A timeless classic starring the late legend Nandamuri Taraka Ramarao has made headlines once again, and for a very special reason. Directed by the legendary KV Reddy garu, Pathala Bhairavi (1951) also features the iconic SV Ranga Rao in a crucial role.
The good news is that the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) and the National Film Archive of India (NFAI), Pune, have digitally restored Pathala Bhairavi under the National Film Heritage Mission. This is an exciting development for Telugu cinema lovers and film enthusiasts alike.
Many believe that restoring classics is a great initiative, and they are thrilled that Pathala Bhairavi has been preserved in this way. Hopefully, many more such legendary films will undergo restoration in the near future.
Now, the big question is – will the general public get a chance to watch the restored version in theaters again? We’ll have to wait and see if such an opportunity arises. Interestingly, next year marks the 75th anniversary of the film. Could that be the perfect occasion for audiences to revisit Pathala Bhairavi in its newly restored digital form?
The brilliant Pingali Nagendra Rao garu penned the story that made waves at the box office back in the day. Produced by Vijaya Productions and featuring an unforgettable score by the legendary Ghantasala garu, Pathala Bhairavi remains a proud milestone in Telugu cinema history.