Last updated: 11 Apr 2026
Telugu · Action, Adventure, Family
3h 15m · 15 Mar 1951
DOP: Marcus Bartley | Writer: Kamalakara Kameshwara Rao, Kadri Venkata Reddy
Ratings
Our Rating
4
A brave gardener's son, Thota Ramudu, falls in love with Princess Indumathi. To prove his worth and win her hand, he is manipulated by a wicked Nepalese sorcerer who plans to sacrifice him to the goddess Pathala Bhairavi to obtain a magic statuette that grants universal power.
N.T. Rama Rao: A career-defining role that established him as a superstar; his portrayal of the courageous Thota Ramudu was heroic and charismatic.
S. V. Ranga Rao: Iconic performance as the Nepala Mantrikudu; his dialogue delivery and screen presence made the character one of the greatest villains in Indian cinema.
K. Malathi: Provided a graceful and dignified performance as Princess Indumathi.
Kadri Venkata Reddy: Excellent comic timing as the sidekick, providing essential levity to the fantasy drama.
Strengths
Weaknesses
Kadri Venkata Reddy's direction is considered a benchmark in Indian fantasy cinema. His ability to blend folklore with human emotions and high-stakes drama created a template for the genre.
No rating sources available.
Our Rating
No collection data available yet.
No centers data available.
| Award | Category | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| International Film Festival of India | Official Selection | The only South Indian film selected for the first IFFI held in 1952. |
| CNN-IBN Poll (2013) | 100 Greatest Indian Films of All Time | Ranked among the top Indian films during the centenary of Indian cinema. |
| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Positive | 98% |
| Neutral | 2% |
| Negative | 0% |
Widely regarded by historians and retrospective critics as a masterpiece. It is frequently cited as one of the greatest films ever made in Telugu cinema, praised for its technical sophistication and cultural impact.
Final Box-Office Result
Pathala Bhairavi released on 15 March 1951 (1951).
Pathala Bhairavi is declared a INDUSTRY HIT at the box office.
Budget of Pathala Bhairavi is approximately ₹12.5 Crore.
Pathala Bhairavi is available on ETV Win. OTT date will be updated soon.
Pathala Bhairavi directed by Kadri Venkata Reddy. Produced by B. Nagi Reddy, Chakrapani.
Pathala Bhairavi stars N.T. Rama Rao, S. V. Ranga Rao, K. Malathi.
Tollybo rates Pathala Bhairavi 4/5. Verdict: INDUSTRY HIT.
Pathala Bhairavi — Genre: Action, Adventure, Family, Runtime: 195 minutes, Language: Telugu.
