# Thodu Needa

Thodu Needa (transl. Companion and protective shade) is a 1965 Indian Telugu-language drama film written and directed by Adurthi Subba Rao. The film stars N. T. Rama Rao, Bhanumathi and Jamuna, with music composed by K. V. Mahadevan. It is a remake of the Tamil film Karpagam (1963). The film was released on 12 May 1965, and emerged a commercial success.

## Plot

The film begins in a village where Dharma Rao is an affluent, honorable bigwig. He resides with his two progeny, Raja, & Radha. Raja knits his classmate Rani, the daughter of a black-hearted Nagaraju of the same town who ploys to usurp Dharma Rao's wealth. Dharma Rao performs his daughter Radha's marriage with Gopi, an ordinary farmer with a noble character. Time passes, and Raja & Rani are blessed with a baby girl, but they neglect their child, and she comes closer to Radha & Gopi, which irks Nagaraju as he knows that the little girl is the legal heir to Dharma Rao's wealth. He creates problems in the family by brainwashing and misleading Raja and Rani, who mindlessly follow his advice. Raja sends the legal notice to his father, asking for property settlement, and separates the baby. Radha goes into depression. While saving the baby from being attacked by a bull, she dies. Gopi goes into depression, but Dharma Rao reconciles to marry his friend Collector Ananda Rao's daughter, Lakshmi. Though he marries her, he cannot forget Radha and is reluctant to invite Lakshmi into his life. Lakshmi longs for the love and attention of both Gopi and the baby. Meanwhile, the estranged son Raja and Nagaraju conspire to swindle Dharma Rao. The frustrated Nagaraju decides to eliminate Gopi and sends goons to attack him, where Lakshmi gets stabbed. Finally, Gopi realizes Lakshmi's love, Nagaraju is arrested, Raja & Rani are remorseful, and the entire family is reunited.

## Cast

* N. T. Rama Rao as Gopi
* Bhanumathi as Lakshmi
* Jamuna as Radha
* S. V. Ranga Rao as Dharma Rao
* V. Nagayya as Collector Ananda Rao
* Nagabhushanam as Nagaraju
* Ramakrishna as Raja
* Geetanjali as Rani
* Baby Shakeela as Viji
* Raavi Kondala Rao as the doctor
* Baby Rani

## Production

Thodu Needa is a remake of the Tamil film Karpagam (1963). S. V. Ranga Rao and V. Nagayya reprised their roles from that film.

## Music

The soundtrack was composed by K. V. Mahadevan. Lyrics were written by Acharya Aatreya. Bhanumathi sang the original version of the song "Que Sera, Sera (Whatever Will Be, Will Be)" in the film with minor changes in the lyrics.
| Song Title | Singers | length |
| "Valapuloni" | P. B. Sreenivas, S. Janaki | 3:39 |
| "Enno Ratrulu" | Bhanumathi | 4:12 |
| "Mallunnaa" | Ghantasala, P. Susheela | 3:36 |
| "Attha Odi Puvvuvale" | P. Susheela | 4:03 |
| "Jolapata" | Bhanumathi Ramakrishna | 3:33 |
| "Mohini Bhasmasura" | Ghantasala, P. Susheela | 5:06 |

## Release and reception

Thodu Needa was released on 12 May 1965, and emerged a commercial success. Vasiraju Prakasam of Andhra Patrika appreciated the story, music, cast and direction of the film in his review. B. V. Rao of Andhra Janata reviewed the film as an enlightening film depicting sacrifice and selfishness. He appreciated the performances of the cast.