Mayabazar (1957) Review – Rating, Verdict & Box Office | Tollybo
Last updated: 11 Apr 2026
Mayabazar (1957) Review
Mayabazar (1957) — a Telugu comedy, drama film directed by Kadri Venkata Reddy. Starring N.T. Rama Rao, S. V. Ranga Rao, Savitri. Balarama promises Subhadra that he'll marry his daughter to her son. But when the Pandavas lose their kingdom to the Kauravas, Balarama breaks his promise. Our Rating: 4/5. Verdict: INDUSTRY HIT. Released: 27 Mar 1957. Runtime: 3h 1m.
Mayabazar(1957)
Telugu · Comedy, Drama
3h 1m · 27 Mar 1957
DOP: Marcus Bartley | Writer: Pingali Nagendra Rao
Ratings
Our Rating
4
📖 Story
Mayabazar is a mythological fantasy film based on the epic Mahabharata, focusing on the events surrounding the game of dice and the magical tricks played by Lord Krishna and the Pandavas to reclaim their kingdom from the Kauravas. The story highlights themes of dharma, wit, and devotion through memorable characters and episodes.
N.T. Rama Rao: Portrays Lord Krishna with charisma and grace, delivering a memorable and iconic performance.
Savitri: Delivers a strong and emotive portrayal of Sasirekha, balancing innocence and determination.
Savitri: Provides comic relief with impeccable timing, enhancing the film's entertainment value.
S. V. Ranga Rao: Stands out as Ghatotkacha with a powerful and commanding presence.
💪 Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
- ✓Exceptional screenplay and dialogues
- ✓Innovative special effects for its time
- ✓Strong performances by the lead cast
- ✓Memorable music and songs
- ✓Cultural and mythological significance
Weaknesses
- ✕Pacing may feel slow to modern audiences
- ✕Some theatrical acting styles appear dated
🎬 Direction & Writing
Kadri Venkata Reddy's direction is masterful, blending mythology with fantasy and drama. His writing and screenplay effectively balance humor, emotion, and spectacle, making the film a timeless classic.
📰 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 |
|---|---|---|
| National Film Award | Certificate of Merit for Best Feature Film in Telugu | Recognized for excellence in regional cinema |
🏆 Records & Box Office
- - Ran for over 100 days in multiple centers
- - Achieved cult status with continuous re-releases
😊 Sentiment Breakdown & 🧠 Critics
| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Positive | Extensive acclaim for performances, direction, and cultural impact |
| Neutral | Some comments on pacing and dated effects |
| Negative | None reported in available sources |
Critics
Critics have universally praised Mayabazar for its storytelling, performances, and technical achievements. It is considered one of the greatest Telugu films ever made, often cited for its cultural impact and cinematic innovation.
Final Box-Office Result
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
When did Mayabazar release in theatres?▾
Mayabazar released on 27 March 1957 (1957).
Is Mayabazar a hit or flop?▾
Mayabazar is declared a INDUSTRY HIT at the box office.
Where to watch Mayabazar online? OTT release date?▾
Mayabazar is available on ETV Win, MX Player. OTT date will be updated soon.
Who directed Mayabazar?▾
Mayabazar directed by Kadri Venkata Reddy. Produced by B. Nagi Reddy, Chakrapani.
Who are the main cast members of Mayabazar?▾
Mayabazar stars N.T. Rama Rao, S. V. Ranga Rao, Savitri.
What is the Tollybo rating for Mayabazar?▾
Tollybo rates Mayabazar 4/5. Verdict: INDUSTRY HIT.
What is the genre and runtime of Mayabazar?▾
Mayabazar — Genre: Comedy, Drama, Runtime: 181 minutes, Language: Telugu.