Palnati Yuddham (1947 film)

Palnati Yuddham
Theatrical release poster
Directed by	Gudavalli Ramabrahmam L. V. Prasad
Produced by	Koganti Venkata Subba Rao
Written by	Samudrala Sr (dialogues)
Story by	Vempati Sadasivabrahmam
Based on	Battle of Palnadu
Starring	Akkineni Nageshwara Rao Govindarajula Subba Rao Kannamba S. Varalakshmi
Music by	Galipenchala Narasimha Rao
Cinematography	Jiten Bannerjee
Edited by	Maanikyam
Production company	Sri Sarada Productions
Distributed by	Prasad Productions
Release date	24 September 1947 (1947-09-24)
Running time	129 mins
Country	India
Language	Telugu

Palnati Yuddham is a 1947 Telugu historical film based on the battle of Palnadu produced by Koganti Venkata Subba Rao on Sri Sarada Productions banner and jointly directed by Gudavalli Ramabrahmam, L. V. Prasad. Starring Akkineni Nageswara Rao, Govindarajula Subba Rao, Kannamba in the lead roles and music composed by Galipenchala Narasimha Rao. The film recorded as Super Hit at the box office. The film is remade once again in Telugu with the Same Title (1966), Starring N. T. Rama Rao, Bhanumathi Ramakrishna in pivotal roles.

King Anugu of Palnadu has three sons - Nalagama Raju, Narasinga Raju, and Malideva Raju - from his three wives. Before his death, he anoints Nalagama Raju the king and leaves him to the care of his minister Brahmanaidu. During Anugu's rule, a wealthy and powerful woman Nagamma enters the kingdom. Brahmanna is a Vaishnavite, while Nagamma is a staunch Saivite. Progressive-minded Brahmanna allows Harijan entry into temples and appoints a Harijan, Kannama Dasu as the army commander. This irks the upper caste people and also the prince Narasinga Raju, who seeks the help of Nagamma.

In the king's court, Nagamma accuses Brahmanna of fomenting trouble. This leads to Malideva demanding a division of the kingdom. Much against the wish of Nagamma, Nalagama divides the kingdom, and Macherla is given to Malideva, who rules it with Brahmanaidu as his adviser. Nagamma holds control over Gurajala and its ruler Nalagama. She hatches a conspiracy to unite the country and make Narasinga Raju as the king. As part of it, Malideva is invited for Kodi Pandelu (cock fight), the traditional competition held during Sankranthi. The loser has to leave the kingdom and live incognito for seven years. Nagamma cheats to win, but after the seven-year exile refuses to hand over the kingdom to Malideva. Not only that, she arranges to kill the emissary Alaraju, son-in-law of Nalagama. This results in war and the annihilation of almost the entire clan. In the war field, Nagamma realizes her mistake and seeks pardon from Brahmanna.