Bhakta Tukaram

Bhakta Tukaram
Theatrical release poster
Directed by	V. Madhusudhan Rao
Produced by	P. Adinarayana Rao
Written by	Veeturi (dialogues)
Screenplay by	V. Madhusudhan Rao
Starring	Akkineni Nageswara Rao Anjali Devi Sivaji Ganesan
Music by	P. Adinarayana Rao
Cinematography	V. S. R. Swamy
Edited by	N. S. Prakasam
Production company	Anjali Pictures
Distributed by	Lakshmi Films
Release date	5 July 1973 (1973-07-05)
Running time	166 mins
Country	India
Language	Telugu

Bhakta Tukaram (Telugu: భక్త తుకారాం) is a 1973 Telugu devotional & biographical film, based on the life of saint poet Tukaram, produced by P. Adinarayana Rao on Anjali Pictures banner and directed by V. Madhusudhan Rao. Starring Akkineni Nageswara Rao played the title role, Anjali Devi, Sivaji Ganesan in lead roles and music also scored by P. Adinarayana Rao.

The movie is based on the story of Tukaram. Tukaram (ANR) is a small-time trader with two wives Avali Bai (Anjali Devi) & Rukma Bai (Jr. Sreeranjani). Tukaram is however not interested in worldly matters and is always immersed in God. He is a fervent devotee of Panduranga, whose praises he sings daily. He faces a lot of problems because of his devotion. People take advantage of his nature and cheat him. His family suffers, and his first wife Rukma dies of starvation during a famine. His family falls on hard times, and he questions the very existence of God. When he tries to commit suicide in despair, he experiences Divine Enlightenment and becomes totally devoted to God. He starts writing kirtans or Abhangs devoted to the God. This is not liked by the orthodox priests, as he belonged to a lower caste. They make him throw all his work into the Indrayani river. When the river Goddess miraculously gives him back all his work, the people of the village are convinced of his divine nature. His fame spreads to such an extent, that even the great emperor Shivaji (Sivaji) comes down to meet him.

Music composed by P. Adinarayana Rao. Music released on Audio Company.