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{{Short description|1995 film by Ram Gopal Varma}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2015}}
{{Use Indian English|date=November 2015}}
{{Infobox film
| name = Anaganaga Oka Roju
| image = Anaganaga oka roju.jpg
| caption = Promotional poster
| director = [[Ram Gopal Varma]]
| screenplay = Ram Gopal Varma
| story = Ram Gopal Varma
| producer = Ram Gopal Varma<br>K. L. N. Raju {{small|(Presenter)}}
{{Infobox | decat = yes | child = yes
| label1= Dialogues by
| data1 = {{Ubl |Nadiminti Narsinga Rao}}
}}
| starring = [[J. D. Chakravarthy]]<br>[[Urmila Matondkar|Urmila]]
| music = [[Sri (composer)|Sri Kommineni]]
| cinematography = Vasu
| editing = Bhanodaya
| studio = Varma Creations Production
| released = {{Film date|df=yes|1995|12|29}}
| country = India
| language = Telugu
}}
'''''Anaganaga Oka Roju''''' ({{translation|Once upon a day}}) is a 1995 Indian [[Telugu language|Telugu]]-language [[road movie|road]] [[action thriller]] film written, directed and produced by [[Ram Gopal Varma]]. Starring [[J. D. Chakravarthy]] and [[Urmila Matondkar|Urmila]] in the lead roles, the film features [[Raghuvaran]], [[Brahmanandam]], and [[Kota Srinivasa Rao]] in pivotal roles. Music was composed by [[Sri (composer)|Sri Kommineni]].<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |title=Anaganaga Oka Roju (1995) |url=https://indiancine.ma/APIC/info |access-date=2025-01-01 |website=Indiancine.ma}}</ref>

The film received positive reviews from critics and was a commercial success.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-04-07 |title=రామ్ గోపాల్ వర్మ కెరీర్‌లో టాప్ చిత్రాలు |url=https://telugu.news18.com/web-stories/movies/rgv-pan-india-director-ram-gopal-varma-cine-career-top-movies-ta-ta/ |access-date=2025-01-01 |website=[[News18]] |language=te}}</ref> Brahmanandam's performance earned him the [[Nandi Award for Best Male Comedian]]. His character, dialogues, and mannerisms, particularly the line "Nellore Pedda Reddy," became iconic and are frequently shared on Telugu meme pages. Brahmanandam himself has listed the film among his top 11 films in his filmography.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |date=8 January 2008 |title=AP Film critics association felicitates Brahmanandam - Telugu cinema function |url=http://www.idlebrain.com/news/functions/filmcritics-brahmanandam.html |access-date=2022-02-01 |website=[[Idlebrain.com]]}}</ref><ref name=":4">{{Cite web |date=6 August 1999 |title=An interview with Telugu comedian Brahmanandam |url=https://m.rediff.com/movies/1999/aug/06brah.htm |access-date=2025-01-01 |website=[[Rediff.com]]}}</ref> The film was later dubbed into Tamil as ''Andru Oru Naal''.<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lAlODaufvmE |title=Andru Oru Naal Tamil Full Movie HD {{!}} J. D. Chakravarthy {{!}} Urmila Matondkar |publisher=Thamizh Padam |access-date=2025-01-01 |via=YouTube}}</ref>

==Plot==
The film centers on Chakri Bhagavatula ([[J. D. Chakravarthy]]) and Madhu Sharma ([[Urmila Matondkar]]), two young lovers whose parents constantly fight. Chakri lives with his supportive but helpless parents, ([[Chalapathi Rao]] and Uma Sharma), while Madhu faces pressure from her strict parents ([[K. Chakravarthy]] and [[Y. Vijaya]]). Unable to tolerate the nonstop arguments, the couple decides to run away and get married. On their journey, they cross paths with several eccentric characters, including the Kakatiya College bus conductor ([[Uttej]]), a dramatic History Professor of Kakatiya College ([[Suthi Velu]]), a dhaba owner (Maanik Rao), a hotel receptionist ([[Jenny (actor)|Jenny]]), and a wandering traveler Raja ([[Kallu Chidambaram]]), adding humor and unpredictability to their escape.

Parallel to their romantic journey, a major political conspiracy unfolds in the state. The corrupt Chief Minister ([[Kota Srinivasa Rao]]) secretly plots the assassination of his rival, Deputy CM Naresh Babu ([[Avtar Gill]]). The CM’s inner circle includes his ruthless henchmen Chocolate ([[Rami Reddy (actor)|Rami Reddy]]), Narsing ([[Narsing Yadav]]), and Ramaraju ([[Mahadevan (actor)|Ramaraju]])—who later escapes in a [[Fiat 1100]] with a crucial audio tape proving the CM’s guilt—along with another trusted enforcer Tarzan (Laxminarayana). At the top of the political system sits the Governor ([[Chandrashekhar]]), unaware of the unfolding scandal.

As the assassination occurs, the police system springs into full action. Police Commissioner (Chalasani Krishna Rao) supervises the investigation, with Inspector Raghuvaran ([[Raghuvaran]]) and the Sub-Inspector ([[Ahuti Prasad]]) leading the manhunt. A series of misunderstandings causes the police to mistakenly believe that Chakri and Madhu are responsible for the Deputy CM’s murder, turning the innocent lovers into fugitives. Fearing arrest, they continue on the road from [[Hyderabad]] to [[Narsapur, Medak district|Narsapur town]] in the same car of Ramaraju, completely unaware of how they got entangled in a high-profile political crime.

Complicating matters further, a parallel comedy unfolds on the same route when small-time thief Nelluru Peddareddy a.k.a. Jackson ([[Brahmanandam]]), who incidentally drives another Fiat 1100, and his sidekick ([[Oru Viral Krishna Rao]]), casually steal the audio tape, assuming it to be something valuable. Their clueless involvement leads to multiple chases between the police, the CM’s henchmen, the goons from the horrific dhaba gas explosion, Chakri and Madhu, and the desperate criminals—all searching for the incriminating tape, each for different reasons.

Ultimately, the evidence finds its way back into the right hands, and the truth reaches the authorities. The Chief Minister and his corrupt network are exposed and arrested, securing justice. The Governor finally learns of the conspiracy, the police realize Chakri and Madhu are innocent, and both families—after experiencing fear and shock—drop their rivalry and agree to the couple’s marriage. The film ends on a happy and humorous note, uniting the lovers after a chaotic and thrilling journey.

==Cast==
{{Cast listing|
* [[J. D. Chakravarthy]] as Chakri Bhagavatula
* [[Urmila Matondkar|Urmila]] as Madhu Sharma
* [[Raghuvaran]] as Inspector Raghuvaran
* [[Brahmanandam]] as Nelluru Peddareddy a.k.a. Jackson
* [[Kota Srinivasa Rao]] as Chief Minister
* [[Chandrashekhar (actor)|Chandrashekhar]] as Governor
* [[Avtar Gill]] as Deputy CM Naresh Babu
* [[Ahuti Prasad]] as Sub-Inspector
* [[Oru Viral Krishna Rao]] as Jackson's friend
* Chalasani Krishna Rao as Police Commissioner
* [[Rami Reddy (actor)|Rami Reddy]] as Chocolate
* [[Mahadevan (actor)|Ramaraju]] as Ramaraju
* [[Narsing Yadav]] as Narsing
* [[Chalapathi Rao]] as Chakri's father
* Uma Sharma as Chakri's mother
* [[K. Chakravarthy]] as Madhu’s father
* [[Y. Vijaya]] as Madhu's mother
* [[Suthivelu]] as Kakatiya History Professor
* [[Uttej]] as Kakatiya Bus conductor
* [[Kallu Chidambaram]] as Raja Traveller
* Maanik Rao as Dhaba owner
* [[Jenny (actor)|Jenny]] as Hotel Receptionist
* Laxminarayana as Tarzan
}}

== Production ==
''Anaganaga Oka Roju'' was produced and directed by [[Ram Gopal Varma]] under the Varma Creations banner,<ref name=":3" /> with dialogues written by Nadiminti Narsinga Rao.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rajitha Chanti |date=2024-08-28 |title=ఇండస్ట్రీలో విషాదం.. ‘గులాబీ’ సినిమా రచయిత నడిమింటి నరసింగరావు కన్నుమూత.. |url=https://tv9telugu.com/entertainment/tollywood/gulabi-and-anaganaga-oka-roju-movie-writer-nadiminti-narsinga-rao-passed-away-1336632.html |access-date=2025-01-01 |website=[[TV9 Telugu|TV9]] |language=te}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Niharika |first=S. |date=2024-08-28 |title=టాలీవుడ్‌లో విషాదం - ఆర్జీవీ, కృషవంశీ సూపర్ హిట్ సినిమాల రచయిత నడిమింటి మృతి |url=https://telugu.abplive.com/entertainment/cinema/gulabi-and-anaganaga-oka-roju-movies-writer-nadiminti-narsinga-rao-dies-at-72-in-hyderabad-177389 |access-date=2025-01-01 |website=[[ABP Desam]] |language=te}}</ref>

The concept for the film originated from Ram Gopal Varma, who initially entrusted [[Krishna Vamsi]] with directing it, impressed by Vamsi's work on [[Money Money (film)|''Money Money'']] (1994).<ref name=":1">{{cite web |last=Sunil Kumar |date=17 November 1997 |title='I want to be a free bird' |url=http://www.rediff.com/entertai/nov/17kri.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161123151007/http://www.rediff.com/entertai/nov/17kri.htm |archive-date=23 November 2016 |access-date=23 August 2015 |work=[[Rediff.com]]}}</ref> Krishna Vamsi suggested the title ''Anaganaga Oka Roju'' and began working on the film, which centered around Varma's recurring theme of "a couple on the run."<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Jeevi |date=16 July 1999 |title=Interview with Krishna Vamsi Part - 1 |url=https://www.idlebrain.com/celeb/interview/interview_krishnavamsi.html |access-date=2025-01-01 |website=[[Idlebrain.com]]}}</ref>

During production, Krishna Vamsi directed key scenes, including a chase sequence, showcasing his creative approach to the project. However, due to creative differences and escalating production costs, Ram Gopal Varma took over as director after two shooting schedules. Recognizing the financial challenges involved, Krishna Vamsi stepped aside but continued to assist with the project until its completion.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" />

==Music==
The music was composed by [[Sri (composer)|Sri]] and released by Varma Audio. All lyrics were penned by [[Sirivennela Seetharama Sastry]]. The Background score from [[John Williams]]'s [[Jurassic Park]] has been reused in the film's action and chase sequences.

{{Infobox album
| name = Anaganaga Oka Roju
| type = Soundtrack
| artist = [[Sri Kommineni]]
| cover =
| alt =
| released = {{Film date|1996}}
| recorded = 1996
| venue =
| studio =
| genre = [[Soundtrack]]
| length = 26:10
| label = Varma Audio
| producer = [[Sri Kommineni]]
| prev_title = [[Sindhooram (1997 film)|Sindhooram]]
| prev_year = 1997
| next_title = [[Aavida Maa Aavide]]
| next_year = 1998
}}

{{tracklist
| headline = Track list
| extra_column = Singer(s)
| total_length = 26:10
| title1 = Ema Kopama
| extra1 = [[K. S. Chithra]], [[Mano (singer)|Mano]]
| length1 = 5:17
| title2 = Edo Taha Taha
| extra2 = Mano, [[Swarnalatha]]
| length2 = 4:51
| title3 = Love Is Blind
| extra3 = K. S. Chithra, Mano
| length3 = 5:48
| title4 = Oopa Lenayo
| extra4 = K. S. Chithra, Mano
| length4 = 5:28
| title5 = Endhammo
| extra5 = Mano, Lalitha Sagari
| length5 = 4:43
}}

== Legacy ==
Brahmanandam's character, dialogues, and mannerisms, particularly the line "Nelluru Peddareddy," became iconic and are frequently shared on Telugu meme pages. Brahmanandam himself has listed the film among his top 11 films in his filmography.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":4" />

==Awards==
;[[Nandi Awards]]
* [[Nandi Award for Best Male Comedian|Best Male Comedian]] - [[Brahmanandam]]<ref>{{Cite web|date=13 March 2010|title=నంది అవార్డు విజేతల పరంపర (1964–2008)|trans-title=A series of Nandi Award Winners (1964–2008)|url=http://ipr.ap.nic.in/New_Links/Film.pdf|url-status=live|access-date=9 January 2021|publisher=[[Andhra Pradesh (magazine)|Information & Public Relations of Andhra Pradesh]]|page=38|language=te|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150223135739/http://ipr.ap.nic.in/New_Links/Film.pdf |archive-date=23 February 2015 }}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist|2}}

==External links==
* {{IMDb title|0247924}}

{{Ram Gopal Varma|state=collapsed}}

[[Category:1990s road movies]]
[[Category:Indian road movies]]
[[Category:Indian action thriller films]]
[[Category:Indian chase films]]
[[Category:Indian drama road movies]]
[[Category:Films about organised crime in India]]
[[Category:Indian political action films]]
[[Category:Indian neo-noir films]]
[[Category:Indian gangster films]]
[[Category:Indian crime action films]]
[[Category:Films about murder]]
[[Category:Films scored by John Williams]]
[[Category:Fictional portrayals of the Andhra Pradesh Police]]
[[Category:Fictional portrayals of the Telangana Police]]
[[Category:1995 films]]
[[Category:Films directed by Ram Gopal Varma]]
[[Category:1995 Telugu-language films]]
[[Category:1995 Indian films]]
[[Category:1990s police procedural films]]
[[Category:Telugu films remade in other languages]]
[[Category:Films set in Hyderabad, India]]
[[Category:Films about assassinations]]
[[Category:Films about contract killing in India]]
[[Category:Films about security and surveillance]]

Anaganaga Oka Roju - Revision history

Zuko at 18:17, 3 March 2026