In this adaptation of the Bengali classic, Akkineni Nageswara Rao takes on the role of the doomed hero Devdas accompanied by Savitri and Lalitha as Paro and Chandramukhi. The film marks the centenary celebrations of the matinee idol ANR, whose influence on Indian cinema resounds to the day.
Vedantam Raghavayya was an Indian film director, dance choreographer, and actor known for his work in Telugu and Tamil cinema. He went on to direct many notable films, including Devadasu (1953), Annadata (1954), Anarkali (1955), Prema Pasam (1956), Bhale Ramudu (1956), Chiranjeevulu (1956), Suvarna Sundari (1957), and Rahasyam (1967). An accomplished Kuchipudi dancer, he was honoured with the title "Bharata Kala Prapurna" by the Andhra Pradesh government in recognition of his expertise.