Soggade Chinni Nayana

Story:

“Soggade Chinni Nayana,” a 2016 Indian Telugu-language supernatural drama film, is the creative output of director Kalyan Krishna Kurasala, with a screenplay by Satyanand and Ram Mohan P. Nagarjuna not only directed the film under his Annapurna Studios banner but also took on dual roles alongside Ramya Krishna and Lavanya Tripathi. Supporting roles were played by Nassar, Mahadevan, Sampath Raj, and Brahmanandam.

The storyline delves into the character of Bangarraju, a charismatic zamindar whose soul, sent back to earth by Yama, seeks to reconcile his son Ramu and wife Seetha, who are teetering on the edge of divorce. Along the way, he uncovers details about his death and its ties to a local Shiva temple. The film boasts cinematography by P. S. Vinod and Siddhardh Ramaswami, while Anup Rubens is credited for the captivating soundtrack and background score.

Prawin Pudi served as the film’s editor. The production, initiated on November 19, 2014, in Hyderabad, concluded on October 4, 2015, with filming predominantly taking place in and around Rajahmundry and Mysore. With a budget ranging from ₹15–20 crore, “Soggade Chinni Nayana” premiered globally on January 15, 2016, during the Makar Sankranti festival season in 390-410 screens.

It garnered positive reviews from critics and enjoyed commercial success, grossing ₹75 crore worldwide. The film found its way to the Kannada film industry as “Upendra Matte Baa” in 2017 and spawned a sequel titled “Bangarraju,” released in 2022. The narrative of the film revolves around Ram “Ramu” Mohan, a socially awkward cardiologist practicing in the United States.

His marriage with Seetha is strained due to his neglectful behavior, leading them to the decision of divorce. The couple relocates to Sivapuram, Rajahmundry, where Ramu’s mother Satyabhama resides. Satyabhama, shocked by the impending divorce, vents her frustration at a portrait of her late husband Bankeraja, a charming zamindar who passed away nearly three decades ago in an accident.

Bankeraja’s soul, indulging in flirtations in Naraka, is summoned back to earth by Yamaraj under Lord Shiva’s directive. Visible and audible only to Satyabhama, Bankeraja attempts to resolve his family’s issues. Several unsuccessful endeavors later, he inhabits Ramu’s body on his birthday. A series of events unfold, including encounters with Ramu’s cousins, revelations of Bankeraja’s murder by Suri, and the realization of a looming threat to his family.

As Ramu spends quality time with his cousins, Seetha experiences jealousy, leading to a gradual rekindling of their relationship. Bankeraja, facing Satyabhama’s unawareness of recent events, suggests her assistance in impressing Ramu. Following his advice, Ramu and Seetha attend a theater, where Ramu, possessed by Bankeraja, defends Seetha against taunts.

Their relationship deepens, and Seetha discovers Ramu’s true affection. Further insights come to light as Bankeraja learns from the godman Athmanandam that his murder was orchestrated by his uncle Rudraraju and cousin Veerababu, driven by a greed for a temple’s ancient jewelry. The narrative intensifies with the revelation that only Bankeraja’s descendants can unlock the temple, guarded by a divine snake.

Rudraraju’s son meets a tragic end by the snake’s bite, leading to a desperate attempt to steal the jewelry. The tantrik captures Bankeraja’s soul, but the divine snake intervenes, preserving Bankeraja’s soul. In the climax, Bankeraja confronts Rudraraju and Sampath, ensuring justice is served, and reconciles with Ramu and Seetha. The film concludes with a poignant moment as Bankeraja bids farewell to Satyabhama and returns to Yamlok at Lord Shiva’s behest.