N.T.R: Mahanayakudu

N. T. Rama Rao formalizes the Telugu Desam Party and designs its flag and political agenda. He declares a mission to tour across the undivided Andhra Pradesh to restore dignity for Telugu people. He tasks his son Harikrishna with repairing an old Chevrolet van, which will be named Chaitanya Ratham, and sets out with him and his son-in-law Daggubati Venkateswara Rao.

The Chaitanya Ratham campaign begins its wide tour through Andhra Pradesh as Rama Rao and Harikrishna drive through towns and villages. The aim is to rekindle faith in the Telugu people's leadership and dignity. The formidable central opposition grows wary as the electoral game edges closer.

The central government, wary of Rama Rao's momentum, moves elections forward. Indira Gandhi appoints Kotla Vijaya Bhaskara Reddy as the new Chief Minister, signaling a shift in state leadership. This decision intensifies the rivalry between anti-incumbent forces and Rama Rao's growing popularity.

Nadendla Bhaskar Rao compiles a list of ex-MPs and MLAs with questionable conduct as electoral candidates. Rama Rao rejects the proposed lineup and replaces it with younger, more dynamic leaders. The move foreshadows the internal clash that will frame much of the campaign.

Chandrababu Naidu, considered the opponent's son-in-law, contests against Rama Rao's party but is decisively defeated. His setback signals the consolidation of Rama Rao's political strength. Despite the loss, Naidu remains a pivotal figure within the party and later comes to support Rama Rao.

Rama Rao leads his party to a landslide victory in the elections. He becomes the 10th Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, signaling a dramatic political shift. His win sets the stage for sweeping reforms and bold governance.

As CM, Rama Rao pushes through transformative policies: Rs 2 per kilogram rice for the poor, ensuring equal property rights for daughters, abolishing the Patel-Patwari system, and creating the Mandal administrative framework. He also initiates the Telugu Ganga project as part of infrastructure and development. These moves are aimed at curbing corruption and empowering common people.

Bhaskar Rao launches attempts to undermine Rama Rao by brewing dissent within his own camp. Rama Rao remains steadfast and refuses to yield to the internal sabotage, strengthening his leadership. The tensions foreshadow the larger constitutional clash ahead.

Indira Gandhi's government withholds funds from the state, challenging Rama Rao's governance. To manage the crisis, she appoints Thakur Ram Lal as the new state governor, escalating the power struggle between the center and the state. Rama Rao vows to defend the state's rights.

Basavaramatarakam falls ill with cancer just as Rama Rao also experiences heart problems, forcing both to travel to the United States for medical treatment. The trip becomes a pause in the political struggle and a testament to personal losses in the campaign. They hope to return revitalized and ready to fight on.

Bhaskar Rao submits a motion of no confidence, and leveraging political tricks, temporarily becomes Chief Minister by backstabbing Rama Rao. Rama Rao moves to Raj Bhavan to demonstrate the strength of his MLAs, while Ram Lal resists and has Rama Rao arrested. The episode marks a dramatic constitutional crisis.

Chandrababu Naidu becomes a crucial ally, safeguarding Rama Rao's MLAs in a secret location to prevent horse-trading. Rama Rao and Naidu travel with their gathered MLAs to Delhi to prove their majority. They face constant obstacles from Indira Gandhi but press on toward a confidence motion.

In the face of central opposition, Rama Rao and his allies meet President Zail Singh, who directs that a confidence motion be conducted. Indira Gandhi's government resists, creating a tense standoff as the date for a vote approaches. The legal and political maneuvering heightens public expectation.

Indira Gandhi shifts strategy, dissolving Bhaskar Rao's faction and appointing Shankar Dayal Sharma as Governor. Sharma then removes Bhaskar Rao and reinstates Rama Rao as Chief Minister. The political crisis concludes with Rama Rao's restoration to power.

Rama Rao is sworn in again as Chief Minister and returns to his wife after the ceremony. Shortly after, Basavaramatarakam passes away in his lap, marking a poignant close to the film. The concluding moment emphasizes the personal cost of political life.