Bhukailasa (1956)

Third and biggest film (cf. versions of 1938 and 1940) based on the Ramayana story originally staged by R. Nagendra Rao and Subbaiah Naidu. Intended as a major remake of A.V. Meiyappan’s 1940 Telugu hit. Ravana, king of Lanka, propitiates the god Shiva and, when he wins a boon, claims in return the latter’s phallic powers and his consort Parvati. Narada tells Ravana that the Parvati who has been sent is merely the shadow of the goddess. Ravana marries Mandodhiri believing her to be Parvati, but he is condemned by his mother Kaikasi. As for the atma-linga, the symbol of Shiva’s magical powers, it is donated on condition that it never be set down on earth. Ravana cannot fulfil the condition and has to accept defeat. Dubbed versions in Tamil (Bhakta Ravana) and Hindi (Bhakti Mahima) were also released.