Alluri Seetaramaraju (1974)

Evocative and provocative, this historical biography is based on the life of Alluri Sitarama Raju, an Indian revolutionary and freedom fighter, who martyred himself in the fight for freedom from British tyranny.

After the passing of the 1882 Madras Forest Act, its restrictions on the free movement of tribal peoples in the forest prevented them from engaging in their traditional Podu agricultural system, which involved shifting cultivation. Raju led the 'Rampa Rebellion' of 1922–24, during which a band of tribal leaders and other sympathisers fought against the British Raj, which had passed the law.

He was referred to as 'Manyam Veerudu' ('Hero of the Jungles') by the local people, who supported and protected him. Along with his ardent followers, he raided police stations, stole guns and ammunition and killed several British army officers, including Scott Coward near Dammanapalli.

Raju was eventually trapped by the British in the forests of Chintapalli, then tied to a tree and was executed by gunfire in Mampa village. His tomb is in Krishna Devi Peta village.