Gangotri

“Gangotri” is a 2003 Indian Telugu-language drama film directed by K. Raghavendra Rao. It was released on March 28, 2003, and marked the debut of Allu Arjun as an actor. The film also featured Aditi Agarwal in a leading role. Notably, “Gangotri” was K. Raghavendra Rao’s 100th film as a director, and it was produced by Allu Aravind and C. Ashwini Dutt. The cinematography for the movie was done by Chota K. Naidu. In 2016, the film was remade in Bengali Bangladesh as “Pure Jay Mon.”

The plot revolves around Neelakantham Naidu, a prominent factionist with a loyal confidant named Narasimha, who is willing to sacrifice his life for Neelakantham. Neelakantham’s wife, Tulasi, gives birth to a baby girl, but a series of earlier babies born to them had died under mysterious circumstances. The priests advise Neelakantham to name his daughter Gangotri and suggest that to ensure her safety, she must undergo a ritual called ‘abhyangana snanam’ (a bath with turmeric, milk, etc.) in the holy place of Gangotri in the Himalayas for the first 15 years of her life. After this period, she would be free from danger.

Gangotri grows up under the strict adherence to this ritual, and her only source of entertainment is Simhadri, the son of Narasimha. Simhadri becomes Gangotri’s servant and friend, and they develop a close bond.

As the years pass, tragedy strikes when Simhadri’s mother is accidentally shot while trying to save Neelakantham. When Gangotri reaches puberty, her paternal aunt becomes concerned about her relationship with Simhadri and restricts their interactions.

However, Simhadri continues to meet Gangotri secretly. When Neelakantham discovers this, he reacts strongly, and Gangotri’s aunt speaks negatively about their relationship, leading to Neelakantham physically assaulting Simhadri.

In essence, “Gangotri” is a story of love, sacrifice, and the challenges faced by the central characters as they grow up together and navigate the complexities of their relationship in a factionist backdrop.