Narthanasala (1963) Review – Rating, Verdict & Box Office | Tollybo
Last updated: 11 Apr 2026
Narthanasala (1963) Review
A review of Narthanasala (1963) (Telugu drama, musical), directed by Kamalakara Kameshwara Rao. Starring N.T. Rama Rao, Savitri, Dandamudi Rajagopal. This film deals with the Virata Parvam (Book of Virata) of the epic Mahabharatam dictated by Vyasa Maharshi. Our Rating: 3.5/5. Verdict: BLOCKBUSTER. Released: 11 Oct 1963. Runtime: 2h 55m.
Narthanasala(1963)
Telugu · Drama, Musical
2h 55m · 11 Oct 1963
Writer: Samudrala Raghavacharya
Ratings
Our Rating
3.5
📖 Story
Narthanasala is a mythological drama based on the Virata Parva of the Mahabharata. It narrates the story of the Pandavas' incognito exile in the kingdom of Virata, focusing on Arjuna's disguise as the dance teacher Brihannala and the events that unfold leading to the battle to reclaim their kingdom.
N.T. Rama Rao: Portrayed Arjuna/Brihannala with grace and depth, delivering a memorable and nuanced performance.
Savitri: Played Uttara with emotional strength and elegance.
Savitri: Delivered a compelling performance as Sairandhri, adding emotional layers to the narrative.
💪 Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
- ✓Strong performances by lead actors
- ✓Classical dance sequences and choreography
- ✓Faithful adaptation of a mythological epic
- ✓Direction and screenplay that balance drama and devotion
- ✓Music and background score enhancing the narrative
Weaknesses
- ✕Pacing may feel slow to contemporary viewers
- ✕Limited appeal outside fans of mythological genre
🎬 Direction & Writing
Kamalakara Kameshwara Rao's direction is meticulous and respectful to the source material, effectively blending drama, dance, and mythology. The screenplay is well-structured, maintaining audience engagement throughout the film.
📰 Critic Reviews
📰 Ratings Sources
| Source | Rating |
|---|---|
| 8.2 | |
| 0 | |
| 0 | |
| 70 | |
| 10 |
Our Rating
💰 Box Office Collection
No collection data available yet.
🏛️ Centers & 🏅 Awards
No centers data available.
| Award | Category | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| National Film Award | Best Feature Film in Telugu | Recognized for excellence in cinematic portrayal of mythological themes |
🏆 Records & Box Office
- - Completed over 100 days in multiple centers
- - Celebrated for its long theatrical run and audience acclaim
😊 Sentiment Breakdown & 🧠 Critics
| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Positive | High |
| Neutral | Low |
| Negative | Minimal |
Critics
Critics praised Narthanasala for its faithful retelling of the epic, strong performances, and classical dance sequences. The film is considered a landmark in Telugu mythological cinema. However, numeric critic ratings from the specified sources are not available due to the film's vintage nature.
Final Box-Office Result
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
When did Narthanasala release in theatres?▾
Narthanasala released on 11 October 1963 (1963).
Is Narthanasala a hit or flop?▾
Narthanasala is declared a BLOCKBUSTER at the box office.
Where to watch Narthanasala online? OTT release date?▾
Narthanasala is available on Vi Movies and TV. OTT date will be updated soon.
Who directed Narthanasala?▾
Narthanasala directed by Kamalakara Kameshwara Rao. Produced by C. Lakshmi Rajyam, Sridhar Rao.
Who are the main cast members of Narthanasala?▾
Narthanasala stars N.T. Rama Rao, Savitri, Dandamudi Rajagopal.
What is the Tollybo rating for Narthanasala?▾
Tollybo rates Narthanasala 3.5/5. Verdict: BLOCKBUSTER.
What is the genre and runtime of Narthanasala?▾
Narthanasala — Genre: Drama, Musical, Runtime: 175 minutes, Language: Telugu.