| Amara Deepam | |
| Director: | K. Raghavendra Rao |
| Producer: | Uppalapati Surya Narayana Raju |
| Starring: | Krishnam Raju Murali Mohan Jayasudha |
| Music: | Satyam |
| Country: | India |
| Language: | Telugu |
Amara Deepam is a 1977 Indian Telugu-language drama film directed by K. Raghavendra Rao. The film stars Krishnam Raju, Murali Mohan and Jayasudha. It is a remake of the Malayalam film Theekkanal (1976) which was earlier remade in Tamil as Dheepam (1977). The film was released on 29 September 1977.[1] Krishnam Raju received the Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Telugu and Nandi Award for Best Actor.
Hari and Shiva Prasad are siblings. One day Shiva accidentally breaks their family photo. Hari beats Shiva and runs away from home. Hari is brought up by a notorious smuggler (Kaikala Satyanarayana). The smuggler changes Hari's name into Shri Krishna which was his deceased son's name. Krishna (Krishnam Raju) grows up to be an immoral man who uses women for his own pleasure. He falls in love with Parvati (Jayasudha), who is his adoptive sister Madhavi's (Madhavi) friend. However, Parvati and Shiva Prasad (Murali Mohan) love each other. When Krishna proposes to Parvati, she refuses. A jealous Krishna attempts to kill Shiva Prasad. He accidentally sees their childhood photo and realises that Shiva is his own younger brother. He arranges Shiva Prasad and Parvati's marriage. Shiva Prasad becomes aware of Krishna's love for Parvati. He misunderstands the situation and doubts Parvati's devotion towards him. Krishna learns of this and decides to kill himself for his brother's happiness.
| Actor / Actress | Character |
|---|---|
| Krishnam Raju | Hari / Shri Krishna |
| Jayasudha | Parvati |
| Muralimohan | Shiva Prasad |
| Madhavi | Madhavi "Madhu" |
| Kaikala Satyanarayana | Madhavi's father |
| Prabhakar Reddy | Ranganatham |
| Jayamalini | Asha |
| Sarathi | Rahim |
| Sakshi Ranga Rao | Manager |
| Mada Venkateswara Rao | Appa Rao |
| Ramaprabha | Ratnam |
| Dubbing Janaki | Paidi Nookalu |
| Narra Venkateswara Rao | |
| Potti Prasad |
The music was composed by Satyam.[2] [3]
Krishnam Raju won the Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Telugu,[4] and the Nandi Award for Best Actor.[5] [6]