{{short description|1963 film by C. Pullayya and C. S. Rao}} {{Other uses|Lava Kusa (disambiguation){{!}}Lava Kusa}} {{Use Indian English|date=July 2024}} {{Use dmy dates|date=July 2024}} {{Infobox film | image = Lava Kusa.JPG | caption = Theatrical release poster | director = {{ubl|C. Pullayya|C. S. Rao}} | screenplay = {{ubl|C. Pullayya|C. S. Rao}} {{Infobox | decat = yes | child = yes | label1= Dialogues by | data1 = {{ubl|Sadasivabrahmam (Telugu)|A. K. Velan (Tamil)}} }} | based_on = ''Ramayana'' | producer = A. Sankara Reddy | starring = {{ubl|N. T. Rama Rao|Anjali Devi|Kantha Rao}} | cinematography = P. L. Rai | editing = A. Sanjeevi | music = Ghantasala | studio = Lalita Sivajyoti Films | released = {{Film date|1963|03|29|df=y}} | runtime = 208 minutes | country = India | language = {{ubl|Telugu|Tamil}} | gross = ₹3 crore }}
'''''Lava Kusa''''' (also spelled as '''''Lava Kusha''''') is a 1963 Indian Hindu mythological film written and directed by C. Pullayya and C. S. Rao. Produced by Lalita Sivajyothi Films, the film is a remake of the 1934 production of the same name, which was also directed by C. Pullayya. The story is based on the ''Uttara Kanda'' of the ''Ramayana'', focusing on Lava and Kusa, the twin sons of Rama and Sita. The cast includes N. T. Rama Rao as Rama, Anjali Devi as Sita, with Chittoor Nagayya, Kantha Rao, Sobhan Babu, S. Varalakshmi, and Kaikala Satyanarayana in supporting roles. The soundtrack features 27 songs, with the musical score primarily composed by Ghantasala.
Production of the film began in 1958 but was stopped due to financial constraints. When it restarted, Pullayya's health was deteriorating, so his son C. S. Rao took over. ''Lava Kusa'' is notable for being the first full-length colour film in Telugu cinema.<ref name="TOI 50" /> The film was shot simultaneously in Telugu and Tamil, with minor differences in the cast. It was released on 29 March 1963 in Telugu and on 19 April 1963 in Tamil. ''Lava Kusa'' was a major commercial success, running for 75 weeks and grossing over ₹1 crore. The Telugu version won the National Film Award for Best Telugu Feature Film. The film was also dubbed in Kannada and later in Hindi in 1974. In 2011, it was rebooted as ''Sri Rama Rajyam''.
== Plot == The film is based on the ''Uttara Kanda'', the later part of the ''Ramayana'' attributed to Valmiki. It follows the lives of Lava and Kusa, the twin sons of Sita and Rama. The story begins with the ''Pattabhishekam'' (coronation) of Rama and the brief period of Rama Rajyam. However, after hearing accusations from a washerman about Sita's chastity, Rama sends her into exile. In the forest, Sita gives birth to Lava and Kusa. As they grow up, the twins eventually visit Ayodhya. The story also covers the Aswamedha Yagna performed by Rama and the resulting conflict between him and his sons, which culminates in the ''Pattabhishekam'' of Lava and Kusa. The film concludes with Rama ending his avatar and returning to the divine.
== Cast == {| class="wikitable" |- ! rowspan="2" | Character !! colspan="2" | Actors in Language |- !Telugu !Tamil |- | Rama ||! colspan="2" |N. T. Rama Rao |- | Sita ||! colspan="2" |Anjali Devi |- | Valmiki ||! colspan="2" | Chittoor Nagayya |- | Lava ||Master Nagaraju || Master Uma |- | Kusa || Master Subrahmanyam || Master Murali |- | Lakshmana || Kantha Rao || Gemini Ganesan |- | Anjaneya||Sando Krishna || |- | Bharata ||Kaikala Satyanarayana || |- | Shatrughna ||Sobhan Babu || |- | Kausalya ||! colspan="2" | P. Kannamba |- | Shanta ||! colspan="2" |Sandhya |- | Bhudevi|| colspan="2" ! |S. Varalakshmi |- | Vasishtha|| Dhulipala || |- | Valmiki's disciple ||Ramana Reddy || |- | Wife of Valmiki's disciple || Suryakantham|| |- | Washerman || Relangi || M. R. Radha |- | Wife of washerman || Girija || Manorama |- | Dancer (Special appearance) || ! colspan="2" |Sukumari |- | ||Sivarama Krishnayya || |}
== Production == === Development === Producer A. Sankara Reddy aimed to make a film based on the Hindu epic ''Ramayana'', with N. T. Rama Rao and Anjali Devi playing the roles of Rama and Sita. This inspiration came after watching them perform as Rama and Sita in the song "Murisenu Lokamu" from his earlier film ''Charana Dasi'' (1956). Sankara Reddy approached director C. Pullayya, who had plans to remake his 1934 Telugu film ''Lava Kusa'', to direct the film under his production banner, Lalitha Sivajyothi Films.<ref name="TH BFP" /> The remake, also titled ''Lava Kusa'', became the first full-length colour film in Telugu cinema.<ref name="TOI 50" /> Screenwriter Vempati Sadasivabrahmam, who had previously worked with Pullayya on ''Charana Dasi'', was hired to script the film.<ref name="TH BFP" /> Sadasivabrahmam remained faithful to the original screenplay by Vallabhajosyula Ramanamurthy and the dialogues written by Balijepalli Lakshmikantham.<ref name="TH BFP" />
The production costs increased significantly when Sankara Reddy decided to shoot the film in colour. Although production started in 1958, it stalled after one-third of the planned portions were completed due to financial difficulties.<ref name="TH BFP" /> After five years, Sunderlal Nahata agreed to fund the project in exchange for distribution rights, while B. Nagi Reddi provided studio facilities. By this time, C. Pullayya's health had deteriorated, and Sankara Reddy initially approached B. N. Reddi to complete the film. B. N. Reddi suggested that C. Pullayya's son, C. S. Rao, should take over the project.<ref name="TH BFP" /> Though initially hesitant, C. S. Rao agreed to complete the film after his father convinced him that the emotional scenes set in Rama's palace were crucial to the story.<ref name="TH BFP" />
=== Casting === ''Lava Kusa'' was filmed as a bilingual in both Telugu and Tamil with variations in the cast.<ref name="TH BFP" /> In the Telugu version, Anaparthi Nagaraju and Viyyuri Subrahmanyam were cast as Lava and Kusa, respectively.<ref name="lavakusa felicit rjy" /> For the Tamil version, the roles were portrayed by Baby Uma and Master Murali.<ref name="TH BFP" /> Subrahmanyam was selected after the filmmakers saw him perform the role of Kusa in a play in Kakinada. He was nine years old when production started and 14 by the time the film was released.<ref name="TOI 50" /> Unlike Subrahmanyam, Nagaraju had previously acted in a few films. Pullayya offered him the role of Lava after observing his performance, and he was eight years old when filming commenced.<ref name="TOI 50" />
Kantha Rao was cast as Lakshmana, but during production, he was diagnosed with eosinophilia and gained weight. He was then considered for the role of Satrughna.<ref name="kantarao" /> N. T. Rama Rao insisted that Kantha Rao play Lakshmana, and Sobhan Babu was cast as Satrughna instead.<ref name="TH BFP" /> Other prominent cast members included Kaikala Satyanarayana as Bharata, Chittor V. Nagayya as Valmiki, and Sando Krishna as Anjaneya.<ref name="TH BFP" />
=== Filming === {{quote box | quote = The shooting took place at a big mango orchard near Chennai. We used to wake up at 4 am and head to the sets. We would be ready with all our make-up on by 7 am. Both of us used to undergo an hour's training everyday. We even had to learn ''viluvidya'' (arrow fighting). I still remember how we used to call our trainer, Sharma master. He painstakingly taught us the art of shooting arrows. | source = {{mdash}}Nagaraju, in an interview with ''The Times of India'' in April 2013.<ref name="TOI 50" /> | align = right | width = 35% }} Nagaraju and Subrahmanyam underwent daily training sessions for an hour to memorize dialogues and practice archery for their roles.<ref name="TOI 50" /> Filming usually started at 7:00 AM and continued until 9:00 PM, but the child actors were released an hour earlier to ensure they got enough rest.<ref name="TOI 50" /> According to the actors, N. T. Rama Rao and Anjali Devi were fully dedicated to their roles.<ref name="lavakusa felicit rjy" /> When none of the crowns designed for Rama suited him, Rama Rao used the crown he had worn in ''Charanadasi'', which costed only ₹140 at the time.<ref name="TH BFP" />
In one scene, where Nagaraju had to cry, glycerin was used but proved ineffective. Anjali Devi then slapped him to evoke genuine tears, and the scene was successfully filmed. Afterward, she consoled him for 15 minutes.<ref name="TOI 50" />
The climax sequences were filmed first, which caused a continuity issue when the child actors appeared older in the scenes filmed later due to the delays in production.<ref name="TOI 50" /> In the scene where Rama embraces Lava and Kusa, Pullayya had the child actors stand on small tables to match Rama Rao's height, showcasing his respect for the character and the limitations of the technology available at the time.<ref name="lavakusa felicit rjy" /> Pullayya's associate, G. V. R. Seshagiri Rao, suggested reshooting a scene where a pregnant Sita runs toward Valmiki, as it appeared awkward.<ref name="TH BFP" />
== Music == The music of ''Lava Kusa'' was composed by Ghantasala.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Lava Kusa |url=https://www.jiosaavn.com/album/lava-kusa/Oi6t5R8j-ak_ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240709115020/https://www.jiosaavn.com/album/lava-kusa/Oi6t5R8j-ak_ |archive-date=9 July 2024 |access-date=9 July 2024 |website=JioSaavn}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Lava Kusa (1963)-Song_Booklet |url=https://indiancine.ma/documents/BZW/info |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240709153556/https://indiancine.ma/documents/BZW/info |archive-date=9 July 2024 |access-date=10 July 2024 |website=Indiancine.ma}}</ref> The Tamil version has additional music by K. V. Mahadevan.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Lava Kusa |url=http://www.saregama.com/album/lava-kusa_15414 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304114350/http://www.saregama.com/album/lava-kusa_15414 |archive-date=4 March 2016 |access-date=18 October 2015 |website=Saregama}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=லவகுசா [முழுநீள கேவாகலர்] |trans-title=Lavakusa [Gevacolor Feature] |url=https://archive.org/download/Lavakusa_201610/Lavakusa.pdf |access-date=9 July 2024 |publisher=Lalitha Sivajothi Films |language=ta |type=song book |via=Internet Archive}}</ref>
{{Track listing | headline = Telugu | extra_column = Singer(s) | total_length = | title1 = Sri Vidyam Jagatam Dhatri (Slokam) | lyrics1 = Vempati Sadasiva | extra1 = Ghantasala | length1 = 01:14 | title2 = Saptashvaratha (Slokam) | lyrics2 = | extra2 = Ghantasala Venkateswara Rao | length2 = 01:29 | title3 = Navarathnojvala (Poem) | lyrics3 = | extra3 = Ghantasala | length3 = 01:06 | title4 = Inthakubooni Vacchi (Poem) | lyrics4 = Vempati Sadasiva | extra4 = Ghantasala Venkateswara Rao | length4 = 01:21 | title5 = Jaya Jaya Rama Srirama | lyrics5 = Samudrala Sr. | extra5 = J. V. Raghavulu, Sarojini | length5 = 01:18 | title6 = Ramanna Ramudu Kodanda Ramudu | lyrics6 = Samudrala Sr. | extra6 = P. Susheela, K. Rani | length6 = 04:15 | title7 = Virise Challani Vennela | lyrics7 = Samudrala Sr. | extra7 = S. Janaki | length7 = 02:50 | title8 = Ravanu Samharinchi (Poem) | lyrics8 = Samudrala Sr. | extra8 = Ghantasala Venkateswara Rao | length8 = 01:21 | title9 = Vollanori Maama Nee Pillani | lyrics9 = | extra9 = Ghantasala Venkateswara Rao, Jikki, J. V. Raghavulu, Swarnalata | length9 = 03:37 | title10 = Ye Mahaniya Sadhvi (Poem) | lyrics10 = | extra10 = Ghantasala Venkateswara Rao | length10 = 01:10 | title11 = Ye Nimishaniki | lyrics11 = Kosaraju | extra11 = Ghantasala Venkateswara Rao | length11 = 04:00 | title12 = Jagadabhi Ramudu Sri Raamude | lyrics12 = Samudrala Sr. | extra12 = Ghantasala Venkateswara Rao, P. Leela, P. Susheela, Mallik | length12 = 03:51 | title13 = Enduke Naa Meeda Kopam | lyrics13 = | extra13 = Pithapuram Nageswara Rao, Swarnalata | length13 = 02:40 | title14 = Ramakathanu Vinarayya | lyrics14 = Samudrala Sr. | extra14 = P. Leela, P Susheela | length14 = 04:28 | title15 = Vurake Kanniru | lyrics15 = Samudrala Sr. | extra15 = P. Leela, P. Susheela | length15 = 03:00 | title16 = Vinudu Vinudu | lyrics16 = Samudrala Sr. | extra16 = P. Leela, P susheela | length16 = 04:14 | title17 = Sriramuni Charitamunu | lyrics17 = Samudrala Sr. | extra17 = P. Leela, P Susheela | length17 = 05:35 | title18 = Sriraghavam Dasharathatmaja | lyrics18 = | extra18 = P. Leela, P Susheela | length18 = 04:07 | title19 = Srirama Sugunadhama | lyrics19 = Vempati Sadasiva | extra19 = P. Leela, P. Susheela | length19 = 03:01 | title20 = Sandehinchaku | lyrics20 = Kosaraju | extra20 = Ghantasala Venkateswara Rao | length20 = 03:07 | title21 = Ashwamedha Yaganiki | lyrics21 = Samudrala Sr. | extra21 = Ghantasala Venkateswara Rao, Madhavapeddi, Raghavulu, Rani, Sarojini | length21 = 03:24 | title22 = Savanashvambidi (Poem) | lyrics22 = Samudrala Sr. | extra22 = P. Susheela | length22 = 01:15 | title23 = Hreemkaraasana (Poem) | lyrics23 = | extra23 = P. Susheela | length23 = 01:33 | title24 = Leru Kushalavula Saati | lyrics24 = Vempati Sadasiva | extra24 = P. Leela, P Susheela | length24 = 02:33 | title25 = Stree Balavruddhula (Poem) | lyrics25 = Samudrala Sr. | extra25 = Ghantasala, P. Leela, Susheela | length25 = 01:18 | title26 = Sri Rama Parandhama | lyrics26 = Samudrala Sr. | extra26 = P. Leela, K. Jamuna Rani, P Susheela | length26 = 02:25 | title27 = Thandri Pampunanegi (Poem) | lyrics27 = Samudrala Sr. | extra27 = Ghantasala, P. Leela, P Susheela | length27 = 02:36 | title28 = Darken Balakundani (Poem) | lyrics28 = Samudrala Sr. | extra28 = P. Leela | length28 = 00:40 | title29 = Rangaru Bangaru (Poem) | lyrics29 = Samudrala Sr. | extra29 = Ghantasala | length29 = 01:41 | title30 = Veyara Debba | lyrics30 = Samudrala Sr. | extra30 = Ghantasala & Jikki | length30 = 03:17 | title31 = Ramaswami Padambujambu (Poem) | lyrics31 = | extra31 = P. Susheela | length31 = 00:32 | title32 = Raajata Rajadharmamata (Poem) | lyrics32 = | extra32 = S. Varalakshmi | length32 = 01:28 | title33 = Prathi Dinamenu (Poem) | lyrics33 = | extra33 = Ghantasala | length33 = 01:24 | title34 = Inudu Asthadriki (Poem) | lyrics34 = | extra34 = P. Leela | length34 = 01:31 | title35 = Kannularaga Tudisari (Poem) | lyrics35 = | extra35 = P. Susheela | length35 = 01:02 | title36 = Kadagine Manovakkaya (Poem) | lyrics36 = | extra36 = P. Susheela | length36 = 00:57 | title37 = Idhe Mana Ashramambu (Poem) | lyrics37 = | extra37 = Ghantasala | length37 = 01:35 | title38 = Aapavaada Dooshita (Poem) | lyrics38 = | extra38 = P. Susheela | length38 = 01:54 }}
{{Track listing | headline = Tamil | extra_column = Singer(s) | total_length = | title1 = Sri Vidyam Jagatam Dhatri (Slokam) | lyrics1 = A. Maruthakasi | extra1 = Ghantasala | length1 = 01:14 | title2 = Saptashva Rathamarudham Prachandam Kashyapatmajam (Slokam) | lyrics2 = A. Maruthakasi | extra2 = Ghantasala | length2 = | title3 = Navajyotyo (Poem) | lyrics3 = A. Maruthakasi | extra3 = Ghantasala | length3 = 01:06 | title4 = Intaku Bunivachchi Vachiyimpaka Podune | lyrics4 = Vempati Sadasiva | extra4 = Ghantasala Venkateswara Rao | length4 = | title5 = Jaya Jaya Raamaa Sree Raama | lyrics5 = A. Maruthakasi | extra5 = J. V. Raghavulu & Udutha Sarojini | length5 = 01:18 | title6 = Ramanna Ramudu Kodanda Ramudu | lyrics6 = A. Maruthakasi | extra6 = P. Susheela, K. Jamuna Rani | length6 = | title7 = Udhayam Aaanadhe Vennilaa | lyrics7 = A. Maruthakasi | extra7 = S. Janaki | length7 = 02:18 | title8 = Ilangaiyar Kon Thanai Azhitthu | lyrics8 = A. Maruthakasi | extra8 = Ghantasala | length8 = 01:21 | title9 = Vollanori Maamaa Nee Pillani | lyrics9 = | extra9 = Ghantasala Venkateswara Rao, Jikki, J. V. Raghavulu, Swarnalata | length9 = 03:37 | title10 = Ye Mahaniya Sadhvi Jagadeka Pavitrata (Poem) | lyrics10 = | extra10 = Ghantasala Venkateswara Rao | length10 = 01:10 | title11 = Indrum Illai Andrum Illai Endrume Illai | lyrics11 = A. Maruthakasi | extra11 = T. M. Soundararajan | length11 = 04:00 | title12 = Thiruvalar Naayagan Sree Raamane | lyrics12 = A. Maruthakasi | extra12 = Ghantasala, P. Leela, P. Susheela & K. Rani | length12 = 03:01 | title13 = Thappu Thappunu Thuniyai Thuvaichu | lyrics13 = A. Maruthakasi | extra13 = Thiruchi Loganathan & L. R. Eswari | length13 = 03:17 | title14 = Jagam Pugazhum Punniya Kadhai 1 | lyrics14 = A. Maruthakasi | extra14 = P. Leela & P. Susheela | length14 = 03:50 | title15 = Maari Pol Kanneer Sindha | lyrics15 = A. Maruthakasi | extra15 = P. Leela & P. Susheela | length15 = 01:52 | title16 = Jagam Pugazhum Punniya Kadhai 2 | lyrics16 = A. Maruthakasi | extra16 = P. Leela & P. Susheela | length16 = 03:15 | title17 = Jagam Pugazhum Punniya Kadhai 3 | lyrics17 = A. Maruthakasi | extra17 = P. Leela & P. Susheela | length17 = 05:35 | title18 = Sreeraghavam Dasharathathmajam Aprameyam | lyrics18 = | extra18 = P. Leela & P. Susheela | length18 = 04:07 | title19 = Raama Suguna Seelaa | lyrics19 = A. Maruthakasi | extra19 = P. Leela & P. Susheela | length19 = 03:01 | title20 = Sandhegam Ennamma | lyrics20 = A. Maruthakasi | extra20 = Ghantasala | length20 = 03:07 | title21 = Vetri Murasu Olikka Seiyyum Aswamedha Yaagaam | lyrics21 = A. Maruthakasi | extra21 = V. N. Sundharam & K. Rani | length21 = 03:24 | title22 = Veera Maadhaa Kausalyaa Dhevi Petra | lyrics22 = A. Maruthakasi | extra22 = P. Susheela | length22 = 01:15 | title23 = Hreemkaraasana (Poem) | lyrics23 = | extra23 = P. Susheela | length23 = 01:33 | title24 = Eedu Inai Namakku Edhu Indha Boomiyil | lyrics24 = A. Maruthakasi | extra24 = P. Leela & P. Susheela | length24 = 02:33 | title25 = Stree Balavrudhula Tega | lyrics25 = A. Maruthakasi | extra25 = Ghantasala, P. Susheela, P. Leela | length25 = | title26 = Sriraama Parandhamaa Jayarama Parandhama | lyrics26 = A. Maruthakasi | extra26 = A. P. Komala, K. Rani & J. V. Raghavulu | length26 = 02:25 | title27 = Thandri Pampunanegi | lyrics27 = A. Maruthakasi | extra27 = Ghantasala, P. Susheela, P. Leela | length27 = 02:36 | title28 = Takkani Balakundani | lyrics28 = A. Maruthakasi | extra28 = P. Leela | length28 = 00:40 | title29 = Ponggum Olimayame | lyrics29 = A. Maruthakasi | extra29 = Seerkazhi Govindarajan | length29 = 01:41 or 03:01 | title30 = Thappu Thappunu Thuniyai Thuvaichu | lyrics30 = A. Maruthakasi | extra30 = Thiruchi Loganathan & L. R. Eswari | length30 = 03:17 | title31 = Ramaswamy Padambujambulambu | lyrics31 = | extra31 = P. Susheela | length31 = 05:59 | title32 = Raajada Rajadharmamada Ramudu | lyrics32 = | extra32 = S. Varalakshmi | length32 = 01:28 | title33 = Prathi Dinamenu | lyrics33 = | extra33 = Ghantasala | length33 = 01:24 | title34 = Ninu Dattadriki Cherakunda | lyrics34 = | extra34 = P. Leela | length34 = 01:31 | title35 = Kannularaga Tudisari | lyrics35 = | extra35 = P. Susheela | length35 = 01:02 | title36 = Kadagine Manokkaya | lyrics36 = | extra36 = P. Susheela | length36 = 00:57 | title37 = Edhi Mana Ashramambu | lyrics37 = | extra37 = Ghantasala | length37 = 01:35 | title38 = Aapavaada Dooshi | lyrics38 = | extra38 = P. Susheela | length38 = 01:54 }}
== Reception == ''Lava Kusa'' achieved significant commercial success, running uninterrupted for 75 weeks, a record in Telugu cinema.<ref name="idle" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=29 March 2013 |title=Lava Kusha completes 50 years |url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/lava-kusha-completes-50-years-telugu-news-92266.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170407085450/http://www.indiaglitz.com/lava-kusha-completes-50-years-telugu-news-92266.html |archive-date=7 April 2017 |access-date=18 July 2016 |website=IndiaGlitz.com}}</ref> The film was released in 26 centres and achieved a 100-day run in all of them, a remarkable feat at the time. It went on to have a 150-day run in those centres and a 175-day run in 18 centres. Due to high demand, many film prints had to be relocated to different centres across Andhra Pradesh. Overall, the film ran for 100 days in 62 centres and had a 175-day run in 18 centres, grossing more than ₹1 crore.<ref name="TOI 50" />
== Accolades == * National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Telugu<ref>{{Cite web |title=11th National Film Awards |url=http://iffi.nic.in/Dff2011/Frm11thNFAAward.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170502124428/http://iffi.nic.in/Dff2011/Frm11thNFAAward.aspx |archive-date=2 May 2017 |access-date=13 September 2011 |publisher=International Film Festival of India}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=26 March 1964 |title='Best Picture' award for Hindi film |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=kIFlAAAAIBAJ&sjid=xJ0NAAAAIBAJ&pg=1036%2C3969227 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240524143845/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=kIFlAAAAIBAJ&sjid=xJ0NAAAAIBAJ&pg=1036%2C3969227 |archive-date=24 May 2024 |access-date=9 July 2024 |work=The Indian Express |pages=5 |via=Google News Archive}}</ref>
== Legacy == ''Lava Kusa'' is regarded as a classic in Telugu cinema. In January 2007, M. L. Narasimham of ''The Hindu'' included the film in a list of significant works, alongside ''Mala Pilla'' (1938), ''Raithu Bidda'' (1939), ''Vara Vikrayam'' (1939), ''Bhakta Potana'' (1942), ''Shavukaru'' (1950), ''Malliswari'' (1951), ''Peddamanushulu'' (1954), and ''Mayabazar'' (1955), citing their influence on society and Telugu cinema.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Narasimham |first=M. L. |date=19 January 2007 |title=Reliving the reel and the real |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-fridayreview/reliving-the-reel-and-the-real/article2271205.ece |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150204141847/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-fridayreview/reliving-the-reel-and-the-real/article2271205.ece |archive-date=4 February 2015 |access-date=18 October 2015 |website=The Hindu}}</ref> N. T. Rama Rao's portrayal of Rama in ''Lava Kusa'' became iconic, leading him to reprise the role in several other films over the next two decades.{{efn|Rama Rao reprised the role of Rama in various unrelated films such as ''Sampoorna Ramayanam'' (1958), ''Sri Ramanjaneya Yuddham'' (1975), and ''Sri Rama Pattabhishekam'' (1978).<ref name="idle" />}}
During the programme ''Telugu Cinema Prasthanam'' organized by the film society of Visakhapatnam, actor and writer Ravi Kondala Rao highlighted ''Lava Kusa'' as one of the cult films that defined Telugu cinema. He compared it to other landmark films such as ''Raja Harishchandra'' (1913), ''Bhakta Prahlada'' (1932), ''Mala Pilla (1938)'', ''Pathala Bhairavi'' (1951), and ''Devadasu'' (1953).<ref>{{Cite news |date=2 January 2013 |title=Call to promote good cinema |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-in-school/call-to-promote-good-cinema/article4263409.ece |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150528122347/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-in-school/call-to-promote-good-cinema/article4263409.ece |archive-date=28 May 2015 |access-date=28 May 2015 |work=The Hindu}}</ref> In 2011, director Bapu adapted the storyline of ''Lava Kusa'' for his film ''Sri Rama Rajyam'', which featured Rama Rao's son, Nandamuri Balakrishna.<ref>{{Cite web |date=28 September 2010 |title=Bapu's Lava Kusa with Balakrishna |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/bapus-lava-kusa-with-balakrishna-news-telugu-kkgu9riibhdsi.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150612150148/http://www.sify.com/movies/bapus-lava-kusa-with-balakrishna-news-telugu-kkgu9riibhdsi.html |archive-date=12 June 2015 |access-date=18 October 2015 |website=Sify}}</ref>
== Notes == {{notelist}}
== References == <references> <ref name="TH BFP">{{Cite news |last=Narasimham |first=M. L. |date=13 January 2017 |title=Lava Kusa (1963) |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-fridayreview/LAVA-KUSA-1963/article17032693.ece |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170118065455/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-fridayreview/LAVA-KUSA-1963/article17032693.ece |archive-date=18 January 2017 |access-date=18 January 2017 |work=The Hindu}}</ref> <ref name="TOI 50">{{Cite web |last=Kavirayani |first=Suresh |date=18 April 2013 |title=Celebrating 50 years of Lava Kusa |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/celebrating-50-years-of-LavaKusa/articleshow/19614981.cms |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170114065546/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/celebrating-50-years-of-LavaKusa/articleshow/19614981.cms |archive-date=14 January 2017 |access-date=14 January 2017 |website=The Times of India}}</ref> <ref name="lavakusa felicit rjy">{{Cite news |last=Bhaskar |first=B. V. S. |date=5 April 2016 |title='Lava-Kusa' bemoan fall in values |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/lavakusa-bemoan-fall-in-values/article8434573.ece |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170114062935/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/lavakusa-bemoan-fall-in-values/article8434573.ece |archive-date=14 January 2017 |access-date=14 January 2017 |work=The Hindu}}</ref> <ref name="kantarao">{{Cite web |last=Subramanyam |first=M. V. |date=17 March 2005 |title='Kathula' Kantha Rao on the mark |url=http://www.thehindu.com/lf/2005/03/17/stories/2005031703860200.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170517072132/http://www.thehindu.com/lf/2005/03/17/stories/2005031703860200.htm |archive-date=17 May 2017 |access-date=25 January 2017 |website=The Hindu}}</ref> <ref name="idle">{{Cite web |title=Celeb of the Week - Sri N T Rama Rao |url=http://www.idlebrain.com/celeb/starow/sow-ntr.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160414015815/http://www.idlebrain.com/celeb/starow/sow-ntr.html |archive-date=14 April 2016 |access-date=18 October 2015 |website=Idlebrain.com}}</ref> </references>
== External links == * {{IMDb title}} {{National Film Award Best Feature Film Telugu}}
Category:1963 Indian films Category:1963 multilingual films Category:1963 Tamil-language films Category:1963 Telugu-language films Category:1963 films Category:Best Telugu Feature Film National Film Award winners Category:Films based on the Ramayana Category:Films directed by C. Pullayya Category:Films directed by C. S. Rao Category:Films scored by Ghantasala (musician) Category:Films scored by K. V. Mahadevan Category:Hindu mythological films Category:Indian epic films Category:Indian multilingual films Category:Tamil-language Indian films Category:Films based on the Uttar Ramayana