Student No: 1 – A Telugu Coming-of-Age Romantic Drama Film Review
"Student No: 1" is a Telugu-language coming-of-age romantic drama film. The film marked S. S. Rajamouli's feature film directorial debut in 2001. Produced and written by K. Raghavendra Rao, based on a story by Pruthvi Teja, with dialogues by Pruthvi Teja and Viswanth, the film stars N. T. Rama Rao Jr., Gajala, and Rajeev Kanakala. The film's music is composed by M. M. Keeravani.
Plot Overview
"Student No: 1" follows Aditya (N. T. Rama Rao Jr.), a mysterious young man who joins a law college in Vizag. The college is known for its unruly students, headed by Satya (Rajeev Kanakala). Aditya is shown as a mysterious young man, and throughout the first half, there are flashbacks to his story. He makes the unruly students mend their ways. The film reveals that Aditya is a criminal facing murder charges and is serving his life term in Vizag central jail. He attends college with the special permission of the jail authorities.
Aditya lives in Hyderabad with his parents. He has finished his intermediate studies (10th grade plus 2). He wants to pursue engineering, but his father wants him to study law, leading to a confrontation. Meanwhile, Aditya unintentionally murders a goon while saving a girl from getting raped. Scared of losing face in society, Aditya's father disowns him as his son, and Aditya surrenders at a police station.
Cast and Performances
The cast includes:
- N. T. Rama Rao Jr. as Aditya
- Gajala
- Rajeev Kanakala as Satya
- R. Kota Srinivasa Rao as Samba Sivam
- Brahmanandam as Dr. M. S. L.
NTR Jr. is presented as an improved artiste who preaches the value of education.
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Music and Soundtrack
The music was composed by M. M. Keeravani and released by Aditya Music. Part of the song "Kuchipudi Kaina" is based on "Kurukku Siruthavaley" from Mudhalvan.
Track list:
- "Koochipudi Kaina" - Tippu (4:12)
- "Kaastha Ninnu" - S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, K. S. Chithra (4:41)
- "Okariki Okarai" - KK, Srivarthini (4:30)
- "Paddanandi Premalo" - Udit Narayan, K. S. Chithra (4:39)
- "Ekkado Putti" - M. M. Keeravani (5:17)
- "Yemetti Chesado" - Udit Narayan, K. S. Chithra (5:17)
The music by Keeravani is a definite asset to the film. The songs are good and catchy, with "Emetti Chesaade" being a standout track.
Production Details
- Directed by: S. S. Rajamouli, with K. Raghavendra Rao as supervisor
- Written by: Story by Pruthvi Teja, Screenplay by K. Raghavendra Rao, Dialogues by Pruthvi Teja and Viswanth
- Produced by: K. Raghavendra Rao, presented by C. Aswani Dutt
- Cinematography: Hari Anumolu
- Edited by: Kotagiri Venkateswara Rao
- Music by: M. M. Keeravani
- Production Company:
K Raghavendra Rao selected Raja Mouli, his assistant director from 'Santhi Nivasam' Tele serial, as the director. The film is done with rich production values.
Reception
"Student No: 1" was a big hit in Andhra, Uttarandhra, and the Ceded area.
Critical Analysis
The first half of the film establishes Aditya's character and his interactions with the unruly students. The flashback sequences reveal his past and the circumstances that led to his imprisonment. The film effectively portrays the tension between Aditya and his father, as well as the events that lead to him committing murder.
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The second half focuses on Aditya's efforts to reform the students and his fight against injustice. The film blends elements of action, romance, and drama to deliver a message about the importance of education and fighting for what is right.
Themes and Messages
"Student No: 1" explores themes of:
- Redemption: Aditya's journey from a criminal to a law student seeking to make a positive impact.
- Education: The film emphasizes the value of education and its potential to transform lives.
- Justice: Aditya's fight against injustice and his determination to help those in need.
- Family: The complex relationship between Aditya and his father, and the impact of societal expectations on their bond.
The underlying message is simple: the film is a mixture of possible and impossible situations.
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