Samarasimha Reddy(1999)
Samarasimha Reddy is a 1999 Indian Telugu-language action drama film directed by B. Gopal and produced by Chengala Venkat Rao. The film stars Nandamuri Balakrishna in a triple role alongside Anjala Zaveri, Simran, and Sanghavi. The story follows a powerful faction leader from Rayalaseema who hides his identity to protect his deceased brother's sisters. The screenplay was written by V. Vijayendra Prasad, Ratna Kumar, and the Paruchuri brothers. Music was composed by Mani Sharma. The film was a major commercial success, grossing over ₹30 crore against a ₹6 crore budget, becoming the highest-grossing Telugu film at the time. It won a Filmfare Award for Best Director – Telugu and a Nandi Award for Best Costume Designer. The film released on 13 January 1999.
Quick Facts
- Streaming on
- YouTube
- Theatrical Release
- 1 January 1999
- Director
- B. Gopal
- Language
- Telugu
- Runtime
- 2h 30m
- Rating
- 5.5/10
Storyline
A powerful faction leader accidentally kills his own brother during a violent feud. To honor his brother's dying wish, he hides his identity and becomes a lowly servant to protect his brother's three sisters from a cruel step-aunt and a vengeful enemy family.
“A brother's promise, a lion's revenge”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Where to Watch
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Samarasimha Reddy
Cast reunions in this film: Kota Srinivasa Rao & Brahmanandam (90 films together), Brahmanandam & Jayaprakash Reddy (35 films together), Mani Sharma & Brahmanandam (27 films together), Brahmanandam & Nandamuri Balakrishna (21 films together), Brahmanandam & Kaikala Satyanarayana (18 films together), and Brahmanandam & B. Gopal (15 films together).
Trivia
- The film's climax was shot in the historic Gandikota Fort, known as the Grand Canyon of India.
- Director B. Gopal and actor Balakrishna collaborated for the first time here, starting a successful partnership.
- The movie's release sparked a trend of naming newborn boys 'Samarasimha Reddy' in parts of Andhra Pradesh.
- It was one of the earliest major Telugu films to extensively use the Rayalaseema dialect and setting.
- The character name 'Samarasimha Reddy' was inspired by a powerful historical chieftain from the region.
- A real-life factionist from Rayalaseema reportedly praised the film's authentic portrayal of local culture.
- The film's success helped cement Balakrishna's image as a 'mass hero' in the late 1990s.