Bala Bharatam

Bala Bharatham is a 1972 Telugu film that follows the life of Lord Sri Krishna from his birth to his victory over the evil King Kamsa. The film stars Anjali Devi, S.V. Ranga Rao, and an eight-year-old Sridevi in her debut film role.

The movie begins with the sage Maharishi Garga conducting a ceremony to bless the newborn child of King Vasudeva and his wife Queen Devaki. However, the ceremony is interrupted by the arrival of the evil King Kamsa, who is the brother of Devaki. Kamsa is informed by a divine voice that Devaki's eighth child will be the one to kill him, so he orders the execution of Devaki and Vasudeva's children.

With the help of the god Vishnu, Vasudeva secretly smuggles his newborn son, Lord Sri Krishna, out of the prison and into the custody of his friend Nanda. Growing up in Gokulam, Sri Krishna becomes a mischievous child who loves to play tricks on his friends and steal butter from his mother's kitchen. Meanwhile, Kamsa sends a series of demons to kill Sri Krishna, but they are all defeated.

As Sri Krishna grows up, he becomes a skilled warrior and falls in love with Radha, who is also depicted as a powerful figure in the film. Together, they fight against Kamsa's army and eventually defeat him in a dramatic final battle. The film ends with Sri Krishna ascending to his rightful place as a divine being, with his message of love and virtue leaving a lasting impact on the world.

Bala Bharatham is known for its stunning visuals and impressive production values, with the film featuring lavish sets and intricate costumes. The music, composed by T.V. Raju, is also a key element of the movie, with several songs still being popular among Telugu audiences today.

Anjali Devi delivers a powerful performance as Queen Devaki, while S.V. Ranga Rao is menacing as the villainous Kamsa. However, it is Sridevi's performance as a child actor that steals the show, with her natural charm and acting skills making her stand out even at a young age.

The film is a faithful retelling of the legends of Lord Sri Krishna, with several iconic moments from the mythos being faithfully recreated on screen. However, the film also adds its own unique spin on the story, with a strong focus on the relationships between the characters and the themes of love and devotion.

Overall, Bala Bharatham is a timeless classic of Telugu cinema that has stood the test of time. Its mix of grand spectacle, heartfelt emotion, and powerful themes ensure that it remains a beloved film among audiences to this day.