Gangotri (2003 film)

Gangotri is a 2003 Indian Telugu-language drama film which was released on 28 March 2003 and was directed by K. Raghavendra Rao. The cinematography was by Chota K. Naidu. The actors Allu Arjun and Aditi Agarwal played the leading roles. This was Allu Arjun's debut as an actor and K. Raghavendra Rao's 100th film as a director. Allu Aravind and C. Ashwini Dutt produced the film. The film was remade into Bengali Bangladesh in 2016 as Pure Jay Mon.

Plot
Neelakantham Naidu is a big factionist who has a loyal confidant Narasimha, who is willing to give his life for the sake of his master. After many years, Neelakantham's wife Tulasi gives birth to a baby girl, but all the earlier babies born to Neelakantham died due to some unknown reason. The priests advise Neelakantham to name his daughter Gangotri. They also warn Neelakantham that the child has 'jalagandam', hence they ask him to take Gangotri to the holy place of Gangotri (after which she was named) in the Himalayas and perform 'abhyangana snanam' (bathe with turmeric, milk, etc.) for the next 15 years. After 15 years, Gangotri would be free of any danger. When nobody could entertain the child Gangotri, Simhadri, the son of Narasimha, entertains her with a song. Simhadri becomes a servant and friend to Gangotri.

They grow up together. Simhadri and Gangotri become good friends. In the meantime, Simhadri's mother is shot by a bullet in a trap with bombs while trying to save Neelakantham. When Gangotri attains puberty, her paternal aunt restricts Simhadri from meeting Gangotri as it would be wrong. When Simhadri comes to Gangotri's place clandestinely to meet her, they are caught by Neelakantham. Neelakantham's sister speaks badly about their relationship. Neelakantham then beats Simhadri.

Meanwhile, Narasimha comes to the spot and interferes. This causes a rift between Neelakantham and Narasimha. Neelakantham is misinformed about Narasimha's intentions; hence, he has bombs planted in Narasimha's house. Simhadri is away at that time. When Simhadri discovers that Neelakantham is responsible for the bombing, he goes to Neelakantham's house and challenges that he will marry Gangotri in a year. Then, Simhadri goes to the holy place of Gangotri and waits for his lover to come there for the final sacred bath. They try to elope, but Neelakantham stabs Simhadri with a sword, and Gangotri tries to commit suicide, which makes Neelakantham realize their love. Simhadri then gains consciousness with their favorite flute tune and gets back his love, and they both hug each other.

Cast

 * Allu Arjun as Simhadri
 * Master Teja as Young Simhadri
 * Aditi Agarwal as Gangotri (Voice by Sunitha)
 * Baby Kavya as Young Gangotri
 * Prakash Raj as Neelakantham Naidu
 * Suman as Narasimha
 * Seetha as Simhadri's mother
 * Pragathi as Tulasi
 * Telangana Shakuntala as Durgamma
 * Brahmanandam as Hindi Lecturer
 * Sunil as Exam Invigilator
 * Tanikella Bharani as Anjaneya Shastri
 * M. S. Narayana
 * Subbaraya Sharma
 * A.V.S.
 * Banerjee
 * Sobha

Soundtrack
The music was composed By M. M. Keeravani and released by Aditya Music.

Release
The film was later dubbed and released in Malayalam as Simhakutty and in Hindi.

Awards

 * Allu Arjun won the Nandi Award for Best Debut Hero
 * Allu Arjun won the Santosham Best Young Performers Award
 * Allu Arjun won the CineMAA Award for Best Male Debut
 * Prakash Raj won the Nandi Award for Best Villain