# Seetharamayya Gari Manavaralu

Seetharamayya gari Manavaralu (transl. Seetharamayya's granddaughter) is a 1991 Indian Telugu-language drama film directed by Kranthi Kumar, and produced by V. Doraswamy Raju under the VMC Productions banner. The film stars Akkineni Nageswara Rao, Meena and Rohini Hattangadi with the music composed by M. M. Keeravani. Based on the novel Navvina Kanneelle by Manasa, the plot follows Seetha (Meena) who arrives from the US to visit her grandparents, Seetharamayya (Rao) and Janakamma (Hattangadi) who are uninformed of her parents' accidental death.
It was featured in the 15th IFFI' 92 Indian Panorama section. The film won three Filmfare Awards South, three Nandi Awards and four Cinema Express Awards. The film was remade in Malayalam as Sandhwanam (1991), in Kannada as Belli Modagalu (1992), and in Hindi as Udhaar Ki Zindagi (1994).

## Plot

The film begins in a village adjacent to the river Godavari where Sitaramayya, a wealthy landlord, holds high esteem. He leads a delightful life with his ideal wife, Janakamma, and son, Dr. Srinivasa Murthy / Vasu. Both father and son are best friends. Unfortunately, a rift arises since Vasu denies the match of his father's choice for his love interest, Sumathi, and Sitaramayya bows his head down. However, he shows his displeasure by refusing to speak to his son, which makes Vasu leave the country.
After 20 years, Seeta Vasu's daughter arrives to attend a wedding function at her grandfather's residence. Sitaramayya also continues his resentment of Seeta but inherently dotes on her. Her wit slowly wins everyone's hearts and resolves the conflict between Sitaramayya and his in-law Veerabhadraiah. Here, as a flabbergast, Dr. Vivekam, Vasu's friend, lands when it unveils that Seeta has hidden the death secret of her parents as her grandparents cannot tolerate it. Discerning the status quo, Vivakam remains calm and announces Vasu & Sumathi's arrival soon.
Now it's time for Sitaramayya's 60th birthday, Sashtipurthi, who eagerly waits for Vasu, but Sita conducts the ritual grandly without divulging the actuality. Soon after, tragically, Janakamma passes away due to delight when Sitaramayya is devastated by Vasu's absence at his mother's funeral and seeks Seeta to exit, which she does. After that, Seeta's memories recall Sitaramayya when he spots her diary, through which he affirms the fact and his son's last wish to immerse his ashes in the Godavari, his father. Forthwith, Sitaramayya collapses but quickly retrieves and rushes for Seeta. At last, Seeta fulfills her father's wish. Finally, the movie ends happily with a proclamation: That there is no end to Indian Family Structure.

## Cast

* Akkineni Nageshwara Rao as Seetharamayya
* Meena as Seeta
* Rohini Hattangadi as Janakamma
* Dasari Narayana Rao as Subbaraju
* Kota Srinivasa Rao as Veerabhadraiah
* Murali Mohan as Dr. Vivekam
* Tanikella Bharani as Govinda Rao
* Sudhakar as Pavan Kumar
* Sudarshan as Kaasi
* Narayana Rao as Lawyer Chakravarthy
* Raja as Dr. Srinivasa Murthy / Vaasu
* Chidatala Appa Rao
* Telangana Shakuntala
* Sudha Rani as Sumathi
* Srilatha as Shyamala
* Chandrika as Chinna Papa
* Saraswathi
* Master Amith as Banty

## Production

The film was shot at Lolla village in Atreyapuram and also shot at Kadiyam. Tata Manavadu was originally considered as title but Nageswara Rao did not want any comparison to the old film of same name.

## Soundtrack

Music composed by M. M. Keeravani. Lyrics were written by Veturi. Music released on SURYA Music Company.

## Awards
### Filmfare Awards

* Best Film – Telugu – V. Doraswamy Raju – won
* Best Director – Telugu – Kranthi Kumar – won
* Best Actor – Telugu – Akkineni Nageswara Rao– won

### Nandi Awards - 1990

* Second Best Feature Film - Silver – V. Doraswamy Raju
* Best Director – T. Kranthi Kumar
* Best Female Playback Singer – K.S. Chithra for "Kaliki Chilkala Koliki"

### Cinema Express Awards

* Best Film – VMC Productions – won
* Best Actor – Akkineni Nageswara Rao – won
* Best Actress – Meena – won
* Best Director – Kranthi Kumar – won