Chandamama 2007

Ranga Rao, a widower, landlord, and a man who commands respect, dotes on his beloved daughter Mahalakshmi—a bright, compassionate, intelligent, and occasionally playful girl who loves her father more than anything else in the world. His brother’s family mirrors their own closeness: Rani is the lively, affectionate counterpart to Mahalakshmi, a hyper and talkative presence who brings warmth to their home alongside their cousin-like bond.

When Mahalakshmi returns from college, Ranga Rao decides it’s time to secure her future and arranges an engagement with Dhorababu, a shy but good-natured young man whose sincerity is evident in every quiet gesture. Yet, happiness takes a twist as Mahalakshmi reveals a secret: she has fallen in love with Kishore, a mischievous yet amiable fellow she met in the city. Kishore’s charm is undeniable, but he’s not eager to marry, having made his feelings clear in a night that changed Mahalakshmi’s heart.

Moved by her honesty and the prospect of a genuine connection, Mahalakshmi refuses to lie to Dhorababu about her true feelings. This leads Dhorababu to personally confront Kishore, only to learn that their earlier encounter was not a cruel trick—it was part of Kishore’s true affection for Mahalakshmi. In a dramatic turn, Dhorababu stages a fake accident and brings Kishore to the village under the pretense of seeking medical help. The ruse works, and Mahalakshmi forgives Kishore, choosing honesty over convenience.

Amid this emotional upheaval, Rani discovers her own heart is drawn to Dhorababu, and, in a reversal of expectations, Dhorababu finds himself attracted to Rani as well. The two keep their budding feelings secret, afraid of the disruption it could cause to the already delicate family balance. Meanwhile, Ranga Rao misreads the situation, pushing forward with a plan to marry Rani to Kishore and Mahalakshmi to Dhorababu on the same day, hoping to preserve tradition while honoring love.

Faced with the collision of two weddings, the four youngsters decide to run away together, seeking a path that would spare their families pain. Yet Mahalakshmi’s heart hesitates, torn between love and loyalty to her father. In a poignant moment, she confesses the truth to Ranga Rao, tears mixing with relief as he finally recognizes the depth of his daughter’s feelings and the sincerity of the other couples as well.

Understanding and compassion replace rigidity. Ranga Rao grants his blessing, and the two girls—Mahalakshmi and Rani—are wed to their respective lovers, Kishore and Dhorababu, in a resolution that honors both family pride and true affection. The story closes on a note of harmony, where love, honesty, and mutual respect triumph, and a father’s steadfast devotion to his daughters helps guide everyone toward a happier future.