Hitler (1997 film)

Hitler
Theatrical release poster
Directed by	Muthyala Subbaiah
Screenplay by	Muthyala Subbaiah L. B. Sriram (dialogues)
Story by	Siddique
Based on	Hitler (1996)
Produced by	M. V. Lakshmi Editor Mohan
Starring	Chiranjeevi Rajendra Prasad Rambha
Cinematography	K. Dattu
Edited by	Aakula Bhaskar Rao Editor Mohan (Supervision)
Music by	Koti
Production company	M. L. Movie Arts
Release date	4 January 1997 (1997-01-04)
Running time	153 minutes
Country	India
Language	Telugu

Hitler is a 1997 Indian Telugu-language drama film directed by Muthyala Subbaiah. The film stars Chiranjeevi, Rajendra Prasad, and Rambha with music composed by Koti. It is a remake of the 1996 Malayalam film of the same name, and tells the story of an overprotective brother who guards his five sisters from the outside world.^[1] Released on 4 January 1997, the film was successful at the box office, ending Chiranjeevi's series of box office flops.^[2][3]

The film follows Madhava Rao, also known as Madhava, a hot-tempered man who lives in a town with his five sisters—Sarada, Annapurna (Ammu), Lakshmi, Gayatri, and Saraswati. Madhava is highly protective of his sisters and fiercely punishes anyone who mistreats them, earning him the nickname "Hitler" from the local youth. His maternal uncle Aadi Seshu's children, Balachandra (Balu) and Bujji, are close to the family, and marriages between Balu and Ammu, and Madhava and Bujji, are set to take place once Sarada is married.

During the search for Sarada's match, a series of misunderstandings occur when Balu, hiding from Madhava, is discovered at the house. Madhava, misunderstanding the situation, becomes enraged and cancels all marital arrangements with Balu and Bujji. Aadi Seshu's derogatory comments about the sisters escalate the conflict, leading to the severing of family ties. Despite the setback, Balu vows to marry Ammu and reconcile with Madhava.

Meanwhile, Madhava's strained relationship with his father, whom he blames for his mother's death due to a remarriage orchestrated by Aadi Seshu, deepens. Aadi Seshu, fearing retribution from Madhava and his father, aligns with the Rudraraju brothers, long-time enemies of Madhava. The brothers plot to ruin Sarada's life by having her molested by her professor, Mohana Rao. When Sarada insists on marrying the professor to preserve her dignity, Madhava reluctantly agrees, unaware of the full truth. Distraught over the situation, Ammu leaves home and marries Balu, further alienating Madhava.

Aadi Seshu continues to obstruct Balu and Ammu's efforts to return to the family, forcing them to move next door to Madhava. Meanwhile, Madhava’s father, now aware of the full extent of Aadi Seshu’s treachery, attempts to reconcile Bujji and Madhava, but his efforts fail comically. The Rudraraju brothers then attempt to marry Bujji to their youngest brother, Chinna, but she escapes by pretending to be pregnant.

The Rudraraju brothers escalate their attacks by falsely accusing Madhava’s other sisters of prostitution. Madhava's father intervenes to protect them, but in the process, he is framed. This leads to a confrontation between Madhava, Aadi Seshu, and Balu. The Rudraraju brothers take advantage of the situation by killing Madhava’s father, who reconciles with his son before dying. To prevent Madhava from becoming a murderer, his father withholds the identity of the killers.

Madhava’s half-sisters, now aware of the truth, seek reconciliation, but Madhava pushes them away, leaving them to stay with Ammu. A cold war ensues between Madhava and Balu, with Balu eventually stepping in to reunite the sisters with their brother. Meanwhile, the Rudraraju brothers, disguised as Madhava, attempt to kill Balu, but Madhava rushes to the hospital and is devastated by the rejection from his family.

Madhava eventually uncovers the truth about the Rudraraju brothers' involvement and confronts them. During the battle, Aadi Seshu, gravely injured, confesses Madhava’s innocence to the family. Madhava defeats the Rudraraju brothers but chooses to distance himself from his family, feeling burdened by his responsibilities. In the end, just as Madhava is about to leave, he witnesses a man teasing his sisters, prompting him to return and protect them. The film concludes with the message that Madhava, despite his tough exterior, never abandons his family.

Editor Mohan who brought the remake rights of the Malayalam film Hitler (1996) sought to remake the film in Telugu with Mohan Babu as the lead. He approached director E. V. V. Satyanarayana to helm the remake but Satyanarayana politely rejected the offer as he was already teaming up with Mohan Babu for Adirindi Alludu (1996) and Veedevadandi Babu (1997). Later, Chiranjeevi, who liked the script, came on board.^[3]

Music was composed by Koti and was released by Lahari Music Company.

Andhra Today wrote, "Mega star Chiranjeevi dons a new role (after a year of hybernation) in sentimental drama as the big brother and guardian angel to five sisters. Despite many lacunae in the story and the plot, the movie has appealed to a large audience".^[5]

The film was a box office success, having a theatrical run of over 100 days in many centres.^[6][7][8]

• Hitler at IMDb