Chandralekha(1998)
Chandralekha is a 1998 Indian Telugu-language comedy drama film co-written and directed by Krishna Vamsi. The film stars Nagarjuna, Ramya Krishna, and debutant Isha Koppikar. It follows Sitarama Rao, a struggling unemployed youth who is mistaken for the husband of a wealthy woman after a car accident. He continues the charade to secure a bank loan for his father's legal case. The film is a remake of the 1997 Malayalam film of the same name directed by Priyadarshan. It marked the first Telugu film appearance of Hindi actor Sanjay Dutt in a cameo role. The music was composed by Sandeep Chowta. The film received positive reviews for Nagarjuna's performance and Krishna Vamsi's screenplay and direction.
Quick Facts
- Streaming on
- Disney+ Hotstar, Eros Now, Plex
- Theatrical Release
- 30 July 1998
- Director
- Krishna Vamsi
- Language
- Telugu
- Runtime
- 2h 22m
- Rating
- 3.7/10
Storyline
A desperate young man named Sitarama Rao needs money to save his father from a false fraud case. When he rescues a wealthy woman after a crash, hospital staff mistakes him for her husband. He decides to keep up the lie to get a bank loan. But her sharp friend and suspicious relatives close in on the truth.
“One lie. Two loves. A heart full of truth.”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Where to Watch
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Chandralekha
Cast reunions in this film: Tanikella Bharani & M. S. Narayana (31 films together), Tanikella Bharani & Akkineni Nagarjuna (14 films together), Tanikella Bharani & Brahmaji (14 films together), M. S. Narayana & Brahmaji (11 films together), Akkineni Nagarjuna & Ramya Krishnan (10 films together), and Tanikella Bharani & Giri (5 films together).
Trivia
- This was the first Telugu film to feature Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt in a special appearance.
- The film's music director, Sandeep Chowtha, used a unique 'chorus rap' style in the song 'Chandamama'.
- Director Krishna Vamsi remade the Malayalam original within a year of its release, a rare quick turnaround.
- Actress Isha Koppikar made her Telugu debut with this film before her notable Hindi cinema career.
- The film's climax was shot extensively at the Ramoji Film City, involving complex set construction.
- Despite being a remake, several comedy scenes were improvised specifically for the Telugu audience.
- The movie's title track became a popular dance number at weddings and cultural events in Andhra Pradesh.