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Chukkallo Chandrudu
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| Chukkallo Chandrudu | |
|---|---|
 Movie Poster | |
| Directed by | Siva Ananth |
| Screenplay by | Siddharth Siva Ananth Kona Venkat (also dialogues)[1] |
| Story by | Siddharth |
| Produced by | Alexander Vallabha K. S. Rama Rao (presents) |
| Starring | Akkineni Nageswara Rao Siddharth Sadha Charmme Kaur Saloni Aswani |
| Cinematography | Sameer Reddy Abhik Mukhopadhyay |
| Edited by | A. Sreekar Prasad |
| Music by | Chakri |
Production company | |
Release date |
|
Running time | 147 minutes |
| Country | India |
| Language | Telugu |
Chukkallo Chandrudu (transl. Moon among the stars) is a 2006 Indian Telugu-language romance film directed by Siva Ananth in his directorial debut [2] It is produced by Alexander Vallabha for Creative Commercials. The film stars Akkineni Nageswara Rao, Siddharth, Sadha, Charmme Kaur and Saloni Aswani.[3] The music is composed by Chakri.[4] Siddharth also co-wrote the screenplay.[5][6] Many scenes of this movie were shot in exotic locations around Innsbruck city, Austria. The film was remade in Kannada as Sagar (2012).[7]
Plot
[edit]The film begins in Germany, where Arjun, a joyful NRI, lives with his millionaire grandparents, Krishna Rao & Padmavati. For a long time, Padmavati has wanted to witness Arjun's wedlock. Arjun detests it because he firmly believes he will lose everything he loves. Tragically, she died one morning and Krishna Rao was devastated as he could not fulfill his wife's last wish. Though he seeks to convince Arjun, he does not reciprocate. Ergo, Krishna Rao quits, and Arjun finds his whereabouts in their native village. He proceeds to where Krishna Rao states to retrieve if he splices. Then, Arjun walks on by, promising to return with his spouse.
Now he starts his quest aiding his baby buddy Puppy by selecting three women: Shalini, Sravani, and Sandhya, his childhood mates. Shalini is a tennis star, Shravani is a medico, and Sandhya is a women's activist. Currently, he develops intimacy with the three, introduced as a commoner Krishna, and they become pretty close to him. It throws him into a dichotomy when Krishna Rao affirms him to quest for true love as it's unique from liking. Firstly, he picks Sandhya and attempts to express her illogically. Being haughty, she rudely replies when Arjun calls her a tomboy and receives a slap. Next, he draws Shalini when he gets a phone from her airport. Arjun rushes but gets disappointed, knowing she is moving to Switzerland for a tournament and has a boyfriend. Simultaneously, he answers the phone of Shravani, who states her grandmother is severe and admitted to the hospital. So, Arjun lands therein, provides moral support to her, and covertly aids financially, too, when Shravani genuinely endears him.
Just before she conveys it, Arjun again picks up the phone from Shalini, who divulges that she has teased him. Thus, he flies to Switzerland when Shalini throws the tournament to spend time with him. That night, Prakash, Shalini's father, had outbursts that Shalini would quit the game, throwing crores of men into grief. Arjun also feels sorry for his selfish thinking. So, he backs, quoting Shalini that she should remain as an ideal, revealing his identity.
At which is aware of Shravani's engagement with an NRI. Indeed, the bridegroom forges as the helper for her grandmother's survival. Presently, Arjun completely fails and seeks an apology from Krishna Rao when he provides an idea for choosing proposals from a list. At that moment, Sandhya detects him as her childhood mate and proposes to him, which he accepts. During the bachelor party, Arjun meets Sarath, Sandhya's ex-lover, when he discerns his liking towards Sandhya even today. Thus, Arjun reunites them, convincing Sandhya. Parallelly, Arjun visits Shravani's wedding, where, overhearing the bridegroom's hellish hue, he punches him, and a brawl erupts. Krishna Rao attends the venue when Shravani asks for Arjun and spots badly hurt Arjun as Krishna. Plus, she gets knowledge of his true self, who is the actual helpmate. At last, the two embrace and get nuptials. Finally, the movie ends happily, with the newly wedded couple settling down in Germany with Krishna Rao.
Cast
[edit]- Akkineni Nageswara Rao as Krishna Rao
- Siddharth as Arjun / Krishna
- Sadha as Shravani
- Charmy as Sandhya[8]
- Saloni as Shalini
- Sunil as Puppy
- Prathap K. Pothan as Prakash
- Tanikella Bharani as Shravani's uncle
- Ahuti Prasad as Laksham Rao
- Kondavalasa as Pothen Babu Rao
- K. R. Vijaya as Shravani's grandmother
- Sana as Shravani's aunt
- Mounica as Shravani's sister
- Waheeda Rehman as Padmavathi (special appearance)
- Prabhu Deva as Sharath (guest appearance)
Soundtrack
[edit]| Chukkallo Chandrudu | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Soundtrack album by | ||||
| Released | 2006 | |||
| Genre | Soundtrack | |||
| Length | 33:47 | |||
| Label | Maruthi Music | |||
| Producer | Chakri | |||
| Chakri chronology | ||||
| ||||
Music composed by Chakri.
| No. | Title | Lyrics | Singer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Everybody" | Surendra Krishna | Simha, Shaan, Siddharth | 5:15 |
| 2. | "Edhalo Eppudo" | Bhaskarabhatla | Siddharth, Kousalya | 5:22 |
| 3. | "Preme Paravasham" | Bhaskarabhatla | Karthik, Chinmayi | 4:24 |
| 4. | "Dolna Dolna" | Bhaskarabhatla | Sukhwinder Singh | 5:27 |
| 5. | "Navvutho Ringtone" | Kandikonda | Kunal Ganjawala, Kousalya | 4:16 |
| 6. | "Kalanaina" | Bhashasri | Karthik, Harini | 4:55 |
| 7. | "Pichchi Prema" | Pothula Ravikiran | Chakri, Vasu | 4:15 |
| Total length: | 33:47 | |||
Release
[edit]A critic from The Hindu gave a positive review and noted that "Siddharth excels in all the departments and shows good comedy timing. Saloni, Charmme and Sada do justice to their roles. After a long time, Akkineni [Nageswara Rao] comes to the big screen and even matches the dancing steps along with the hero. Music by Chakri is enthralling while choreography is good".[9] Jeevi of Idlebrain gave the film rating of 3.25 out of 5 and wrote that "Producer Alexander Vallabha should be appreciated for making his debut with a film that defies the routine formula. On a whole, Chukkallo Chandrudu is a sophisticated comedy film for multiplex crowds".[10] Full Hyderabad gave a positive review and opined that "This is an enjoyable movie that provides a good time for the family. Middle-aged cynics will need an extra dose of patience, but who knows, it may even touch their romantic buttons".[11]
References
[edit]- ^ "Muhurat: Chukkallo Chandrudu". Idlebrain. 24 August 2005. Archived from the original on 5 January 2022. Retrieved 5 January 2022.
- ^ "Chukkallo Chandrudu". Sify. Archived from the original on 5 January 2022.
- ^ "Chitchat with KS Rama Rao". Idlebrain. 13 December 2005. Archived from the original on 5 January 2022. Retrieved 5 January 2022.
- ^ "95th birth anniversary of Akkineni Nageswara Rao: Last 5 films of the legendary actor and doyen of Telugu cinema". Times of India. Archived from the original on 11 August 2021. Retrieved 11 August 2021.
- ^ "Siddharth's next venture in Telugu". Behindwoods. 10 September 2005. Archived from the original on 5 January 2022. Retrieved 5 January 2022.
- ^ Shobha Warrier (6 February 2006). "Meet Siddharth, of Rang De Basanti". Rediff. Archived from the original on 7 November 2021. Retrieved 5 January 2022.
- ^ "Kannada Friday: 'Sagar' and '12 AM Madhyarathri'". IBN Live – via News18.
- ^ Krupa Ge (20 June 2018). "Ms.Representation: The memorably chirpy women of Telugu cinema". Cinema Express. Archived from the original on 5 January 2022. Retrieved 5 January 2022.
- ^ M.M. (17 January 2006). "Siddharth shines brightest". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 5 January 2022. Retrieved 5 January 2022.
- ^ Jeevi (14 January 2006). "Movie review - Chukkallo Chandrudu". Idlebrain. Archived from the original on 7 January 2022. Retrieved 5 January 2022.
- ^ "Chukkallo Chandrudu Review". fullhyderabad. Archived from the original on 11 August 2021. Retrieved 11 August 2021.
External links
[edit]Chukkallo Chandrudu
View on GrokipediaDevelopment and production
Story and script
The story for Chukkallo Chandrudu originated from lead actor Siddharth, who drew inspiration from the common experiences of non-resident Indians (NRIs) navigating cultural clashes and familial expectations around marriage. As the story's creator, Siddharth collaborated on the screenplay with director Siva Ananth and writer Kona Venkat, the latter handling the dialogues to infuse humor and emotional depth into the romantic comedy-drama. The narrative emphasizes themes of childhood friendships, light-hearted romantic pursuits, and poignant twists, blending comedy with family-oriented drama to appeal to a broad audience.[6][8] Siva Ananth marked his directorial debut with the film, building on his prior experience as an associate director for Mani Ratnam since Dil Se.. (1998), which honed his skills in crafting character-driven stories. The script was specifically tailored for a Sankranti release, aiming to capture festive family viewership through its relatable portrayal of generational bonds and matrimonial dilemmas. Key creative decisions included incorporating a tragic plane crash as the protagonist's backstory, which motivates his return to India and sets up the central conflict.[9][3] Another pivotal script element is the "girl-hunting" premise, where the protagonist and his two friends embark on a comedic quest to identify a suitable bride from among their childhood connections during a family wedding. This setup allows for ensemble dynamics and romantic tension, balancing humor with emotional revelations about friendship and commitment. The collaborative writing process ensured the screenplay remained concise yet layered, prioritizing relatable NRI perspectives over complex subplots.Casting
Siddharth was cast in the lead role of Arjun for his debut in Telugu cinema, having previously starred in the Hindi film Rang De Basanti (2006).[6] The three female leads were portrayed by Sadha as Shravani, the medical student; Saloni Aswani as Shalini, a tennis player; and Charmme Kaur as Sandhya, an environmental activist, chosen to embody the script's diverse romantic interests.[6] Veteran actor Akkineni Nageswara Rao was selected for the pivotal role of the grandfather, Krishna Rao, serving as the emotional anchor of the narrative.[6] Waheeda Rehman appeared briefly as the grandmother, Padmavathi, in a special uncredited role.[6] Supporting cast included Sunil as Puppy, providing comic relief, and Prathap Pothen as Chinna.[6]Filming
Principal photography for Chukkallo Chandrudu commenced in late 2005, shortly after the film's muhurat ceremony on August 24, 2005, at the State Art Gallery in Madhapur, Hyderabad.[10] The production wrapped up efficiently to meet the January 14, 2006, release date, with filming status confirmed as active by October 2005.[11] The majority of the shoot took place in Hyderabad, India, serving as the base for domestic scenes, while key sequences were captured in Düsseldorf, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, to authentically represent the non-resident Indian (NRI) lifestyle central to the story's Germany-based protagonist.[12] These international portions focused on romance and family dynamics, adding visual depth to the narrative.[3] Produced by Creative Commercials under Alexander Vallabha and K. S. Rama Rao, the film had an estimated budget of ₹5 crore, typical for mid-2000s Telugu productions aiming for a blend of local and global appeal.[3] [13] Cinematography was handled by Sameer Reddy and Abhik Mukhopadhyay, who utilized a glossy, stylish approach with vibrant color grading particularly in song sequences to emphasize the film's romantic and youthful tone.[14] [6] Their work contributed to the film's visual polish, enhancing the exotic European backdrops without noted challenges from weather or permissions during the abroad shoots.[14]Narrative and characters
Plot
Arjun, a Non-Resident Indian (NRI) residing in Germany, leads a successful life but harbors a strong aversion to marriage, stemming from the traumatic loss of his parents in a plane crash during his childhood.[5] Raised by his grandparents, Krishna Rao and Padmavathi, Arjun reluctantly agrees to fulfill their wish by finding a suitable bride and settling down, prompting him to return to his roots in India.[5][7] Upon his arrival, Arjun reconnects with three women from his childhood who have grown into close, family-like friends: Shravani, an orphan he treats like a sister; Shalini, a dedicated aspiring tennis player; and Sandhya, a passionate environmental activist.[5] As part of his quest to evaluate potential life partners, Arjun uses the alias "Krishna" to secretly test them, embarking on a series of interactions with them, navigating comedic mishaps and budding romantic tensions across various locations in India, including urban and rural settings that highlight their contrasting personalities and lifestyles.[5] The narrative builds through these encounters, blending humor and light-hearted romance as Arjun grapples with his emotions and the complexities of choosing among friends, leading to deeper emotional realizations that culminate in a heartfelt climax.[5]Cast
The principal cast of Chukkallo Chandrudu includes Siddharth in the dual lead role of Arjun/Krishna, a Germany-based NRI engineer portrayed as sophisticated, mature, energetic, and a confused Casanova navigating his search for a bride.[14] Sadha plays Shravani, a middle-class MBBS student and one of Arjun's childhood friends, depicted as homely and lacking confidence while living with underlying fears.[14] Saloni Aswani portrays Shalini Rao, an ambitious tennis celebrity deeply devoted to her international sporting career.[14] Charmme Kaur embodies Sandhya, a bold and aggressive social activist associated with causes like SPCA and Greenpeace, characterized as vociferous, tomboyish, and outspoken with a distinctive nose ring.[14] Akkineni Nageswara Rao appears as Arjun's grandfather, Krishna Rao, a wise and traditional figure who insists on family values and urges his grandson toward marriage.[14] In a supporting role, Waheeda Rehman plays Arjun's grandmother, Padmavathi, in a special appearance that adds emotional depth to the family dynamics.[6] Sunil provides comic relief as Puppy, Arjun's dumb but entertaining childhood friend who aids in his romantic pursuits.[14] Prathap Pothen features as Prakash, contributing to the familial ensemble in a key uncle role.Music and soundtrack
Composition
The music for Chukkallo Chandrudu was composed by Chakri, a Telugu film music director recognized for his upbeat and melodic compositions that often blend folk elements with contemporary rhythms.[15] Chakri created seven songs for the soundtrack, two of which were rendered by the lead actor Siddharth, reflecting his involvement in the musical aspects of the production.[16] The lyrics were written by established poets including Veturi Sundararama Murthy, Chandrabose, and Kandikonda, with contributions from Bhaskarabhatla Ravikumar for several tracks, ensuring alignment with the film's romantic and familial themes.[10] During the audio launch on December 24, 2005, Chakri acknowledged Siddharth's strong sense of music and his suggestions during the composition process, noting the use of local singing talent such as Simha for a song featuring Akkineni Nageswara Rao.[17] The songs include duets and group numbers that complement the dynamics between the protagonist and the three female leads—Sadha, Charmme Kaur, and Saloni Aswani—such as romantic tracks picturized during the film's sequences shot in Germany.[14]Track listing
The soundtrack album of Chukkallo Chandrudu, composed by Chakri, was released in 2006 by Maruthi Music prior to the film's theatrical premiere, featuring seven tracks that blend romantic, upbeat, and folk-inspired elements to suit the film's NRI-themed narrative.[18][19]| No. | Title | Singer(s) | Lyricist | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Everybody | Shaan, Siddharth, Simha | Surendra Krishna | 5:11 | Upbeat party anthem picturized on the ensemble cast, capturing youthful energy.[20][21] |
| 2 | Edhalo Eppudo | Siddharth, Kousalya | Bhaskarabhatla | 5:19 | Romantic duet filmed in foreign locations to evoke the NRI lifestyle.[22][21] |
| 3 | Preme Paravasam | Karthik, Chinmayi | Bhaskarabhatla | 4:18 | Melodic love song highlighting the central romance, featuring the lead pair.[22][21] |
| 4 | Dolna Dholna | Sukhwinder Singh | Bhaskarabhatla | 5:23 | Energetic folk-dance number with vibrant choreography.[23][21] |
| 5 | Navvutho Ringtone | Kunal Ganjawala, Kousalya | Kandikonda | 4:14 | Playful duet emphasizing lighthearted flirtation.[24][21] |
| 6 | Kalanaina | Karthik, Harini | Bhaskarabhatla | 4:54 | Breezy romantic track suited to scenic outdoor sequences.[25][21] |
| 7 | Pichchi Prema | Chakri, Vasu | Pothula Ravikiran | 4:15 | Fun, item-style song with dance sequences involving supporting cast.[26][21] |