Chaitanya Ratham

Chaitanya Ratham is a 1987 Indian Telugu-language political drama film directed by Dhavala Satyam and produced by Vangaveeti Ratna Kumari. The film stars Bhanu Chander, Sarath Babu, Kalpana, Satyanarayana and Giri Babu in pivotal roles, with music composed by J. V. Raghavulu. Released on 26 June 1987, it was a commercial success, running for 100 days in 26 centres.

Set against the socio-political backdrop of 1980s Andhra Pradesh, Chaitanya Ratham draws inspiration from the life of politician Vangaveeti Mohana Ranga, highlighting his struggles alongside his elder brother, Vangaveeti Radha. The film critiques the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) government under N. T. Rama Rao, addressing themes of corruption and resistance. The song "Rama Rajyama," noted for its critical stance against the government, garnered significant attention.

The film faced controversy upon its release due to its politically charged content. Reports suggest that its prints were destroyed following widespread violence after Ranga's assassination in December 1988, with some alleging that this destruction was aimed at suppressing the film's sensitive political narrative. In 2023, a restored version of the film was re-released in the United States.