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Srimad Virata Parvam
Theatrical release poster
Directed by	N. T. Rama Rao
Written by	Kondaveeti Venkatakavi (dialogues) N. T. Rama Rao (story / screenplay)
Based on	Virata Parva of Mahabharata
Produced by	N. T. Rama Rao
Starring	N. T. Rama Rao Vanisri Nandamuri Balakrishna
Cinematography	M. A. Rehman
Edited by	K. Babu Rao N. S. Prasad
Music by	Susarla Dakshina Murthy
Production company	Ramakrishna Cine Studios
Release date	28 May 1979 (1979-05-28)
Running time	155 minutes
Country	India
Language	Telugu

Srimad Virata Parvam is a 1979 Telugu-language Hindu mythological film, produced and directed by N. T. Rama Rao under his Ramakrishna Cine Studios banner. It stars N. T. Rama Rao, Vanisri, Nandamuri Balakrishna and music composed by Susarla Dakshina Murthy. The film is based on Virata Parva from epic Mahabharata in which NTR has performed 5 pivotal roles, after blockbuster success of Daana Veera Soora Karna (1977), in which he emoted 3 different roles. It is a color remake of the 1966 movie Nartanasala both starring N.T.Rama Rao as Arjuna.

Plot

The film begins with Pandavas' triumphs against their 12 exiles and starts the 13th year of Agnathavasam, i.e. living incognito under different identities. Krishna advises that the Matsya Kingdom, ruled by Virata, is a haven for them. Moreover, his liaison is necessary for the upcoming battle. Besides, he caveats the hindrance of his brother-in-law Kichaka, the soulmate of Duryodhana. Right now, Pandavas abide under various forms of disguise: Dharmaraja as an advisor, Kankubhattu, Bhima as the cook Valala, Nakula as a horse groomsman Damagranthi, and Sahadeva as a cowherd Tantripala. Eventually, Draupadi infiltrates as Sairandhri Malini, a decorator to the queen Sudheshna Devi.

Now, their petrify is about Arjuna crossing the hazard of easy detection. Then he recollects a Apsara Urvashi's curse. After procurement of a Pashupatastra from Siva, Indra felicitates Arjuna. At the behest of Indra, Arjuna acquires the dance skill from Urvasi, which is vital in the future. Urvasi lusts for Arjuna, which he denies, considering her a motherly figure. Being enraged, she curses him to lose his masculinity and turn him into a eunuch. However, Indra proclaims to treat it as a boon in disguise. So, Arjuna molds into a transgender dance mentor Brihannala and enrolls in tuition for Princess Uttara.

Meanwhile, Kichaka returns victorious from the conquest of the Matsya and observes changes in the fort. Parallelly, Duryodhana & Shakuni conspire to knit Lakshmana Kumara with Uttara to gain reinforcement, which Kichaka graciously accords. Knowing it, Pandavas kindles Ghatothkacha to couple up Uttara with Abhimanyu. Just as he mingles Uttara & Abhimanyu, he boomerangs the wedding by purporting to be Uttara. All at once, fulminated Kitchaka seeks to strike actuality behind the Uttara's disappearance. Soon, he surmises Pandavas' presence in the kingdom, and excluding Arjuna, he fathoms remaining and Draupadi. At the juncture, Kitchaka affirms Sudheshna, abet of Sairandhri behind the turbulence, and instructs her to send wine through her. Thereupon, Kitchaka hails and badly humiliates her in between the court. Due to the stipulation, Pandavas persevered with patience. After that, they tactically plot by alluring Kichaka through Draupadi and invite him to the dancing hall, where Bhima backstabs him.

Being conscious of it, Duryodhana unearths the Pandavas concealed in Matsya. So, they launch an attack on their cattle when all the soldiers are engaged in war. The next day, they attack cattle from another side. Immediately, Uttara Kumara swears to fight against them, taking Brihannala as his charioteer. However, after watching their troops, he loses his confidence. During that plight, Brihannala volunteers to fight and angles Uttara Kumara to handle the chariot. Before, they move to the Shami tree where the Pandavas hide their divine weapons and procure the Gandeevam when Brihannala regains his original form. At present, Arjuna fires Sammohanastra a smoke weapon, which puts the Kaurava army to sleep and rescues the cattle. The 13th year of the Pandavas' Agnathavasam was completed. Finally, the movie ends on a happy note with the marriage of Uttara & Abhimanyu.

Cast

• N. T. Rama Rao as Krishna, Arjuna, Duryodhana, Brihannala & Kichaka (Five roles)
• Vanisri as Draupadi
• Nandamuri Balakrishna as Abhimanyu
• Satyanarayana as Bhima & Ghatotkacha (Dual role)
• Prabhakar Reddy as Dharma Raju
• Mukkamala as Virata
• Mikkilineni as Bhishma
• Dhulipala as Shakuni
• Rajanala as Drona
• Mada as Uttara Kumara
• Bhavani as Uttara
• Chhaya Devi as Hidimbi
• Prabha as Satyabhama
• Pushpalatha as Sudeshna
• Vijayalalitha as Urvashi

Soundtrack

Music composed by Susarla Dakshinamurthi. Music released on EMI Columbia Audio Company.

Other

• VCDs and DVDs on – Universal Videos, SHALIMAR Video Company, Hyderabad

References

1. @baraju_SuperHit (28 May 2019). "40 years for Natarathna #NTR, Natasimha #NBK's #SriMadvirataparvam Music by Dakshinamurthyజీవితమే కృష్ణ సంగీతము..…" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
2. "Titles". Chithr.com. Archived from the original on 26 August 2023. Retrieved 27 January 2015.
3. "Heading". IMDb. Archived from the original on 8 August 2015. Retrieved 1 July 2018.
4. "Heading-2". Nth wall. Archived from the original on 7 February 2015. Retrieved 27 January 2015.

• 1979 films
• Hindu mythological films
• Films scored by Susarla Dakshinamurthi
• 1970s Telugu-language films
• 1970s Indian films
• Films based on the Mahabharata
• Films directed by N. T. Rama Rao