Vipranarayana (1954)

Bhanumathi’s only major Telugu hit of the period continues the Bharani Studios’ love stories with her and Nageshwara Rao. A Brahmin maker of flower garlands (Nageshwara Rao) devotes his life to the god Ranganatha but he is seduced by a woman (Bhanumathi) determined to make him break his vow. The musical hit sees the Vijaya composer Rajeshwara Rao making his debut at Bharani replacing their usual composer Subburaman. One of the hits, Ooh tapovana, recalls the classic Ooh pavuram number from Swargaseema (1945) and was apparently composed, uncredited, by Rajanikanta Rao. A.M. Raja’s playback singing for the hero contributes to the film’s success, notably his duets with Bhanumathi including the adaptation of 12th C. poet Jayadeva’s composition Savirahe tava deena.