Tenali Raman is a 1956 Indian Tamil-language historical drama film produced and directed by B. S. Ranga based on Ch. Venkataramaiah’s stage play Tenali Ramakrishna.
Produced for the banner Vikram Productions, the film stars N. T. Rama Rao, Sivaji Ganesan, V. Nagaiah, P. Bhanumathi and Jamuna. Ranga also handled the cinematography while P. G. Mohan edited the film. Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy composed the soundtrack and background score.
The film narrates the story of the 14th century poet and scholar Tenali Rama, and his life as a member of the court of Krishnadevaraya, the king of Vijayanagara Empire. Raman, with his wits, manages to save Krishnadevaraya from the attacks made by the Bahmani Sultanate who try to invade Vijayanagara Empire. The rest of the film is about Raman’s efforts in saving Krishnadevaraya from courtesan Krishnasani, a spy and convincing emperor Babur against extending support to the Sultanate in the war.
Directed by – B. S. Ranga
Produced by – B. S. Ranga
Screenplay by – B. S. Ranga
Based on Tenali Ramakrishna by Ch. Venkataramaiah
Starring – Sivaji Ganesan, N. T. Rama Rao, V. Nagaiah, P. Bhanumathi, Jamuna
Music by – Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy
Cinematography – B. S. Ranga
Edited by – P. G. Mohan
Production – Vikram Productions
Release date – 3 February 1956
Running time – 169 minutes
Country – India
Language – Tamil
