NTR’s film Raktha Sambandham created tense moments

• Producers Eagerly Await Cine-goers’ Response to the Film
• The film made good profits for the producers in those days
• The NTR-Savitri brother-sister sentiment was well received
• The story was based on the work of Malayalam author K. P. Kottarakkara
• The original Tamil film, Pasamalar, first witnessed mega success

The producers of NTR’s 1962 film ‘Raktha Sambandham’, Dundee and Sundarlal Mehta, had tense moments on October 30 and 31, 1962. They were gripped by apprehension about how the film would be received by cine-goers, as they had fixed the release date for November 1, 1962. They deputed their men to film theatres to gauge the viewers’ response during the first and second shows on the release date, November 1. They noted that people were leaving with heavy hearts after watching, particularly women viewers who were in tears. The reason for their tension stemmed from two factors, firstly, NTR’s films with sad endings had not yielded good results previously  and second, they were anxious about how the combination of NTR and Savitri as brother and sister would be received by the film-goers.

Raktha Sambandham, the crux of the story that renowned Malayalam author and screen writer K.P. Kottarakkara had written on brother-sister bonding which appealed to director A. Bhimsingh who in turn converted it into a celluloid classic in Tamil titled, Pasamalar (the flower of adoration). The movie’s huge box office success prompted producers Sundarlal Nahata and Doondy to acquire the Telugu remake rights and signed V. Madhusudana Rao to direct it. Doondy preferred Akkineni Nageswara Rao to play the brother while retaining Savitri for the sister’s role. However ANR expressed reservations on how brother-sister sentiment worked between Savithri, they had become the most sought after on-screen romantic pair.

‘Raktha Sambandham’ (1962): A Tribute to Stellar Casting

Raktha Sambandam celebrated for the stellar performances of its ensemble cast, which included the biggest stars of the era. NTR and Savithri succeeded in reaping on-screen chemistry and dramatic prowess elevated the emotional core of the film, the profound and tragic bond between a brother and sister.  The heart of Raktha Sambandham lies in the performances of N. T. Rama Rao as Raju (the brother) and Savitri as Radha (the sister). Critics and audiences alike praised their convincing and endearing portrayals, which established them as one of the most effective sibling pairs in Telugu cinema. His performance was lauded for its subtlety and gradual evolution, moving from a protective and jovial young man to a successful but fiercely possessive brother, and finally to a blind, defeated, yet loving soul. His restraint in the emotional scenes was particularly noted, grounding the melodrama in sincere feeling.

Radha is the emotional anchor of the film, and Savitri’s method acting reportedly avoiding glycerol during emotional scenes brought a raw, unforgettable pain to her role. Her chemistry with NTR was so authentic that it validated the film’s core theme of an unbreakable “bond of blood.”

The Supporting Ensemble

The film’s drama is fueled by the characters who intersect with the siblings’ lives, all played by veterans who perfectly balanced the emotional weight. Kantha Rao (as Anand): Playing Anand, Raju’s friend and Radha’s husband, Kantha Rao offered a gentle contrast to NTR’s intense character. His role was crucial in creating the central conflict, as his entry into Radha’s life is initially resented by Raju. Kantha Rao’s persona brought a sympathetic and stable presence, making the audience root for his union with Radha despite the familial tension. His performance in the hit song “Yevaro Nannu Kavvinchi” (filmed on him and Savitri) was a highlight.

Devika portrayed Dr. Malati, Raju’s wife, a character who tries to bridge the gap between the siblings but tragically meets an early end. Devika’s charm and grace provided a soothing, albeit brief, presence, effectively setting the stage for the dramatic turmoil that follows her death. No Telugu family drama of that era was complete without the formidable Suryakantham, and her casting as the conniving aunt, Kanthamma, was a stroke of genius. She is the principal antagonist, the ‘vile’ relative who creates the rift between the siblings. Suryakantham’s unparalleled talent for portraying complex, manipulative characters provided the necessary dramatic friction, making the central tragedy all the more impactful.

Critical Reception

Upon its release on November 1, 1962, Raktha Sambandham received positive reviews from critics. While Mullapudi Venkata Ramana’s screenplay and V. Madhusudhana Rao’s direction were praised, the consensus was that the cast performances were instrumental to the film’s success. It was a massive commercial hit, completing a 100-day run in multiple centers and over 25 weeks in Vijayawada, cementing its status as a silver jubilee film. The film stands today as a showcase of the golden age of Telugu cinema, where the brilliance of actors like NTR, Savitri, and the powerful supporting cast combined to deliver an unforgettable emotional experience.

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.