Srinatha, the universal monarch of poets) is a 1993 Telugu-language biographical film directed by Bapu and written by Mullapudi Venkata Ramana.

The film depicts the life of the 15th-century Telugu poet Srinatha and is based on the novels Kavi Sarvabhoumudu and Kavidvayamu by Nori Narasimha Sastry.

[4] The film begins at the Kondaveedu court, where King Peda Komati Vema Reddi is instructed by Emperor Prouda Devaraya of Vidyanagaram to challenge his royal scholar, Gowda Dindima Bhattu, who has defeated poets throughout the kingdom.

To defend his kingdom's honour, Vema Reddi enlists the talented poet Srinatha, who swears an oath before the Kondaveedu family deity's sword, Nandikanta Potaraju Katari, and sets off on his mission.

Srinatha, a hedonistic poet who enjoys an extravagant life with his devoted wife Sridevi, begins his journey with stops for pilgrimage and flirtatious poetry.

Seeking a fair challenge, Srinatha befriends royal ambassador Sarparaya Telunga, who arranges a competition at the emperor’s court.

Srinatha defeats Dindima Bhattu, breaks the golden drum, and earns the title "Kavi Sarvabhouma" (Emperor of Poets).

Srinatha retrieves the sword through his literary talents but finds Kondaveedu in decline, with the prince, Chinna Vema Reddi, indulging in debauchery.

He arrives in Palnadu and mocks its terrain, prompting Chennakesava to appear in the form of a child and inspire him to document their history in the Palanati Veeracharitra.

[1] He expressed a strong commitment to the role, requesting six months to study Srinatha's life and immerse himself in the poet’s customs and lifestyle.

However, political pressures and the central government's refusal to grant permission for him to act while holding office led to the project being postponed.

Unhappy with the earlier compositions, he replaced J. V. Raghavulu with Pendyala Nageswara Rao as the music director and re-recorded the songs with singer V.

[1] Rama Rao emphasized his personal connection to the role by taking on the responsibilities of directing and producing the film, which was titled Srinatha Kavi Sarvabhoumudu.

Despite his renewed commitment, the project faced further delays due to Rama Rao’s continued duties as chief minister, especially after his third term began in March 1985.