Tholi Prema (1998 film)

Balu is the youngest son in his family and carefree. His father often scolds him, but his uncles and mother dote on him so does his brother. He has a bunch of friends to hang around. On a late Diwali night, Balu's father is angry with him and he goes out for a stroll. On this night, Balu happens to see a girl Anu with a white chudidar , playing with children although revealing only her feet. He instantly falls for her. He learns that she has returned from the US to spend time with her grandfather, awaiting her Harvard call.

Anu is impressed with Balu when he saves a child's life on the motorway; she tries to get his autograph but fails. Balu leaves for Ooty for his studies and accidentally meets Anu on the way when his taxi breaks down. Anu gives Balu a lift and leaves her driver to help the taxi driver. While on the way, Anu's car slips into a valley due to a rash lorry driver. Balu makes an effort to save Anu and rescues her to safer ground. Trying to save Anu, Balu slips off into a valley. Anu is depressed that Balu sacrificed himself to save her, searches for him and loses hope. Balu is saved by a truck driver and admitted to a hospital. On his return, Anu meets Balu at his house to express her gratitude. Balu thinks of proposing his love, but is warned by his sister Priya. Balu develops a friendship with Anu, but never dares to express his love. Priya gets married and leaves. At the same time, Anu is admitted to Harvard University and is about to leave. They remain silent until they reach the airport. His goal is to make her realize how much he loves her. As they wait for the flight announcement, she realizes that she is indeed in love with Balu. She gets emotional and hugs him. She says that she needs him more than Harvard. An emotional Balu iterates that she has worked hard and she is waiting for this day and shouldn't miss the chance for love. They agree to reunite after they have realized their goals.

The soundtrack was composed by Deva. Four of the film's five songs are based on other songs without acknowledgement: "Yemaindo Yemo Ee Vela" is based on Ricky Martin's "Maria"; "Emi Sodhara" is based on "Pyaar ka Musafir" by Lucky Ali; "Romance Rhythms" is based on "Noonday Sun" by Deep Forest; and "Ee Manase Se Se" is based on "Alabalaba (Woman’a’Sexy)" by Dr. Alban.[4] There is no female voice in any of the songs in the movie.

The film had run for more than 100 days in 21 centres; it ran for more than 200 days in 2 centres. It was the winner of six Nandi Awards and National Award Best Feature Film (Telugu) and ran for more than 365 days.

• Tholi Prema at IMDb