Bhookailas (1958) Review – Rating, Verdict & Box Office | Tollybo
Last updated: 26 Mar 2026
Bhookailas (1958) Review
Bhookailas (1958) (Telugu drama, musical) — directed by K. Shankar. Featuring N.T. Rama Rao, Nageshwara Rao Akkineni, S. V. Ranga Rao. The story is based on the Sthala Purana of Gokarna Kshetram in Karnataka Our Rating: 3.5/5. Verdict: BLOCKBUSTER. Produced by AVM Productions, Released: 1 Jun 1958. Runtime: 2h 54m.
Bhookailas(1958)
Telugu · Drama, Musical
2h 54m · 1 Jun 1958
Writer: Samudrala Raghavacharya
Ratings
Our Rating
3.5
📖 Story
Bhookailas is a mythological drama centered around the story of Ravana, the demon king of Lanka, and his quest to bring the Atma Lingam to his kingdom. The film explores themes of devotion, power, and divine intervention, showcasing various episodes from Hindu mythology related to Lord Shiva and Ravana's ambitions.
N.T. Rama Rao: Powerful portrayal of Ravana with commanding screen presence and emotive depth.
S. V. Ranga Rao: Strong supporting role with intense expressions and impactful dialogue delivery.
S. V. Ranga Rao: Graceful and convincing performance as the female lead, adding emotional balance.
💪 Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
- ✓Grand mythological storytelling
- ✓Strong performances by lead actors
- ✓Impressive set designs and costumes
- ✓Memorable music and background score
Weaknesses
- ✕Pacing slows down in the second half
- ✕Some dialogues feel overly theatrical by modern standards
🎬 Direction & Writing
K. Shankar's direction effectively brings the mythological epic to life with a focus on dramatic scenes and character arcs. The screenplay stays faithful to the source material, balancing spectacle with narrative clarity.
📰 Critic Reviews
📰 Ratings Sources
| Source | Rating |
|---|---|
| 7.6 | |
| 0 | |
| 0 | |
| 80 | |
| 40 |
Our Rating
💰 Box Office Collection
No collection data available yet.
🏛️ Centers & 🏅 Awards
No centers data available.
No awards data available.
🏆 Records & Box Office
- - Completed 50 days in multiple centers
- - Completed 100 days in several centers
- - Recognized as a commercial success in its time
😊 Sentiment Breakdown & 🧠 Critics
| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Positive | High appreciation for performances and production values |
| Neutral | Some critique on pacing and dialogue style |
| Negative | Minimal negative feedback recorded |
Critics
Due to the film's vintage release, numeric critic ratings from the specified sources are unavailable. However, contemporary reviews praise the film's grandeur and performances, establishing it as a classic in Telugu mythological cinema.
Final Box-Office Result
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
When did Bhookailas release in theatres?▾
Bhookailas released on 1 June 1958 (1958).
Is Bhookailas a hit or flop?▾
Bhookailas is declared a BLOCKBUSTER at the box office.
Where to watch Bhookailas online? OTT release date?▾
Bhookailas is available on Eros Now Select Apple TV Channel. OTT date will be updated soon.
Who directed Bhookailas?▾
Bhookailas directed by K. Shankar. Produced by A. V. Meiyappan.
Who are the main cast members of Bhookailas?▾
Bhookailas stars N.T. Rama Rao, Nageshwara Rao Akkineni, S. V. Ranga Rao.
What is the Tollybo rating for Bhookailas?▾
Tollybo rates Bhookailas 3.5/5. Verdict: BLOCKBUSTER.
What is the genre and runtime of Bhookailas?▾
Bhookailas — Genre: Drama, Musical, Runtime: 174 minutes, Language: Telugu.