NTR’s Mass Makeover: How Eduruleni Manishi Redefined a Legend

• NTR adopted a ‘new getup’ and wigs in Eduruleni Manishi
• Bapaiah received skeptical opinions before the release
• The on-screen pairing of NTR and Vanisri was a big hit
• It motivated NTR to do more such films

K. Bapaiah, the director of Eduruleni Manishi (1975), received uncertain feedback from his relatives and friends about how fans and film lovers would receive NTR’s new look, which included a “new getup” and different wigs and funky costumes. It was a deliberate attempt to reinvent his image for his fans. After watching the preview, K. S. Prakash Rao, Bapaiah’s paternal uncle, cautioned him not to be overconfident of the film’s success. The film witnessed mega-success and is particularly known for its impact on NTR’s career. The film is often credited with helping Senior NTR transition decisively into more mass-oriented, stylish action roles. The film was a notable success and marked a shift in NTR’s on-screen persona. This new, energetic avatar was highly appreciated. It was a major success for the debut production house, Vyjayanthi Movies, confirming their strong start. The openings were reportedly excellent.

A Solid Commercial Entertainer

The film follows a classic storyline of separated brothers (Shekar played by NTR and Inspector Gopi played by Jaggayya), who unknowingly work towards the same goal, dismantling a powerful crime syndicate and avenging their father’s death. It delivered the expected mix of action, sentiment, romance, and comedy. The passionate on-screen romance between NTR and Vanisri in the film, particularly in the hit song, generated significant discussion at the time for being unusually “bold” or “suggestive” for a mainstream Telugu film, pushing the boundaries of on-screen intimacy for the era.

‘Kasiga Undi song’ is a mega hit

The music by K. V. Mahadevan was a big highlight, with songs like “Kasiga Vundi” sung by S P Balasubramanyam and P Susheela, Kangaru okate Kangaru by Susheela, Hey Krishna Mukunda Hari by SP Balasubramanyam and Enthavadu Enthavadu by SP Balasubramanyam and Susheela and being popular and famous for their bold romantic choreography. The lyrics by Acharya Aatreya are interesting one. Eduruleni Manishi was a well-received, big-budget action drama that cemented NTR’s mass hero status and successfully launched one of Tollywood’s most prestigious production houses. The film’s 100-day function was held in Vijayawada. Akkineni Nageswara Rao, who attended the event, made amusing remarks about NTR’s changing style and action, as well as the romance between NTR and Vanisri.

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.