# Devullu

Devullu (transl. Gods) is a 2000 Telugu-language supernatural film directed by Kodi Ramakrishna. It stars Prithvi, Raasi, Master Nandan, Baby Nitya, while Suman, Srikanth, Rajendra Prasad, Ramya Krishna, Laya were in supporting roles and music was composed by Vandemataram Srinivas. It was produced by Chegondi Haribabu, Karatam Rambabu under the Babu Pictures banner. The film was dubbed in Tamil as Kuzhanthayum Deivamum.

## Plot

The film begins with an eminent singer, Prashanth knitting his stan Nirmala instantly by liking her candor in showing his faults. Soon after, Prasanth's career falters when Nirmala aids him in retrieving his honor as a composer, but she surpasses him. As time passes, the couple is blessed with two progeny, Chintu & Bhavani—additionally, ego clashes also grow along with their kids, which go haywire. The pair knocks on the doors of divorce, and the babies become victims by craving for parental care. During that plight, the children learn via grandmother that all these sinister occurrences occur because their parents forgot to accomplish several solemn vows at seven holy places. So, the infant pledges to achieve this to reunite their parents and start a courageous journey.
Firstly, they reach Kanipakam to bestow the opening vow Mudupu to Siddhi Vinayaka when Mushika narrates: All evils are according to Kali's edict whom the entire deities cannot confront and the solo way to destroy him is devotion & faith in humans. Mushika asks them to follow the path and postpones the case by generating an accident for their lawyer. The children are approaching Tirumala, and the burglars attack when Venkateswara shields them, and he gives the temple tour with his wife Alamelu Manga. Whereat, the kids entrust their totality Niluvu Dopidi when Alamelu tries to compensate them, and the police apprehend the Lords by Kali's shot, but they vanish. Prasanth & Nirmala discern the children's absence and file a complaint. The grandmother & her sibling Major BM Rao track their whereabouts and behind them—the little take Bhadrachalam's route when the ferry dumps them short of money whom Anjineeya comforts. Rama, Lakshmana & Sita show the entire premises and mandate Anjineeya to ground them at Vijayawada, which he does. Further, with some help, they make a squirrel tear the divorce papers to delay.
At Vijayawada, a thief heists Kanakadurga's Mukku Pudaka nose stud, and the cops are on his hunt. So, he hides it in the children's bag, Eerumudulu. They spend a night in the temple and cannot conduct the vow Vratham. Hence, Srisaila Bharmarambika arrives, completes it, and aspires to décor Kanakadurga's nose stud, which she says the kids will bestow on her. Accordingly, they accomplish the aim at Srisailam, but the thief still chases them. Gradually, a transformation opens in Prashanth & Nirmala. Frightened Kali about children's initiations & efforts creates hinders at every level; they overcome it with willpower. Now, walking to Shiridi, they concert Sai Baba's history. The Baba has a jollity time by playing with kids who announce they cannot land at their final destination.
With the assistance of a few devotees, they set foot at Sabarimala. Tragically, by Kali's impact, the thief after them loots their Eerumudulu, assuming nose stud in it. However, their bags reach Ayyappa, but the vow remains incomplete due to the kid's failure to even. Ergo, Ayyappa himself moves to them by the time devastated kids attempt self-sacrifice. Parallelly, Prasanth & Nirmala, with the family, arrive, soul-searches, and unite. Eventually, Ayyappa wipes out Kali by making kids' enormous spirits weapons. At last, the Lord shields the kids, conjoins them with their parents, and disappears, proclaiming the values of human relations. Finally, the movie ends happily with Ayyappa calling his parents Siva & Mohini and sleeping in their lap.

## Cast

* Prithvi as Prashanth
* Raasi as Nirmala
* Master Nandan as Chintu
* Baby Nitya as Bhavani
* Allu Rama Lingaiah as Contractor
* Ali as Street Magician
* M. S. Narayana as Lawyer
* Tanikella Bharani as TV Anchor
* A.V.S. as Prashanth's assistant
* Babu Mohan as Major BM Rao, Prashanth's maternal uncle
* Costumes Krishna as Thief
* Prudhvi Raj as Venkateswara
* Radha Bai as Prasanth's mother
* Radha Prasanthi as Nirmala's sister
* Kalpana Rai

### Special Appearances

* Suman as Venkateswara
* Srikanth as Rama
* Rajendra Prasad as Anjineeya
* S. P. Balasubrahmanyam as Lord Ganesha
* Vijayachander as Sai Baba
* Anil Meka as Lakshmana
* Ramya Krishna as Vijayawada Kanakadurga / Srisailam Bramarambika
* Laya as Sita
* Kalpana as Alamelu
* Master Tanish as Ayyappa

## Soundtrack

Music composed by Vandemataram Srinivas. Lyrics written by Jonnavithhula Ramalingeswara Rao. Music released on ADITYA Music Company. The songs were well received.

## Reception

A critic from Sify wrote that "There are certain discrepancies and loopholes in the script though. While there is no single shot of parents loving their kids, the love for parents shown by the children looks a little strange. However, on the whole the film is quite interesting and for those of the audience who are into religious films, Devulu will be a treat". Andhra Today wrote "With children as main characters, the movie seems to be meant for children. But since kids look for entertainment, this movie may not hold much of an appeal for them. As for the adults, the story is not strong enough nor is the devotional fervor. Gods making dramatic appearance as humans seems unreal. Not much requires to be said about acting. Apart from the kids, most others make fleeting appearances in the scenes".

## Awards

* Nandi Award for Best Music Director - Vandemataram Srinivas