Malliswari (1951) Review – Rating, Verdict & Box Office | Tollybo
Last updated: 11 Apr 2026
Malliswari(1951)
Telugu · Drama, History, Musical
2h 55m · 20 Dec 1951
DOP: Adi M. Irani, B. N. Konda Reddy | Writer: Buchi Babu, Devulapalli Venkata Krishna Sastri
Ratings
Our Rating
4.5
📖 Story
Set during the reign of Krishnadevaraya in the Vijayanagara Empire, the story follows the tragic romance between Nagaraju, a sculptor, and Malliswari. Their love is tested when Malliswari is chosen as a 'Rani Vasam' (resident of the queen's palace), a position that forbids her from seeing any other man, including her lover.
N.T. Rama Rao: Delivered a nuanced and emotional performance as Nagaraju, showcasing his range as a romantic lead early in his career.
Bhanumathi: Exceptional as Malliswari; her dual talent as an actress and a playback singer made the character iconic.
T. G. Kamala Devi: Portrayed Emperor Krishnadevaraya with the necessary dignity and regality.
💪 Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
- ✓Timeless musical score by Saluri Rajeswara Rao
- ✓Poetic and artistic direction by B. N. Reddy
- ✓Authentic production design and cinematography
- ✓Chemistry between the lead pair
Weaknesses
- ✕Slow-paced narrative typical of early 1950s dramas
- ✕Tragic conclusion may not appeal to viewers seeking happy endings
🎬 Direction & Writing
B.N. Reddi's direction is often described as 'celluloid poetry.' He focused on aesthetic beauty, emotional depth, and cultural authenticity, making the film a benchmark for Telugu cinema.
📰 Ratings Sources
No rating sources available.
Our Rating
💰 Box Office Collection
No collection data available yet.
🏛️ Centers & 🏅 Awards
No centers data available.
| Award | Category | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| International Film Festival of India | Official Selection | Screened at the 1952 IFFI, gaining international recognition. |
| All India Radio Silver Cup | Best Feature Film | Recognized for its musical and cinematic excellence. |
🏆 Records & Box Office
- - The film was a major commercial success during its initial release.
- - It completed a 100-day run in several major centers across Andhra Pradesh and Madras.
😊 Sentiment Breakdown & 🧠 Critics
| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Positive | 95% |
| Neutral | 5% |
| Negative | 0% |
Critics
Universally acclaimed by film historians and critics as one of the greatest Telugu films ever made. It is frequently cited in retrospective reviews on portals like Idlebrain and The Hindu as a masterpiece of the Golden Age of Telugu cinema.
Final Box-Office Result
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
When did Malliswari release in theatres?▾
Malliswari released on 20 December 1951 (1951).
Is Malliswari a hit or flop?▾
Malliswari is declared a AVERAGE at the box office.
Where to watch Malliswari online? OTT release date?▾
Malliswari is available on ETV Win, Eros Now, MX Player. OTT date will be updated soon.
Who directed Malliswari?▾
Malliswari directed by B.N. Reddi.
Who are the main cast members of Malliswari?▾
Malliswari stars N.T. Rama Rao, Bhanumathi, T. G. Kamala Devi.
What is the Tollybo rating for Malliswari?▾
Tollybo rates Malliswari 4.5/5. Verdict: AVERAGE.
What is the genre and runtime of Malliswari?▾
Malliswari — Genre: Drama, History, Musical, Runtime: 175 minutes, Language: Telugu.