Historical and mythological Telugu films generally fare well -- like the recent suprhit Sree Ramadasu.
Another period film in the offing is Sree Vengamamba, produced by Madala Janaki Rao and directed by Anjani Kumar. The central character of goddess Vengamamba is to be played by dancer Smitha Madhav.
Goddess Vengamamba, who is worshipped in Narravada (near Nellore in Andhra Pradesh), is considered an avatar of Durga. A 15th century social reformer, she fought against evils like untouchability. She was deified as a goddess and considered an avatar of Adi Parashakti.
The film will be shot in Hyderabad and Narravada, starting from August 1. Master composer Ilayaraja will do the score.
This will be Smitha Madhav's third film after Bala Ramayanam (where she acted as Sita opposite N T R Junior, who played Rama) and Prithvi (a film based on an artist's life).
Trained in Bharata Natyam since a young age under Rajeswari Sainath, Smitha has been giving performances for the last few years. She has been even choreographing some of the pieces too.
"The film (Sree Vengamamba) is not too removed from my real life," says Smitha. "It will have song and dance, the highlight being a 13-minute ballet. I don't see myself running around trees and being the regular heroine. This film will give me an opportunity to showcase my dancing skills."
Text: Radhika Rajamani
