Subha Sankalpam

''Subha Sankalpam'' () is a 1995 Indian Telugu-language film directed by K. Viswanath and produced by S. P. Balasubrahmanyam. The film features Kamal Haasan, Aamani and Priya Raman in lead roles, with Viswanath playing a significant supporting role. The cinematography was handled by P. C. Sreeram, and the music was composed by M. M. Keeravani. The film received five Nandi Awards and three Filmfare Awards. It was later dubbed into Tamil as ''Paasavalai''. This film marked the last straight, non-bilingual Telugu film of Kamal Hassan as a solo lead.

Plot

The film centers on a fishing lord named Rayudu, who generously donates his wealth to the laborers working on his fishing farm. Dasu, a local fisherman, falls in love with Ganga, a carpenter, and Rayudu arranges their marriage. However, Rayudu's son is a troubled individual, influenced by the schemes of Kota. Concerned about his son's malevolent behavior, Rayudu entrusts a substantial cash box, meant for building a colony for fishermen, to Dasu. Unfortunately, the son's associates exacerbate his issues, leading him into significant debt.

They devise a plan to steal the money from Dasu's home while he is away. In their attempt to protect the cash, Ganga and Nirmala suffer serious injuries. This distressing news causes Rayudu to suffer a heart attack. While doctors fight to save him, Ganga and Nirmala pass away in the city, a fact that Dasu conceals from the villagers, who eagerly await Ganga's return, including Rayudu.

The day arrives when the colony is completed, and a ceremony is scheduled to distribute the houses to the needy. Rayudu wishes for Dasu and Ganga to lead the ceremony, allowing them to take charge from that point onward. In a poignant moment, Dasu performs the ritual using his wife's ashes, which shocks the villagers and deeply saddens Rayudu, although he soon comes to terms with the situation.

Rayudu's granddaughter Sandhya harbors feelings for Dasu but refrains from marrying him, as he remains devoted to Ganga. She takes Dasu's infant son to America until he reaches the age of seven, eventually returning him to Dasu, who has now become the primary caretaker of Rayudu's farm while continuing to fishing alongside the community.

Cast

*Kamal Haasan as Dasu
* Aamani as Ganga
* K. Viswanath as Rayudu
* Priya Raman as Sandhya
*Kota Srinivasa Rao
* Gollapudi Maruti Rao as Chennakesava Rao
*Nirmalamma
* Rallapalli as Bheema Raju
*Sakshi Ranga Rao
* Sameer
*Mallikharjunarao
*Sanjay Asrani
* Sri Lakshmi
* Vaishnavi Aravind

Production

Kamal Haasan, co-producer for the film, persuaded and succeeded in getting K. Viswanath to make his debut as an actor for the film. Kamal Haasan revealed that the character required a renowned person to play the man who he bowed to, and if it was any other person, scenes would have had to be used to establish his importance.

The film was mostly shot on coastal areas of Appikonda village in Visakhapatnam and some coastal and other areas in Vizianagaram.

Music

The music for the film was composed by M. M. Keeravani, with lyrics penned by Veturi and Sirivennela Seetharama Sastry. The album was a major success, with all tracks becoming popular, particularly the song "Seetamma Andalu," performed by S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, K. S. Chithra, and S. P. Sailaja. Sailaja's rendition earned her the Nandi Award for Best Female Playback Singer, marking her first win in the category.

Keeravani also received the Filmfare Award for Best Music Director for his work on the film. He utilized Chithra's voice for Priya Raman, Sailaja's voice for Aamani to provide a folk-style touch, and Pallavi's voice for background music with a Hollywood influence. The song "Narudu Bratuku Nartana," sung by S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, incorporated elements from Ilayaraja's hit track in '' Sagara Sangamam'' (1983) and referenced two tracks from the film itself, "Chiranjeevi Soubhagyavathi" and "Seetamma Andalu."

;Telugu tracklist

;Tamil tracklist
*Seethaiyamma - S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, K. S. Chithra, S. P. Sailaja
*Poomaalai - S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, S. P. Sailaja
*Sree Rangathu - S. P. Balasubrahmanyam
*Indha Kadudhasikku - S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, K. S. Chithra
*Kadu Malaigal - S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, S. P. Sailaja
*Ulaga Vaazhkai - S. P. Balasubrahmanyam
*Sree Hariyin Paadham - S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, K. S. Chithra

Reception

''Subha Sankalpam'' was released on April 28, 1995. The film won five Nandi Awards.

The film was later dubbed into Tamil as ''Paasavalai'', released on July 28, 1995. This version was distributed by Kamal Haasan's own production company, Raaj Kamal Films International. Reviewing this version for Tamil magazine ''Kalki'', R. P. R. wrote it is possible only for the best directors to bring a unique actor to his style and make him show a new dimension. K. Viswanath has achieved. In that sense it is not a Kamal film; Viswanath film.

Awards

Nandi Awards

* Best Actress - Aamani
* Best Supporting Actress - Vaishnavi Aravind
* Best Character Actor - K. Viswanath
* Best Female Playback Singer - S. P. Sailaja
* Best Editor - G.G.Krishna Rao

Filmfare Awards South

* Best Film - Telugu - S. P. Balasubrahmanyam
* Best Director - Telugu - K. Viswanath
* Best Music Director - Telugu - M. M. Keeravani

References

External links

*

{{Filmfare Best Telugu Film

1995 films
Films scored by M. M. Keeravani
Films directed by K. Viswanath
Indian romantic drama films
Films shot in Andhra Pradesh
Films about fishing
1990s Telugu-language films
1995 romantic drama films