Simhasanam (1986 film)

Simhasanam is a 1986 Indian Telugu-language epic historical film written, directed, edited, and produced by Krishna, who starred alongside Jaya Prada, Radha, and Mandakini. The film was simultaneously made in Hindi as Singhasan. Based on a folklore tale, the film released on 21 March 1986. Simhasanam is the first 70 mm stereophonic sound film in Telugu cinema.

Plot
Once upon a time, there were two kingdoms, Avanti & Gandhar. Vikram Simha is a gallant Chief Commander of Gandhar ruled by Sharminder Bhupati, who elongates the kingdom from 4 sides. Its princess, Alakananda, endears him. The vicious chief minister, Bherudadamatya, connivances to eliminate the heir, Alakananda, which Vikram senses and safeguards her. However, crafty Bhanu Pratap impeaches Vikram and ostracizes him. Besides, Aditya Vardhan, the prince of Avanti and doppelganger of Vikram, is turned into an abuser by his pernicious mentor Acharya Abhang Deva to chair his son Ugrarahu, the next heir. He also gets intrigued by sculpting a venomous beauty, Chandana, to slay Aditya, and he falls for her. Moreover, Abhang Dev creates mayhem in both kingdoms. Hence, as a countermove, Vikram secretly builds an army and thwarts their felonious. Meanwhile, Sharminder Bhupati announces the crowning ceremony of Alakananda. Being cognizant of it, Abhang Dev accumulates the traitor vassals, and it is uncovered that Abhang Dev & Bhirundamatya are siblings, and they move the pawns. Initially, they heist the prestigious crown of Gandhar and ploy to squat the fort. Vikram checks the conspiracy and accomplishes the celebration when Bherundamatya and the traitors are expelled. Chandana, perceiving herself as a toxin, attempts suicide when Vikram saves and rebounds her. In her absence, Aditya freaks out and wanders. Exploiting it, Abhang Deva seeks to slaughter him, but Vikram shields him. Now, Aditya requests Vikram to deputize his position for annihilating the violations and ameliorating the lifestyles of the public. Vikram obeys and does so by contributing revolutionary changes to the Constitution. Over time, he reinstates Aditya and knits him with Chandana. Abhang Deva bowed a subterfuge here by forging Aditya as an imposter Vikram and sentencing him to death. At last, Vikram hiatuses the rues, ceases the knaves, and defines serenity. Finally, the movie ends on a happy note with the marriage of Vikram Singh & Alakananda.

Cast

 * Krishna as Vikrama Simha and Aditya Vardhana
 * Jaya Prada as Princess Alakananda Devi
 * Kantha Rao as Maharajah of Dasarna
 * Radha as Jaswanthi
 * Kaikala Satyanarayana as Rajguru
 * Mandakini as Chandana Gandhi / Visha Kanya
 * Gummadi Minister of Avanti
 * M. Balayya as Army chief of Dasarna
 * Prabhakar Reddy as Minister of Dasarna
 * Giri Babu as Ugra Rahu Army chief of Avanthi
 * Amjad Khan as Bhokkudu
 * Pradeep Chandran
 * Jayamalini
 * Anuradha
 * Jayasree T
 * Leena Das

Production
Simhasanam is the directorial debut of Krishna. Principal photography took place at Padmalaya Studios, Hyderabad, along with Hogenakkal and Mysore. The film was shot in 60 days. It is the first 70 mm stereophonic sound film in Telugu cinema.

Soundtrack
The soundtrack was composed by Bappi Lahiri.

Reception
This was the first film to collect more than ₹1.5 crore in its first week run. It surpassed the record of highest gross collection in a single theatre in the state in Hyderabad.