# Nagamma (TV series)

Nagamma is an Indian Telugu-language fantasy television series that originally aired on Gemini TV from 2002 to 2006. Directed by A. R. Ramesh and written by C. Jerrold, the series ran for over 200 episodes and was broadcast weekly on Sunday nights. It was produced by Akash Khurana and Harish Thawani under Nimbus Communications.
The series centers around Nagamma, a mythical serpent goddess, and explores the influence of her supernatural powers on the Rayudu family. It blends elements of mythology, horror, and social drama. Key actors in the series included J. V. Somayajulu, S. V. Sreenivas, Neeraja, Usha, and Baby Gayathri.
Nagamma consistently ranked among the top three weekly serials on Gemini TV, achieving good viewership during its original broadcast. The title song of the series, "Punnamilona Vennela Vana," composed by Dhina and sung by K. S. Chithra, became popular among viewers. Due to its success, the series was remade in Kannada and aired on Udaya TV. Plans were also made to remake Nagamma in other languages.

## Premise

The storyline centers on a mythical serpent goddess, Nagamma, and her influence on the Rayudu family in the village of Nageswaram. During the time of Rayudu's great-grandfather, the family, tasked with safeguarding the sacred Nagamani, misused it in collaboration with the British. This act of betrayal led to Nagamma cursing the family, causing members born with a distinctive "Naga macha" (a type of mole) to die periodically.
The curse continues to affect the family, with Rayudu's granddaughter Nandini being born with the same mark. To protect her, the family sends her away from the village at a young age. As Nandini grows up, she returns to Nageswaram, marries Ravi, and the couple has a child named Pavitra. The story unfolds as Nandini navigates her family's legacy, the curse, and her connection to Nagamma.

## Cast

* J. V. Somayajulu as Rayudu
* S. V. Sreenivas as Ravi
* Neeraja as Nandhini
* Usha as Seetha/Nandhini
* Surya as Vamsi
* Baby Gayathri as Bala Nagamma
* Baby Hemalatha
* Saraswathi as Sunitha
* Preethi Sreenivas as Pavitra
* Subhashini as Rayudu's daughter
* Kakarala as priest
* Abitha as doctor
* Rajeswari
* Raghavi
* Sneha Nambiyar as Vamsi's second wife

## Production

Veteran actor J. V. Somayajulu, known for his role in Sankarabharanam (1980), appeared in a significant role in the series. Following Somayajulu's death in April 2004, his character was also written off the show, with the storyline incorporating his character's demise. Post-production was done at Venus Telestudio.

## Music

The title song, "Punnamilona Vennela Vana Chaluvudanala Challani Thalli Nagamma," composed by Dhina, written by D. Narayana Varma, and sung by K. S. Chithra was a notable feature of the series. Its melody and lyrics complemented the show's theme and added to its identity.

## Release

Nagamma premiered on Gemini TV on 28 April 2002 and initially aired every Sunday from 9:00 to 10:00 PM. Starting in February 2005, the series shifted to a weekend schedule, airing on Saturdays and Sundays from 7:30 to 8:30 PM. In 2006, the show transitioned to a half-hour format, broadcast on Saturdays and Sundays from 7:00 to 7:30 PM. The final three episodes were aired at 10:00 PM on Sunday nights.

## Reception

Nagamma was one of the top-rated weekly serials on Gemini TV in 2004, consistently ranking among the top three shows throughout its run. The series maintained strong viewership, continuing to attract high ratings well into 2005.
The show garnered attention for its use of visual effects and its blend of mythology, horror, and social drama. Its striking depictions of large serpents and the eerie atmosphere contributed significantly to its popularity. Baby Gayathri, who portrayed Bala Nagamma, was praised for her performance, particularly in scenes where she was shown seated on a serpent, a visual enhanced by makeup and special effects .

## Legacy

The success of Nagamma in Telugu led to a Kannada remake, which aired on Udaya TV and ranked among the top three shows on the channel as of July 2004. There were also plans to remake the series in Tamil for Sun TV and Malayalam for Surya TV.
The series contributed to the popularity of supernatural and fantasy themes in Telugu television, alongside other programs like Rahasyam, Anveshitha, Aloukika, and Manoyagnam. Its Sunday night airings attracted a broad family audience and helped increase the prominence of the horror and fantasy genres in the region.
Nagamma played a role in the career development of Baby Gayathri, whose portrayal of Bala Nagamma was widely noted. She later made her film debut in the 2007 Telugu film Notebook and continued her acting career in Telugu cinema. Similarly, Neeraja and S. V. Sreenivas gained recognition through their roles in the series.