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Nene Raju Nene Mantri (2017) Plot Summary & Timeline

Nene Raju Nene Mantri (2017) movie poster

Nene Raju Nene Mantri is a 2017 action and romance film directed by Teja, running 2 hours 33 minutes. This page retells the whole story in 745 words (about 3 minutes to read) and covers 15 key events in order, 13 characters, where and when it is set and 3 themes. Looking for the cast, ratings and where to stream it? See the movie page for Nene Raju Nene Mantri.

to read the plot summary
3 min
key events in the timeline
15
characters profiled
13
themes explained
3
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Nene Raju Nene Mantri (2017) movie poster
Released
Runtime
2h 33m
Director
Teja
Original language
Telugu
No spoilers

What Is Nene Raju Nene Mantri About?

The premise of Nene Raju Nene Mantri in 267 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.

In a quiet village where tradition and power intertwine, Jogendra is a humble money‑lender whose life revolves around his beloved wife Radha. Their simple happiness is built on shared dreams and a deep, unwavering devotion that defines the rhythm of their days. The couple’s world is painted with the soft glow of temple lamps, the bustle of market stalls, and the close‑knit community that watches every triumph and sorrow with equal intensity.

When an unexpected tragedy strikes, the couple’s bond is tested, and Jogendra finds himself drawn into the volatile sphere of local politics. The village’s charismatic leader, the Sarpanch, looms large over daily life, and the prospect of influence offers a tempting path for a man whose love for Radha has always been his guiding star. As ambition begins to flicker beneath his devotion, the story explores how the allure of power can reshape relationships, aspirations, and the very identity of a person who once measured success by the warmth of his family’s smile.

Set against a backdrop of rural festivals, political rallies, and the ever‑present tension between personal desire and communal duty, the film balances lyrical romance with a gritty examination of ambition’s shadow. Its tone is a blend of heartfelt drama and brooding suspense, inviting the audience to wonder how far a lover will go when love itself becomes a catalyst for change. The narrative teases a journey where devotion, ambition, and the quest for a better life converge, leaving viewers poised on the edge of a story that asks whether the pursuit of power can ever truly coexist with the purity of love.

Full plot

What Happens in Nene Raju Nene Mantri?

The complete story of Nene Raju Nene Mantri, from the first scene to the last, in 745 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 7 cast member pages.

Spoilers ahead

Rana Daggubati’s Jogendra and Kajal Agarwal’s Radha are a devoted couple who dream of starting a family but are childless for years. Their world brightens when Radha becomes pregnant, and a sacred temple visit to pray for the baby’s wellbeing amplifies their elation. There, a crucial moment unfolds: Radha lights a holy lamp, and the village Sarpanch, Pradeep Ram Singh Rawat and his wife are witnesses to the ritual. The wife, who is accustomed to lighting the lamp herself, erupts in anger, and in a cruel act she pushes Radha down the temple steps, causing a devastating miscarriage. The couple is left in profound grief.

From this tragedy, Jogendra is drawn into the world of politics. He enters the Sarpanch’s campaign, using wit and calculation to win, a move that infuriates the village leader. The tension between them fuels a dangerous feud. A police officer—an unsettling figure who demands a hefty bribe—tries to coerce Jogendra, and in a dramatic turn, Jogendra seizes the officer’s pistol, injures the officer’s hands, and blames him for the fallout. The political chessboard heats up as MLA Choudappa, played by Satya Prakash, applies pressure, demanding a crore and confiscating the FIR copy. When Jogendra refuses to bow to the extortion, the corrupt web tightens: Choudappa attempts to manipulate Radha by pressuring her to a guest-house meeting, and Jogendra responds with a shocking act, killing Choudappa.

With the sympathy of the crowd turning in his favor, Jogendra steps into MLA elections and defeats Choudappa’s brother by framing him as the killer of his own brother, gaining public support from those swayed by emotion and rumor. Once in power, Jogendra’s appetite for control grows. He diversifies his influence into transport, liquor shops, and other enterprises, all while cultivating a personal aura of inevitability around his ascent. He targets a university student through a hunger-strike crisis, maneuvering the political machinery to secure a ministerial post for himself. A crucial confrontation with the CM unfolds; when the CM rejects his bid, Jogendra pivots and approaches the Home Minister, Subbarayudu, Ashutosh Rana. Using a cynical ruse involving poisoned lemon water, he engineers Subbarayudu’s fall and arouses suspicion toward the CM, all while seeking the Home Ministry for himself.

Into this web enters Devika Rani, a journalist portrayed by Catherine Tresa. She digs into Jogendra’s past, collecting evidence to challenge him for an opposing party and broadcasts it on her channel. Jogendra confronts her at home; she discovers his cameras and, though she is drawn to him, she uses the information to threaten exposure. Their uneasy chemistry deepens into an affair, but Devika remains intent on uncovering the truth. The affair complicates matters because while Jogendra feigns affection for Radha, he also uses the liaison to gather intelligence. Devika, assisted by Subbarayudu (now out on bail), orchestrates a broad exposure of Jogendra’s illicit activities, and soon his empire begins to crumble.

In a brutal sequence that tests loyalty and love, Jogendra’s ally Shiva—Navdeep—is killed in what appears to be a betrayal spurred by a planted video from Subbarayudu. Shiva’s brother plants a bomb on Jogendra’s path; Radha is injured in the blast, and Jogendra’s protective instinct shines as he saves her and rushes her to the hospital. Yet Radha makes the ultimate sacrifice, offering her life so that Jogendra’s political machine can gain sympathy and push his party toward victory. The plan to crown him CM hinges on a perilous cascade of loyalties and bribes, as Hema Chander’s secrets are leaked and MLAs are offered bribes to betray their factions.

The climactic gambit sees Jogendra arriving at a gathering of MLAs and ministers, armed with a bomb that detonates and destroys his rivals. The scene cuts to the present, where Jogendra sits in a jail interview, surrounded by public support and a growing chorus of voices pleading for clemency. The President of India intervenes, halting the hanging, and in a dramatic live-television moment, Jogendra speaks directly to the people. He urges them to choose a leader who truly serves the people and not the corrupt, and then, in a final, poignant twist, declares himself transformed as “Radha Jogendra.” He lights a cigarette and ends his life, a controversial testament to the price of power.

In the closing credits, Radha sits on a swing, and Jogendra—the man who loved her and the country he aimed to lead—appears, signaling a solemn reunion in the afterlife and leaving the audience to ponder the costs of ambition, love, and reform.

Timeline

Nene Raju Nene Mantri Timeline: Every Key Event in Order

15 key events in the order they happen, from “Radha's pregnancy and temple tragedy” to “Climactic ending: jail, verdict, and heavenly reunion”. 15 events name a place, across 15 locations.

  1. 1

    Radha's pregnancy and temple tragedy

    Radha becomes pregnant and the couple is overjoyed. They go to the temple to pray for the baby's well-being, and Radha lights a holy lamp. A tragedy follows when Sarpanch's wife sees the lamp and, furious at being eclipsed, pushes Radha down the temple stairs, causing a miscarriage. The couple is devastated by the loss.

    When:Soon after Radha's pregnancy Where:Temple

  2. 2

    Jogendra enters politics and eliminates Sarpanch

    Jogendra visits the Sarpanch's house and secures his support to join the political campaign. The arrangement angers the Sarpanch, who tries to kill him. In a confrontation, Jogendra shoots Sarpanch after he mentions harming Radha, signaling his ruthless entry into politics.

    When:Early campaign era Where:Sarpanch's house

  3. 3

    Hema Chander's bribery demand and pistol incident

    Hema Chander, the policeman assigned to provide an FIR copy, demands Rs 5 million for his sister's marriage. Jogendra refuses the bribe, then disarms Hema Chander and shoots his hands, blaming the officer. The incident deepens Jogendra's control and places him on a path of corruption.

    When:After Sarpanch incident Where:Hema Chander's office

  4. 4

    Choudappa's extortion and murder

    MLA Choudappa, an ally, demands Rs 1 crore and takes away the FIR copy for himself. He pressures Jogendra to send Radha to his guest house, but Jogendra shoots Choudappa when the demand becomes unbearable. This murder cements Jogendra's willingness to eliminate threats.

    When:After Choudappa extortion Where:Choudappa's residence/guest house

  5. 5

    Election victory by framing rival and sympathy

    Jogendra enters the MLA race and defeats Choudappa's brother, who is framed for killing his own brother to win. He also persuades Choudappa's wife to back him, using sympathy as a political weapon. The victory marks a ruthless ascent to power.

    When:Election time Where:Election campaign/constituency

  6. 6

    Fortunes rise: ministerial ambitions and expansion

    Now an MLA, Jogendra expands his influence by investing in transport, liquor shops, institutions, and hospitals. He dreams of ministerial power and begins orchestrating moves to secure a higher post, including courting trouble with student activism and the party leadership.

    When:Early tenure as MLA Where:Capitol and various business fronts

  7. 7

    Student protest and ministerial bid

    A student, whose job he once recommended, faces rejection from a state ministry due to political maneuvering. Jogendra supports the student union and triggers a hunger strike to press the CM for a minister post. The CM ultimately rejects the offer, prompting further schemes.

    When:During ministerial bid Where:Student union and CM's office

  8. 8

    Poison plan with Subbarayudu to seize minister post

    Jogendra visits Home Minister Subbarayudu and convinces him to mix poison in the nimbu pani intended for the CM. Subbarayudu agrees to the plan, hoping to gain power and influence. The plot demonstrates Jogendra's willingness to use crime to climb higher.

    When:During ministerial plot Where:Home Minister's office

  9. 9

    Poison trap exposed; ministerial position offered

    When the CM arrives to drink the poison-laced nimbu pani, Jogendra exposes the trap, and Subbarayudu is arrested. The CM then honors Jogendra with the Sanskritik Shakha ministry, which Jogendra declines in favor of demanding the Home Ministry.

    When:Immediately after the poison plot Where:Capitol / CM's office

  10. 10

    Devika Rani starts investigating Jogendra

    Devika Rani, a journalist from the opposition, begins digging into Jogendra's past and uncovers evidence that could implicate him. She gathers material and prepares to broadcast it on her channel, threatening his carefully built image. The investigation marks the turn from political ascent to looming exposure.

    When:During Jogendra's ascent Where:Devika's studio

Show the other 5 events of Nene Raju Nene Mantri
  1. 11

    Affair with Devika and hidden motives

    Jogendra seduces Devika, and they begin an affair. He maintains outward love for Radha while using the liaison to uncover more about his enemies. The relationship becomes a tool in his broader political games and personal manipulation.

    When:After investigation begins Where:Devika's house

  2. 12

    Exposure and downfall begins

    Devika, aided by Subbarayudu who is now out on bail, broadcasts Jogendra's illegal activities to the public. Jogendra's carefully built empire starts to crumble as more crimes and schemes come to light, turning public opinion against him. The once-mighty politician faces the unraveling of his life.

    When:After affair Where:Broadcast media / political sphere

  3. 13

    Shiva's murder and Radha's attack

    Shiva, a close associate, is killed by Jogendra in a rage sparked by a false video planted by Subbarayudu. Jogendra later regrets killing him. Shiva's brother plants a bomb on a route, injuring Radha as Jogendra struggles to protect her from the web of enemies.

    When:In the escalation of power struggles Where:Various locations; road route

  4. 14

    Radha's sacrifice and the mass assassination plan

    Radha sacrifices her life so Jogendra can gain sympathy and secure his party's electoral victory. On a day when MLAs and ministers gather, a bomb explodes, killing many in what appears to be a final act of political violence orchestrated by Jogendra. The carnage seals his transformation into a feared figure.

    When:Just before elections Where:Legislative assembly / gathering venue

  5. 15

    Climactic ending: jail, verdict, and heavenly reunion

    In the present, Jogendra sits in jail giving an interview as public opinion swells in his favor and calls for his release. The President cancels his hanging, and a last televised moment has Jogendra urging voters to choose a righteous leader. He proclaims himself as Radha Jogendra, then hangs himself; the credits hint at a reunion with Radha in heaven.

    When:Present Where:Jail / live TV

Characters

Who Are the Main Characters in Nene Raju Nene Mantri?

13 characters, among them Jogendra (Rana Daggubati), Radha Jogendra (Kajal Agarwal) and Devika Rani (Catherine Tresa): who each one is and the part they play in the story. 12 of them link to the actor’s page.

  • J(

    Jogendra (Rana Daggubati)

    Played by Rana Daggubati

    A shrewd moneylender turned politician whose rise is built on crime, manipulation, and a relentless will to power. He ruthlessly eliminates opponents, buys influence, and engineers his ascent from village politics to ministerial power. His charm masks a calculating mind that sacrifices truth for victory, culminating in a self-destructive pursuit of absolute control.

    • 💼 Ambition
    • 🗳️ Politics
    • 🗡️ Ruthlessness
  • Kajal Agarwal as Radha Jogendra (Kajal Agarwal) in Nene Raju Nene Mantri

    Radha Jogendra (Kajal Agarwal)

    Played by Kajal Agarwal

    Jogendra's wife, initially devoted and supportive, she endures tragedy when a miscarriage sparks his political awakening. Her later sacrifice becomes a powerful catalyst for sympathy and electoral advantage. Her character embodies loyalty, resilience, and the cost of power-fueled ambition.

    • ❤️ Love
    • 🏛️ Sacrifice
    • 🎭 Loyalty
  • DR

    Devika Rani (Catherine Tresa)

    Played by Catherine Tresa

    A journalist from the opposition who uncovers Jogendra's crimes and broadcasts damning evidence. She uses her access to information as leverage, forming a complicated relationship with Jogendra while pursuing truth. Her investigations trigger the unraveling of his corrupt empire.

    • 📰 Investigation
    • 🎭 Betrayal
    • 🤝 Alliance
  • Ashutosh Rana as Subbarayudu (Ashutosh Rana) in Nene Raju Nene Mantri

    Subbarayudu (Ashutosh Rana)

    Played by Ashutosh Rana

    A powerful Home Minister figure who becomes an ally and later an obstacle to Jogendra. He engineers schemes to advance political power, then reacts with legal and manipulative moves when the tables turn. His role highlights the corrupt backroom deals that fuel the protagonist's rise and fall.

    • 🏛️ Power
    • 🗡️ Manipulation
    • ⚖️ Corruption
  • S(

    Sarpanch (Pradeep Ram Singh Rawat)

    Played by Pradeep Ram Singh Rawat

    The village head whose resistance to Jogendra mirrors the old guard of rural authority. His clashes with Jogendra lead to violent outcomes and set in motion the chain of events that defines the political ascent. His demise marks a turning point in the struggle between traditional power and modern ambitions.

    • 🏡 Village
    • ⚔️ Conflict
    • 🕊️ Tragedy
  • MC

    MLA Choudappa (Satya Prakash)

    Played by Satya Prakash

    A rival political figure who supports Jogendra until money and influence sway him. He seeks to consolidate power through manipulation and becomes one of Jogendra's key targets. His exposure and fall illustrate the precariousness of political loyalty.

    • 💼 Power
    • 🗡️ Corruption
    • 📝 Rivalry
  • HC

    Hema Chander (Police)

    A cop who tries to extort bribes, setting off a chain of violence and deceit. Jogendra retaliates by disabling Hema Chander and shifting blame, illustrating how law enforcement can be bent for political ends. His character embodies corruption within the system.

    • 💰 Bribery
    • ⚖️ Law
    • 🕳️ Corruption
  • S(

    Shiva (Navdeep)

    Played by Navdeep

    A close associate of Jogendra who becomes a casualty of his growing paranoia. He is murdered in a rage after a manipulated video threatens Jogendra, highlighting how fear and manipulation can corrupt relationships. His demise foreshadows the personal cost of the protagonist's quest for power.

    • 🤝 Loyalty
    • 💔 Loss
    • 🔪 Violence
  • Tanikella Bharani as Chief Minister (Tanikella Bharani) in Nene Raju Nene Mantri

    Chief Minister (Tanikella Bharani)

    Played by Tanikella Bharani

    The political leader who both aids and gets manipulated by Jogendra. He awards prestige and posts to Jogendra, but his decisions are ultimately shaped by the same web of influence and fear that governs the plot. His authority is shown as fragile against relentless ambition.

    • 🏛️ Leadership
    • 🗳️ Manipulation
    • 🕳️ Fragility
  • Jayaprakash Reddy as Jailor (Jayaprakash Reddy) in Nene Raju Nene Mantri

    Jailor (Jayaprakash Reddy)

    Played by Jayaprakash Reddy

    A jail official who anchors the proceedings and power plays behind prison walls. He is a witness to the political drama and its consequences, including the hold Jogendra has over the system. His presence marks the reach of the political machine into all institutions.

    • 🏢 Institution
    • 🛡️ Authority
    • 🕯️ Pressure
  • T(

    Tirupathi (Ravi Joshi)

    Played by Ravi Joshi

    A supporting character who represents the grassroots reach of Jogendra's influence. His inclusion underscores how even minor players are drawn into the machine of ambition. He serves to illustrate the breadth of Jogendra's network.

    • 🗺️ Network
    • 👥 Grassroots
    • 🧰 Influence
  • SW

    Sarpanch's Wife (Bindu Chandramouli)

    Played by Bindu Chandramouli

    A character present in the village politics who embodies the consequences of the power struggle at the local level. Her position highlights the collateral damage of the political theater and its reach into family life.

    • 👩‍❤️‍👨 Family
    • 🕊️ Consequences
    • 🏘️ Local Politics
  • S(

    Sushmitha (Priyanka Nalkari)

    Played by Priyanka Nalkari

    A character connected to the political machinations, appearing in the network of people around Jogendra. Her involvement helps to illustrate how a broad cast of figures interact within the corruption web.

    • 🧭 Network
    • 🌐 Politics
    • 🧩 Intrigue
Setting

Where and When Is Nene Raju Nene Mantri Set?

Nene Raju Nene Mantri is set in Temple, Sarpanch's Village, Jail, Hospital and CM's Office. Here is why the place matters to the story.

Where

Temple, Sarpanch's Village, Jail, Hospital, CM's Office

Set primarily in a rural village centered around a temple, where Radha lights a lamp and tragedy strikes. As Jogendra ascends, scenes shift to power centers like a guest house, the CM's office, and the jail. The locations move between intimate community spaces and high-stakes political corridors, highlighting how local power dynamics propel a wider political machine.

  • 🕊️ Sacred temple
  • 🏡 Rural village
  • 🏛️ Political power
  • 🏥 Hospital
Themes

What Are the Themes of Nene Raju Nene Mantri?

3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Power & Politics, Love & Sacrifice and Media & Truth.

  1. 01

    Power & Politics

    Ambition drives Jogendra from a village moneylender to MLA and beyond, with crime, manipulation, and strategic alliances shaping every move. The system rewards ruthlessness and media-savvy maneuvers over ethics, revealing how elections can be engineered. The story traces the personal and societal costs of unchecked power, culminating in a dramatic downfall.

  2. 02

    Love & Sacrifice

    Radha's devotion anchors the plot, and her selfless sacrifice becomes a catalyst for political sympathy and votes. The relationship with Devika adds complexity, showing how power can distort affection and loyalty. The arc explores the costs of love in a world ruled by ambition and public perception.

  3. 03

    Media & Truth

    Devika's investigative reporting exposes Jogendra's crimes, turning media into a weapon that shapes public opinion. The film shows how information can topple a dictator of sorts when backed by evidence, even as manipulation and planted plots threaten the truth. It critiques sensationalism and the role of journalism in democratic accountability.

Tone & mood

What Kind of Film Is Nene Raju Nene Mantri?

Dark in tone, with fast pacing and a moderate story, going by the plot summary.

Tone
Dark
Pacing
Fast
Story
Moderate
Intensity
High
Ending
Sad

A relentless and intense political thriller where a man's love transforms into a destructive ambition, creating a dark and tragic saga of power, betrayal, and devastating sacrifice.

  • intense
  • gripping
  • tragic
  • ambitious
  • unsettling
  • cynical
  • political ambition
  • corruption
  • revenge
  • betrayal

Content notes: miscarriage, murder, suicide, bombing, political violence, extortion.

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FAQ

Nene Raju Nene Mantri Plot Questions

5 quick answers about Nene Raju Nene Mantri, taken from the plot summary, character guide and setting on this page and the film’s credits.

What is Nene Raju Nene Mantri about?

In a quiet village where tradition and power intertwine, Jogendra is a humble money‑lender whose life revolves around his beloved wife Radha. Their simple happiness is built on shared dreams and a deep, unwavering devotion that defines the rhythm of their days.

Read the full plot summary

When and where does Nene Raju Nene Mantri take place?

Nene Raju Nene Mantri is set in Temple, Sarpanch's Village, Jail, Hospital and CM's Office. Set primarily in a rural village centered around a temple, where Radha lights a lamp and tragedy strikes. As Jogendra ascends, scenes shift to power centers like a guest house, the CM's office, and the jail.

The setting explained

Who are the main characters in Nene Raju Nene Mantri?

The story follows Jogendra (Rana Daggubati) (played by Rana Daggubati), Radha Jogendra (Kajal Agarwal) (played by Kajal Agarwal), Devika Rani (Catherine Tresa) (played by Catherine Tresa) and Subbarayudu (Ashutosh Rana) (played by Ashutosh Rana); the character guide covers 13 characters in all.

All the characters

What are the main themes of Nene Raju Nene Mantri?

The summary picks out 3 themes: Power & Politics, Love & Sacrifice and Media & Truth.

The themes explained

Who directed Nene Raju Nene Mantri?

Nene Raju Nene Mantri (2017) was directed by Teja and runs 2 hours 33 minutes.

Teja’s films

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