# Athadu

Athadu (transl. He) is a 2005 Indian Telugu-language action thriller film written and directed by Trivikram Srinivas and produced by Jayabheri Arts. The film stars Mahesh Babu, alongside Trisha, Sonu Sood, Prakash Raj, Nassar, Sunil, Sayaji Shinde, Kota Srinivasa Rao and Brahmanandam. The music was composed by Mani Sharma, while K. V. Guhan handled the cinematography. The film follows a professional killer hired to stage the assassination of a politician, only to be framed for the actual murder, forcing him to assume a new identity while evading the law.
Athadu was released on 10 August 2005 and received positive reviews from critics and audiences, emerging as one of the highest-grossing Telugu films of the year. It won three Nandi Awards and a Filmfare Award South for Best Director – Telugu. Over time, the film gained recognition as a modern classic in Telugu cinema and holds the record for being the most telecasted Telugu film, having aired over 1,000 times on television. The film was remade in Hindi as Ek: The Power of One (2009) and in Bengali as Wanted (2010).

## Plot

Nandu is an assassin-for-hire. He and his partner Malli (who plans the escape) are hired for ₹1,50,00,000 by Siva Reddy - a politician who wants them to stage an assassination attempt on him in order to gain sympathy votes. However, on the day of the attempted hit, Siva Reddy is instead shot dead, and Nandu is framed for it. Malli is killed in a car accident. Nandu manages to escape from the police by jumping onto a train.
In the train, Nandu he meets Parthasarthy "Pardhu", who's going back to his hometown Basarlapudi after two decades, having run away from home as a child. While the train stops at a station, the police, searching for Nandu, arrive. Spotting Nandu, the SI of the search party shoots at him but hits and kills Pardhu instead.
Nandu arrives at Basarlapudi to inform Pardhu's family, but is mistakenly thought to be Pardhu - Pardhu's family takes him in, unaware of his true identity. Nandu eventually grows closer to them, and falls in love with Poori, Pardhu's cousin. Nandu learns of and helps with the family problems, including protecting the grandfather's farm, helping a poor family whom Pardhu had affected long ago, and withdrawing money from his account to fund a family member's wedding. He divulges his true identity to Pardhu's childhood friend Ramana.
In the meantime, CBI officer Anjaneya Prasad Sharma is handed over the investigation into Siva Reddy's murder. He notes the flaws in the evidence, which leads him to Basarlapudi where he attempts to find out Nandu's identity but fails. Upon investigation, Prasad discovers the money withdrawn from Nandu's account for the wedding. He calls the household, and tricks Nandu into acknowledging his identity. Nandu flees.
Prasad divulges the news of Pardhu's death to the family and leaves. Everyone is shocked; when a family member insults Nandu, Ramana points out all the things Nandu had done for them. Nandu himself returns, and admits that he first arrived at the house to inform the family of Pardhu's death, but couldn't bring himself to tell them when he saw how overjoyed they were at his return.
Parthu's grandfather takes Nandu into his study, and accepts Nandu as his grandson, pointing out that he had become family when he had accepted their reprimands, bowed to their love, and helped them without expecting anything in return. He gives Nandu Pardhu's father's shotgun, which had killed him because of an obstructed barrel, and instructs him to find the person who framed him and clear his name so he can come home as a family member.
Nandu calls Baaji Reddy, Siva Reddy's partner, and threatens him with the recording of their earlier conversation to reveal the truth: Malli was alive and had faked his death to shoot Siva Reddy dead and frame Nandu, as Shiva Reddy had offered to pay him more if he killed Shiva Reddy, so that Baaji reddy would become the CM instead. Baaji Reddy discloses Malli's location to Nandu, who reveals he had not recorded the earlier conversation but has recorded the current one.
Nandu arrives at the church where Malli is holed up, and the two are ambushed by corrupt officers sent by Baaji Reddy. Nandu dispatches the officers and has a standoff with Malli, ending up with Malli holding Nandu at gunpoint using Nandu's shotgun. However, Malli is killed when the round backfires due to a marble obstructing the barrel. Prasad arrives at the scene and is handed the recording, which he uses to confront Baaji Reddy over his role in the assassination. When Baaji Reddy gloats that the evidence is inadmissible in court, Prasad says he agrees, but points out that Siva Reddy's son, who was out for vengeance, would kill him when the truth came out. Faced with no way out, Baaji Reddy commits suicide.
Later, Prasad meets up with Nandu, who is performing Pardhu's last rites. He addresses Nandu as Pardhu, revealing he has exonerated him and decided to let him go. Nandu then leaves for Basarlapudi, having accepted the identity of Pardhu.

## Cast

* Mahesh Babu as Nanda Gopal "Nandu", an Assassin who takes up the identity of Pardhu
** Manoj Nandam as Young Nanda Gopal "Nandu"
* Trisha as Poori, Pardhu’s cousin and Nandu's love interest (Voice dubbed by Savitha Reddy)
* Prakash Raj as Anjaneya Prasad Sharma IPS, Designated to CBI Officer, takes up the case of Siva Reddy assassination.
* Sonu Sood as Malli, Nandu's partner (Voice dubbed by P. Ravi Shankar)
* Sayaji Shinde as Siva Reddy, opposition party leader and Pratap Reddy's father (Cameo Appearance)
* Kota Srinivasa Rao as Baaji Reddy, Siva Reddy's close aide
* Rahul Dev as Sadhu, a local don and Nandu's mentor
* Nassar as Satya Narayana Murthy, Pardhu’s grandfather (Voice dubbed by S.P.Balasubrahmanyam)
* Sunil as Ramana, Pardhu's friend
* Rajiv Kanakala as Parthasaradhi "Pardhu" (Cameo Appearance)
* Ajay as Pratap Reddy, Siva Reddy's son
* Giri Babu as Poori's father
* Dharmavarapu Subramanyam as Poori's uncle
* Brahmanandam as Krishna Murthy, Poori's uncle
* Sudha as Poori's mother
* Sruthi as Poori's 1st Aunt
* Hema as Krishna Murthy's wife/Poori's 2nd aunt
* Charan Raj as Police Officer
* Tanikella Bharani as Naidu
* Brahmaji as Nagasamudram Bujji, Naidu's brother-in-law
* Posani Krishna Murali as Farooq, Siva Reddy's aide
* Ravi Prakash as CI Ravi, Anjaneya Prasad's assistant
* Harsha Vardhan as a car agency owner (Cameo Appearance)
* Vajja Venkata Giridhar as Giri, Pardhu's friend
* Harika as Lalitha, Poori's sister
* Prabhu as SI Prabhu
* M. S. Narayana as Tea Shop's customer
* Ananth as Doctor
* Jaya Prakash Reddy as Lalitha's future father in law
* Gundu Sudarshan as a corrupt MRO
* Rallapalli as Datthu, Manager of Thanuku Manjeera Bank (Cameo Appearance).
* Shanoor Sana
* K. Vishwanath as CBI Officer K. S. Patanjali IPS (special appearance)

## Production
### Development

In an interview with the media about his film Julayi (2012), Trivikram shared his views on this film, stating :
   I narrated the story of Athadu to Mahesh Babu before the start of Nuvve Nuvve shoot. Before making of Athadu, I fixed myself that I should not compromise at any cost. I wanted to make the film the way I envisioned it. I wanted to satisfy the audience in me after shooting every scene. I doubled checked each and every scene as an audience. I was able to achieve only 80% of what I had imagined when I wrote the script. If you look at the first 15 minutes of the Athadu movie, you will realize the level of intensity and technical finesse.

### Casting

Initially, Trivikram Srinivas wanted to do this film with Pawan Kalyan and narrated the script. But he did not show much interest in signing the film and even slept during the narration. Mahesh Babu listened to the script of this film in 2002 but Trvikram and the film's producers had to wait for him till he completed the shooting schedules of S. J. Surya's science fiction film Naani and Gunasekhar's family drama Arjun as they were his existing commitments then. The shooting started a month later after the completion of Arjun. For his characterization and the dialogues uttered by the character he played, Mahesh had to adjust to Trivikram's style of dialogues, which took ten days. Trisha was selected for the leading female role. In an interview with the media on 29 June 2005 at the event of audio release stated that she would be seen in a role with shades of comedy though she added that her role was a limited one.
Murali Mohan later revealed that he wanted his friend and former Telugu actor Sobhan Babu to play the role of Satya Narayana Murthy, which would have marked his comeback film, who was then busy with a highly profitable real estate career. For the same, Murali Mohan even issued and sent a blank cheque to Sobhan Babu's residence at Chennai as the remuneration. But Sobhan Babu refused to do that role and rejected the offer politely. Later, Nassar portrayed that role with S. P. Balasubrahmanyam dubbing for him in frail voice and his performance was appreciated by critics.

### Filming

For the film's shoot, 160 digital still cameras were imported from London, to shoot freeze-frames in action sequences. Not more than ten shots were shot per day and four to five complicated action sequences were shot under the supervision of Peter Hein and the climax sequence was shot indoors, which took enormous time to complete thus making the principal photography end after a span of two years. A big set was constructed at Ramanaidu Studios in Nanakramguda at Hyderabad where most of the film's family scenes were shot. On 7 August 2004, a scene featuring Mahesh and Sunil was shot on the bridge of the lake at ICRISAT campus in Hyderabad.

## Soundtrack

Mani Sharma composed the music for this film marking his first collaboration with Trivikram Srinivas and eighth collaboration with Mahesh Babu. The film's soundtrack was released by Mahesh Babu's father and prominent Telugu actor Krishna on 29 June 2005 at the house set of the film constructed at Nanakramguda through Maruthi Music label. This album consists of six melodies composed by Mani Sharma while Sirivennela Sitaramasastri and Viswa penned the lyrics. Apart from Krishna, the film's lead pair, producers, and Maruthi Music representatives attended the event.
The audio received critical acclaim from critics and audience. IndiaGlitz wrote "Mani Sharma has tried to please all. If you are going to compare this one with his previous offerings for Mahesh, it does not do any one any good. On its own, the album has its moments." Upon the film's release, Mani Sharma's work was acclaimed by the critics and audience alike. IndiaGlitz wrote "Mani Sharma's music, especially the title song, is very good. His re-recording also fits the bill." Although parts of the title song are directly fetched from 'Fighter' by Christina Aguilera. idlebrain.com wrote "Music by Mani Sharma is good. The picturization of the first song which comes as background song for titles is wonderful. Neetho Cheppana song has got typical Mexican music. Background music and rerecording of the film is good." Sify.com wrote "The highlights of Athadu are the camerawork of K. V. Guhan and the melodious music and background score of Mani Sharma. The "Neeto Chappana" number picturised in the tea estates of Darjeeling is the pick of the album."
Songs for the soundtrack have been sung by eminent singers like S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, K. S. Chithra, Kavita Krishnamurti, Shreya Ghoshal, Mahalakshmi Iyer, and KK.

## Release
### Domestic

The film released in 79 centers in Nizam region in Andhra Pradesh and was distributed by Maruthi Movies in which 3 centers screened the film for only 2 days. The film released in 24 centers across Visakhapatnam and was distributed by Sri Venkateswara Films. Sri Bharathi Pictures released the film in Krishna district in 18 centers. The film was released simultaneously on three screens in Chennai, the first Telugu film to do so.

### Overseas

The film was released with 6 prints in United States and was distributed by Vishnu Mudda and Soma Kancherla of Crown DVD distribution company. Because of the demand, another print was imported from India for screening. The film's first screening in the US happened at Cine Plaza 13 at North Bergen on the night of 11 August 2005. At Connecticut, a special screening was conducted on 19 August 2005. Initially one show was planned but because of the demand another show was screened. There at the theater, a turn out of 442 people was observed which included standing audience for 434 seats and about 60 could not be accommodated. Apart from USA, the film released in selected screens in United Kingdom, Singapore, Germany and Australia.

### Home media

The DVD of the movie was released by Aditya Music under its Aditya Video Brand and won the best DVD award for its quality and is considered to be one of the best selling DVDs in Tollywood. After 7 years, Star Maa renewed the contract by paying an amount of ₹3.5 crores which was a record price for a 2005 Telugu film.

## Dubbed version

The film was dubbed in Hindi as Cheetah: The Power of One.

## Reception
### Critical reception

The film received praise for its plot, slick screenplay, creative action sequences, the amalgamation of humor, emotional weightage, suspense music, dialogues, cinematography and the central performance of Mahesh Babu.
Sify stated, "The highlight of the film is Mahesh Babu who looks cool, confident and competent as a hit man with his expressive body language and mannerisms. Athadu just about makes it as a slickly packaged entertainer but only for want of a better alternative." IndiaGlitz gave a review stating, "The story sure has splendid potential, but the director does not use them to the hilt simply because he attempts to do too many things almost simultaneously. Yet, all things considered, Athadu is a good entertainer. The problem is you can't praise it as the best yet cannot rubbish it as being useless. It is somewhere in between with more pluses than minuses." Cinegoer.net gave a review stating, "True the film gives an image of a Hollywood base for the drama. Even the taking, screenplay structure and execution of scenes, less talk and more action – all add to this image. But there are elements in this film that only a Telugu man can do it originally. That is the love track. And the way Trivikram put to view the scenic structure between Mahesh Babu and Trisha is impressive and refreshing."

### Box office

The film netted ₹10 lakh from three screens in Chennai in its opening weekend debuting at second position pushing Shankar's Anniyan down to the third place. It collected approximately ₹22 crore (US$2.5 million) in its total run. The film had a 50 days run in 205 centers and a 100-day run in 38 centres. The film had a 175-day run in Sudarshan 35 mm, Hyderabad, grossing ₹1.40 crore from the theatre.

## Accolades

| Award | Date of ceremony | Category | Recipient(s) | Result | Ref. |
| Filmfare Awards South | 9 September 2006 | Best Film – Telugu | Athadu | Nominated | |
| Filmfare Awards South | 9 September 2006 | Best Director – Telugu | Trivikram Srinivas | Won | |
| Filmfare Awards South | 9 September 2006 | Best Actor – Telugu | Mahesh Babu | Nominated | |
| Filmfare Awards South | 9 September 2006 | Best Actress – Telugu | Trisha | Nominated | |
| Filmfare Awards South | 9 September 2006 | Best Comedian – Telugu | Brahmanandam | Nominated | |
| Filmfare Awards South | 9 September 2006 | Best Music Director – Telugu | Mani Sharma | Nominated | |
| Filmfare Awards South | 9 September 2006 | Best Male Playback Singer – Telugu | Karthik (for "Pilichina Raanantaava") | Nominated | |
| Filmfare Awards South | 9 September 2006 | Best Female Playback Singer – Telugu | Shreya Ghoshal (for "Pillagali Allari") | Nominated | |
| Filmfare Awards South | 9 September 2006 | Best Female Playback Singer – Telugu | Kavita Krishnamurti (for "Pilichina Raanantaava") | Nominated | |
| Nandi Awards | 2006 | Best Actor | Mahesh Babu | Won | [30] [31] |
| Nandi Awards | 2006 | Best Dialogue Writer | Trivikram Srinivas | Won | [30] [31] |
| Nandi Awards | 2006 | Best Special Effects | C. H. Srinivas (Prasad EFX) | Won | [30] [31] |