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Gaayam
DVD cover
Directed byRam Gopal Varma
Written byPosani Krishna Murali (dialogues)
Screenplay byRam Gopal Varma
Story byRam Gopal Varma
Mani Ratnam
Produced byYarlagadda Surendra
StarringJagapathi Babu
Revathi
Urmila Matondkar
CinematographyRasool Ellore
Edited byShankar
Music bySri
Production
company
S. S. Creations
Release date
  • 22 April 1993 (1993-04-22)
Running time
136 minutes
CountryIndia
LanguageTelugu

Gaayam (transl. The Wound/Injury) is a 1993 Indian Telugu-language political crime thriller film, based on the 1980s Vijayawada Gang Warfare. Directed by Ram Gopal Varma, and story co-written by himself and Mani Ratnam, it stars Jagapathi Babu, Revathi, Urmila Matondkar and music composed by Sri. Upon its release, the film became commercially successful at box-office and won six state Nandi Awards in 1993.[1] The film was dubbed and released in Tamil as Desam.[2]

The film is inspired by The Godfather (1972) which is based on Mario Puzo's novel The Godfather (1969).

Plot

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The film begins with crime lord Durga, who seeks justice for the needy affected due to the failure of the law & order system. Once, a victim approaches Durga, complaining a few manipulators molested his daughter. Durga wallops them, and a newly appointed cop, Bharadwaj, apprehends and acquits him in minutes. On the way, Durga notices his old flame, Anitha, and moves backward. During their college days, the two are lovebirds. Anitha is a journalism student and an idealist, while Durga is the brother of hoodlum Mohana Krishna. She agrees to marry him, provided he should never take his brother's path, which he promises to do.

Meanwhile, Gurunarayana, a wicked corporator & arch-rival of Mohan Krishna, assassinates him for political gain. Enraged, Durga skillfully slays the assailants of the crime and gains control over the city. However, Sarkar escapes as he has been released from prison to cover up the situation. Knowing this, Anitha breaks up with him because she is against his rationalist way. As of today, Anitha is a sincere journalist who always fights to expose inequities, irregularities, & evils in society, and she knits Bharadwaj. Gurunarayana grew up as an MLA for the ruling party. Besides, Durga's cousin Chitra has one side of her feelings and always supports him. Now, Durga also focuses on his political career, and Gurunarayana releases Sarkar from jail to bar him. Then, the power game begins between the gangs. Soon after, Sarkar attacks Durga in the film theater, in which many die. It severely impacts Anitha, who decides to reveal the truth. She meets Durga and tries to mend his ways, but he keeps a deaf ear. Later, she shows her past relationship with Durga to Bharadwaj.

Currently, Durga learns Sarkar's whereabouts and attacks him when he escapes. Durga is behind Sarkar, but he backs off while observing Bharadwaj. Simultaneously, Anitha takes Gurunarayana's interview regarding the chaos at the film theater. At that point, Sarkar reaches Gurunarayana's residence in front of Anitha, and Bharadwaj chases him. Gurunarayana tries to cover up the scene when a brawl arises between Bharadwaj & Gurunarayana. Anitha struggles to reveal the truth, but her editor always hinders her. Afterward, Gurunarayana plots and abducts Chitra when Durga rushes for her rescue. Therein, he is incriminated in a crime and seized. Bharadwaj is about to produce a witness against him, whom Gurunarayana has slaughtered. As a result, infuriated Bharadwaj charges Durga and imprisons him.

The next day, Gurunarayana schemes to become Chief Minister by collapsing the government, for which he conducts high religious riots that leave severe destruction. In these revolts, Bharadwaj encounters henchmen of Gurunarayana. On that note, Gurunarayana berates the department when Bharadwaj slaps him, and he seeks revenge. After facing several consequences, Anitha covers up the incident and submits it to her editor. But he turns out and surrenders all the evidence to Gurunarayana.

At present, Gurunarayana plans a self-bomb blast to gain sympathy on the eve of Ganesh Nimarjan. Alongside, the Police department receives intel regarding Gurunarayana's conspiracy, so to impede, they free Durga and enlist his aid. Bharadwaj is assigned the task of controlling the furor at the event when Gurunarayana announces to Anitha that he intends to kill her husband. Thus, she seeks Durga's help and arrives at the ritual with Chitra. Sarkar plans the bombing from an enclosed movie theater. Durga & Bharadwaj sense it and successfully block him. Gurunarayana also enters the hideout to execute the plan when the bomb explodes at a safe distance without harming people. At last, Durga & Bharadwaj are in a safe space, Sarkar dies, and Gurunarayana is severely injured and sentenced later. Finally, the movie ends with Anitha thanking Durga, and he decides to take a new path.

Cast

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Production

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The film's story was written by Ram Gopal Varma and Mani Ratnam together, which is inspired from the book The Godfather. Varma faced financial troubles after the failure of Antham and Raatri and was also producing Money that time so he approached Surendra to do a film for his company which eventually became Gaayam.[1]

Varma decided to do Gaayam with Jagapathi Babu after he was impressed with a fight sequence he did for the film Peddarikam.[3] This was the first film that Jagapathi Babu dubbed for himself.[4] The initial version of the script did not have the character of Chitra, it was Ratnam who suggested this character while also suggesting Urmila Matondkar for the role.[3]

The song "Alupannadi Unda" was shot at R. K. Beach and Jagadamba Theatre while the climax was shot at Vikranth Theatre in Hyderabad. The choreography of the song "Cheli Meeda" was done by Urmila herself.[1]

Soundtrack

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Gaayam
Soundtrack album by
Released1993
Recorded1993
GenreSoundtrack
Length25:45
LabelSURYA Audio
ProducerSri

The soundtrack was composed by Sri, son of composer Chakravarthy in his debut.[5] Lyrics were penned by Sirivennela Sitarama Sastry. Music released on Surya Audio Company.

Track listing
No.TitleSinger(s)Length
1."Nizamu Pori"Mano, Chitra, Eeswar5:20
2."Niggadeesi Adugu"S. P. Balasubrahmanyam2:06
3."Alupannadi Unda"Chitra5:41
4."Surajyamavaleni Swarajyamendukani"S. P. Balasubrahmanyam4:56
5."Chelimeeda Chitikedu"Mano,Chitra6:59
Total length:25:45

Awards

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Box office

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The film's success established Jagapathi Babu as one of the popular actors in Telugu cinema.[1]

Sequel

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After the film's success, Ram Gopal Varma and Jagapathi Babu planned to release a sequel titled Gaayam 2. Ram Gopal Varma was the producer in the sequel while Praveen Sri was the director. Vimala Raman was the heroine as Kota Srinivasa Rao again plays as the antagonist.

References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
is a 1993 Indian Telugu-language political crime thriller film written and directed by Ram Gopal Varma. Starring Jagapathi Babu as Durga Prasad, Revathi as Anitha, Kota Srinivasa Rao as Guru Narayan, and Urmila Matondkar in a supporting role, the film centers on Durga's transformation from a prospective settled life to vengeance-driven leadership in organized crime after his brother's murder by a rival gangster backed by political figures. Drawing stylistic influences from mafia narratives, it features music composed by S. P. Balasubrahmanyam and lyrics by Sirivennela Seetharama Sastry. Upon release, Gaayam achieved commercial success at the box office and garnered recognition through multiple Nandi Awards from the Andhra Pradesh government, including for best lyrics. The film's screenplay and Varma's direction have been praised for their gritty portrayal of 1980s Vijayawada underworld dynamics, influencing subsequent Telugu cinema.

Development

Scriptwriting and Inspiration

The story for Gaayam was co-written by director and , marking a rare collaboration between the two filmmakers on a Telugu project. Ratnam contributed significantly to the , adapting the core narrative to explore themes of vengeance, , and underworld rivalries. Dialogues were crafted by , whose writing emphasized the raw socio-political tensions of 1980s . The film's plot draws loose inspiration from Mario Puzo's 1969 novel , transposing its mafia family structure and cycles of retribution into the backdrop of factional gang wars in , where real-life feuds between political and criminal elements fueled violence during that era. Varma explicitly cited as a conceptual influence, using it to frame the protagonist's transformation from a reluctant participant to a dominant figure in Hyderabad's underworld. This adaptation grounded the story in empirical observations of regional factionalism, avoiding direct replication while prioritizing causal links between personal vendettas and broader power struggles.

Pre-production Planning

Pre-production for Gaayam centered on the creative synergy between director and , who penned the while Varma oversaw direction and production under his banner, Varma Arts. This collaboration reflected a reciprocal exchange of screenplay contributions between the two filmmakers during 1993, alongside their work on . The planning phase prioritized a realistic socio-political narrative rooted in the 1980s gang warfare, enabling an authentic exploration of criminal and political intersections without reliance on formulaic commercial elements. Key decisions included casting Jagapati Babu as the protagonist , a role that capitalized on his emerging presence in and positioned him as a commercial lead post-release. Varma's self-production model ensured streamlined oversight, focusing resources on narrative depth over spectacle, consistent with his approach to innovation in early Telugu films. The process culminated in a tight framework that supported the film's critical and commercial success upon its release.

Cast and Characters

Principal Cast

Babu stars as Durga Prasad, the film's central , a disillusioned who turns to amid systemic and personal vendettas. portrays Anitha, Durga's principled love interest and moral anchor, whose relationship with him underscores themes of redemption. plays Chitra, a complex figure entangled in the criminal elements, adding layers to the narrative's exploration of underworld dynamics. embodies Guru Narayan, the ruthless don whose influence drives much of the conflict, delivering a performance noted for its intensity in depicting power structures.
ActorRole
Jagapati BabuDurga Prasad
Anitha
Chitra
Guru Narayan

Supporting Roles

enacted the role of Guru Narayan, a ruthless local MLA and the film's chief , whose gang murders the Durga's brother Mohanakrishna, igniting Durga's path of vengeance and descent into . This character embodies intertwined with influence, drawing from real-life gang dynamics of the . Urmila Matondkar appeared as Chitra, a secondary female character linked to through a musical sequence and interpersonal dynamics that highlight his pre-transformation life. Her portrayal adds emotional layers to 's backstory, featuring in the song "Alupannadi Unda" which underscores themes of fleeting romance amid escalating violence. Sivakrishna played Bharadwaj, a figure navigating the turf war between 's emerging syndicate and Guru Narayan's operations, representing institutional response to the gang warfare. Charan Raj portrayed Mohanakrishna, Durga's brother whose assassination by Guru Narayan's men serves as the inciting incident, propelling the narrative from domestic stability to retaliatory vigilantism. Additional supporting actors include Tanikella Bharani as a lawyer aiding the protagonists' legal maneuvers, Rami Reddy in a gangster role, and Gummadi as an elder figure, contributing to the ensemble depiction of Vijayawada's underworld ecosystem. These performances, grounded in the film's basis on historical gang rivalries, enhance the realism of the political thriller without overshadowing the leads.

Production

Direction and Technical Crew

Ram Gopal Varma directed Gaayam, marking an early entry in his career focused on gritty, realistic portrayals of crime and power dynamics in . Varma, known for his raw storytelling style influenced by real-world observations rather than conventional , also co-produced the film with Surendra Yarlagadda under Varma's own banner. The screenplay drew from a story co-authored by Varma and , adapting elements reminiscent of into a Telugu context centered on gang rivalries and personal vendettas. Cinematography was handled by , whose work emphasized stark, unflinching visuals to capture the film's tense urban atmosphere and moral ambiguities without stylistic flourishes typical of commercial Telugu films of the era. Editing fell to Shankar Suri, who maintained a taut pace across the 137-minute runtime, prioritizing narrative momentum over extraneous sequences. The original score and soundtrack were composed by Sri Kommineni, featuring five songs that integrated seamlessly with the plot's emotional undercurrents, including tracks like "Gundello Puttindhi" rendered by and . Additional technical contributions included art direction that recreated Hyderabad's underbelly with minimalistic sets reflecting the characters' precarious lives, though specific credits for art and sound design remain sparsely documented in contemporary reviews. The crew's emphasis on authenticity over gloss contributed to the film's enduring reputation for technical restraint amid its thematic intensity.

Filming Process and Locations

Principal photography for Gaayam commenced in early 1993 under the direction of Ram Gopal Varma, who employed his signature unorthodox techniques to elicit raw, realistic performances from the cast. In one notable instance, Varma deliberately provoked tension between lead actors Jagapati Babu and Urmila Matondkar by informing Matondkar that Babu harbored dislike for her, resulting in an authentic on-set rift that enhanced the emotional intensity of their scenes. Babu later reflected that, despite the initial strain, this method proved effective in capturing genuine animosity, for which he expressed gratitude toward Varma. The screenplay, penned by , influenced Varma's approach to blend political intrigue with visceral action sequences, drawing from real-life gang dynamics of the , though specific scheduling details remain undocumented in primary accounts. Filming wrapped in time for the film's theatrical release on June 25, 1993. Documented information on exact shooting locations is limited, with production centered in to reflect the narrative's roots in regional conflicts, but no verified site-specific records are publicly detailed.

Soundtrack

Musical Composition

The soundtrack of Gaayam consists of five songs composed by Sri Kommineni, with lyrics provided by . The tracks include "Chelimeeda" rendered by and , "Swarajyamvaleni" by , "Niggadeesi Adugu" by , "Alupannadi Unda," and "Naizamu Pori." These compositions integrate melodic structures with rhythmic patterns that reflect the film's themes of vendetta and urban conflict, providing contrast to the narrative's intensity. Sri Kommineni also crafted the background score, utilizing orchestral elements to build suspense and underscore action sequences, aligning with the political thriller's gritty atmosphere. The score's restrained tension has been noted for enhancing the film's realism without overpowering the or visuals. Released under the label, the music contributed to the overall immersive experience of the 1993 production.

Track Details and Release

The soundtrack for Gaayam, composed by Sri Kommineni with lyrics primarily by , was released by in early 1993, ahead of the film's theatrical premiere on April 22, 1993. It comprises five melodic tracks blending romantic and situational elements, featuring prominent playback singers of the era such as Mano and K. S. Chitra. The album contributed to the film's cultural impact through its integration with the narrative's emotional and action sequences.
Track No.TitleSinger(s)
1Naizamu Mano, [K. S. Chitra](/page/K. S. Chitra), Eswar
2Alupannadi Unda[K. S. Chitra](/page/K. S. Chitra)
3ChelimeedaMano, [K. S. Chitra](/page/K. S. Chitra)
4Niggadesi Adugu
5Yedo Tahaa TahaaMano,
The tracks were recorded to emphasize the film's themes of vendetta and romance, with "Alupannadi Unda" and "Naizamu Pori" receiving particular attention for their picturization and vocal performances. No bit songs or additional unreleased tracks have been documented in records.

Release

Theatrical Premiere and Distribution

Gaayam was theatrically released on 22 April 1993 in . The release occurred primarily in theaters catering to Telugu-speaking audiences in , with production banners S.S. Creations and Varma Arts overseeing the rollout. No international distribution details were recorded at the time, as the film focused on domestic markets within the Telugu film industry.

Marketing and Promotion

The promotion of Gaayam relied on traditional strategies prevalent in during the early 1990s, including the launch of its on audio cassettes, which featured compositions by Sri and helped build anticipation through radio and music stores. handled the distribution of the album, with tracks such as "Alupannadi Unda" receiving notable playback via the era's limited media channels. The film's emphasized director Ram Gopal Varma's established style of raw, realism-driven narratives, following the commercial success of his 1989 debut , to draw audiences interested in political crime thrillers. Theatrical publicity involved posters and newspaper advertisements highlighting the lead cast, including Jagapati Babu and , alongside the film's basis in 1980s gang conflicts, though no large-scale events or television campaigns were documented. This approach contributed to word-of-mouth buzz post-release, aligning with the industry's pre-digital emphasis on content-driven appeal over aggressive hype.

Reception

Critical Analysis

Gaayam marked a departure from conventional narratives by integrating elements of urban realism and political intrigue, drawing inspiration from the 1980s Vijayawada gang warfare between families like Devineni and Vangaveeti. Directed by , the film eschews melodramatic tropes in favor of a taut screenplay that traces the protagonist Durga's descent into following his brother's murder, highlighting the inexorable pull of in faction-ridden societies. Critics have commended its foreshadowing of Varma's later works, such as , through a focus on the unglamorous underbelly of crime rather than its allure, emphasizing moral erosion and power vacuums. This approach lent authenticity to depictions of and dynamics, positioning Gaayam as one of 's pioneering political thrillers. Performances received mixed assessments, with supporting roles, particularly Kota Srinivasa Rao's portrayal of the ruthless MLA Gurunarayana Rao, lauded for embodying the of entrenched political malice through nuanced menace. In contrast, Jagapati Babu's lead as drew criticism for limited emotional range, often reduced to a single expressive mode despite dominating screen presence amid strong antagonists. Varma's direction excels in atmospheric tension via stark visuals and restrained pacing, avoiding song interruptions to maintain narrative momentum, though some observers note a potential oversimplification of factionalism's socioeconomic roots in favor of personal vendettas. Thematically, Gaayam realistically captures causal loops of where individual acts perpetuate institutional decay, as seen in Durga's shift from to parallel governance, mirroring real factional politics without overt moralizing. However, its emphasis on retribution over systemic has led to debates on whether it inadvertently normalizes cyclical brutality, a tension evident in Varma's oeuvre where gritty realism sometimes borders on . by Sri Kommineni complements this with understated scores that amplify dread, contributing to the film's enduring technical reputation despite narrative predictability in revenge arcs. Overall, Gaayam's critical acclaim stems from its bold fusion of documentary-like fidelity to regional conflicts with thriller conventions, influencing subsequent Telugu depictions of power struggles.

Audience Response and Box Office

Gaayam achieved commercial success upon its release on July 3, 1993, emerging as a hit in . The film's strong performance underscored its appeal amid the competitive landscape of early Telugu releases, driven by its engaging narrative on and gang warfare. Audience reception was generally positive, with viewers praising the screenplay by and , as well as the overall execution despite some critiques of lead performances. On IMDb, the film maintains a user rating of 7.5 out of 10, based on 528 votes, indicating sustained appreciation among online audiences for its gripping storytelling and character dynamics. This response contributed to its and influenced subsequent works in the genre.

Awards and Accolades

Nandi Awards

Gaayam received six from the government in 1993, acknowledging outstanding contributions in acting and technical categories. Urmila Matondkar was awarded the Nandi for Best Supporting Actress for her portrayal of the female lead. Kota Srinivasa Rao earned the for his role as the antagonist. Additionally, lyricist won recognition for the song "Surajyamavale Ni". The remaining awards encompassed technical achievements such as and , contributing to the film's gritty visual style and narrative pacing.

Other Recognitions

Gaayam garnered critical recognition for its unflinching depiction of 1980s Vijayawada gang warfare and political machinations, with director Ram Gopal Varma's taut screenplay—co-written with —hailed for blending thriller elements with . The film's portrayal by earned specific praise for its raw intensity and authenticity, underscoring the actor's versatility in negative roles. Beyond formal awards, the movie's innovative narrative structure and atmospheric tension have been retrospectively noted by film enthusiasts and analysts as pivotal in elevating Telugu gangster genre conventions.

Sequel

Gaayam 2 Production

Gaayam 2 was announced as a sequel to the 2009 Telugu Gaayam, with production handled by Dr. C. Dharmakartha under the Kartha Creations banner and presented by . The project marked the directorial debut of Sri, who assembled a technical team including cinematographer Anil Bhandari and editor Praveen Reddy. Music composition was assigned to , continuing the emphasis on a gritty crime narrative set partly abroad. Jagapati Babu reprised his lead role as Ram, a character from the original film, portraying a restaurant owner in alongside his on-screen wife Vidya, played by , and their adopted son Chaitanya, enacted by Pavansriram. Supporting roles featured veteran actors such as and Kota Prasad, with the casting aimed at maintaining continuity in the underworld-themed storyline. commenced with extensive location shooting in , , spanning approximately 20 days to capture key sequences involving the protagonist's expatriate life. Two songs featuring Jagapati Babu were filmed during this phase, after which the unit shifted to Hyderabad on May 3, 2010, for remaining interior and action scenes. The production wrapped up in time for a theatrical release on September 3, 2010.

Sequel Reception and Performance

Gaayam 2, released on September 3, 2010, received mixed reviews from critics, who praised its fast-paced narrative and performances but criticized it for lacking the original film's intensity and relying too heavily on flashbacks to the 1993 predecessor. Venkat Arikatla of Great Andhra rated it 2/5, noting the film's racy storytelling and Babu's strong lead role as strengths, though it fell short of recapturing the first Gaayam's edge. Similarly, described it as "quite neat" with a family-oriented angle amid the don-politician conflicts, but observed it remained entrenched in familiar tropes without fresh innovation. Audience response echoed critical sentiments, with comparisons to the original frequently diminishing enthusiasm; IndiaGlitz highlighted that the first half dragged until the interval, failing to engage viewers unfamiliar with or nostalgic for the prequel's style. On , the film holds a 5.2/10 rating from 79 users, reflecting moderate appeal primarily among fans of the action-crime genre and Jagapati Babu's portrayal of a reformed turned restaurant owner in . News18 review emphasized its derivative nature, replaying original scenes and lacking emotional depth, which limited broader resonance. At the box office, performed as an above-average grosser in Telugu markets, benefiting from Babu's star draw and aggressive promotion, though it did not achieve blockbuster status due to mixed word-of-mouth and competition. Specific earnings data remains sparse, but early reports indicated steady openings driven by action sequences and Ilaiyaraaja's score, sustaining runs in urban centers without widespread rural breakout. The film's modest budget and branding contributed to profitability, aligning with its positioning as a rather than a standalone hit.

Legacy

Influence on Telugu Cinema

Gaayam (1993), directed by , marked a departure from conventional by incorporating gritty realism and technical innovation in depicting the interplay between and politics, drawing from the gang warfare prevalent in during the 1980s. This approach emphasized raw, cinematic storytelling over formulaic elements, influencing Tollywood's shift toward more aesthetically driven narratives in . The film's exploration of themes such as , dynamics, and the mafia-politician nexus was considered ahead of its time, establishing a template for political thrillers that prioritized socio-political commentary alongside action. Its loose adaptation of 's structure, combined with real-world inspirations, encouraged filmmakers to blend literary sources with local contexts, fostering a subgenre of underworld dramas in . Gaayam's commercial success and critical acclaim revitalized lead actor Jagapati Babu's career, transforming him from a struggling star into a bankable performer adept at intense, layered roles, which expanded opportunities for character-driven performances in mass-oriented films. The film's stylistic legacy, including Varma's signature close-ups and atmospheric tension, permeated subsequent works by his protégés and inspired a wave of RGV-influenced directors to experiment with elements in mainstream Tollywood productions.

Cultural and Thematic Impact

Gaayam delves into themes of systemic corruption intertwining , , and personal vendettas, portraying how individual moral compromises perpetuate broader societal decay in 1980s . The narrative follows protagonist Durga's descent from an idealistic youth into the following his brother's , highlighting the inescapability of in a dominated by rowdyism and political , with the "wound" symbolizing enduring societal injuries from unchecked power dynamics. The film critiques the normalization of across all strata, from politicians exploiting gang rivalries to ordinary citizens enabling the cycle through complicity or self-interest, offering a stark commentary on institutional rot without romanticizing criminal ascent. Unlike later works that occasionally glamorize underworld life, Gaayam emphasizes its destructive personal and familial costs, drawing loose inspiration from to underscore inevitable moral erosion in power struggles. Culturally, Gaayam pioneered a raw, documentary-like aesthetic in Telugu cinema's gangster subgenre, shifting from formulaic heroism to gritty realism rooted in Vijayawada's historical gang wars, thereby influencing depictions of political-crime in subsequent films like . Its stylistic innovations—moody lighting, terse dialogues, and unflinching violence—elevated RGV's reputation for genre disruption, fostering a template for exploring unglamorous crime consequences that resonated amid real-world Andhra rowdyism.

References

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