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Gaayam () is a 1993 Indian Telugu language-language political crime thriller film, based on the 1980s Vijayawada Gang Warfare. Directed by Ram Gopal Varma, and story co-written by himself and Mani Ratnam, it stars Jagapathi Babu, Revathi, Urmila Matondkar and music composed by Sri. Upon its release, the film became commercially successful at box-office and won six state Nandi Awards in 1993. The film was dubbed and released in Tamil as Desam.
The film is inspired by The Godfather (1972) which is based on Mario Puzo's novel The Godfather (1969).
Meanwhile, Gurunarayana, a wicked corporator & arch-rival of Mohan Krishna, assassinates him for political gain. Enraged, Durga skillfully slays the assailants of the crime and gains control over the city. However, Sarkar escapes as he has been released from prison to cover up the situation. Knowing this, Anitha breaks up with him because she is against his rationalist way. As of today, Anitha is a sincere journalist who always fights to expose inequities, irregularities, & evils in society, and she knits Bharadwaj. Gurunarayana grew up as an MLA for the ruling party. Besides, Durga's cousin Chitra has one side of her feelings and always supports him. Now, Durga also focuses on his political career, and Gurunarayana releases Sarkar from jail to bar him. Then, the power game begins between the gangs. Soon after, Sarkar attacks Durga in the film theater, in which many die. It severely impacts Anitha, who decides to reveal the truth. She meets Durga and tries to mend his ways, but he keeps a deaf ear. Later, she shows her past relationship with Durga to Bharadwaj.
Currently, Durga learns Sarkar's whereabouts and attacks him when he escapes. Durga is behind Sarkar, but he backs off while observing Bharadwaj. Simultaneously, Anitha takes Gurunarayana's interview regarding the chaos at the film theater. At that point, Sarkar reaches Gurunarayana's residence in front of Anitha, and Bharadwaj chases him. Gurunarayana tries to cover up the scene when a brawl arises between Bharadwaj & Gurunarayana. Anitha struggles to reveal the truth, but her editor always hinders her. Afterward, Gurunarayana plots and abducts Chitra when Durga rushes for her rescue. Therein, he is incriminated in a crime and seized. Bharadwaj is about to produce a witness against him, whom Gurunarayana has slaughtered. As a result, infuriated Bharadwaj charges Durga and imprisons him.
The next day, Gurunarayana schemes to become Chief Minister by collapsing the government, for which he conducts high religious riots that leave severe destruction. In these revolts, Bharadwaj encounters henchmen of Gurunarayana. On that note, Gurunarayana berates the department when Bharadwaj slaps him, and he seeks revenge. After facing several consequences, Anitha covers up the incident and submits it to her editor. But he turns out and surrenders all the evidence to Gurunarayana.
At present, Gurunarayana plans a self-bomb blast to gain sympathy on the eve of Ganesh Nimarjan. Alongside, the Police department receives intel regarding Gurunarayana's conspiracy, so to impede, they free Durga and enlist his aid. Bharadwaj is assigned the task of controlling the furor at the event when Gurunarayana announces to Anitha that he intends to kill her husband. Thus, she seeks Durga's help and arrives at the ritual with Chitra. Sarkar plans the bombing from an enclosed movie theater. Durga & Bharadwaj sense it and successfully block him. Gurunarayana also enters the hideout to execute the plan when the bomb explodes at a safe distance without harming people. At last, Durga & Bharadwaj are in a safe space, Sarkar dies, and Gurunarayana is severely injured and sentenced later. Finally, the movie ends with Anitha thanking Durga, and he decides to take a new path.
Varma decided to do Gaayam with Jagapathi Babu after he was impressed with a fight sequence he did for the film Peddarikam. This was the first film that Jagapathi Babu dubbed for himself. The initial version of the script did not have the character of Chitra, it was Ratnam who suggested this character while also suggesting Urmila Matondkar for the role.
The song "Alupannadi Unda" was shot at R. K. Beach and Jagadamba Theatre while the climax was shot at Vikranth Theatre in Hyderabad. The choreography of the song "Cheli Meeda" was done by Urmila herself.
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