The story begins with a curse: Sage Brighu, in a fit of ego, kicks Lord Vishnu on the chest. The goddess Lakshmi, residing there, feels insulted and leaves Vaikuntam. The dejected Lord Vishnu descends to Earth to find his consort. He takes the form of Srinivasa and begins a rigorous penance under a tamarind tree on the Venkata Hill (Tirumala).
Simultaneously, Princess Padmavati (an avatar of Lakshmi) is born to King Akasaraja. Srinivasa meets Padmavati, and after a celestial, love-at-first-sight moment, they decide to marry. However, the path to union is fraught with obstacles:
The film ends with Lord Srinivasa ascending the Venkata Hill, promising to grant the wishes of anyone who climbs the seven hills with devotion.
N. T. Rama Rao went on to act in several mythologicals (Lava Kusa, Sri Krishna Pandaveeyam), but his profile as Venkateswara is the most iconic. Even during his later political career as Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, he used this image extensively.
Composed by Pendyala Nageswara Rao, lyrics by Samudrala Raghavacharya.
Even today, during the Brahmotsavams at Tirumala or during Venkateswara Vratam (a ritual performed by devotees), scenes and songs from this film are screened or played. The film’s depiction of the deity's compassion, dignity, and grace has influenced countless calendar art, temple idols, and subsequent TV serials.
In 2013, the film was digitally restored and re-released to critical and audience acclaim, proving that its devotional fervor transcends generations.
Verdict: Sri Venkateswara Mahatyam (1960) is not just a movie – it is a cinematic yagna (sacrifice) that brought the Tirumala deity into millions of homes and hearts across Andhra Pradesh and beyond. For devotees of Lord Venkateswara, watching this film is considered an act of prayer.
The film is a cinematic adaptation of a significant section of the Bhavishyottara Purana, focusing on the descent of Lord Vishnu to Earth as Srinivasa (Venkateswara). The narrative is a beautiful tapestry of sacrifice, love, and cosmic duty.
