Dorikithe Dongalu
One of the earliest Indian science fiction films.
Dorikithe Dongalu (transl. Thieves, if they are caught) is a 1964 Indian Telugu-language science fiction action film directed by P. Subrahmanyam. It is one of the earliest science fiction films in Indian cinema. The film stars N. T. Rama Rao and Jamuna, with music composed by S. Rajeswara Rao. It was produced by D. L. Narayana under the Chandamama Vijaya Films banner.
The story begins in a city where crime is rising sharply. Commissioner Prabhakar asks the public for help. The real culprits are three respected citizens—Sudarsanam, Dr. Giridhar, and Lawyer Brahmayya—who secretly use their strength and scientific knowledge to run criminal operations. They try to bribe an elderly scientist, Visweswarayya, but he refuses. In revenge, they burn his eyes with acid and kidnap his younger daughter, Anuradha. They also capture Sundaram, Prabhakar's son, a scientist who recently returned from abroad with the villains' support.
The government assigns a secret agent, Nanda Rao, to stop the criminals. Nanda Rao is actually Prabhakar's estranged son from his first marriage, though few know this. Visweswarayya's older daughter, Madhavi, arrives in the city as a detective. She and Nanda Rao disguise themselves as an elderly couple, Agneyam and Latha, to infiltrate the villains' operations. The villains arrange a plane crash with Sundaram's unwitting help. Prabhakar's brother-in-law, Rama Rao, sees the crash, so the villains kill him and his family, sparing only their daughter, Karuna, whom they kidnap.
Throughout the film, Visweswarayya and Sundaram work on various scientific inventions, which the villains use. Nanda Rao and Madhavi fall in love and uncover the villains' full plans, including Sundaram's turn to the dark side. Nanda Rao reveals his identity to his father, and they launch a secret mission to rescue the captives and defeat the criminals. In the climax, Nanda Rao defeats the villains, but Sundaram redeems himself by destroying the laboratory in an explosion. The film ends with Nanda Rao and Madhavi being honored by the government for their bravery.
The cast includes N. T. Rama Rao as Nandan Rao and Agneyam, Jamuna as Latha and Madhavi, Rajanala as Sudarsanam, Kantha Rao as Sundaram, V. Nagayya as Minister, Gummadi as Commissioner Prabhakar Rao, Dhulipala as Visweswarayya, Ramana Reddy as Anji, Satyanarayana as Dr. Gangadharam, All
- Release Year
- 1964
- Banner
- Chandamama Vijaya Films
Lore & Background
The film is set in a city plagued by rising crime. Commissioner Prabhakar urges public cooperation, while three prominent citizens—Sudarsanam, Dr. Giridhar, and Lawyer Brahmayya—secretly orchestrate the chaos using their strength and scientific knowledge. They attack elderly scientist Visweswarayya, burning his eyes with acid and kidnapping his younger daughter Anuradha, and also capture Sundaram, Prabhakar's son and a renowned scientist. The government assigns secret agent Nanda Rao, who is revealed to be Prabhakar's estranged son from his first marriage, to stop them. Nanda Rao and Madhavi, Visweswarayya's older daughter and a detective, disguise themselves as an elderly couple, Agneyam and Latha, to infiltrate the villains' operations. The villains orchestrate a plane crash, kill Rama Rao and his family, and kidnap their daughter Kar
Reader's Guide
Dorikithe Dongalu holds significance as one of the earliest science fiction films in Indian cinema, blending action, crime, and speculative technology. Its plot features advanced inventions like flying cars, ray guns, and invisibility, reflecting early Indian engagement with science fiction themes. The film also incorporates elements of family drama, disguise, and redemption, with a dual-role performance by Rajasree as Appalamma and Rosy. As a Telugu-language production from 1965, it represents a milestone in regional Indian filmmaking, showcasing the work of director P. Subrahmanyam and composer S. Rajeswara Rao. The film's legacy lies in its pioneering status within the Indian science fiction genre, though it remains relatively obscure outside of Telugu cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The film is one of the earliest science fiction films in Indian cinema.
- The music was composed by S. Rajeswara Rao.
- The film features advanced inventions including flying cars, ray guns, and invisibility methods.
- Actress Rajasree played a dual role as Appalamma and Rosy.
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