{ "id": "epxm910t1g", "slug": "rangamarthanda", "title": "Rangamarthanda (రంగమార్తాండ)", "updated": "2026-11-01", "topic_path": [ { "id": "culture", "label": "Arts and culture", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/topics/culture" }, { "id": "culture.performance", "label": "Screen and stage", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/topics/culture.performance" }, { "id": "culture.performance.screen", "label": "Film and television", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/topics/culture.performance.screen" }, { "id": "culture.performance.screen.films", "label": "Films and standalone screen works", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/topics/culture.performance.screen.films" }, { "id": "culture.performance.screen.films.films.individual-works", "label": "Individual films by title and year", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/topics/culture.performance.screen.films.films.individual-works" }, { "id": "culture.performance.screen.films.films.individual-works.indian-cinema", "label": "Indian films (individual works)", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/topics/culture.performance.screen.films.films.individual-works.indian-cinema" }, { "id": "culture.performance.screen.films.films.individual-works.indian-cinema.telugu-films-of-the-2020s", "label": "Telugu films of the 2020s", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/topics/culture.performance.screen.films.films.individual-works.indian-cinema.telugu-films-of-the-2020s" }, { "id": "culture.performance.screen.films.films.individual-works.indian-cinema.telugu-films-of-the-2020s.telugu-films-of-2023", "label": "Telugu films of 2023", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/topics/culture.performance.screen.films.films.individual-works.indian-cinema.telugu-films-of-the-2020s.telugu-films-of-2023" } ], "geo": [ { "id": "geo.ind.t2021.culture.performance.screen.films.films.individual-works.indian-cinema.telugu-films-of-the-2020s", "label": "India · 2021 and later: Telugu films of the 2020s", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/geo/geo.ind.t2021.culture.performance.screen.films.films.individual-works.indian-cinema.telugu-films-of-the-2020s", "path": [ { "id": "geo.ind", "label": "India", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/geo/geo.ind" }, { "id": "geo.ind.t2021", "label": "India · 2021 and later", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/geo/geo.ind.t2021" }, { "id": "geo.ind.t2021.culture", "label": "Arts and culture", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/geo/geo.ind.t2021.culture" }, { "id": "geo.ind.t2021.culture.performance", "label": "Screen and stage", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/geo/geo.ind.t2021.culture.performance" }, { "id": "geo.ind.t2021.culture.performance.screen", "label": "Film and television", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/geo/geo.ind.t2021.culture.performance.screen" }, { "id": "geo.ind.t2021.culture.performance.screen.films", "label": "Films and standalone screen works", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/geo/geo.ind.t2021.culture.performance.screen.films" }, { "id": "geo.ind.t2021.culture.performance.screen.films.films.individual-works", "label": "Individual films by title and year", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/geo/geo.ind.t2021.culture.performance.screen.films.films.individual-works" }, { "id": "geo.ind.t2021.culture.performance.screen.films.films.individual-works.indian-cinema", "label": "Indian films (individual works)", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/geo/geo.ind.t2021.culture.performance.screen.films.films.individual-works.indian-cinema" }, { "id": "geo.ind.t2021.culture.performance.screen.films.films.individual-works.indian-cinema.telugu-films-of-the-2020s", "label": "Telugu films of the 2020s", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/geo/geo.ind.t2021.culture.performance.screen.films.films.individual-works.indian-cinema.telugu-films-of-the-2020s" } ] } ], "excerpt": "Rangamarthanda (రంగమార్తాండ) is a 2023 Telugu family drama directed by Krishna Vamsi, the official remake of Marathi film Natsamrat, starring Prakash Raj, Ramya Krishnan, and Brahmanandam, with Ilaiyaraaja's music; released 22 March 2023, streamed on Amazon Prime Video from 7 April 2023.", "snippet": "Rangamarthanda (రంగమార్తాండ) is a 2023 Telugu family drama directed by Krishna Vamsi, the official remake of Marathi film Natsamrat, starring Prakash Raj, Ramya Krishnan, and Brahmanandam, with Ilaiyaraaja's music; released 22 March 2023, streamed on Amazon Prime Video from 7 April 2023.", "node": "culture.performance.screen.films.films.individual-works.indian-cinema.telugu-films-of-the-2020s.telugu-films-of-2023", "markdown": "# Rangamarthanda (రంగమార్తాండ)\n\n**Rangamarthanda** (రంగమార్తాండ) is a 2023 Telugu-language family drama directed by Krishna Vamsi, an official remake of the 2016 Marathi film *[Natsamrat](https://www.edgepedia.org/natsamrat)*, starring [Prakash Raj](https://www.edgepedia.org/prakash-raj), Ramya Krishnan, and [Brahmanandam](https://www.edgepedia.org/brahmanandam). It was released in theaters on 22 March 2023, on the Telugu New Year festival Ugadi.[1](https://telugurajyam.com/news-press/rangamarthanda-releases-on-march-22-in-theatres.html) • [2](https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/telugu/ranga-marthanda-movie-review-a-nuanced-emotional-film-8510795/)\n\n| Key fact | Detail |\n|---|---|\n| Release | 22 March 2023 (Ugadi), wide theatrical release in India; runtime 2 hours 33 minutes; certified U[3](https://in.bookmyshow.com/movies/hyderabad/rangamarthanda/ET00355070) |\n| Source material | Official Telugu remake of *Natsamrat* (2016), directed by Mahesh Manjrekar and starring Nana Patekar, itself adapted from a stage play by Jnanpith Award recipient Kusumagraj[2](https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/telugu/ranga-marthanda-movie-review-a-nuanced-emotional-film-8510795/) • [4](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/ranga-marthanda-deals-with-the-generation-gap-between-parents-and-children-krishna-vamsi/amp_articleshow/96688472.cms) |\n| Director | Krishna Vamsi, his first film since *Nakshatram* (2017)[5](https://www.cinemaexpress.com/telugu/interviews/2023/Jan/04/krishna-vamsi-rangamarthanda-isabout-an-actors-life-and-psycheafter-his-career-is-over-38374.html) |\n| Lead cast | Prakash Raj, Ramya Krishnan, Brahmanandam, Anasuya Bharadwaj, Aadarsh Balakrishna, Shivathmika Rajashekar, Rahul Sipligunj, Ali Reza[6](https://www.gadgets360.com/entertainment/rangamarthanda-movie-116428) |\n| Music | Ilaiyaraaja; cinematography by Raj K Nalli[6](https://www.gadgets360.com/entertainment/rangamarthanda-movie-116428) |\n| Producers | Kalipu Madhu and S. Venkat Reddy, under Raja Shyamala Entertainments and Housefull Movies[6](https://www.gadgets360.com/entertainment/rangamarthanda-movie-116428) |\n| Streaming | Amazon Prime Video acquired the digital rights and began streaming on 7 April 2023, 16 days after the theatrical release[7](https://telugu.filmibeat.com/ott/krishna-vamsi-rangamarthanda-ott-premiere-from-april-7-on-amazon-prime-video-118733.html) |\n\n## Spoilers\n\n### Plot\n\nRaghava Rao (Prakash Raj) is a celebrated stage actor who earns the honorific \"Rangamarthanda\" on the day he retires from the theater. Against his wife Raju Garu's ([Ramya Krishnan](https://www.edgepedia.org/ramya-krishnan)) warnings, he divides his wealth between his children: the family home to his son Ranga (Aadarsh Balakrishna) and his savings and jewelry to his daughter Sri (Shivathmika Rajashekar). He and his wife then move in with their son and daughter-in-law Geeta ([Anasuya Bharadwaj](https://www.edgepedia.org/anasuya-bharadwaj)).[12](https://telanganatoday.com/rangamarthanda-review-this-film-will-tug-at-your-heartstrings) • [13](https://telugucinema.com/reviews/rangamarthanda-review-is-backed-by-strong-performances/amp)\n\nThe retired couple's hopes for a quiet life collapse as the children begin to mistreat them, and the story follows the resulting family conflicts and how, or whether, they are resolved. Raghava Rao's friend and fellow stage actor Chakrapani (Brahmanandam), who is childless, forms the film's other emotional anchor.[12](https://telanganatoday.com/rangamarthanda-review-this-film-will-tug-at-your-heartstrings) • [13](https://telugucinema.com/reviews/rangamarthanda-review-is-backed-by-strong-performances/amp) The film opens with the burning of the Kala Bharathi theater, as the retired actor returns to the place where he performed most of his plays and reminisces about his life.[13](https://telugucinema.com/reviews/rangamarthanda-review-is-backed-by-strong-performances/amp)\n\n## Origins and production\n\nThe project began with Prakash Raj, who had purchased the rights to *Natsamrat* (2016) with the intention of producing, starring in, and directing the remake himself. When Krishna Vamsi visited him for a casual meeting, Prakash Raj asked him to watch the Marathi film and assess whether screenplay changes were needed. Krishna Vamsi, who had directed [Nana Patekar](https://www.edgepedia.org/nana-patekar) in the Hindi version of *Anthahpuram*, watched the full film out of respect for the actor and encouraged the remake; the next day Prakash Raj asked him to direct it instead, citing the strain of performing and directing at the same time.[5](https://www.cinemaexpress.com/telugu/interviews/2023/Jan/04/krishna-vamsi-rangamarthanda-isabout-an-actors-life-and-psycheafter-his-career-is-over-38374.html)\n\nKrishna Vamsi described the film as his second remake after *Chandralekha*, and said he rewrote the story to suit Telugu sensibilities. Where the Marathi version circled [Shakespeare's plays](https://www.edgepedia.org/shakespeares-plays), his adaptation centered on Telugu theater and on the relationship between aging parents and their children.[4](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/ranga-marthanda-deals-with-the-generation-gap-between-parents-and-children-krishna-vamsi/amp_articleshow/96688472.cms) • [8](https://www.telugu360.com/te/rangamarthanda-movie-review/) He said the film is \"not about the stage but about an actor after his career is over; his personal life and his psyche,\" and framed its theme as the way money has reshaped relationships with parents over recent decades.[5](https://www.cinemaexpress.com/telugu/interviews/2023/Jan/04/krishna-vamsi-rangamarthanda-isabout-an-actors-life-and-psycheafter-his-career-is-over-38374.html) • [9](https://www.dailypioneer.com/uploads/2022/epaper/july/hyderabad-english-edition-2022-07-08.pdf)\n\nShooting began in 2019, but the Covid-19 pandemic delayed completion; the film was largely developed during the lockdown period. It marked Krishna Vamsi's return to direction roughly six years after *Nakshatram* (2017), which had underperformed.[4](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/ranga-marthanda-deals-with-the-generation-gap-between-parents-and-children-krishna-vamsi/amp_articleshow/96688472.cms) • [2](https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/telugu/ranga-marthanda-movie-review-a-nuanced-emotional-film-8510795/) • [10](https://www.dailypioneer.com/uploads/2023/epaper/march/hyderabad-english-edition-2023-03-25.pdf) For producer Kalipu Madhu, it was a production debut under his banner Raja Shyamala Entertainments.[11](https://www.ottplay.com/interview/exclusive-producer-kalipu-madhu-with-rangamarthanda-our-sole-intention-was-to-make-a-good-film/9c64873cd122)\n\n## Cast, music, and adaptation choices\n\nKrishna Vamsi cast Brahmanandam, known almost entirely for comedy, in the serious role of Chakrapani, a choice that surprised many in the industry; the director said the actor's face came to him while he was imagining the character, and Brahmanandam agreed immediately without watching the original film.[5](https://www.cinemaexpress.com/telugu/interviews/2023/Jan/04/krishna-vamsi-rangamarthanda-isabout-an-actors-life-and-psycheafter-his-career-is-over-38374.html) Ramya Krishnan, the director's wife, played the subdued wife Raju Garu, a role she said she took after other actresses could not be finalized.[14](https://www.filmibeat.com/telugu/news/2023/ramya-krishna-on-rangamarthanda-i-played-the-character-after-krishna-vamsi-failed-to-finalize-other-349408.html)\n\n**Music and text.** [Ilaiyaraaja](https://www.edgepedia.org/ilaiyaraaja) composed the score, continuing an association with Krishna Vamsi that reaches back to the director's days as an assistant on *Siva* (1989) and his own *Antahpuram* (1998).[5](https://www.cinemaexpress.com/telugu/interviews/2023/Jan/04/krishna-vamsi-rangamarthanda-isabout-an-actors-life-and-psycheafter-his-career-is-over-38374.html) The film includes what was the last song written by the lyricist [Sirivennela Seetharama Sastry](https://www.edgepedia.org/sirivennela-seetharama-sastry), sung by Ilaiyaraaja.[15](https://www.ap7am.com/tn/767065/ranga-marthanda-teaser-released) Chiranjeevi lent his voice to a three-and-a-half-minute Telugu shayari (Urdu poetic couplet form, often romantic or tributary), written by Lakshmi Bhoopala, that pays tribute to actors' lives and plays over the opening credits.[4](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/ranga-marthanda-deals-with-the-generation-gap-between-parents-and-children-krishna-vamsi/amp_articleshow/96688472.cms) • [2](https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/telugu/ranga-marthanda-movie-review-a-nuanced-emotional-film-8510795/)\n\n## Release and reception\n\nThe film released worldwide in theaters on 22 March 2023 as an Ugadi release, after a marketing campaign that included a teaser built around a music-length introduction of the main characters and a widely discussed scene in which Brahmanandam slaps Prakash Raj's character.[1](https://telugurajyam.com/news-press/rangamarthanda-releases-on-march-22-in-theatres.html) • [15](https://www.ap7am.com/tn/767065/ranga-marthanda-teaser-released) Krishna Vamsi screened premieres for much of the film industry in the days before release.[8](https://www.telugu360.com/te/rangamarthanda-movie-review/)\n\nCritics responded positively. [The Indian Express](https://www.edgepedia.org/the-indian-express) called it \"a nuanced, emotional film\"; the Times of India rated it 3.5 out of 5 and described Prakash Raj and Brahmanandam as delivering \"performances of a lifetime\"; Telangana Today wrote that the film would \"tug at your heartstrings.\"[2](https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/telugu/ranga-marthanda-movie-review-a-nuanced-emotional-film-8510795/) • [16](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movie-reviews/rangamarthanda/amp_movie_review/98882212.cms) • [12](https://telanganatoday.com/rangamarthanda-review-this-film-will-tug-at-your-heartstrings) Reviewers singled out the hospital scene between Prakash Raj and Brahmanandam, and Ramya Krishnan's restrained performance, as highlights.[13](https://telugucinema.com/reviews/rangamarthanda-review-is-backed-by-strong-performances/amp) Some critics noted that the story of neglected elderly parents was familiar in [Telugu cinema](https://www.edgepedia.org/telugu-cinema), citing earlier films such as *Kalikalam* and *Soorigadu*, and that the narrative became predictable at points.[13](https://telugucinema.com/reviews/rangamarthanda-review-is-backed-by-strong-performances/amp) • [17](https://www.123telugu.com/reviews/rangamarthanda-telugu-movie-review.html)\n\n**Commercial performance.** The film did not convert its critical goodwill into box-office returns: collections fell after the first few days, and the online buzz did not match the theatrical earnings. Amazon Prime Video, which had bought the digital rights, began streaming the film at midnight on 7 April 2023, 16 days after release rather than the four to five weeks originally planned; trade observers viewed the early streaming as a sensible way to reach the audience while interest lasted.[7](https://telugu.filmibeat.com/ott/krishna-vamsi-rangamarthanda-ott-premiere-from-april-7-on-amazon-prime-video-118733.html) [The Pioneer](https://www.edgepedia.org/the-pioneer) reported that, irrespective of mixed critical views, the film was much loved by family audiences.[10](https://www.dailypioneer.com/uploads/2023/epaper/march/hyderabad-english-edition-2023-03-25.pdf) A world television premiere followed later in 2023.[18](https://www.123telugu.com/telugu/news/rangamaarthaanda-world-television-premiere-date-fixed.html)\n\n## References\n\n1. [మార్చి 22న రానున్న కృష్ణవంశీ 'రంగమార్తాండ', Telugu Rajyam](https://telugurajyam.com/news-press/rangamarthanda-releases-on-march-22-in-theatres.html)\n2. [Ranga Marthanda movie review: A nuanced, emotional film, The Indian Express](https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/telugu/ranga-marthanda-movie-review-a-nuanced-emotional-film-8510795/)\n3. [Rangamarthanda, BookMyShow](https://in.bookmyshow.com/movies/hyderabad/rangamarthanda/ET00355070)\n4. [Ranga Marthanda deals with the generation gap between parents and children: Krishna Vamsi, Times of India](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/ranga-marthanda-deals-with-the-generation-gap-between-parents-and-children-krishna-vamsi/amp_articleshow/96688472.cms)\n5. [Krishna Vamsi: Rangamarthanda is about an actor's life and psyche after his career is over, Cinema Express](https://www.cinemaexpress.com/telugu/interviews/2023/Jan/04/krishna-vamsi-rangamarthanda-isabout-an-actors-life-and-psycheafter-his-career-is-over-38374.html)\n6. [Rangamarthanda (2023), Gadgets 360](https://www.gadgets360.com/entertainment/rangamarthanda-movie-116428)\n7. [Rangamarthanda OTT Premiere From April 7 On Amazon Prime Video, Telugu Filmibeat](https://telugu.filmibeat.com/ott/krishna-vamsi-rangamarthanda-ott-premiere-from-april-7-on-amazon-prime-video-118733.html)\n8. [రివ్యూ : రంగమార్తాండ, Telugu360](https://www.telugu360.com/te/rangamarthanda-movie-review/)\n9. [The Pioneer, Hyderabad English edition, 8 July 2022](https://www.dailypioneer.com/uploads/2022/epaper/july/hyderabad-english-edition-2022-07-08.pdf)\n10. [The Pioneer, Hyderabad English edition, 25 March 2023](https://www.dailypioneer.com/uploads/2023/epaper/march/hyderabad-english-edition-2023-03-25.pdf)\n11. [Exclusive! Producer Kalipu Madhu: With Rangamarthanda, our sole intention was to make a good film, OTTplay](https://www.ottplay.com/interview/exclusive-producer-kalipu-madhu-with-rangamarthanda-our-sole-intention-was-to-make-a-good-film/9c64873cd122)\n12. [Rangamarthanda Review: This film will tug at your heartstrings, Telangana Today](https://telanganatoday.com/rangamarthanda-review-this-film-will-tug-at-your-heartstrings)\n13. [Rangamarthanda Telugu Movie Review - Is backed by strong performances, TeluguCinema.com](https://telugucinema.com/reviews/rangamarthanda-review-is-backed-by-strong-performances/amp)\n14. [Ramya Krishna On Rangamarthanda, Filmibeat](https://www.filmibeat.com/telugu/news/2023/ramya-krishna-on-rangamarthanda-i-played-the-character-after-krishna-vamsi-failed-to-finalize-other-349408.html)\n15. [నువ్వొక చెత్త నటుడివిరా .. 'రంగమార్తాండ' టీజర్ డైలాగ్!, AP7AM](https://www.ap7am.com/tn/767065/ranga-marthanda-teaser-released)\n16. [Rangamarthanda Movie Review, Times of India](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movie-reviews/rangamarthanda/amp_movie_review/98882212.cms)\n17. [Rangamarthanda Telugu Movie Review, 123telugu](https://www.123telugu.com/reviews/rangamarthanda-telugu-movie-review.html)\n18. [వరల్డ్ టెలివిజన్ ప్రీమియర్ కి సిద్ధమైన \"రంగమార్తాండ\", 123telugu](https://www.123telugu.com/telugu/news/rangamaarthaanda-world-television-premiere-date-fixed.html)\n\n---\n*Topic: Encyclopedia › Arts and culture › Screen and stage › Film and television › Films and standalone screen works › Individual films by title and year › Indian films (individual works) › Telugu films of the 2020s › Telugu films of 2023*\n\n*Initially written Oct 3, 2026 · Reviewed: Oct 25, 2026 · Edited: Oct 15, 2026; Oct 21, 2026; Oct 25, 2026; Nov 1, 2026 · Last review: Oct 25, 2026*\n\n*Copyright 2026 EdgeChat AI, a subsidiary of Biostate AI.*\n\nLicense: Edgepedia Community License 1.0, https://www.edgepedia.org/edgepedia/license\n", "same_as": [], "url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/rangamarthanda", "markdown_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/rangamarthanda.md", "license": { "name": "Edgepedia Community License 1.0", "url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/edgepedia/license", "summary": "Free with credit, commercial use included. AI training is open to everyone. For other uses, organizations over USD 100M in revenue or 100M monthly users license separately.", "spdx": "LicenseRef-Edgepedia-Community-1.0" }, "credit": "\"Rangamarthanda (రంగమార్తాండ)\", Edgepedia (EdgeChat), https://www.edgepedia.org/rangamarthanda. Edgepedia Community License 1.0.", "credit_md": "\"[Rangamarthanda (రంగమార్తాండ)](https://www.edgepedia.org/rangamarthanda)\", Edgepedia (EdgeChat), [https://www.edgepedia.org/rangamarthanda](https://www.edgepedia.org/rangamarthanda). [Edgepedia Community License 1.0](https://www.edgepedia.org/edgepedia/license).", "credit_html": "\"Rangamarthanda (రంగమార్తాండ)\", Edgepedia (EdgeChat), https://www.edgepedia.org/rangamarthanda. Edgepedia Community License 1.0.", "speakable": "Rangamarthanda is a 2023 Telugu family drama directed by Krishna Vamsi, the official remake of Marathi film Natsamrat, starring Prakash Raj, Ramya Krishnan, and Brahmanandam, with Ilaiyaraaja's music; released 22 March 2023, streamed on Amazon Prime Video from 7 April 2023." }