Desc: The Challenger: Directed by A R Ravindra. Venkatesha is a victim of polio by birth. He was born to Ramayya and Girija long after their marriage, after they vowed to serve Tirupati. So, Girija takes care of him with extra motherly love, keeping him away from experiencing hunger, pains or difficulties. That makes him a totally dependent pampered son. One day, she slips into a pond, drowns and dies as he witnesses helplessly. His actual problems start from there. Taking care of a totally dependent handicapped son - poses Ramayya the threat of losing his job. Seeking help, he marries Kamala, a widow who already has a daughter. The step-mother Kamala, doesn't help but tortures him at every step; she doesn't even serve food to him. The hungry boy now crawls into the kitchen. But he complains to father about Kamala's torture; Ramayya in turn, scolds Kamala. But she explains how she planned to make him move. Once spoiled by the blind love, Venkatesha now stands on own legs to become independent, encouraged by Kamala. He also participates in the village sport of Marshy Field Race, which was his dream. Though he doesn't win the race, he challenges with all his might to become a 'Challenger'.