Vara Vikrayam (1939) Review – Rating, Verdict & Box Office | Tollybo
Last updated: 25 Mar 2026
Vara Vikrayam (1939) Review
Vara Vikrayam (1939) is a Telugu n/a film starring Pushpavalli, Bhanumathi, Balijepalli Lakshmikantha Kavi. Directed by Chittajalu Pullayya. 1939 Telugu drama film Our Rating: 4/5. Verdict: CLASSIC. Released: 1 Jan 1939. Runtime: 3h 14m.
Vara Vikrayam(1939)
Telugu · N/A
3h 14m · 1 Jan 1939
Writer: Balijepalli Lakshmikantha Kavi, Kallakuri Narayana Rao
Ratings
Our Rating
4
📖 Story
Based on the famous play by Kallakuri Narayana Rao, the film is a scathing social critique of the dowry system (Varakatnam) in India. It follows Lingaraju, a greedy man who seeks a high dowry for his son's marriage. His actions lead to the suicide of Kamala, the daughter of a poor man who couldn't afford the dowry. The story takes a turn when Kamala's younger sister, Kalindi, decides to rebel against the system and the man responsible for her sister's death.
Pushpavalli: Delivered a powerful performance as the antagonist Lingaraju, showcasing the greed and cold-hearted nature of the character.
Bhanumathi: In her debut role as Kalindi, she displayed remarkable confidence and screen presence, marking the arrival of a future superstar.
Balijepalli Lakshmikantha Kavi: Excellent as the father caught in the clutches of the dowry system, bringing emotional depth to the role.
💪 Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
- ✓Bold social message against the dowry system
- ✓Strong performances by the lead cast
- ✓Realistic portrayal of middle-class struggles in the 1930s
- ✓Impactful dialogues based on the original play
Weaknesses
- ✕Slow pacing by modern standards
- ✕Theatrical acting style common to early talkies
- ✕Technical limitations of the era
🎬 Direction & Writing
Chittajalu Pullayya is credited with bringing a realistic touch to Telugu cinema. His direction focused on the emotional core of the social issue, moving away from the mythological themes dominant at the time.
- - Black and white cinematography typical of the late 1930s
- - Early sound recording techniques
- - Authentic set designs reflecting rural and semi-urban Andhra
📰 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Historical Recognition | Landmark Social Film | Recognized by film historians as a pivotal movie in the evolution of Telugu social dramas. |
🏆 Records & Box Office
- - The film was a major commercial success in its time, running for several weeks in major centers across the Madras Presidency.
😊 Sentiment Breakdown & 🧠 Critics
| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Positive | 95% |
| Neutral | 5% |
| Negative | 0% |
Critics
The film was hailed as a revolutionary social drama. Critics of the era and film historians regard it as a landmark movie that shifted the focus of Telugu cinema from mythology to contemporary social issues. It was praised for its courage in tackling a sensitive subject like dowry.
Final Box-Office Result
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
When did Vara Vikrayam release in theatres?▾
Vara Vikrayam released on 1 January 1939 (1939).
Is Vara Vikrayam a hit or flop?▾
Vara Vikrayam is declared a CLASSIC at the box office.
Where to watch Vara Vikrayam online? OTT release date?▾
Vara Vikrayam is available on N/A. OTT date will be updated soon.
Who directed Vara Vikrayam?▾
Vara Vikrayam directed by Chittajalu Pullayya.
Who are the main cast members of Vara Vikrayam?▾
Vara Vikrayam stars Pushpavalli, Bhanumathi, Balijepalli Lakshmikantha Kavi.
What is the Tollybo rating for Vara Vikrayam?▾
Tollybo rates Vara Vikrayam 4/5. Verdict: CLASSIC.
What is the genre and runtime of Vara Vikrayam?▾
Vara Vikrayam — Genre: N/A, Runtime: 194 minutes, Language: Telugu.