Kanna Talli is a 1953 Indian Telugu-language drama film produced and directed by K. S. Prakash Rao under the Prakash Studios banner. It stars Akkineni Nageswara Rao and G. Varalakshmi, with music composed by Pendyala Nageshwara Rao. The film marks the debut of the popular Telugu singer P. Suseela and actress Rajasulochana in the film industry. It was simultaneously shot in Tamil as Petra Thai, with dialogues written by S. A. Subbaraman.

Plot

The film begins with a wealthy couple, Chalapathi and Shantamma, who lead a happy family life with their two sons, Ramu and Shankar. However, Chalapathi, being a spendthrift obsessed with vanity, squanders their wealth and eventually absconds, leaving the family in dire straits. In this challenging situation, Shantamma courageously takes charge and raises her children. Witnessing her struggles, the elder son, Ramu, resolves to ensure his brother, Shankar, receives a good education. Years pass, and Ramu works tirelessly to support the family, enabling Shankar to complete his schooling successfully. Shankar falls in love with his cousin Gowri, the daughter of Nagaiah. Aspiring to enroll Shankar in college, Ramu agrees to a wealthy alliance that offers a dowry of ₹10,000. Meanwhile, Ramu's wife, Lakshmi, is a shrewish woman who constantly harasses her mother-in-law, Shantamma. In the city, Shankar falls into bad company and becomes infatuated with a dancer, Chanchala, leading to his moral decline. When Ramu learns of Shankar's behavior, he confronts him, only to be humiliated. Upon returning home, Ramu finds himself dominated by Lakshmi, who undermines his authority. Later, Shankar returns home and demands his share of the property. In response, Shantamma reprimands him and throws him out of the house. Despite this, the kind-hearted Ramu forgives Shankar and allows him back. However, Shankar deceives them by stealing Lakshmi's jewelry, leading to Shantamma being falsely accused and ostracized from the family. When Nagaiah learns of Shankar's behavior, he calls off the engagement, driving Gowri to attempt suicide. Shantamma saves Gowri and promises to reform Shankar. Meanwhile, Shankar discovers Chanchala's treacherous nature and, in a fit of rage, kills her. Shantamma takes the blame for the crime, prompting Shankar to repent. Upon learning the truth, Ramu rushes to his mother’s side. In an unexpected twist of fate, Shantamma encounters her long-lost husband, Chalapathi, now a broken wanderer in prison. Despite her sacrifices, Shantamma urges Ramu to stay silent and arranges for Shankar and Gowri to marry. The film concludes with Shantamma seeking redemption and walking toward a path of atonement.

Cast

Soundtrack

The music was composed by Pendyala Nageshwara Rao. The lyrics were written by M. S. Subramaniam. The song Yaedukku Azhaithai is the first Tamil film song sung by P. Susheela.