# Aatma Gowravam

Aatma Gowravam (transl. Self-esteem) is a 1966 Indian Telugu-language drama film directed by K. Viswanath. It stars Akkineni Nageswara Rao, Kanchana, Rajasree, and music composed by S. Rajeswara Rao. It is produced by D. Madhusudhana Rao under Annapurna Pictures banner.
The film is the directorial debut of K. Viswanath. It is based on the novel of same name by Yaddanapudi Sulochana Rani, and won two Nandi Awards. The film was screened at the Asian and African film Festival at Tashkent.

## Plot

The film begins with a wealthy couple Zamindar Varahala Rao & his shrew wife Santana Lakshmi, and childlessness perturbs them. Once Zamindar visits their village, he is very affectionate towards his peasant Ramaiah's younger brother Srinivasa Rao / Vasu and decides to adopt him. Therein, Ramaiah's mother, Shanthamma, proclaims her aspiration to knit Vasu with his niece, Savitri, when Zamindar promises to fulfill it. Though Santana Lakshmi is half-hearted about taking on Vasu, Zamindar makes it done. Soon after, she cuts Vasu's cords to his family by admitting him to boarding school with her sister's son Venu. Years pass, and Vasu & Venu get up to college, where they acquaint Varahala Rao's best friend, Bhaja Govindam & his daughter, Geeta Devi. She crushes on Vasu, which he doesn't reciprocate, but the elders affirm to splice them. However, Geeta misinterprets Vasu's friendship with her as love and gets her hopes up. Parallelly, Savitri's adoration of Vasu grows with her.
Meanwhile, Ramaiah's wife, Janaki, dies due to a miscarriage. When the Zamindar family manager Appalacharyulu relays the news to Santana Lakshmi, she threatens him to not tell Vasu about it. Vasu's absence further disappoints Ramaiah. After a while, Ramaiah proceeds to Zamindar to propose the marriage of Vasu & Savitri, but is scorned by Santana Lakshmi while Zamindar claims that Vasu is old enough to choose his wife. Enraged, Ramaiah fixes a prosperous alliance for Savitri, where he accepts the bridegroom's stipulation to wedlock his insane sibling, Parvati. Before the wedding, Savitri quits for self-sacrifice, yet Ramaiah stands by his word and still marries Parvati. When Vasu learns of the happenings at his brother's house from Appalacharyulu, he rushes to the village where Ramaiah initially accuses him, but realizing the factuality, the two embrace. Vasu returns home and blasts Zamindar and Santana Lakshmi for cutting off his ties with his family and concealing the tearful news.
Geeta comes across Savitri and shelters her as an orphan. Destiny brings her nearer to Vasu, and they fall in love incognito. Savitri realizes that Vasu is her uncle while Vasu is unaware. When Geeta sees Vasu & Savitri's romance, she is distressed and makes allegations. However, Savitri divulges the reality to Geeta and Geeta unites them, unveiling Savitri's true identity. After much drama, Vasu, Savitri, Geeta, & Venu use their own plays to make elders admit their mistakes, including Santana Lakshmi. Finally, the movie ends happily with the marriage of Vasu & Savitri.

## Cast

* Akkineni Nageswara Rao as Srinivasa Rao
* Kanchana as Savitri / Sarala
* Rajasree as Geeta Devi
* Gummadi as Ramayya
* Relangi as Zamindar Varahala Rao
* Ramana Reddy as Bhajagovindam
* Chalam as Venu
* Allu Ramalingaiah as Appalacharyulu
* Suryakantham as Santana Lakshmi
* Vasanthi as Parvathi
* Hemalatha as Santhamma
* Pushpa Kumari as Janaki
* Giribabu as Raj

## Music

Music was composed by S. Rajeswara Rao. Music released on His Master's Voice
| S. No. | Song Title | Lyrics | Singers | Length |
| 1 | "Preminichi Pellichesuko" | Aarudhra | Ghantasala | 3:30 |
| 2 | "Maaraajulochchaaru" | C. Narayana Reddy | P. Susheela, Vasantha | 3:14 |
| 3 | "Preminchanide Pellaadanani" | Arudra | Ghantasala, P. Susheela | 3:37 |
| 4 | "Paruvam Ponge Velalo" | C. Narayana Reddy | Ghantasala, P. Susheela | 4:04 |
| 5 | "Mundativale Naapai" | Dasaradhi | P.Susheela | 4:55 |
| 6 | "Andenu Nede Andani" | Dasaradhi | P. Susheela | 3:31 |
| 7 | "Oka Poolabaanam" | Dasaradhi | Ghantasala, P. Susheela | 3:41 |
| 8 | "Bratuku Netito Baruvai" | Arudra | P. Susheela | 3:30 |
| 9 | "Raanani Raalenani" | Arudra | Ghantasala | 3:23 |
| 10 | "Valapulu Virisina" | Sri Sri | Ghantasala, P. Susheela | 3:09 |

## Accolades
### Nandi Awards - 1966

* Third Best Feature Film – Bronze – D. Madhusudhana Rao
* Best Story Writer – Gollapudi Maruthi Rao and Yaddanapudi Sulochana Rani

## Reception

Sport and Pastime gave a positive review citing "It has all the elements – a heart-warming story, good acting, pleasing music and conventional cliches – that appeal to the average moviegoer".