Vedam (2010): A Riveting Telugu Anthology Film
Director: Krish
Producers: Shobu Yarlagadda, Prasad Devineni
Production Company: Arka Media Works
Music: M. M. Keeravani
Cinematography: Gnana Shekar V. S.
Cast: Allu Arjun, Anushka Shetty, Manoj Manchu, Manoj Bajpayee, Saranya Ponvannan, Nagayya, Deeksha Seth, Lekha Washington
Vedam, a 2010 Indian Telugu-language anthology film, is a compelling and critically acclaimed work that blends multiple storylines under the genre of hyperlink cinema. Directed by Krish, the film features an ensemble cast, including Allu Arjun, Anushka Shetty, Manoj Manchu, and Manoj Bajpayee. The story weaves the lives of five unique characters, each struggling with their own challenges, ultimately converging in a hospital in Hyderabad on New Year’s Eve. With captivating performances and an intricate narrative, Vedam garnered numerous awards, including four Filmfare Awards for Best Film, Best Director, Best Actor, and Best Actress.
Critical Reception:
Praised for its storytelling and engaging direction, Vedam earned widespread acclaim and was listed among the 25 Greatest Telugu Films of the Decade by Film Companion. The film’s success also led to its Tamil remake, Vaanam (2011), directed by the same filmmaker, Krish.
Plot Summary:
Vedam unfolds through five distinct yet interlinked stories, with each character’s life converging at a hospital in Hyderabad.
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Vivek Chakravarthy (Manoj Manchu) – An aspiring rock star from Bengaluru, Vivek faces resistance from his army officer mother, who wants him to follow a more traditional path. On New Year’s Eve, while traveling to Hyderabad for his concert, he finds himself caught in an attack by fanatics. With the help of a truck driver, Vivek manages to reach Hyderabad, where he gets involved in a medical emergency, helping a pregnant woman reach the hospital.
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Saroja (Anushka Shetty) – A prostitute from Amalapuram, Saroja dreams of escaping her life of exploitation. On New Year’s Eve, she makes a daring escape to Hyderabad with her best friend Karpooram, a eunuch. After a series of unfortunate events, including betrayal and a violent escape, Saroja finds herself at the same hospital as Vivek and others.
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Ramulu (Nagayya) – A debt-ridden weaver from Sircilla, Ramulu is desperate to secure a future for his illiterate grandson. He borrows money and sells his kidney to settle debts. He brings his daughter-in-law, Padma (Saranya Ponvannan), to Hyderabad, where her kidney is also sold to meet their financial obligations. As fate would have it, they end up at the same hospital as the other characters.
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Rahimuddin Qureshi (Manoj Bajpayee) – A man from Hyderabad, Rahimuddin’s life is shaped by a past tragedy when his wife lost her child during a religious scuffle. He decides to leave the country but gets caught in a police altercation and is wrongly accused of terrorism. As he is transported to remand, he learns that a terrorist attack is imminent. He, too, ends up in the hospital, where he crosses paths with the other characters.
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Anand Raj (Cable Raju) (Allu Arjun) – A lower-middle-class young man from Jubilee Hills, Raju falls in love with Pooja, a woman from a wealthy background. He is determined to impress her by obtaining passes to an exclusive New Year’s Eve party, but his attempts to earn money by any means fail. His story intertwines with the others as he steals money from Ramulu but later returns it with his own savings, realizing his mistakes.
As the terrorist attack unfolds in the hospital, Raju and Vivek courageously fight back to save others, even sacrificing their lives in the process. In the end, the characters’ lives take unexpected turns—Vivek becomes a national hero, Raju is honored by his community, and Saroja decides to change her profession. Rahim is freed, and Ramulu stands his ground against the landlord who tried to cheat him.
Thematic Elements:
Vedam artfully weaves its characters together, representing the five natural elements—Water, Air, Earth, Fire, and Sky—symbolizing the diverse lives and struggles of each protagonist. Their individual paths converge in a dramatic and poignant finale, offering a commentary on societal issues, personal sacrifice, and the power of human connection.
Casting Insights:
Director Krish had initially considered playing the role of Karpooram, but following advice from his mother, he cast Nikki, Anushka Shetty’s personal makeup artist, in the role. Anushka Shetty, in a show of support for the film’s budget constraints, reduced her fee by 30%. The film also features a cameo by Krish himself in the song Rupayi. The character names and backstories were thoughtfully created, with each person symbolizing one of the five natural elements.
Vedam is an emotionally stirring film, skillfully blending multiple storylines and characters in a seamless narrative. It showcases powerful performances, particularly from Allu Arjun, Anushka Shetty, and Manoj Bajpayee, and offers a deep reflection on human struggles, relationships, and the search for redemption.