NTR’s image as a mass-hero and a champion of the common man, an image he strategically leveraged upon entering politics. The film’s narrative of an honest leader battling a corrupt system resonated deeply with the electorate, helping NTR and his newly formed Telugu Desam Party (TDP) secure a landmark victory in the 1983 elections, making him the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh.
Principal Correspondent, Prime Post
Vidya Sagar Chaturvedula is a passionate film enthusiast whose four-decade career spans multiple sectors, including media and industry. Fluent in Telugu, Hindi, and English, he has a deep appreciation for cinema, particularly films in those three languages. His passion goes beyond simple viewing; he enjoys analyzing directional skill, the emotional depth of actors’ performances, and the profound meaning embedded in dialogue. Mr. Sagar is known for his ability to clearly articulate and narrate his insightful film analyses after watching a movie.
Sr. N. T. R. Made use of the film ‘Naa Desam’ for his political platform soon after he started with Telugu Desam Political Party and won the battle in 1983 Assembly Elections with the highest number of seats and became Chief Minister for the combined AP state. It’s a record for TDP to come into power within 6 months after launching the party. Never happened in the history.
అప్పటి మా సినిమా ఆకర్షణల లో ప్రముఖుల లో వీరు okaru
N T R is my favourite actor
He is one actor flexible and
Versatile great Actor
Many films he acted with all. Combination people
Nade sam he acted keeping in view politics
During 1983 election he won election and party named T. D. P
And became more popular
Nade sam with the combination
Of actors made hit film
Director music made morehit
Songs are superb.
It’s interesting to know this film sets the trend of TDP in AP politics. Indeed it proved to be a golden start. NTR very good action as always. Lawaris Amitab acted film. ‘Apne na aage peeche’ very hit song. Its true that era influenced by the morale of a film story and subsequently dubbed into other regional languages.
As we see today the visibility of the people in movies and serials guarantees sufficient publicity for the masses to sympathize or antagonize the actors.
NTR was a cult unto himself in the view of all Telugu people. Naa Desam was produced and released but it is difficult to assess it’s effect in winning the election for NTR.
The action and songs were routine bit the timing at elections helped it to do well at the box office
Naa Desam is a popular film in 1982. Acted by NTR which strenthened to establishing political party Telugu Desam.
I can recollect that Ntr spent 30 days to complete his portion due to the forthcoming general elections.
This movie is a super hit film and ollected good revenues.
Strong village backdrop, hit songs and suppoting actors helped to become super hit movie.
NTR in those days was not only a super star! for the masses by portraying countless characters played by him in 60’s, 70’s & 80’s and in1982 NTR was determined to launch a political party to contest for Elections and smartly he used NAA DESAM movie as a Launching pad! to establish his political ambitions thru this movie. Movie has great storyline with good songs and was a huge commercial success. Fortunately within 6 months of launching his party he became CM of A.P state and implemented lot of iconic schemes like ” Rs2 Kg Rice Scheme ” & this scheme was copied by many other State CMs. He was truely a Legend both as an Actor & later as an CM aswell. Long Live NTR.
It is very nice.
It’s awesome
NTR is super star in Telugu film industry, he is versatile actor. Naa desam movie has great story and songs. He launched Telugu desam party and became chief minister of AP. He was people’s favorite actor and leader.