Hubbry Logo
DamarukamDamarukamMain
Open search
Damarukam
Community hub
Damarukam
logo
7 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Damarukam
Damarukam
Damarukam
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

Damarukam
Theatrical release poster
Directed bySrinivasa Reddy
Screenplay bySrinivasa Reddy
Story byVeligonda Srinivas
Produced byR. R. Venkat
Starring
CinematographyChota K. Naidu
Edited byGautham Raju
Music byDevi Sri Prasad
Production
company
Release date
  • 23 November 2012 (2012-11-23)
Running time
157 minutes
CountryIndia
LanguageTelugu
Budget₹35 crore[1]
Box office₹26 crore distributors' share[2]

Damarukam (transl. A small two-headed drum) is a 2012 Indian Telugu-language action fantasy film[3] written and directed by Srinivasa Reddy, and produced by R. R. Venkat on R. R. Movie Makers. It stars Nagarjuna, Anushka Shetty, Prakash Raj, and P. Ravishankar. The music is composed by Devi Sri Prasad with cinematography by Chota K. Naidu.

The film was released in 2012 and opened to positive reviews from critics who appreciated Nagarjuna's performance and Naidu won Filmfare Award for Best Cinematographer – South.[4] Damarakum went on to be a commercial success grossing over ₹48 crore at the box office with a distributor's share of ₹26 crore. It became the highest grossing film in Nagarjuna's career at the time of release and the highest grossing Telugu film to be released in the month of November, a record it still holds 12 years after release.[5]

Plot

[edit]

The protagonist of the movie is born with the divine grace of Lord Siva, and the boy's parents are advised to name him Mallikaarjuna as he is destined to accomplish a great work. During his childhood, Malli faces a great tragedy as his parents and grandparents are killed by a huge black panther as they return from Kaasi. This incident leaves his younger sister, Sailu, paralyzed from the waist down (Sailu had a talent for dancing before this incident). Malli then develops strong hatred toward Lord Siva.

Meanwhile, the scene shifts to a demon named Andhakaasura. We see him performing a severe penance to obtain a boon from Lord Siva. Lord Siva blesses the demon with the boon that he will not interfere in the latter's attempt to sacrifice a virgin girl to obtain complete rulership over the three worlds. The demon is advised by his aged friend Maayi that the sacrifice must be made a month having two solar eclipses, in such a way that he has to marry the girl and sacrifice her before the solar eclipse ends. This will render the demon peerless and a master over all the five elements.

The story then shifts to Malli, now an adult whose motive is to help people and take care of his bedridden sister. He falls in love with Dr. Maheswari on a visit to the hospital where his sister is being treated. There are many scenes where the atheist Malli forces the people of his colony, who include Rudraksha, Ringu Raja, the President, and others, not to worship, on account of his childhood tragedy. Then, one day, Sailu tells her brother that she wants to die because of unbearable pain. Malli questions Lord Siva about his condition and drives away in his car, only to meet with an accident. But Lord Siva intervenes and saves him. Lord Siva calls himself Saambayya, befriends Malli, and goes to his home.

The demon chooses Dr. Maheswari as his target for the sacrifice and prevents the aghoraas (who arrive at the temple) from having access to Mahi, on the first solar eclipse day. Malli rescues Mahi from the Aghoraas, and Mahi's parents entrust Malli to take care of Mahi. Mahi's parents decide to have Mahi marry a relative, Raahul, who is to arrive from the US. This advice is given by a saint known to Mahi's family. On his arrival at the airport, Andhakaasura kills Raahul in the washroom, and possesses his dead body. Andhakaasura enters Mahi's home and kills the three dogs who guard Mahi. The demon also paralyzes Mahi's father, when he learns the truth about him. He also tries to kill Malli and Mahi, on their way to a temple, but Lord Siva intervenes by sending his divine mount, Nandi, who saves Malli. This infuriates the demon, who feels that Lord Siva has not kept his promise. He challenges the Lord, to which he replies that it was his duty to protect his devotee. The demon then decides to oppose Lord Siva, so he kills the saint known to Mahi's family, impersonates him, and convinces Malli, Mahi and others that Saambayya is not a good person by faking his death at the hands to Saambayya. This makes Malli angry at Saambayya, and he returns the ring of friendship to Saambayya.

Finally, Malli convinces Mahi's family that Rahul is Andhakaasura. Then, the demon carries Mahi to the spot of sacrifice and prepares for the ritual. Meanwhile, Malli is advised by the Aghora chief to worship Lord Siva, and he tells Malli that the purpose of his birth is to destroy the demon and the means to do it, as he was the reason for the tragedy in Malli's childhood and Lord Siva saved him as Saambayya. Malli confronts the demon and is initially defeated, but he heads skyward to get a blessing from Lord Siva and finally destroys Andhakaasura by piercing him with the Trident given by Lord Siva.

Cast

[edit]

Production

[edit]

Casting

[edit]

The film sees Nagarjuna and Anushka Shetty playing the leads. Prakash Raj, P. Ravi Shankar, Pradeep Rawat, Ganesh Venkatraman,[6] Brahmanandam, Krishna Bhagavaan, Ahuti Prasad, Ali, Venu Madhav, Raghu Babu, M.S. Narayana and Jeeva are in the cast. Editing is by Gautham Raju, art is by Ashok, cinematography is by Chota K. Naidu and music is by Devi Sri Prasad.,[7] Times of Ap reported that Lakshmi Rai was set to shake legs with Nagarjuna for the introduction song in this movie.[8] The makers then have decided to set Charmy in the place of Lakshmi Rai for the introduction song in this movie.[9] Nagarjuna had shown his six-pack abs for the first time in the movie.[10]

Filming

[edit]

The shooting of the film began on 25 April 2011. The first schedule of the film was in Switzerland, where Nagarjuna would romance Anushka Shetty to the choreography of Raju Sundaram.[11][12] On 29 September 2012, The theatrical trailer of this socio-fantasy film has released with the movie Rebel, which graced the theatres that day. According to the producer Dr Venkat, the trailer has received a huge response from the film goers.[13] This movie is the first Telugu film ever with over 70 minutes of special effects. A team of visual effects experts at Firefly Creative Studio have been working on the movie for over a year now. Firefly, the company which worked on special effects for films like Anji, Arundathi, Magadheera and Anaganaga O Dheerudu.[14] Vyshnavi Films purchased the overseas theatrical rights.

Release

[edit]

After much delays the film was released on 23 November 2012[15][16]

Critical reception

[edit]

idlebrain.com jeevi gave a rating of 3/5 stating "First half of the film is good, Plus points of the film are Nagarjuna and the grandeur". Great andhra also rated 3/5[17][18] DNA India gave the film 2.5 and Times of India gave 3.5 ratings.[19] Reddif also rated 3/5 and said "This socio-fantasy is one-of-its-kind in today's times and can be watched once for the stunning visuals".[20]

Accolades

[edit]
Ceremony Category Nominee Result
60th Filmfare Awards South[21][22] Best Actor Nagarjuna Nominated
Best Actress Anushka Shetty Nominated
Best Supporting Actor P. Ravi Shankar Nominated
Best Lyricist Jonnavithula (for song "Shiva Shiva Shankara") Nominated
Best Female Playback Singer Gopika Poornima (for Song "Laali Laali") Nominated
Best Cinematographer Chota K. Naidu Won
2nd South Indian International Movie Awards Best Cinematographer Chota K. Naidu Nominated
Best Actor in a Supporting Role Prakash Raj Nominated
CineMAA Awards[23] Best Editor Gautham Raju Won
Best Costume Designer Payal Won
Best Fight Master Vijay Won

Soundtrack

[edit]
Damarukam
Soundtrack album by
Devi Sri Prasad
Released10 September 2012 (2012-09-10)
at Shilpakala Vedika
Hyderabad
Recorded2011–2012
Recorded and Mixed at "Brindavan – The Garden of Music"
GenreFeature film soundtrack
Length34:32
LanguageTelugu
LabelAditya Music
ProducerDevi Sri Prasad
Devi Sri Prasad chronology
Julayi
(2012) 		Damarukam
(2012) 		Sarocharu
(2012)

Music was composed by Devi Sri Prasad. Music was released on Aditya Music.

The audio release was held on 10 September 2012 at Shilpakala Vedika in Hyderabad. Devi Sri Prasad scored the music and there are 10 songs for which lyricists Jonnavittula, Chandra Bose, Sahithi and Bhaskara Bhatla have penned the lyrics.[24] entertainment.in.msn.com gave a moderate review stating "Devi Sri Prasad's 50th album is unique from his usual run-of-the-mill compositions, but not his best. As a fan of the composer, the listener will be satisfied, but as a music lover, one doubts if this album would live up to listeners' expectations."[25] telugu.way2movies.com gave a positive review stating "Damarukam has the mix of devotional tracks on Lord Siva along with the romantic duets and a mass track. The devotion numbers are highly appealing and catch your attention while the duets are likeable with the repeated listen. Sakkubai will be instantly liked by masses. DSP scores well with his 50th album Damarukam."[26] Musicperk.com rated the album 8.5/10 quoting "A must-listen album by DSP. Not a song to be left out".[27][28]

Track listing
No.TitleLyricsArtist(s)Length
1."Omkaaram"JonnavittulaVenkataSaayi01:04
2."ArunaDhavala"JonnavittulaKarthik01:05
3."Nestamaa Nestamaa"Bhaskarabhatla Ravi KumarSri Krishna, Harini04:56
4."Reppalapai"Ramajogayya SastryHariharan, K. S. Chithra03:42
5."Dheemtana"Karunakar, Jonnavittula (Mantras)Shankar Mahadevan02:08
6."Sakkubhaai Garam Chaai"Ramajogayya SastrySuchith Suresan, Mamta Sharma03:42
7."Laali Laali"ChandraboseGopika Poornima04:47
8."Bhoonabhotaalake"JonnavittulaM. L. R. Karthikeyan02:02
9."Kanyakumari"SahitiJaspreet Jasz, Sunitha04:31
10."Shiva Shiva Shankara"JonnavittulaShankar Mahadevan04:52
Total length:34:32

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Damarukam

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Damarukam is a Indian Telugu-language action fantasy film written and directed by . The film stars Akkineni in the lead role as Mallikarjuna, an atheist who falls in love with , portrayed by , a devoted follower of Lord Shiva. Supporting roles include as Lord Shiva and as the demon Andhakasura. Produced by under R. R. Movie Makers, it features music composed by and by . The plot centers on a born from darkness who seeks to conquer the world by marrying a with an inauspicious , leading to a confrontation involving divine intervention and the protagonist's transformation. Released on 23 2012, Damarukam blends socio-fantasy elements with themes of devotion and mythology, receiving mixed reviews for its and .

Overview

Plot

The film opens with an animated sequence depicting the ancient mythological conflict between and the demon Andhakaasura, the sole survivor of the defeated clan after a great war between Devas and demons. imprisons Andhakaasura in a remote cave, cursing him to remain trapped until he can marry a woman born under a rare, ominous and sacrifice her during a month featuring two solar eclipses, which would grant him the power to revive his clan and conquer the world. Andhakaasura's spirit endures in darkness, awaiting the prophesied time. In contemporary times, the narrative shifts to Mallikarjuna, a resolute atheist whose childhood devotion to Shiva turned to bitter hatred after Andhakaasura caused the death of his parents and grandparents during a family pilgrimage to in an attempt to eliminate him as a prophesied threat, leaving his younger sister permanently paralyzed and bedridden. Now an adult living in a rural village, Mallikarjuna dedicates himself to helping others while caring for his sister, visiting her regularly at the hospital where he encounters , a compassionate doctor and ardent Shiva devotee from a prosperous royal lineage. Despite their contrasting beliefs—Mallikarjuna's skepticism clashing with Maheswari's piety—a tender romance blossoms between them, marked by lighthearted village interactions, shared songs from the soundtrack like "Shiva Shiva Shankara," and Maheswari's efforts to soften his resentment toward the divine. However, Maheswari is initially betrothed to , a seemingly ordinary man whose true nature soon unravels. As the rare celestial alignment approaches, Andhakaasura's malevolent spirit emerges by killing and possessing , transforming the modern man into a vessel for the demon's ambitions and using him to pursue Maheswari's hand in , as she is the prophesied whose union with him would unlock his full power and doom humanity. Disguised initially through shape-shifting and subtle manipulations, the possessed unleashes chaos, including supernatural disturbances and attacks on Aghoras—fierce guardians aligned with —who attempt to thwart the unholy wedding. Mallikarjuna, drawn into the fray despite his , witnesses divine signs and faces escalating threats to Maheswari and the world, forcing him to confront his long-buried faith. In the climactic sequence, Lord Shiva intervenes through mystical visions and empowerments, transforming Mallikarjuna from a reluctant skeptic into a divinely fueled warrior adorned with sacred symbols, including motifs of the —Shiva's iconic drum representing cosmic creation and destruction. Empowered with , Mallikarjuna leads a series of intense battles against Andhakaasura's demonic minions, featuring shape-shifting illusions, fiery confrontations, and interventions by Shiva's bull Nandi, who materializes to aid the fight. The final showdown unfolds during the ritual, where Mallikarjuna defeats the demon, shatters the ancient curse by preventing the sacrifice, and liberates . With the threat vanquished and the Asura's spirit banished once more, Mallikarjuna reconciles with his faith, embracing Shiva's grace as the world is saved from .

Cast

The cast of Damarukam is led by Akkineni and , with supporting performances from a mix of established actors in key mythological and comedic roles. The ensemble emphasizes the film's blend of action, fantasy, and devotion, with dual roles and antagonistic characters driving the narrative's elements.
ActorRoleNotes on Character Significance
AkkineniMallikarjunaThe , an atheist auto-rickshaw driver whose arc involves falling in love and confronting demonic forces, transforming his worldview.
MaheswariThe female lead and devotee, serving as Mallikarjuna's love interest and a symbol of unwavering central to the story's romantic and spiritual conflicts.
RahulMaheswari's suitor, an ordinary man killed and possessed by Andhakaasura, serving as the vessel for the demon's shape-shifting deceptions and pursuit of the prophesied marriage.
Sambhayya / Dual role as a quirky devotee who is revealed to be in disguise, providing guidance and divine intervention pivotal to the .
AndhakaasuraThe primary demon antagonist, a vengeful born from darkness who threatens humanity and drives the film's central conflict.
Temple PriestA supporting comic offering levity amid the temple rituals and religious themes, highlighting the film's humorous take on devotion.
Comedic Provides as a loyal ally to the , enhancing the film's lighter moments in village and action sequences.
DevanVishwanathA supporting elder figure involved in the familial and advisory aspects of the story.
Vankara SatyamComic ensemble contributing to the film's humorous subplots.
-Minor supporting in comedic and action scenes.
Nassar-Supporting in the ensemble, adding depth to authoritative characters.
The film features no notable debuts but draws on a large ensemble of over 50 credited actors, including veterans like in priestly roles, to populate its mythological world. No special appearances or distinct voice roles for divine entities are credited beyond Prakash Raj's portrayal.

Production

Development

Damarukam was announced in early 2011 by producer under the banner R. R. Movie Makers as a socio-fantasy project intended to blend mythological elements with modern action. The film marked a major undertaking for director , who penned the screenplay alongside story contributions from Veligonda Srinivas, drawing inspiration from centered on and demonic forces. Akkineni signed on early as the lead, portraying an atheist protagonist whose arc emphasizes themes of versus in the face of threats. The script development focused on integrating the legend of Shiva's —a sacred instrument symbolizing cosmic creation—with a contemporary involving demons and divine intervention, ensuring mythological accuracy through into traditional lore. Classified initially as an action fantasy infused with devotional motifs, the project underwent revisions to balance spectacle and thematic depth prior to . With an estimated budget of ₹30–40 , Damarukam was positioned as a high-scale production reliant on extensive to depict its fantastical elements, setting it apart as one of the most ambitious Telugu films of its era.

The production team selected Akkineni for the lead role upon the film's launch in February 2011, marking his return to the socio-fantasy genre following the success of his 2011 , with the character's grounded persona tailored to Nagarjuna's established image as a versatile action hero in such narratives. was roped in as the female lead by mid-2011, her involvement announced alongside Nagarjuna's as she prepared for shooting, leveraging her rising popularity in after hits like Arundhati (2009). was chosen for a pivotal as Lord Shiva and the human character Sambayya, capitalizing on his reputation for portraying multifaceted characters in negative shades across multiple Indian film industries. For the supporting cast, was selected through industry buzz in September 2011 for the role of , Anushka's suitor, described as a meaty part that highlighted his action-hero background from Tamil films like Abhiyum Naanum (2008). Comedians and were cast in comic relief roles based on their long-standing collaborations with in previous films such as (2008) and Kedi (2006), ensuring familiar comedic chemistry to balance the fantasy elements. The ensemble faced minor scheduling challenges due to the actors' commitments to other projects, including Anushka's concurrent Tamil film shoots, but the core cast was finalized by mid-2011 to commence .

Filming

Principal photography for Damarukam began on 25 April 2011 with the first schedule in , where romantic sequences featuring and were shot. A later schedule commenced on 6 June 2011 at the Bramaramba Mallikarjuna temple near Hyderabad in , focusing on key devotional sequences. The production then moved to Chelukudi Water Falls in for additional outdoor shots, capturing natural landscapes integral to the film's socio-fantasy narrative. Subsequent schedules included temple scenes in , , and extensive interior work at and in Hyderabad, where village sets and temple structures were constructed to support the story's mythological elements. Rural village scenes were primarily shot in locations around Hyderabad, while fantasy battle sequences relied heavily on green screen technology at the studios to depict supernatural confrontations. Visual effects played a pivotal role in the film's technical execution, with Firefly Creative Studio tasked with creating approximately 70 minutes of high-quality CGI, including demon transformations and divine manifestations that enhanced the mythological action. A team of over 150 VFX experts worked on the project for more than a year, contributing to what producers described as some of the most advanced in Indian cinema at the time. A substantial portion of the budget—making Damarukam the most expensive film in lead actor Nagarjuna's career—was allocated to these CGI elements, ensuring seamless integration of practical sets with digital enhancements. Production faced challenges, including a minor fire incident on the sets in 2011, which was swiftly contained by the crew without causing significant damage or halting progress. Action for the film's intense sequences, including Nagarjuna's dynamic fight scenes, was coordinated by Vijay Master, requiring precise between performers and technical teams. The principal shoot wrapped up in late 2012 at , spanning roughly 15 months overall, after which initial tasks like and commenced to meet the film's release timeline.

Release

Marketing

The marketing campaign for Damarukam emphasized its socio-fantasy elements, heavy , and devotional theme centered on Lord Shiva, aiming to build anticipation through key pre-release events and media releases. The first look posters featuring lead actors and were unveiled on May 24, 2012, providing an initial glimpse into the film's mythological and action-oriented narrative. This early promotion highlighted the film's ambitious production scale, setting the stage for subsequent hype around its VFX sequences. A major promotional milestone was the audio launch event held on September 10, 2012, at in Hyderabad, which drew a large crowd including the cast and industry figures. The grand function featured live performances of select tracks by composer , with and other team members presenting the album to directors like SS Rajamouli and VV Vinayak. Songs from the soundtrack, such as upbeat devotional numbers, were prominently used in teasers and clips to amplify the film's spiritual and fantastical appeal. The theatrical trailer, released on September 28, 2012, alongside the film Rebel, generated significant buzz for its elaborate VFX and action sequences, receiving widespread positive feedback from fans and audiences. This two-minute clip showcased Nagarjuna's transformation and the film's blend of mythology and modern effects, contributing to heightened pre-release excitement during the Diwali season. Overall, these efforts focused on leveraging the film's unique genre to engage Telugu cinema enthusiasts through targeted media and events.

Distribution

Damarukam was released worldwide on November 23, 2012, aligning with the extended Diwali festival period in India. The film had faced multiple delays prior to its theatrical rollout, with initial plans for an October 12 release postponed due to production and financial challenges, shifting eventually to November. It received a U/A certificate from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) following its censor screening on October 12, 2012, allowing viewing by audiences above age 12 with parental guidance. In the domestic market, theatrical distribution rights for key territories in , including Vizag and UA regions, were acquired by producer for ₹2.25 crore. The film premiered in major cities like Hyderabad and before opening on a substantial number of screens across Telugu-speaking states, contributing to its wide accessibility in the region. Overseas theatrical rights were secured by Vyshnavi Films, targeting markets in the United States, , , and , though the last-minute scheduling led to reduced premiere shows and approximately 50% fewer regular screenings than typical for such releases. A Tamil-dubbed version titled Sivan Udukkai was planned for release shortly after the original, with a summer 2013 rollout in , but it primarily aired on television and online platforms without a confirmed wide theatrical release. The Hindi dubbed edition was prepared but saw limited theatrical distribution, mainly non-theatrical. No significant regional variations were reported beyond these dubbed adaptations, ensuring a standardized presentation across territories.

Box office

Damarukam was produced on a budget of ₹35 , which included significant expenditure on (VFX). The film achieved a total worldwide gross of over ₹48 , with a distributor share of ₹26 , leading to and hit verdict in the Telugu markets. The movie opened strongly with approximately ₹15 grossed over its first three days, benefiting from the festive season and strong support from Nagarjuna's fanbase. Regionally, it performed robustly in , securing a share of approximately ₹21 , while overseas markets contributed around ₹2 gross. In the long run, Damarukam sustained audience interest through positive word-of-mouth, particularly regarding its VFX sequences, allowing it to hold theatrical screens for 50 days in key centers. It was a commercial success for Nagarjuna, achieving hit status, though outperformed by other fantasy films like Eega that year.

Reception

Critical reception

Damarukam received mixed reviews from critics, who praised its visual effects and technical achievements while critiquing the narrative structure and pacing. The film garnered average ratings of around 3/5 from major Telugu review outlets, with Idlebrain awarding it 3/5 for its strong first half and grandeur, TeluguOne giving 3.25/5 for its dynamic performances and effects, and IndiaGlitz offering a generally positive but tempered assessment without a numerical score. Critics highlighted the film's innovative use of , particularly in the demon battles and animated sequences involving mythological elements like Lord Shiva's Nandi. The VFX by Firefly were described as well-integrated and impressive, especially in the climax, elevating the action sequences and providing a spectacle that hooked audiences. Devi Sri Prasad's soundtrack and background score were commended for enhancing the emotional and action beats, with the music integration adding to the film's energetic tone. Nagarjuna's performance in the action-oriented role was a standout, noted for his youthful energy and mass appeal, while was appreciated for her glamorous presence. However, the drew significant for its predictable plot and uneven pacing, particularly in the second half, where the screenplay felt loose and emotions underdeveloped. Reviewers pointed out an over-reliance on mythological tropes without sufficient depth, leading to illogical elements and a who appeared overly dependent on divine intervention rather than personal agency. Some scenes were seen as cinematic liberties that bordered on the hackneyed, with the romantic track between the leads lacking impact and the CG work, while ambitious, not always matching the hype. Notable quotes from reviews underscore these divides: Idlebrain's Jeevi noted, "First half of the film is good... The visual effects are integrated well," but added that "the second half should have been better." IndiaGlitz observed, "The CG work is just about ok," critiquing the hero's characterization as "piggybacking on ’s divine support." TeluguOne praised the VFX as "wonderful, especially in the last 35 minutes," while acknowledging predictable elements. Internationally, reception was limited but aligned with domestic views, as Screen Anarchy described the film as "a massive pile of mediocre to above average FX shots mashed together with a love story and some goofball comedy," lauding the "stellar CG" at the god-modern intersection but finding the plot messy for non-Telugu audiences. The critical consensus positioned Damarukam as visually ambitious and technically proficient but narratively average, appealing primarily to mass audiences seeking spectacle over substance despite its mixed artistic reception. This tempered response did not hinder its box office success.

Accolades

Damarukam received several nominations and wins at regional award ceremonies in 2013, primarily recognizing its technical achievements in , , and music. The film's VFX-heavy production, featuring over 70 minutes of , garnered attention for its innovative use of in . At the 60th Filmfare Awards South, Damarukam earned a nomination for Best Actor – Telugu for Nagarjuna. won the Best Cinematographer – South award for his contributions to the film's visual style. In the TSR-TV9 National Film Awards, the film won for and Best Music Director for . Technical categories dominated the accolades, with no major acting wins, emphasizing Damarukam's impact on visual and auditory innovation in 2012 .

Soundtrack

Composition

Devi Sri Prasad was selected as the composer for Damarukam, marking his 50th film in the Telugu industry. Known for his energetic and versatile style, Prasad infused the with a mix of devotional, romantic, and mass-appeal tracks to complement the film's socio-fantasy narrative centered on Lord Shiva. The composition process involved creating 10 tracks, featuring contributions from 15 singers and six lyricists, with a focus on blending traditional Telugu folk elements and Indian instruments like the and guitar with contemporary electronic and salsa influences to evoke a mystical fantasy vibe. The title song "Aruna Dhavala" draws direct inspiration from the rhythmic beats of Shiva's , incorporating devotional motifs to align with the film's mythological undertones. Notable singers included , Hariharan, , Chitra, Karthik, and Harini, who lent their voices to key numbers emphasizing emotional depth and high-energy sequences. The background score, also by Prasad, employs orchestral arrangements interwoven with Indian classical elements to heighten the intensity of mythological and action scenes, using live percussion cues for dynamic effect in combat sequences. Recording took place ahead of the audio launch event at in Hyderabad on September 10, 2012, where Prasad and the singers performed select tracks live.

Track listing

The soundtrack for Damarukam, composed by , features 10 songs along with background score by the composer. The lyrics are credited to Jonnavithula, , , , and Karunakar, with one track using traditional lyrics. The album has a total duration of 34 minutes and 41 seconds.
No.TitleSinger(s)Lyrics
1Venkat SaiJonnavithula
2Aruna DhavalaKarthikJonnavithula
3Nesthama NesthamaSri Krishna, Harini
4ReppalapaiHariharan,
5Laali Laali
6DheemtanaKarunakar
7Sakkubai, Priyadarshini
8KanyakumariJaspreet Jasz, Malavika
9Shiva Shiva ShankaraTraditional
10Damarukam Title SongJonnavithula
The film was dubbed in Tamil as Sivan Udukkai.

Music reception

The soundtrack of Damarukam, composed by , received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its energetic and devotional tracks for enhancing the film's socio-fantasy narrative. Outlets highlighted the album's ability to blend mass-appeal rhythms with thematic depth, particularly in songs that evoke Shiva's mythology. For instance, 123telugu described it as a "good musical album" where was in "good form," noting the addictive beats in "Sakkubai Garam Chai" and the rousing devotion in "Shiva Shiva Shankara," which effectively elevated the fantasy elements. Similarly, Milliblog commended "Reppalapai" as the standout track for its old-style folk energy and infectious hook, while calling "Laali Laali" a gorgeously rhythmic that showcased strong vocal performances. Commercially, the album achieved notable success, with audio rights acquired by , generating significant pre-release buzz and contributing to the film's overall marketing appeal. The tracks, especially the upbeat numbers, gained traction on radio and digital platforms, helping to boost the movie's mass audience draw despite mixed responses to its plot. earned recognition for his work, winning the Best Music Director award at the TSR-TV9 National Film Awards 2012 for Damarukam. This accolade highlighted the soundtrack's impact in the Telugu . In terms of legacy, the album's songs have endured in cultural contexts, with tracks like "Sakkubai Garam Chai" frequently reused in festive events and dance performances, fostering a lasting association with celebratory Telugu traditions. Critics often noted that the music's vibrancy outperformed the film's narrative reception, providing a stronger hook for audiences and aiding its box-office performance through audio-driven popularity.

References

  1. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1842347/
  2. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/damarukam
  3. https://in.bookmyshow.com/movies/agra/damarukam/ET00007165
  4. https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/devi-sri-hopes-to-hit-hattrick-with-damarukam-album-627997
  5. https://letterboxd.com/film/damarukam/
  6. https://www.filmibeat.com/telugu/movies/damarukam.html
  7. https://www.teluguone.com/tmdb/news/Damarukam-Movie-Review-en-19267c1.html
  8. https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/dhamarukam-one-for-the-asura/article4126828.ece
  9. https://www.rediff.com/movies/review/south-review-damarukam/20121123.htm
  10. https://www.greatandhra.com/movies/reviews/damarukam-review-sounds-alright-42157
  11. https://screenanarchy.com/2012/11/review-damarukam-takes-hindi-mythology-into-the-21st-century.html
  12. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1842347/plotsummary/
  13. https://www.idlebrain.com/movie/archive/mr-dhamarukam.html
  14. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/damarukam-telugu-movie-review-highlights/articleshow/17333771.cms
  15. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1842347/fullcredits/
  16. https://www.rediff.com/movies/report/slide-show-1-south-interview-with-ganesh-venkatraman/20121017.htm
  17. https://www.tvguide.com/movies/damarukam/cast/2000013114/
  18. https://community.sevendaysvt.com/vermont/damarukam/Film?oid=2219673
  19. https://www.filmibeat.com/telugu/movies/damarukam/cast-crew.html
  20. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/damarukam/cast-and-crew
  21. https://www.rediff.com/movies/report/south-first-look-nagarjunas-socio-fantasy-film-damarukam/20120529.htm
  22. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/previews/damarukam/articleshow/16835841.cms
  23. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/no-takers-for-nagarjunas-damarukam/articleshow/13634111.cms
  24. https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/telugu/2011/Jun/28/big-budget-auto-driver-267093.html
  25. https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/telugu/2011/Sep/17/anushka-flying-high-291664.html
  26. https://www.indiaglitz.com/ganesh-venkatraman-in-anushkas-damarukam-telugu-news-71320
  27. https://www.scribd.com/doc/240948707/Telugu-Comedians
  28. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/nagarjunas-damarukam-wrapped-up/articleshow/16234098.cms
  29. https://www.teluguone.com/tmdb/amp/news/nagarjuna-damarukam-movie-in-hyderabad-en-2941c1.html
  30. https://www.teluguone.com/tmdb/amp/news/Nagarjuna-Damarukam-in-Europe-from-April-25--en-658c1.html
  31. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1842347/locations/
  32. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/damarukam-has-70-mins-of-vfx/articleshow/16413742.cms
  33. https://news.yahoo.com/fire-damarukam-sets-130146267.html
  34. https://www.teluguone.com/tmdb/amp/news/Damarukam-Movie-Review-en-19267c1.html
  35. https://www.ragalahari.com/tollywood-news-2012-may/14157/nag-anushkas-first-look-in-damarukam
  36. https://www.filmibeat.com/telugu/news/2012/nagarjuna-damarukam-music-launch-stars-galore-099324.html
  37. https://www.ndtv.com/photos/entertainment/nagarjuna-unveils-the-music-of-damarukam-13788
  38. https://www.ragalahari.com/tollywood-news-2012-september/14972/super-response-for-damarukam-theatrical-trailer
  39. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/damarukam-trailer-gets-great-response/articleshow/16591903.cms
  40. https://www.filmibeat.com/telugu/news/2012/why-nagarjuna-damarukam-release-postponed-thrice-101177.html
  41. https://www.teluguone.com/tmdb/amp/news/Damarukam-Movie-Censor-Report-en-18099c1.html
  42. https://www.cinejosh.com/news/1/24037/censor-board-thrilled-with-damarukam.html
  43. https://www.teluguone.com/tmdb/amp/news/BellamkondaBagsDamarukamUARights-en-16933c1.html
  44. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/bellamkonda-bags-damarukam-vizag-rights/articleshow/15881323.cms
  45. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/vyshnavi-films-bags-damarukam-overseas/articleshow/16503330.cms
  46. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1842347/releaseinfo/
  47. https://www.m9.news/movienews/damarukams-overseas-problems/
  48. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/ganesh-thrilled-about-damarukam/articleshow/17475470.cms
  49. https://www.chitramala.in/damarukam-first-weekend-collections-129890.html
  50. https://www.chitramala.in/damarukam-3-weeks-collections-129989.html
  51. https://www.ragalahari.com/tollywood-news-2013-january/15748/dhamarukam-completes-50-days
  52. https://www.teluguone.com/tmdb/amp/news/Damarukam-review-en-19267c1.html
  53. http://www.indiaglitz.com/dhamarukam-review-telugu-movie-13139
  54. https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/eega-triumphs-at-filmfare-awards-south-612989
  55. https://www.ibtimes.co.in/filmfare-awards-2013-south-complete-list-of-nominees-487119
  56. https://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/tsr-tv9-film-awards-for-2011-12-announced-113041900617_1.html
  57. https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/hyderabad/2013/Apr/19/celebrating-cinema-469340.html
  58. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/charmee-pleased-with-dsps-success/articleshow/16348969.cms
  59. https://www.123telugu.com/reviews/audio-review-damarukam-dsp-is-in-good-form.html
  60. https://www.idlebrain.com/news/2000march20/damarukam-10songs.html
  61. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/damarukam-audio-release-on-sept-10/articleshow/16250754.cms
  62. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKm6WjbORCw
  63. https://open.spotify.com/album/2Z29eAcTbwP8mC9HMEHF1a
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.