Santosham (2002) Movie
Director: Dasaradh
Screenplay: Dasaradh, Gopimohan, Trivikram Srinivas
Story: Dasaradh
Producer: K. L. Narayana
Cast: K. Viswanath, Nagarjuna Akkineni, Shriya Saran, Prabhu Deva
Cinematography: S. Gopal Reddy
Editing: K. V. Krishna Reddy
Music: R. P. Patnaik
Production Company: Sri Durga Arts
Distribution: Annapurna Studios, Supreme Audio, EVP International (Worldwide)
Music Label: Supreme Music
Release Date: 9 May 2002
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About Santhosham Movie
“Santosham” is a 2002 Indian Telugu-language comedy drama film skillfully directed by Dasaradh. The screenplay was a collaborative effort involving Dasaradh, Gopimohan, and Trivikram Srinivas. The film boasts a cast including K. Viswanath, Nagarjuna Akkineni, and Shriya Saran in prominent roles, with Prabhu Deva in a supporting role. The film’s music, composed by R. P. Patnaik, adds to its appeal.
The movie, released on 9 May 2002, received favorable reviews from critics and emerged as a Box Office blockbuster. It stands as one of the highest-grossing films of the year and marked a turning point in Nagarjuna’s career after a series of unsuccessful films since 2000. The film garnered recognition, winning two Nandi Awards and two Filmfare Awards South. It was dubbed in Tamil as “Santhosha Vanille” and in Hindi as “Pehli Naazar ka Pehla Pyaar.” The film’s impact extended beyond Telugu cinema, with remakes in Bengali as “Bandhan” (2004) and in Kannada as “Ugadi” (2007).
Santosham Movie Plot:
The narrative centers around Karthik, a wealthy architect in Ooty, who falls for Padmavathi “Padhu.” However, Padhu is hesitant to reciprocate due to a lack of knowledge about Karthik’s character. Bhanu, Padhu’s cousin, supports their relationship and emboldens Padhu’s emotions. When Padhu expresses her love to her father Ramachandrayya, he vehemently opposes and insists on her marrying his chosen suitor. Inspired by Bhanu, Padhu elopes with Karthik, triggering a rupture in her relationship with her father. Karthik and Padmavathi marry and move to New Zealand, where they have a child named Lucky. Padmavathi yearns for her parents’ blessings and seeks reconciliation. Tragically, Padhu dies in a car accident. Ramachandrayya’s extensive family is divided in opinion about inviting Karthik and Lucky to a family wedding, leading to mixed reactions. Over time, Karthik wins over the family members, and Ramachandrayya eventually accepts him as a son-in-law. Bhanu develops feelings for Karthik, which complicates her existing friendship with Pawan, who loves her. When Karthik visits Ramachandrayya’s family, he faces varied responses, leading to a change of heart from Ramachandrayya. Bhanu visits Karthik in New Zealand, where their bond strengthens. Realizing Bhanu’s feelings, Karthik arranges her engagement to Pawan. As the story unfolds, Bhanu’s feelings for Karthik persist, leading to a complex situation involving emotions and relationships. In the end, Ramachandrayya pleads with Karthik to marry Bhanu, and Pawan also urges him to marry her for her happiness. The movie concludes on a positive note with Karthik and Bhanu’s wedding.
The film features an ensemble cast that includes:
K. Viswanath as Ramachandrayya, Padhu’s father
Nagarjuna Akkineni as Karthik
Gracy Singh as Padmavathi / Padhu, Karthik’s wife
Shriya Saran as Bhanu
Prabhu Deva as Pavan
Kota Srinivasa Rao as Himsaraju / Vikram
Brahmanandam as Giri from Mangalagiri
Sunil as Kranthi Kumar / Seetayya
Chandra Mohan as Chandram
Paruchuri Venkateswara Rao as Venkat Rao, Bhanu’s father
Pruthvi as Sriram, Karthik’s brother-in-law
Banerjee as Suri
Ahuti Prasad as Prasad, Paddu’s brother
Preeti Nigam as Rani, Prasad’s wife
Sumitra as Lakshmi, Paddu’s mother
Sudha as Savitri, Bhanu’s mother
Tanikella Bharani
Melkote
L. B. Sriram, Paddu’s grandfather
Vajja Venkata Giridhar as Wedding groom
Madhu Mani as Malika
Indu Anand
Anitha Chowdary as Anitha, Karthik’s sister
Lahari as Durga
Aajaam
Swapna
Devisri
Saraswatamma
Master Akshay as Lucky, Karthik and Paddu’s son
Sophiya Haque in an item song
The film’s music was skillfully composed by R. P. Patnaik. The mesmerizing melodies were presented to audiences by the SUPREME Music Company.
Santhosham Movie Soundtrack:
- “Nuvvante Nakishtamani” – Lyrics by Sirivennela Sitaramasastri, Sung by Rajesh and Usha
- “Dhimdhinaktari Naktithom” – Lyrics by Kulasekhar, Sung by Shankar Mahadevan
- “So Much To Say” – Lyrics by Chandra Siddhartha, Sung by Rajesh
- “Devude Digivachina” – Lyrics by Kulasekhar, Sung by Krishnakumar Kunnath and Usha
- “Ne Tolisariga” – Lyrics by Sirivennela Sitaramasastri, Sung by Usha
- “Mehbooba Mehbooa” – Lyrics by Vishwa, Sung by Mano, Bhargavi, and Vishwa
- “Emaindho Emo Naalo” – Lyrics by Kulasekhar, Sung by Rajesh
- “Diri Diri Diridee” – Lyrics by Kulasekhar, Sung by Krishnakumar Kunnath and Usha
- Nandi Awards – 2002:
- Best Actor: Akkineni Nagarjuna
- Third Best Feature Film – Bronze: K. L. Narayana
- Filmfare Awards South:
- Best Film – Telugu: K. L. Narayana
- Best Music Director – Telugu: R. P. Patnaik
“Santosham” is a heartwarming and emotionally resonant Telugu film that effectively explores themes of love, family, and second chances. Its engaging narrative, strong performances, and well-composed music contribute to its impact. While it may follow some familiar storytelling patterns and encounter pacing issues, the film’s ability to evoke genuine emotions and its universal themes make it a compelling watch. “Santosham” stands as a successful blend of comedy and drama, leaving a lasting impression with its touching portrayal of relationships and the journey towards reconciliation.
