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State Rowdy
State Rowdy
State Rowdy
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State Rowdy
Movie poster
Directed byB. Gopal
Written byParuchuri Brothers
(story & dialogues)
Produced byT. Subbarami Reddy & P. Sasibhushan
StarringChiranjeevi
Radha
Bhanupriya
Rao Gopal Rao
Sharada
Thiagarajan
CinematographyS. Gopal Reddy
Edited byK.A. Marthand
Music byBappi Lahiri
Release date
  • 23 March 1989 (1989-03-23)
CountryIndia
LanguageTelugu

State Rowdy is a 1989 Indian Telugu-language action drama film directed by B. Gopal and produced by T. Subbarami Reddy and P. Sasi Bhushan. The film stars Chiranjeevi in the lead role, with Radha and Bhanupriya as the female leads. The film also features Sarada, Rao Gopal Rao, Kaikala Satyanarayana, Thiagarajan and Nutan Prasad in key roles. The music was composed by Bappi Lahiri.[1]

Released on March 23, 1989, State Rowdy became a commercial success, particularly in the Nizam region, where it grossed ₹1 crore, setting a box office record at the time.[2]

Plot

[edit]

Kalicharan is a rowdy who kidnaps all the leading rowdies from different parts of the state working under two rivals, and provides them with good jobs. Asha has an interest in him and assists with his good deeds. To get rid of this "state rowdy," the villains learn that he has a mother and a cousin, Radha, and inform them of his whereabouts.

It is known that Kali is actually Prudhvi who was aspiring to become a police officer but could not get the job due to Naagamani, even though he performed well at the interview and tests. He becomes an outlaw due to this and turns as state rowdy to eliminate all the other rowdies by taking law into his own hands.

When his mother and Radha see him, he is forced to reveal the secret that he is actually a police informer working for Naagamani to bring criminals to justice. Naagamani has lost her husband and daughter in fighting the villains.

Later, it is learnt that Asha is Naagamani's daughter, and she is accused of murdering Rao Gopal Rao's younger brother. The rest of the story forms on how she is acquitted with Kali's help, and how Kali and Naagamani get rid of their enemies by bringing them to justice.

In the end Prudhvi hands over Asha to Nagamani and he marries Radha.

Cast

[edit]

Production

[edit]

State Rowdy was produced by T. Subbarami Reddy, marking his only collaboration with Chiranjeevi.[2] The film starred with Revathi and Bhanupriya as the female leads marking Reavthi's first movie as a lead heroine with Chiranjeevi. Later due to date issues Revathi's role was taken by Radha. Initially, the project was set to be directed by Kodandarami Reddy, known for his successful collaborations with Chiranjeevi. However, due to Kodandarami Reddy's commitments to other projects with the actor, B. Gopal was brought in to direct, marking his first collaboration with Chiranjeevi.[2] This partnership would later result in the highly successful Indra (2002).

Music

[edit]

The music for State Rowdy was composed by Bappi Lahiri, in his first collaboration with Chiranjeevi. The audio launch event was attended by Kamal Haasan.[2]

The soundtrack, featuring songs like "Radha Radha Madilona," "Chukkala Pallakilo," "One Two Three Four," "Tadhigana Thom," and "Are Mooti Meeda Meesamunna," was a hit, particularly among mass audiences.[3] The song "One Two Three Four" helped popularize breakdancing.[4]

No.TitleLyricsSinger(s)Length
1."Are Moothi Meeda Meesamunna"VeturiS. P. Balasubrahmanyam 
2."Tadhigana Thom"VeturiS. P. Balasubrahmanyam, P. Suseela 
3."Radha Radha Madilona"VeturiS. P. Balasubrahmanyam, P. Suseela 
4."Chukkala Pallakilo"C. Narayana ReddyS. P. Balasubrahmanyam, P. Suseela 
5."One Two Three"JonnavittulaS. P. Balasubrahmanyam, S. Janaki 

Reception

[edit]

State Rowdy was released on March 23, 1989, following the blockbuster success of Chiranjeevi’s Attaku Yamudu Ammayiki Mogudu earlier that year. The strong box office performance of Attaku Yamudu Ammayiki Mogudu heightened expectations for State Rowdy. Distributors in the Nizam region showed significant interest in acquiring the film's rights, with some reportedly offering blank cheques.[2]

Although the film initially received mixed word-of-mouth, it quickly gained traction and became a major commercial success. State Rowdy was praised for its mass appeal and energetic songs, which played a crucial role in its popularity. In its first week, the film grossed ₹1.14 crore, with a distributor share of ₹75 lakh.[5] The film set a record in the Nizam region by grossing over ₹1 crore, a remarkable feat for a Telugu film at the time. The film’s success garnered nationwide attention. The Bombay-based trade magazine Trade Guide published an article titled Where Is Amitabh?, comparing the collections of State Rowdy to those of Amitabh Bachchan's films, surprising many in the Hindi film industry.[2]

The 100-day celebration of State Rowdy was attended by Rajinikanth as the chief guest. The success of State Rowdy further solidified Chiranjeevi’s status as the reigning superstar of Telugu cinema'.[2]

References

[edit]
[edit]
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State Rowdy

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from Grokipedia
State Rowdy is a Indian Telugu-language action drama film directed by and produced by and P. Sasibhushan under Maheswari Parameswari Films. Starring in a triple role as /Prudhvi/Prithviraj alongside and , the film follows an aspiring police officer who, rejected due to and his family's past, transforms into a self-proclaimed "state rowdy" to combat injustice. With music composed by , it was released on 23 March and emerged as a commercial hit, praised for its mass entertainment value and Chiranjeevi's dynamic performance. State Rowdy marked another collaboration between director and following their earlier successes, with the screenplay penned by the . Bappi Lahiri's soundtrack, featuring energetic tracks like "Chukkala Pallakilo" and "Radha Radha," became a major highlight, contributing to the film's widespread appeal and replay value in theaters. Supporting cast members including Sharada, , , and added depth to the ensemble, portraying key figures in the protagonist's journey from outcast to hero. Critically, the film holds a 6.3/10 rating on based on user reviews, lauded for its engaging trope and on systemic failures, though some noted formulaic elements common to the . As a box office hit, it solidified 's stardom in during the late 1980s, influencing subsequent action dramas with reformist anti-heroes.

Development

Conception

State Rowdy was conceived as an action drama centered on justice against , drawing from the story of an aspiring thwarted by systemic politics who resorts to outlaw methods to combat crime. The script, emphasizing themes of personal redemption and institutional failure, was penned by the , a prolific duo renowned for their contributions to . Producers and P. Sasibhushan secured funding to launch production under their banner Amrutha Vijayabhaskar Productions. Directed by early in his career, the film marked his inaugural collaboration with . This partnership capitalized on Chiranjeevi's surging popularity after 1987 successes like . It prioritized elaborate action sequences and musical elements.

Casting

was cast in the lead role as the protagonist Prudhvi, also known as , selected for his prominent action-hero persona following the success of his 1988 Telugu films such as Trinetrudu and . His dual portrayal emphasized the character's transformation from an aspiring to a rowdy, aligning with director 's vision for dynamic character arcs. Bhanupriya was cast as Asha, the cousin of the lead female character, bringing a fresh presence to the ensemble after her established work in Tamil and films. was chosen for the role of the love interest and village teacher, ensuring timely production progress. The supporting cast included veteran actor as the Narendra Bhupathi, delivering a commanding performance in opposition to the . Sharada portrayed the 's mother, providing emotional depth, while played the rival rowdy, adding intensity to the conflict. Sharada also played Nagamani, contributing to the familial dynamics. This process prioritized performers who could balance toughness with underlying ethics, reflecting the film's thematic exploration of outside the law.

Production

Filming

for State Rowdy took place primarily in Hyderabad, , . The film was shot on 35mm film, with handled by , who employed dynamic camera techniques to capture the intense action sequences, including chase scenes and confrontations. Chiranjeevi prepared extensively for his triple role as the rowdy , Prudhvi, and Prithviraj, contributing to the demanding stunt work coordinated by fight masters.

Post-production

Following , the of State Rowdy focused on refining the raw footage into a cohesive action . The was handled by B. Sathyam, who crafted a final runtime of 147 minutes to balance the intense action sequences, dramatic confrontations, and musical interludes. Visual effects were minimal and practical, relying on on-location stunts and matte techniques typical of late-1980s , as digital tools like CGI were not yet prevalent in Indian . Dubbing efforts emphasized clarity and emotional depth, with principal cast members, including , re-recording dialogues to heighten the film's confrontational tone. The overall process adhered to industry standards of the time, conducted in Hyderabad facilities. Color grading enhanced the visual palette to underscore the story's gritty urban setting and high-stakes themes, while sound mixing integrated Bappi Lahiri's energetic score with ambient effects for immersive playback. The completed received a U certification from the and was approved for theatrical release on March 23, 1989.

Plot

Synopsis

Prithviraj, an aspiring from a modest background, resides with his widowed mother in a small village and harbors deep affection for his neighbor , a dedicated village teacher. His brother Prudhvi, also played by , aspired to join but was rejected due to interference by Nagamani (Sharada), commissioner. Disillusioned, Prudhvi assumes the alias and transforms into a vigilante rowdy, systematically kidnapping prominent criminals from various regions across the state working under two rival crime lords, Dharma Rao () and another leader (). Under this guise, he reforms those deemed redeemable by offering them legitimate employment opportunities, while decisively eliminating those he considers beyond salvation. Parallel to his vigilante activities, a subplot unfolds involving (Bhanupriya), the daughter of Nagamani, who witnesses a and faces pursuit by criminals and police. Kalicharan intervenes to protect her and secure her safety from these threats. As events progress, Prudhvi discloses his true identity to his mother and brother, confronts the rival crime lords, and marries , while Prithviraj solidifies his relationship with . The narrative culminates in a high-stakes showdown where unmasks widespread involving the rivals and Nagamani's circle, precipitating their ultimate downfall and allowing the brothers to achieve personal redemption. portrays the triple roles of Prithviraj, Prudhvi, and , embodying the protagonists' transformations.

Themes

The film State Rowdy delves into vigilante justice as a direct response to institutional , particularly critiquing the manipulative in 1980s Indian police recruitment processes that thwart honest aspirations. The protagonists' evolution into an figure underscores the perceived inadequacies of the legal , positioning individual moral action as a necessary counter to systemic graft and favoritism. This motif reflects broader anxieties in of the era, where heroes often embody populist resistance against entrenched power structures. Central to the is the theme of redemption and for criminals, emphasizing transformation through access to legitimate opportunities rather than punitive measures alone. By contrasting the of a rowdy existence with the dignity of honest labor—such as providing reformed individuals with stable employment—the film advocates for rehabilitation as a pathway to societal reintegration. This approach highlights a in inherent redeemability, aligning with 1980s Telugu mass films' focus on heroic intervention to foster moral renewal. Family loyalty and personal sacrifice form another key motif, exemplified by the brothers' concealed identities, which serve to shield their widowed mother and romantic partners—Asha for Kalicharan/Prudhvi and for Prithviraj—from the dangers of their double lives. This narrative choice illustrates the profound emotional bonds that drive individual actions, prioritizing familial protection over personal revelation or safety. Such elements reinforce traditional values of devotion amid conflict, a staple in Chiranjeevi's portrayals of resilient . The portrayal of gender roles emerges through the female leads: Radha represents empowerment via as a village school teacher, while Asha, as a in peril, highlights and reliance on heroic intervention, challenging and reinforcing patriarchal norms in a conservative setting. Their professional independence and supportive roles in the protagonists' journeys subtly critique constraints while affirming women's agency within familial and communal structures. This depiction aligns with evolving representations in 1980s , where female leads often balance tradition with subtle progressiveness.

Cast

Lead roles

Chiranjeevi takes on a triple role as , Prudhvi, and Prithviraj, depicting an aspiring who transforms into a vigilante to combat injustice, blending high-octane action sequences with profound emotional layers in his performance. Radha portrays , the central character's romantic partner and a dedicated village school teacher, offering steadfast moral guidance and anchoring the film's romantic elements. She is depicted as the protagonist's cousin. Bhanupriya appears as Asha, the daughter of police officer Naagamani and secondary female lead, contributing to the exploration of familial ties and a key redemption storyline involving false accusations. Rao Gopal Rao embodies Narendra Bhupathi, one of the main rival rowdy leaders whose antagonistic actions propel the primary conflict, representing the criminal underworld.

Supporting roles

Sharada portrays the protagonist's mother, serving as a pivotal emotional anchor that underscores themes of familial sacrifice and resilience in the face of adversity. Her character provides the moral grounding for Chiranjeevi's lead role, emphasizing the personal costs of his transformation from aspiring to , and her performance draws on her established reputation for maternal figures in . Thiagarajan enacts the role of a rival rowdy leader, functioning as a key action foil that intensifies subplot tensions and rivalry dynamics within the criminal underworld. His portrayal heightens the stakes of confrontations, contributing to the film's exploration of power hierarchies and retribution, while leveraging his experience in antagonistic parts across South Indian films. The role of Naagamani, Asha's and a police official integral to the innocence subplot centered on false accusations, amplifies the dramatic and ethical layers surrounding the female lead's plight. Through this role, it highlights the ripple effects of societal and criminal pressures on ordinary families, adding emotional depth without overshadowing the central narrative. Among other notable supporting performers, Kaikala Satyanarayana appears as a police ally, facilitating alliances that bridge the and vigilante elements, and his authoritative presence reinforces the story's themes of and institutional support. Additional cast includes and in supporting roles.

Music

Soundtrack

The soundtrack of State Rowdy was composed by , marking his first collaboration with in . The album features five songs that blend rhythms with folk elements, characteristic of Lahiri's style, with lyrics penned primarily by Sundararama Murthy and for the track "Chukkala Pallakilo". The songs were recorded emphasizing this fusion to suit the film's action-drama tone and Chiranjeevi's energetic persona. The audio cassette was released in 1989, with the launch event attended by .
No.TitleLyricsSinger(s)Description
1"Are Moothi Meeda Meesamunna"An energetic song highlighting the protagonist's persona.
2"Tadhigana Thom", An action-oriented theme highlighting brotherhood and confrontation.
3"Radha Radha Madilona", A romantic capturing the film's central love story.
4"Chukkala Pallakilo", A folk-style song evoking rural romance and celebration.
5"One Two Three"Jonnavittula, An upbeat number that popularized in and became a chart-topper, influencing trends in 1989.
The songs' creation involved close coordination during filming to integrate , particularly for the sequences. Overall, the contributed to the film's appeal by combining catchy melodies with culturally resonant lyrics, making it a highlight of Lahiri's early work in Telugu music.

Background score

The background score for State Rowdy, composed by , prominently features synth-heavy action cues and emotional strings to heighten the film's dramatic tension. This instrumental component draws influences from Bollywood action films while adapting the style to suit the heightened intensity of . Notably, the climax theme incorporates Lahiri's signature beats, which were reused to infuse urgency into the vigilante confrontations, enhancing the narrative's emotional and action-driven climax.

Release

Theatrical release

State Rowdy was released on , 1989, in . The film received U certification from the Central Board of Film Censors. The release was simultaneous in Telugu-speaking areas, with no dubbed versions available at launch to maintain the authenticity of the original language. The film's runtime stood at 147 minutes, presented in the standard 35mm color print format, which was prevalent for major Telugu productions of the era. A dubbed version was released on November 16, 1990.

Promotion

The promotional campaign for State Rowdy utilized several targeted strategies to build anticipation among audiences in . Trailers for the film were screened alongside Chiranjeevi's earlier release , capitalizing on the momentum from that blockbuster to introduce the vigilante narrative. Posters prominently featured the lead actor in action-oriented poses, highlighting the film's theme of against , designed to evoke the vigilante spirit central to the story. A key event in the buildup was the audio launch hosted by , who released the cassette and praised the collaboration with composer . Radio spots on further amplified the hype by promoting standout songs like "Radha Radha Madilona" and "Chukkala Pallakilo," contributing to the soundtrack's role in generating early buzz. To engage regional media, the team organized press tours in and , where cast and crew participated in interviews and Q&A sessions. Tie-ins with local newspapers such as included exclusive star features and photo spreads, fostering grassroots excitement in key markets. Significant portions of the promotion were directed toward bus panels and hoardings in urban centers like Hyderabad and to maximize visibility.

Reception

Critical response

Upon its release, State Rowdy was praised for Chiranjeevi's energetic as protagonist and the film's action choreography. Critics pointed out flaws in the narrative structure, including a predictable plot and lengthy runtime exceeding two hours, while acknowledging strong musical contributions but criticizing the underdeveloped female roles. Retrospective assessments have emphasized the film's significance within the 1980s Telugu mass entertainer genre, where it exemplified high-energy action and star-driven storytelling. User-generated ratings on average 6.3/10 from 144 votes, reflecting enduring moderate appreciation. Its commercial success further shaped critical perceptions of its artistic merits as a commercial entertainer.

Box office

State Rowdy opened to a robust performance. This strong debut was bolstered by effective promotional efforts that generated significant initial buzz. The film notably set a record in the Nizam region, achieving over ₹1 in distributor share, which was a landmark for at the time. The movie ultimately secured blockbuster status and marked it as a major commercial success. It enjoyed an extended theatrical run, completing over 100 days in several centers, reflecting sustained audience interest. Among the Telugu films of , State Rowdy was a top earner. Regionally, collections were dominated by .

Legacy

Cultural impact

The song "One Two Three Four" from State Rowdy played a pivotal role in introducing and popularizing within , captivating audiences with Chiranjeevi's energetic choreography and sparking widespread imitation among the youth. This track not only highlighted a fusion of Western dance styles with local flair but also contributed to trends in the region. State Rowdy further reinforced Chiranjeevi's status as the "Mega Star" of , solidifying his appeal through the portrayal of who combats systemic injustice outside the . The film's narrative of an aspiring officer turning due to influenced the archetype of vigilante heroes in subsequent Telugu films. Over the decades, State Rowdy has endured as a among action enthusiasts, with full movie uploads on surpassing 8 million views as of 2025, underscoring its lasting popularity. The film remains available on digital platforms, contributing to its continued viewership among newer audiences.

Industry influence

State Rowdy marked the first collaboration between actor and director , a pairing that helped establish Gopal as a key figure in Telugu action cinema. This partnership influenced Gopal's approach to commercial action films in his later works. Bappi Lahiri's involvement as composer facilitated greater Hindi-Telugu musical crossovers, with the film's soundtrack paving the way for Lahiri's subsequent Telugu projects like and , both starring . These compositions introduced Bollywood-inspired rhythms to Telugu audiences, encouraging similar collaborations in the . The song "One Two Three Four" briefly influenced dance trends in Telugu films through its upbeat . The film boosted the action genre by popularizing the reformist rowdy trope—a vigilante character reforming society—reinforcing the viability of mass actioners in Telugu production pipelines. Its box office performance increased distributor confidence in the genre, leading to expanded budgets for comparable films in 1990.

References

  1. https://www.filmibeat.com/telugu/movies/state-rowdy.html
  2. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0246254/
  3. https://www.ranker.com/list/chiranjeevi-movies-and-films-and-filmography/ranker-film
  4. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0246254/fullcredits/
  5. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0246254/plotsummary/
  6. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0246254/fullcredits
  7. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CEcTy4BeO7s
  8. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/hyderabad-times/is-faction-his-strength/articleshow/2045500858.cms
  9. http://telugucineblitz.blogspot.com/2015/08/state-rowdy-1989.html
  10. https://www.filmibeat.com/telugu/movies/state-rowdy/cast-crew.html
  11. https://en.bharatpedia.org/wiki/State_Rowdy
  12. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0246254/locations/
  13. https://www.komparify.com/entertainment/movie/state-rowdy
  14. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0246254/releaseinfo/
  15. https://cinemachaat.com/2010/09/30/state-rowdy/
  16. https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/279127-state-rowdy/cast?language=en-US
  17. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/227892170_Cardboard_monuments_City_language_and_%27nation%27_in_contemporary_Telugu_cinema
  18. https://www.academia.edu/558107/Megastar_Chiranjeevi_and_Telugu_cinema_after_NT_Rama_Rao
  19. https://5reels.com/telugu/movie/state-rowdy
  20. https://www.tvguide.com/movies/state-rowdy/cast/2030036775/
  21. https://tv.apple.com/us/movie/state-rowdy/umc.cmc.5zn4qgjy6yycx9dcp3vqdmze7
  22. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/bappi-lahiri-chiranjeevi-the-most-successful-music-composer-and-actor-combo-in-telugu-cinema/articleshow/89613525.cms
  23. https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/remembering-bappi-lahiris-contribution-to-telugu-film-music/article65055217.ece
  24. https://www.facebook.com/MEGASTARCHIRANJEEVI/posts/rare-vintage-picture-of-kamalhaasan-garu-releasing-our-boss-chiranjeevi-starrer-/850994159721014/
  25. https://music.apple.com/us/album/state-rowdy-original-motion-picture-soundtrack-ep/1735516874
  26. https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/telugu/six-superhit-telugu-songs-of-bappi-lahiri-7776281/
  27. https://music.apple.com/us/album/state-rowdy-original-motion-picture-soundtrack/1360866712
  28. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0246254/mediaviewer/rm2245730049/
  29. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0246254/ratings/
  30. https://www.telugu360.com/nostalgic-account-of-megastar-chiranjeevi-journey/
  31. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2b5glfZb04w
  32. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/bappi-lahiris-telugu-compositions-are-unforgettable/articleshow/89610990.cms
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