Jyothi Lakshmi

Jyothi Lakshmi is a 2015 Indian Telugu-language drama directed by Puri Jagannadh from a story by Malladi Venkata Krishna Murthy. It is based on his novel Mrs Parankusam. Charmy Kaur stars in the title role and also presented the film, her first as a producer. Satyadev plays the male lead. The film was released on 12 June 2015.

Story

Satya goes looking for a particular woman in the city’s red-light areas and finally finds her: Jyothi Lakshmi. He insists on marrying her and, with the help of her quick thinking, gets her away before the men who control her can catch him.

Development

Puri Jagannadh wanted to make a female-centred film and, after a long search, offered the lead to Charmy Kaur for her dancing and acting skills. The title led to rumours that the film was a biopic of a South Indian actress of the same name. Charmy clarified that it was a commercial entertainer based on Malladi’s story, not on any real person. Sunil Kashyap and P. G. Vinda joined as music director and cinematographer, their first work with Jagannadh. C. Kalyan produced the film under Sri Subha Swetha Films and C. K. Entertainments.

Production

Production began in Hyderabad on 25 February 2015 with a pooja ceremony. For the role, Charmy trained in belly dancing, freestyle and club dancing and appears in two different looks. The film also features a song with Angela Krislinzki and Brahmanandam.

Music and marketing

Sunil Kashyap’s soundtrack was released by Puri Sangeet. The first-look poster and a 60-second teaser were released on 8 March 2015, the eve of International Women’s Day.

Reception

The film drew mixed to negative reviews and was a failure. Cochin Talkies called it a social-message film with well-placed commercial elements but little emotional depth, a one-time watch at best.

Sources: Wikipedia and Wikidata.