Chanakya Chandragupta is a 1977 Indian Telugu-language historical drama film directed and produced by N. T. Rama Rao under the banner of Ramakrishna Cine Studios.

In Pataliputra, he begins to rally support against the nine arrogant Nanda princes and faces the cunning Chief Minister Rakshasa, who quickly recognizes Chandragupta’s true potential.

He arranges for Chandragupta to form a friendship with the tribal king Parvataka, promising to make his daughter, Chhaya, the future empress.

Meanwhile, Rakshasa employs deceitful tactics to undermine their rebellion, including plotting Chandragupta's demise and creating a secret passage between the fortress and Chanakya's hideout.

Motivated by this, Chandragupta confronts and defeats Alexander in a climactic duel, compelling the invader to retreat and acknowledge the bond between mentor and disciple.

In a pivotal moment, Chanakya executes the Nanda rulers, allowing Chandragupta to ascend the throne and establish the Maurya Empire in honour of his mother, Mura.

However, Mahapadma Nanda, enraged by his family's downfall, attempts to assassinate Chandragupta after Mura's death, ultimately taking his own life in despair.

In the film's resolution, Chanakya secures Rakshasa's loyalty and appoints him as Chandragupta's Chief Minister, ensuring that his wisdom will guide the new empire.

N. T. Rama Rao commissioned a bound script for Chanakya Chandragupta from Pingali, and for Daana Veera Soora Karna from Kondaveeti Venkatakavi.

Subsequently, Rama Rao opted to begin production on Daana Veera Soora Karna, a project he had long planned, which ultimately became a major success.

This collaboration led to Rama Krishnulu (1978), produced by Nageswara Rao in association with Jagapathi Art Pictures, where both actors appeared together.

[1] However, its theatrical run was affected by the blockbuster success of another Rama Rao film, Adavi Ramudu (1977) which released a few months earlier.