Aatma Gowravam

Aatma Gowravam () is a 1965 Telugu-language drama film, produced by D. Madhusudhana Rao under the Annapurna Pictures banner and directed by K. Viswanath. It stars Akkineni Nageswara Rao, Kanchana, Rajasree and music composed by S. Rajeswara Rao.
The film marked the directorial debut of the great Indian film director "K. Viswanath". The film is based on the novel of same name by Yaddanapudi Sulochana Rani. It won the Nandi Award for Best Feature Film in that year. The film was screened at the Asian and African film Festival at Tashkent.
Plot.
The film begins on a wealthy couple Zamindar Varahala Rao (Relangi) & his shrew wife Santana Lakshmi (Suryakantam) who are perturbed as they are childless. Once Zamindar visits the village where he likes his farmer Ramaiah's (Gummadi) younger brother Srinivasa Rao / Vasu and wants to adopt him. Here, Ramaiah's mother Shanthamma (Hemalata) mentions that she aspires to couple up Vasu with his niece Savitri when Zamindar promises to fulfill her wish. But Santana Lakshmi does not give her acceptance as she desires to adopt her sister's son Venu. Then Zamindar forcibly makes her agree. Soon after the adoption, she breaks up connections between Vasu & his family and sends him to the city for education along with Venu. Years roll by, Vasu (Akkineni Nageswara Rao) & Venu (Chalam) study at college and in the village, Savitri (Kanchana) grows up keeping her entire hopes on Vasu. Once Vasu gets acquainted with Zamindar's close friend Bhaja Govindam (Ramana Reddy) and his daughter Geeta (Rajasri). Just after, Geeta falls for Vasu and adults decide to perform their espousal but Vasu does not have such intention. Meanwhile, an awful incident Ramaiah's wife Janaki (Pushpa Kumari) passes away, madcap Santana Lakshmi not even informs Vasu and he is unable to attend the funeral which woes Ramaiah more. After some time, Ramaiah reaches Zamindar with the marriage proposal of Vasu & Savitri where he is humiliated by Santana Lakshmi. In that anger, Ramaiah decides to perform a rich alliance for Savitri for which he agrees to marry the bridegroom's mad sister Parvati (Vasanthi). Just before the marriage, Savitri leaves the venue to commit suicide, yet, Ramaiah stands for piety and marries Parvati. Being cognizant of the afflict, Vasu immediately rushes to village where he is accused by Ramaiah but later on, realizing the factuality the brothers embrace each other. Parallelly, Savitri is rescued by Geeta who gives her shelter. Right now, the wheel of fortune brings Savitri nearer to Vasu and both of them fall in love without revealing her identity. Knowing it, Geeta blames Savitri for her deceit when Savitri divulges the reality. At present, Geeta makes Vasu perceive the actuality and unites him with Savitri. At last, Vasu, Savitri, Geeta, & Venu play a drama and make elders admit their mistakes. Finally, the movie ends a happy note with the marriage of Vasu & Savitri.
Soundtrack.
Music composed by Saluri Rajeswara Rao. Music released on H.M.V. Audio Company.
Reception.
"Sport and Pastime" gave a positive review citing "It has all the elements – a heart-warming story, good acting, pleasing music and conventional cliches – that appeal to the average moviegoer".