Superman (1980 film)

Superman
Theatrical release poster
Directed byV. Madhusudhana Rao
Written byAcharya Aatreya (dialogues)
Screenplay byV. Madhusudhana Rao
Story byR. K. Dharmaraju
Based on
Superman (1978)
by
Produced byR. Gopal
StarringN. T. Rama Rao
Jaya Prada
CinematographyK. S. Prasad
Edited byD. Venkataratnam
Music byChakravarthy
Production
company
Lakshmi Vishnu Productions
Release date
  • 10 July 1980 (1980-07-10)
Running time
134 minutes
CountryIndia
LanguageTelugu

Superman is a 1980 Indian Telugu-language superhero film directed by V. Madhusudhana Rao. The film stars N. T. Rama Rao and Jayaprada in lead roles. Produced by R. Gopal under the Lakshmi Vishnu Productions banner, the film features a musical score by Chakravarthy. It is an unofficial Indian adaptation of the 1978 American film of the same name.[1]

Plot

Zamindar Raghunath Rao, a devout worshipper of Hanuman, offers his family's heirloom jewelry during Hanuman Jayanthi. Meanwhile, three villains—Maharaj, Sardar, and Jaisingh—rob and murder Raghunath Rao, his wife Annapurna, and the temple priest. Their son, Raja, undertakes severe penance, and Hanuman grants him supernatural powers, transforming him into a superhero.

Years later, Raja uses his powers discreetly to help the public while concealing his true identity. He starts a mining business with Bangarayya and falls in love with Bangarayya's daughter, Jaya. The three villains, now involved in criminal activities, pose a threat to the region. Raja first eliminates Jaisingh, then discovers Maharaj's attempt to exploit gold deposits in the mine by creating a fake demon threat. Raja confronts and defeats Sardar.

Raja’s foster sister, Lakshmi, falls in love with Mohan, Maharaj's son, and becomes pregnant. Raja proposes marriage, but Maharaj, discovering Raja’s secret identity, seizes the dowry and escapes with Mohan. Lakshmi, in despair, attempts suicide but is saved by Raja.

Raja travels to Hong Kong, where Bangarayya and Jaya follow him. Maharaj, having lured them there, tries to sell the mine and also seeks to kill Raja with the help of a sorceress, Lee. However, her black magic proves ineffective. Raja ultimately identifies Maharaj as the third villain, defeats him, retrieves Mohan, and marries Lakshmi. The film concludes with Raja and Jaya’s marriage, bringing the story to a joyous end.

Cast

Music

Superman
Film score by
Released1980
GenreSoundtrack
Length25:16

The music for Superman was composed by Chakravarthy, with lyrics written by Acharya Aatreya and Veturi.[2]

No.TitleSinger(s)Length
1."Mabbullo Chandramma"S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, P. Susheela6:10
2."Atta Sudamaaka"S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, P. Susheela3:23
3."Chinuku Chitikesindhi"S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, P. Susheela2:55
4."Kotalo Paaga"S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, P. Susheela3:26
5."Kannu Kotteyyana"S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, P. Susheela3:04
6."Methani Kougita"S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, P. Susheela4:30
7."Sri Anjaneya"P. Susheela4:48
Total length:25:16

References

  1. ^ "Meet Krrish's predecessors: Nagin, Ajooba and Superman". Firstpost. 31 October 2013. Archived from the original on 8 February 2021. Retrieved 25 December 2020.
  2. ^ "Superman (1980)-Song_Booklet". Indiancine.ma. Archived from the original on 28 January 2023. Retrieved 28 January 2023.