Challenge: The Triumph of Self-Respect and Determination

Challenge, a 1985 film is a landmark Telugu film that powerfully delivers the message that anything and everything is possible with strong determination and self-respect. This core theme is embodied by the protagonist, Gandhi, an unemployed but principled youth who takes on a seemingly impossible task to prove his worth. Produced by K. Devi Vara Prasad and K. Satyanarayna, and brilliantly directed by A. Kodanda Rami Reddy, the film’s compelling story is adapted from the novel “Dabbu to the power of Dabbu” by Yandamuri Veerendranath.

Cast and their roles is perfect

The core cast of the film Challenge features a memorable ensemble. Chiranjeevi stars as Gandhi, the determined, self-respecting, unemployed youth who accepts the titular challenge. Providing him with crucial moral and emotional support is Lakshmi, portrayed by Suhasini, who is introduced suffering under the cruelty of her brother-in-law, Ramalingam (Gollapudi Maruthi Rao), the main villain, whose wife is Priyamvada (Silk Smitha). The catalyst for the plot is Rammohana Rao (Rao Gopala Rao), a wealthy and arrogant businessman who challenges Gandhi’s principles. Rammohana Rao’s daughter is Harika, played by Vijayashanti. Gandhi finds a loyal ally and business partner in his friend Vidyarthi (Rajendra Prasad), who assists in starting his venture. The early scenes also feature Sai Kumar (Senior) as a minor but impactful Ward Boy character, highlighting the theme of money corrupting compassion.

The Impossible Challenge

The film introduces Gandhi (Chiranjeevi), an honest, unemployed young man who values his self-respect above all else. Following his mother’s death, an encounter with a greedy hospital ward boy (Sai Kumar) solidifies his aversion to compromising his principles for money. He soon meets Lakshmi (Suhasini), a woman tortured by her brother-in-law, Ramalingam (Gollapudi Maruthi Rao), and develops a deep bond with her after helping her escape her misery. At Lakshmi’s insistence, Gandhi applies for a job at the concern of the rich and arrogant businessman, Rammohana Rao (Rao Gopala Rao). The job interview becomes the pivotal scene of the film. Rammohana Rao haughtily rejects Gandhi’s application for the trivial reason that it lacked a postage stamp, seeing it as a reflection of Gandhi’s inefficiency.

A Key Twist in the Film

In a dramatic turn, Gandhi questions Rammohana Rao, estimating the businessman’s hourly income to be approximately Rs. 1,000/ based on an assumed Rs. 2 – 3 lakh monthly earning and a 10-hour workday. Gandhi then argues that Rammohana Rao has wasted one thousand rupees worth of time arguing about a minor detail like a stamp, countering the idea that money is the only yardstick of a person’s worth. He states that self-respect and the profession one does are equally important.

Verbal Duel Turns as Challenge

This verbal duel culminates in a powerful challenge. Gandhi asserts that he can earn fifty lakh rupees in just five years. Rammohana Rao, confident in his dismissal of Gandhi, agrees to the wager, committing to marry his daughter (Harika, played by Vijayashanti) to Gandhi if he succeeds. Gandhi ensures this commitment is put in writing. With Lakshmi’s moral support and the help of his friend Vidyarthi (Rajendra Prasad), Gandhi starts a daily newspaper called ‘Addam‘. Through relentless hard work, strategic planning in printing, paper distribution, and advertising, he rapidly begins to grow his earnings. Despite Rammohana Rao actively creating hurdles to sabotage his efforts, Gandhi’s determination prevails.

Climax and Legacy

Gandhi successfully meets the fifty lakh rupee target before the deadline, winning the challenge and stunning Rammohana Rao. However, in the film’s climactic reaffirmation of his core value, Gandhi rejects the house offered by Rammohana Rao as part of the wager, stating. “Money is not important for me. Self-Respect is important for me.” The film concludes with Gandhi and Lakshmi getting married, underscoring that his victory was not about wealth but about proving the power of his self-worth and resolution.

Songs hit with the Ilaiaraja’s Music

The film’s huge success was significantly aided by Ilaiyaraaja’s hit music, featuring memorable songs like Induvadana Chandravadana, Om Shanti, Bhama Ee Thippalu and Sayamkalam Sagarateeram. Challenge became one of the super hit films that further cemented Chiranjeevi’s position and status as the ‘Mega Star’ of Telugu cinema, thanks to his powerful performance, the strong supporting cast of Suhasini, Rao Gopala Rao, Vijayashanti.

Vidyasagar Chaturvedula

Principle 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.