Ramu (1968 film)

Ramu is a 1968 Indian Telugu-language drama film produced by AVM Productions and directed by A. C. Tirulokchandar. The film stars N. T. Rama Rao and Jamuna with Master Rajkumar in the title role reprising his role from the Tamil film. The film's music was composed by R. Govardhanam. It is a remake of the Tamil film of the same name (1966), which was based on the Hindi film Door Gagan Ki Chhaon Mein (1964). The film was a silver jubilee hit.

Plot
Ramu is an active boy who lives happily with his father, Raja, and mother, Seeta. One day, Raja, who works as a soldier, receives an emergency call and rushes to the battlefield. While he is gone, dacoits attack their village and set fire to Ramu's house, burning Seeta alive. The sight causes Ramu to lose his voice. Afterward, their neighbor Chinnayya takes care of Ramu and waits for Raja's arrival. Learning the facts, Raja returns and is shocked. He takes an oath to get his son's voice back, and they leave the village.

Parallelly, in another village, Lakshmi, daughter of Sipayi Singanna, is a wealthy woman whose property is under the guardianship of her maternal uncle Ganganna. Ganganna has two sons: Ranganna, who is as crooked as his father, and Venkanna, who is kind-hearted. Ganganna wants to grab Lakshmi's property by performing her marriage with Ranganna. But Lakshmi gets back her property through the court. Due to this, Ganganna develops a grudge against her.

On their way back, Ramu and Raja pass through the village, where Ranganna beats Ramu for obstructing. A fight arises between Ranganna and Raja. Ranganna strikes Raja, and he faints. Lakshmi spots them, takes them along with her, and requests that Raja stay in her house until he recovers. Days pass, and Ramu gets closer to Lakshmi; she also cares for him as her son and loves Raja.

Meanwhile, Ganganna ensures no one works in Lakshmi's fields, but Raja comes forward and completes the farming. Eventually, Ramu visits a burial ground where he meets a madman, Gopalam, whose daughter has been cheated on by Ganganna. Both Gopalam and Ramu become good friends. Frustrated, Ranganna kidnaps Ramu and keeps him in his custody. Lakshmi, in search of Ramu, reaches there when Ranganna tries to molest her. Venkanna informs Raja, and he, too, arrives there. In the fight between Raja and Ranganna, fire erupts, and Lakshmi is stuck. Due to this incident, Ramu gets back his voice and saves her. Gopalam recognizes Ganganna, kills him, and surrenders. The film ends with the marriage of Raja & Lakshmi.

Music
Music was composed by R. Govardhanam.

Release and reception
Ramu was released on 4 May 1968. The film had a 100-day run 15 centers. running for 181 days at Durga Kala Mandir, Vijayawada, and becoming a silver jubilee hit.