RGV Speaks On The Impact of Sankarabharanam

The ace director who was in college when the movie released shared his favourite scenes from the film

There can be no history of Indian cinema without chapters on K Viswanath and Ram Gopal Varma. In their own way, they made immense contributions to the world of celluloid, producing landmark films which stood the test of time. While Viswanath was the master of classical-based cinema, RGV was a specialist in the gangster genre. Therefore, it was truly moving and humbling at the same time to hear the Shiva maker share his thoughts on K Viswanath’s crowning glory Sankarabharanam. Although it's been a long time since RGV shared his perspective, it seems the apt moment to recall the interview following the demise of K Viswanath. 

“Sankarabharanam released when I was in college, pursuing my engineering. That was the time when pure commercial films like Vetagadu, Adavi Ramudu and Driver Ramudu were creating an impact. Therefore, a film like Sankarabharanam based on classical music and portraying completely conventional and orthodox characters be it JV Somayajulu as Sankara Sastry or Manju Bhargavi, arriving at that time was a complete stunner. I could understand middle-class and family audience watching the film but even students turned up in large numbers. Sankarabharanam is a classic example of tradition, a synonym for culture and everything in it,” said Ram Gopal Varma.

He further added, “Sankarabharanam sent out a strong message to lovers of western music especially the youth that our classical music is no less inferior to western music if not greater. Using reverse logic, the film was targeted at those sections of society who had completely given up our music and converted to western music.”

The Raktha Charitra director also recalled his favourite scene from the film. “It is the story of a disciple who anonymously strives to bring her guru back to his former glory in the wake of the onslaught of western music. Learning of her efforts, Sankara Sastry says, Paschatya sangeetapu penu toofanuku repa repa ladutunna sampradaya bharateeya sangeeta jyothini oka kapu kayadaniki tana chetulu addupettina aa maha manishiki sirasu vanchi padabhivandanam chestunna. Manishi niluvettuna dhanam sampadinchinappatiki dorakunaa….dorakuna ituvanti seva…..

 (At a time when the light of Indian classical music is being extinguished by the onslaught of western music, I bow my head and offer my humble salutations to the person who has come forward to keep the flame burning. A man may earn a lot of wealth but will he ever earn this kind of service?)

Also, towards the climax, when Sankara Sastry learns that it was Manju Bhargavi, he looks at her and acknowledges it with a subtle nod. That’s all! There is no dramatization or going overboard in any way. That is brilliance according to me. Viswanath garu made many films but Sankarabharanam has been one of the biggest influences on my career as a film maker.”