Vedam (transl. Chant) is a 2010 Indian Telugu-language anthology hyperlink film[1][2][3] written and directed by Krish, and produced by Shobu Yarlagadda and Prasad Devineni under their banner Arka Media Works. The film features an ensemble cast consisting of Allu Arjun, Anushka Shetty, Manchu Manoj, Manoj Bajpayee, Saranya Ponvannan, Nagayya, Deeksha Seth, and Lekha Washington. M. M. Keeravani composed the music while Gnana Shekar V. S. did the cinematography.
| Vedam | |
|---|---|
 Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Krish Jagarlamudi |
| Screenplay by | Krish Jagarlamudi |
| Story by | Krish Jagarlamudi |
| Produced by | Shobu Yarlagadda Prasad Devineni |
| Starring | Allu Arjun Anushka Shetty Manchu Manoj Manoj Bajpayee Saranya Ponvannan Nagayya Deeksha Seth Lekha Washington |
| Cinematography | Gnana Shekar V. S. |
| Edited by | Shravan Katikaneni |
| Music by | M. M. Keeravani |
Production company | |
| Distributed by | Sri Venkateswara Creations |
Release date |
|
Running time | 135 minutes |
| Country | India |
| Language | Telugu |
Broadly falling into the hyperlink cinema genre, the film was critically acclaimed and won multiple awards, including four Filmfare Awards (Best Film, Best Director, Best Actor and Best Actress).[4] Film Companion included Vedam in their list of 25 Greatest Telugu Films Of The Decade.[5] Krish later remade the film in Tamil as Vaanam (2011).[6]
Plot
editThis article's plot summary may be too long or excessively detailed. (November 2021) |
Vedam revolves around five principal characters.
Vivek Chakravarthy is an upcoming rock star in Bengaluru who hails from a family of decorated army officers. His mother wants him to follow the same path, but he is not interested. He is about to give his first live concert on New Year's Eve with his bandmates in Hyderabad. However, Vivek is late to catch the flight, forcing the band to travel by road. After some time, one of their tyres gets deflated. Not having a spare, the other friends go to get the tyre inflated, leaving Vivek and Lasya alone. Meanwhile, they are attacked by a fanatic group. However, they manage to get out of the mess with the help of a truck driver who incidentally gets involved in an earlier altercation with Vivek. The band successfully reaches Hyderabad. However, they suffer a minor accident there, which involves a mother in labour, So Vivek and Lasya take her to a hospital nearby.
Saroja is a prostitute in Amalapuram working for Rattamma. She has a best friend Karpooram, who is a eunuch. Saroja doesn't like working for Rattamma and plans to run away from there. Her dreams come true when she receives a call from Hyderabad from one of her agents. The very next day, which happens to be New Year's Eve, she leaves for Hyderabad with Karpooram without Rattamma's knowledge, but not before putting the local sub-inspector Bullebbayi to sleep using pills before sleeping with him. However, Saroja is arrested in Hyderabad by constables for betraying Bullebbayi. Karpooram frees her from the inspector, and both are taken by their agent to a client. The client turns out to be yet another broker who bought Saroja and Karpooram from Rattamma. Both successfully escape from the broker after a scuffle, during which Karpooram gets stabbed. So, Saroja takes her to the same hospital that Vivek and Lasya take the pregnant lady to.
Ramulu is a debt-ridden weaver from Sircilla. He lives with his widowed daughter-in-law Padma and grandson. Ramulu is desperate to get his grandson educated, being illiterate himself. However, he owes money to the local landlord, who takes his grandson away, saying he would be sent to the construction business in the city for 11 years to recover the money. He gives Ramulu and Padma three days to clear the debt. Not knowing what to do, Padma agrees to sell her kidney, which is illegal, as Ramulu had previously sold his kidney for the same purpose. They come to Hyderabad, and her kidney is sold successfully in the hospital where the previous four characters are. The original kidney is sold for ₹1,00,000, of which Ramulu gets ₹37,000.
Rahimuddin Qureshi is hailing from Old Basti in Hyderabad. In the past, his wife suffered a miscarriage due to a scuffle between him and a few devotees during a religious procession. Unable to bear the loss, he decides to leave the country. However, during his farewell party, Shivaram, who previously insulted Rahim during the scuffle, comes to his house and arrests his nephews, alleging that they have links with terrorists. When Rahim obstructs him, he arrests him too. During interrogation, one of his nephews accepts his terrorist background and says something tragic would happen on New Year's Eve. Rahim is shocked. When the police transport him to remand, Rahim panics and tries to escape. However, his escape bid is unsuccessful, and he gets shot in the leg. He is then taken to the same hospital as the rest of the characters are in and kept in the same ward as another terrorist suspect.
Anand Raj also known as Cable Raju is a lower middle class guy hailing from Jubilee Hills slum, living with his maternal grandmother. He loves Pooja, who is from the upper class of the society. Pooja, however, doesn't know of Raju's financial background and thinks of him to be rich. Raju has to get two passes for a lavish New Year's Eve party which cost almost ₹40,000. He tries to obtain that money by various means but is unsuccessful. He even tries to snatch chains from women's necks but is apprehended by the police when his motorbike hits a police van. He is taken to the police station where he meets Saroja. However, Dappu Subani, who initiated him into the chain-snatching business, comes to his rescue and gets him freed. His grandmother, vexed at his behaviour, gives him 3,000 rupees and asks him to do whatever he wants. In a local cafeteria, he happens to see Ramulu with his money bundle, decides to steal it, and follows him to the hospital. He successfully manages to steal the bundle from Ramulu and Padma. However, as he is about to pay for the passes, he realizes his mistake, adds his own 3,000 rupees to the bundle and returns it to Ramulu at the hospital.
Meanwhile, a group of terrorists come to the ward housing Rahim and free their leader. They leave Rahim unharmed on account of him being a Muslim and start the terrorist attack. Raju and Vivek try to save as many people as possible. They even kill two terrorists in the process. Rahim saves Shivaram's life. In the final fight sequence, Raju and Vivek valiantly give up their lives, trying to protect the people in the hospital.
The conclusion of the movie shows Saroja deciding to change her profession; Vivek was dead but is recognized as a national hero; Raju was dead being respected by all in his community, with Pooja coming to see him along with her mother; and Rahim being freed by Shivaram. As for Ramulu, the landlord tries to fool him by saying he did not pay enough, but Ramulu's grandson calculates and said he paid enough. The landlord is impressed and lets them go.
Cast
edit- Allu Arjun as Anand Raj a.k.a. "Cable" Raju
- Manoj Manchu as Vivek Chakravarti
- Anushka Shetty as Saroja (voice over by Jyothi Varma)
- Manoj Bajpayee as Rahimuddin Qureshi (Voice dubbed by Aziz Naser)
- Nagayya as Ramulu
- Saranya Ponvannan as Padma
- Deeksha Seth as Pooja (voice dubbed by Anasuya Bharadwaj)[7]
- Lekha Washington as Lasya
- Ravi Prakash as ACP Shivaram
- Seiya Gautam as Zara
- Satyam Rajesh as Ganapati
- Brahmanandam as Brother Bairagi
- Posani Krishna Murali as Police Inspector
- Raghu Babu as Dappu Subani
- Nikki as Karpooram
- Prudhviraj as Bullebbayi
- Nagineedu as a terrorist
- Pramila Rani as Raju's mother
- Sandhya Janak as Vivek's mother[8]
- Giridhar as Koti
- Rakesh Varre
- Krish as a sadhu in a cameo appearance in the song "Rupayi"[9]
Production
editDevelopment
editDirector Krish had a visual of an old man walking along with a child in his dreams. However, he felt it as too arty to make a film and also the story was not complete. One day while travelling from Guntur to Hyderabad, he narrated the story of Nagayya (initially he named it Jalayya) to cinematographer Gnana Sekhar, who also worked with him in Gamyam. The second story initially he conceptualised was about a film crew and later changed it to music band. The title of Vedam struck him when he was writing the story at Sirivennela's home. The climax of the film was an inspiration from 26/11 Mumbai blasts in Taj Hotel. After getting a basic storyline he decided to produce Vedam on his banner First Frame Entertainment, before producers Shobu Yarlagadda and Prasad Devineni decided to finance it.[10]
Casting
editKrish wanted to do the character of Karpooram, but decided against it after his mother warned him that doing so will affect his marital life. Later, when discussing the story with Anushka Shetty, she suggested her personal make-up person Nikki for the role and Krish liked him. Anushka reduced her remuneration by 30% as the film was a low budget production. Rahimuddin Qureshi (the character played by Manoj Bajpai) is the name of Krish's best friend in intermediate. Newcomer Nagayya was cast in the film. The five principal characters were based on the five natural elements-Water, Air, Earth, Fire and Sky.[10] Manoj Manchu revealed that his character doesn't meet Allu Arjun's character till the climax.[11]
Music
edit| Vedam | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Soundtrack album by | ||||
| Released | May 2010 | |||
| Recorded | 2010 | |||
| Genre | Telugu | |||
| Label | Vel Records | |||
| Producer | M. M. Keeravani | |||
| M. M. Keeravani chronology | ||||
| ||||
The film's music was composed by M. M. Keeravani while the lyrics were written by Sirivennela Seetarama Sastry, Sahiti, E. S. Murthy and M. M. Keeravani[12] The audio was released in the presence of notable Telugu film personalities[12] on 3 May 2010.
The song "Egiripothe Entha Baguntundi", performed by Sunitha & M. M. Keeravani, became a major hit in Hyderabad and the state of Andhra Pradesh in the months following the release of the audio and film. Tracks 9 to 12 of the soundtrack were only made available on the official Digital release[13] and not the physical CD.
| Track # | Song | Artist(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Now or Never" | Benny Dayal, Geeta Madhuri & Deepu |
| 2 | "Egiripothe Entha Baguntundi" | Sunitha, Geetha Madhuri & M. M. Keeravani |
| 3 | "Rupai" | M. M. Keeravani |
| 4 | "Prapancham Naaventa Vasthunte" | Allu Arjun, Anuj Gurwara, Achu, Rahul & Chaitra |
| 5 | "Malli Puttani" | M. M. Keeravani |
| 6 | "Emi Tellisi Nannu Mohisthivi" | Padma, Poornima, Manju & Sudha Krishnan |
| 7 | "Vedam" | Karthik |
| 8 | "Ee Chikati Cherani" | M. M. Keeravani |
| 9 | "Alalai Kammani Kalali" | ES Murthy |
| 10 | "Nuvumundhani Nemundhani" | Kaala Bhairava |
| 11 | "Caterpillar" | M. M. Keeravani |
| 12 | "Oneness" | M. M. Keeravani |
Marketing
editVedam notably had no promotional activities since the film's launch in 2010. The first activity happened just before the music launch, by releasing the wallpaper masking the main actors and highlighting the film's title at www.idlebrain.com. After the film's music launch, the wallpaper was re-released by revealing the actors.[14] The film was given A certificate because of violence and Anushka's character by CBFC for video release.
Critical reception
editThe Times of India gave a review stating "After watching contrived plots and stereotype protagonists, this path-breaking movie arrives like a breath of fresh air. Undeniably, it's another inspiring film from the maker of Gamyam."[15] Rediff gave a review stating "Vedam is a must-watch for its story, screenplay, direction and technicalities. It offers hope to the audience interested in good and sensible cinema that such a film can be made in Telugu. Vedam is a beautiful confluence of writing and technical aspects. It has set a benchmark in Telugu cinema."[16] idlebrain.com gave a review stating "Vedam is a good film. Please watch it and encourage good/meaningful cinema. This film will be liked by classes and A center audiences. If masses and B/C centers patronage Vedam, it will not only do good to the film but to the entire Telugu film industry."[17]
Awards
edit- Best Film – Shobu Yarlagadda & Prasad Devineni
- Best Director – Krish
- Best Actor – Allu Arjun
- Best Actress – Anushka Shetty
- Nominations
- Best Music Director - M. M. Keeravani
- Best Female Playback Singer - Sunitha - "Egiripothe Entha Baguntundi"
- Best Lyricist - Sirivennela Sitaramasastri - "Now or Never"
- 2011 CineMAA Awards
- Best Actress (Jury) – Anushka Shetty
- Best Director (Jury) – Krish
- Special Jury – Nagayya
References
edit- ^ Tanmayi, Bhawana. "Anthology films find many takers". Telangana Today. Archived from the original on 6 June 2020. Retrieved 6 June 2020.
- ^ "C/o Kancharapalem (2018) - These 5 anthology films of Telugu cinema will leave you speechless". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 18 June 2020. Retrieved 6 June 2020.
- ^ "Anthology And Hyperlink Movies In Telugu". FilmiBeat. Archived from the original on 22 March 2023. Retrieved 22 March 2023.
- ^ "The Best Telugu Films of 2010". Rediff. Archived from the original on 26 December 2018. Retrieved 6 December 2010.
- ^ "25 Greatest Telugu Films Of The Decade | Film Companion". Film Companion. Archived from the original on 17 October 2019. Retrieved 21 January 2021.
- ^ "Vaanam Tamil Movie Review – cinema preview stills gallery trailer video clips showtimes". IndiaGlitz. 29 April 2011. Archived from the original on 1 October 2010. Retrieved 4 August 2012.
- ^ "Hidden talent of sexy Anasuya revealed". Archived from the original on 3 May 2021. Retrieved 17 August 2020.
- ^ "Tollywood's favorite mommy". The Times of India. 8 May 2012. Archived from the original on 19 September 2024. Retrieved 19 September 2024.
- ^ "Krish gets standing ovation!". The Times of India. 6 May 2011. Archived from the original on 7 October 2024. Retrieved 19 September 2024.
- ^ a b "Vedam – Post mortem – Telugu cinema – Krish". Idlebrain.com. 4 January 2009. Archived from the original on 7 October 2024. Retrieved 4 August 2012.
- ^ Manchu, Manoj (19 May 2010). "Interview with Manoj Manchu". Idlebrain.com (Interview). Archived from the original on 15 January 2023. Retrieved 15 January 2023.
- ^ a b "Vedam music launchu function – Telugu cinema – Allu Arjun, Manoj Manchu & Anushka". Idlebrain.com. 2 May 2010. Archived from the original on 28 June 2012. Retrieved 4 August 2012.
- ^ "iTunes – Music – Vedam by Various Artists". Itunes.apple.com. 11 July 2010. Archived from the original on 12 November 2012. Retrieved 4 August 2012.
- ^ "Vedam – Telugu film wallpapers – Telugu cinema – Allu Arjun, Manoj Manchu & Anushka". Idlebrain.com. Archived from the original on 15 August 2012. Retrieved 4 August 2012.
- ^ "Vedam movie review". The Times of India. Retrieved 5 June 2010.
- ^ "Vedam is outstanding". Rediff. Archived from the original on 5 June 2010. Retrieved 4 June 2010.
- ^ "Vedam film review - Telugu cinema - Allu Arjun, Manoj Manchu & Anushka". idlebrain.com. Archived from the original on 7 June 2010. Retrieved 4 June 2010.