Aatma Gowravam

Aatma Gowravam is a 1966 Indian Telugu-language drama film directed by K. Viswanath. It stars Akkineni Nageswara Rao, Kanchana, Rajasree, and music composed by S. Rajeswara Rao. It is produced by D. Madhusudhana Rao under Annapurna Pictures banner.

The film is the directorial debut of K. Viswanath. It is based on the novel of same name by Yaddanapudi Sulochana Rani, and won two Nandi Awards. The film was screened at the Asian and African film Festival at Tashkent.

Plot
The film begins with a wealthy couple Zamindar Varahala Rao & shrew, Santana Lakshmi, and childlessness perturbs them. Once Zamindar visits their village, he is very affectionate towards his peasant, Ramaiah's younger Srinivasa Rao / Vasu, and decides to adopt him. Therein, Ramaiah's mother, Shanthamma, proclaims her aspiration to knit Vasu with his niece, Savitri, when Zamindar guarantees to fulfill it. Though Santana Lakshmi is half-hearted about taking on Vasu Zamindar makes it done. Soon after, she cuts Vasu's cords to his family by admitting him to boarding school with her sister's son Venu. Years pass, and Vasu & Venu get up to college, where they acquaint Varahala Rao's best friend, Bhaja Govindam & his daughter, Geeta. She crushes on Vasu, which he doesn't reciprocate, but elders affirm to splice them. Parallelly, Savitri's adoration of Vasu grows with her.

Meanwhile, Ramaiah's wife, Janaki, dies due to a miscarriage, which madcap Santana Lakshmi avoids from Vasu, and his absence furthers Ramaiah. After a while, Ramaiah proceeds to Zamindar for the bridal connection of Vasu & Savitri but receives mortification. So, Ramaiah enrages and fixes a prosperous alliance with Savitri, where he accepts the bridegroom's stipulation to wedlock his insane sibling, Parvati. Before the wedding, Savitri quits for self-sacrifice, yet Ramaiah stands for holiness and espouses Parvati. Being conscious of the afflict, Vasu rushes where Ramaiah initially accuses him, but realizing the factuality, the two embrace. Besides, Geeta secures & shelters Savitri. Destiny brings her nearer to Vasu, and they fall in love with him incognito. Geeta charges Savitri when she divulges the reality. Hence, Geet unites them, unveiling Savitri's selfhood. At last, Vasu, Savitri, Geeta, & Venu tricksy make elders admit their mistakes. Finally, the movie ends happily with the marriage of Vasu & Savitri.

Music
Music was composed by S. Rajeswara Rao. Music released on H.M.V. Audio Company.

Accolades

 * Nandi Awards - 1966
 * Third Best Feature Film – Bronze – D. Madhusudhana Rao
 * Best Story Writer – Gollapudi Maruthi Rao and Yaddanapudi Sulochana Rani

Reception
Sport and Pastime gave a positive review citing "It has all the elements – a heart-warming story, good acting, pleasing music and conventional cliches – that appeal to the average moviegoer".