State Government celebrates 75 years of Telugu cinema
Hyderabad, January 25, 2007
The weeklong celebrations of Telugu cinema were inaugurated by the Chief Minister, Dr.YS Rajasekhara Reddy at Jubilee Hall in Hyderabad on Thursday. The celebrations are being organized jointly by the Department of Culture, the State Film Development Corporation (FDC) and other departments of the Government of the State Government are jointly organizing the celebrations from January 25 to 31st.
Dasari Narayana Rao in his address said all the Congress chief ministers from Neelam Sanjeeva Reddy to Dr.YS Rajasekhara Reddy had made enormous contribution to the growth of film industry. He said that government has come to the rescue of the industry whenever it faces crises. He remarked that the present generation artists should always remember the earlier generation of artists. Chief Minister in his speech said that cinema is the only entertainment for common man and that is why the government support the industry. He commented that it works like a communication.
FDC chairman Adisekhagiri Rao and well-noted actor Krishna spoke on the occasion and later some cultural items were presented. Interestingly, except Mohan Babu and Krishna nobody else connected with the Telugu cinema was present.
Cinema is one media that has penetrated deep into the society and became a part and parcel of one’s life. It will not be an exaggeration to say that no other media has achieved that acceptance like what motion picture did. In Andhra, films are celebrated. Festivals are celebrated through the films and in the same way some of the leading hero’s films are celebrated like festivals.
From the time films production has started, Telugu people had their piece of share in its growth. Tollywood has seen through the evolution of films from silent motion pictures to the present hi-fi audio and video technologies. Telugu Film Industry is in its present shape, as one of the leading motion picture making industries in India, due to the contribution and dedication of many great talented individuals.
Here is an effort from TotalTollywood to bring you the history of Telugu Cinema in brief. This serves us to salute the talented and dedicated artists who stay in the heart and mind of Telugu audience forever. We thank Mr. S.V.Ramarao for his contribution of this invaluable article to TotalTollywood.
About the Author
S.V.Ramarao, the author of award winning book Telugu Tera, is a script writer, film journalist, and also master of ceremonies. One of the most knowledgeable persons about Telugu Films, S.V.Ramarao wrote hundreds of articles and film reviews for Yuvaraktam, Andhra Prabha, Andhra Bhoomi, India Today, and Mohini (Special book on Telugu films).
S.V.Ramarao graduated from C.R.Reddy college, Eluru. By profession, he was a sub-registrar. Cinema has been his passion from his childhood. He scripted, acted and conducted plays. He also acted in films such as Sriranga Neetulu, Kaliraja kai etc. He provided the script for movies like Kalavari Kutumbam, Triloka Sundari, Aata Bomma, Attamechina Alludu, Sukravaram Mahalakshmi and Ee Prashnaku Baduledi(Associate director). By 1961, he became a film journalist.
His work, Telugu Tera, bagged Nandi award in 1999. Telugu Tera gives a comprehensive history of Telugu Cinema from 1930s. He received good number of felicitations - Best Film Critic award by A.P.Film Circle, Best Film Journalist by A.P.Cine Goers Association, Madras Telugu Academy award for his knowledge in Telugu films and many more. He is awarded Cine Vignana Visarada by Dr. C.Narayana Reddy.
Presently he is a multifaceted cultural personality, having good rapport with cultural organizations. He also authored the biography of Sri Gummadi and he is working on many more.
The word 'cinema' was derived from a Greek word 'Kinema' which means to move further or to move ahead.
In 1986 Lumiar Brothers exhibited a silent picture at Bombay. Later R.G.Torney, with the assistance and help of foreign technology, produced two silent movies Bhaktha Pundalika in 1910 and Raja Durbar in 1911.
It was Dundiraj Govind Falke - the first Indian to produce a silent picture without the aid of foreign technology or technicians. It was he who produced and directed Raja Harischandra and also acted in the title role. The movie was released on 3rd May, 1913. To commemorate his name the Government of India is honoring the stalwarts in filmdom for their services by giving the "Dada Saheb Falke" awards since 1970. Devika Rani was the first recipient of this award.
The under mentioned personalities from the Telugu cinema field were honored with the Dada Saheb Falke award for the years mentioned against their names. • Sri B.N.Reddy - Producer & Director - in 1975. • Sri L.V.Prasad - Producer & Director - in 1983. • Sri B.Nagi Reddy - Producer - in 1987. • Sri A.Nageswar Rao - Artist - in 1991.
As far as Telugu films are concerned, Raghupati Venkaiah from Machilipatnam pioneered Telugu silent movies. He sent his son R.S.Prakash to foreign countries to acquire knowledge about film craft. Prakash toured Germany, Italy and America and also worked for the movie "Ten Commandments" under Cicil.B.Demille. Raghupati Venkaiah is the first Telugu producer to make a silent picture Bhisma Prathigna in 1921 under the direction of his son R.S.Prakash. Prakash acted the title role 'Bhishma'. Later they produced Matsyavatar, Nandanar and Gajendra Moksham etc., Stalwarts like Y.V.Rao and C.Pulliah associated with R.S.Prakash and Venkaiah.
Later C.Pullaiah produced Bhakta Markandeya a slient movie and it was produced at Kakinada. C.Pullaiah acted in the title role of 'Yamadharma Raja'. In those days for the silent movies (as they are without dialogues) there were certain commentators who used to stand at the gates of the theatre or in front of the screen to narrate the film. K.Siva Rao, K.Sadasiva Rao, K.Hanumantha Rao, P.Kondalarao, D.Narasimha Rao were popular among such commentators.
To commemorate the service of Raghupathi Venakaiah, the Govt. of Andhra Pradesh installed an award in his name in 1981. And it is being given to those who rendered meritorious services to Telugu screen. Now let us see the growth of Telugu Cinema, decade wise since 1931.
Highlights • No.of Films - 327 • Central Govt introduced national awards • Pedhamanushulu, Todudongalu, Vipranarayana got the awards in 1954, the first time national awards. • Many stage artists made it to the screen including Allu Ramalingayya • Dubbing other language films started • Saradhi studios started
This can be regarded as the golden era for telugu movies by many standards. During this decade 327 movies were released.
Famous film producing concerns like Annapoorna Pictures (Dongaramudu), Anupama Pictures (Muddu Bidda), Rajyam Pictures (Daasi), Krishna Pictures (Anarkali),Vinoda Pictures (Stree Sahasam), Shalini Pictures (Amara Sandesham), Vikram Productions (Maa Gopi), National Art Theatres (Pichi Pullaiah), Rajasri Pictures (Anasuya), Aswaraj Pictures(Annadata), Vittal Productions (Kanyadanam), Navasakthi films (Maa Inti Mahalakshmi), Jagapathi Pictures(Annapoorna) are famous among those who newly entered into the trade of film making.
The striking feature of this decade is that the central government with a view to encourage healthy and purposeful movies introduced the presentation of awards(Golden Lotus, Silver Lotus, and certification of merit) to the best movies in order of merit. Peddamanushulu, Todudongalu,and Vipranarayana produced in 1954 were awarded the awards respectively in 1955.
During this decade Jaggaiah (Aadarsham), Kantarao (Pratighna), Balaiah (Yethu ku Paiyethu), Ramana Murthy (M.L.A), Harnath (Maa Inti Mahalakshmi), Jamuna (Puttillu), Krishna Kumari (Navvite Navaratnalu), Devika (Rechukka), Girija(Paramanandayya Sishyula Kadha), B.Saroja devi (Panduranga Mahatyam), Chalam (Palle Paduchu), Ramana Reddy (Manavathi), Raja Babu (Samajam), Rajasulochana (Kanna Talli), were introduced to screen.
Among the directors Dr.Raja Rao deserves special mention. He hailed from the stage of Prajanatya Mandali. He produced and directed Puttillu in which a good number of stage artists including Allu Ramalingaiah were introduced to screen. Among the character artists who made their debut - Mikkilineni R. Nageswara Rao, Rajanala, Prabhakar Reddy, Nirmala, Hemalatha deserve special mention.
In the directional wing it was Adurthi Subbarao who changed the phenomena of film making as director (Amara Sandesam). Among the others introduced to screen as directors Vedantam Raghavaiah (Devadas) , T.Prakasa Rao (Palleturu), Tapi Chanakya (Rojulu Marayi), Yoganand (Ammalakkalu), Rajani Kanth (Vadina Gari Gajulu), K.B.Tilak (Muddu Bidda), Kamalakara Kameswara Rao (Chandraharam), C.S.Rao (Sri krishna Tulabaram), V.Madhusudana Rao (Sati Tulasi) deserve mention.
The special technique of making a picture from other language to Telugu was started during this decade and the Hindi film Veera aur Nanda was dubbed into Telugu and Sri Sri was its writer. Later the dubbing films process became popular. A good number of social movies were produced. Kosaraju, lyric writer though, wrote Raithubidda in 1939. He reentered the cinema field as writer with the movie Pedda Manushulu. Through the same film D.V.Narasaraju made his debut as writer. Arudra, Samudrala senior and his son Samudrala Junior, Pingali Nageswara Rao were the much demanded writers of the decade.
In the field of music P.Suseela (Kanna Talli), S.Janaki (M.L.A), A.M.Raja, P.B.Srinivas, Pitapuram Nageswara Rao, Madhavapeddi Satyam, K.Rani, A.P.Kamala were popular as singers. Though Ghantasala Venkateswara Rao, Pindyala Nageshwara Rao were the much demanded composers of the season, T.V.Raju, S.Dakshina Murthy, Aswadhama, Adinarayana Rao, T.Chalapati Rao were popular as music directors and created memorable melodies.
The important feature of this decade was the construction of Saradhi studio in Andhra Pradesh, at its capital Hyderabad and the first movie to be pictured in that studio was Maa Inti Mahalakshmi directed by G.Ramineedu.
This decade marked the production of the following movies which can be regarded as evergreen
Highlights • No.of Films - 758 • Industry development in Andhra Pradesh • Cinema Scope gets popular • Sridevi played child artist and glamour artist in the same decade
During this decade 758 movies were produced in Telugu and most of the films were filmed in Andhra Pradesh. As the cost of production at Andhra involves additional expenditure to the producer the Government offered an subsidy of one lakh rupees for the movies produced in the state of Andhra Pradesh.
The striking event is the technology advancement marked by the production of cinema scope movie in white & black (Devatalara Deevinchandi). Mosagallaku Mosagadu was produced by Krishna in western style cowboy type movie. Special feature is that this movie was dubbed into English with the title Treasure Hunt. This was a colour movie. During this decade Dasari Narayana Rao and K. Raghavendra Rao made their entry as directors and they enriched the Telugu films by their varied craftsmanship. V.B.Rajendra Prasad, who produced movies previously, now turned as director with Dasara Bullodu. K.Balachander, Tamil director, through his Telugu movie Anthuleni Katha and Maro Charitra scored well.
V.Ramachandra Rao directed a historical movie Alluri Sitaramaraju which was produced in cinemascope. P.C.Reddy, Lakshmi Deepak, Singeetam Srinivas rao, K.Bapaiah were the few to mention who fared well as directors. Jandyala was the much demanded writer of the decade. Satyanand, Paruchuri Brothers are popular as writers. Chakravarthy worked as music director for maximum number of movies. As lyric writer Veturi Sundararama Murthy stood first.
N.T.Ramarao besides directing and producing the movie "Dana veera Sura Karna" he acted in three controvertial roles of Krishna, karna and Duryodana in that movie. The multi starrer movie "Devudu Chesina Manushulu" produced by Krishna has created a record. The song 'Telugu Veera Levara' wriiten by Sri Sri for the movie "Alluri Sitaramaraju" won central government award as the best lyric. During this decade action, crime oriented movies played a major role and family drama movies were rare. Dasari Narayana Rao scored well in sentimental movies and Raghavendra Rao fared well in action oriented movies. Vijaya Chander, Murali Mohan, Giri Babu, Prasad Babu, Narayana Rao, Mohan Babu, Narasimha raju, Chiranjeevi, Sangeetha, Lakshmi, Jayachitra, Jayasudha, Jayaprada, Sujatha, Lata, Sumalatha, Suhasini were introduced to silver screen in this decade.
Sridevi who played child roles in the early years of this decade rose to the status of glamourous artist. Among character artists Rao Gopalarao, Nutan Prasad, J.V.Somayajulu were popular. Bapu's Mutyala Muggu and K.Viswanath's Sankarabharanam changed the film industry atmosphere. so far boxoffice formula are concerned. For the movies of Bapu and Viswanath, K.V.Mahadevan's music was an added attraction. Ramakrishna , G.Anand, Jesudas, L.R.Eswari, Jamuna Rani, Vani Jayaram were popular as singers. Kranthi Kumar was a producer with taste and he produced women oriented movies like Sarada, Jyothi, Kalpana. Artist Krishnamraju with a real taste produced quality movies Krishnaveni, Amaradeepam and Bhakta Kannappa.
Highlights • No.of Films - 758 • Industry development in Andhra Pradesh • Cinema Scope gets popular • Sridevi played child artist and glamour artist in the same decade
During this decade 758 movies were produced in Telugu and most of the films were filmed in Andhra Pradesh. As the cost of production at Andhra involves additional expenditure to the producer the Government offered an subsidy of one lakh rupees for the movies produced in the state of Andhra Pradesh.
The striking event is the technology advancement marked by the production of cinema scope movie in white & black (Devatalara Deevinchandi). Mosagallaku Mosagadu was produced by Krishna in western style cowboy type movie. Special feature is that this movie was dubbed into English with the title Treasure Hunt. This was a colour movie. During this decade Dasari Narayana Rao and K. Raghavendra Rao made their entry as directors and they enriched the Telugu films by their varied craftsmanship. V.B.Rajendra Prasad, who produced movies previously, now turned as director with Dasara Bullodu. K.Balachander, Tamil director, through his Telugu movie Anthuleni Katha and Maro Charitra scored well.
V.Ramachandra Rao directed a historical movie Alluri Sitaramaraju which was produced in cinemascope. P.C.Reddy, Lakshmi Deepak, Singeetam Srinivas rao, K.Bapaiah were the few to mention who fared well as directors. Jandyala was the much demanded writer of the decade. Satyanand, Paruchuri Brothers are popular as writers. Chakravarthy worked as music director for maximum number of movies. As lyric writer Veturi Sundararama Murthy stood first.
N.T.Ramarao besides directing and producing the movie "Dana veera Sura Karna" he acted in three controvertial roles of Krishna, karna and Duryodana in that movie. The multi starrer movie "Devudu Chesina Manushulu" produced by Krishna has created a record. The song 'Telugu Veera Levara' wriiten by Sri Sri for the movie "Alluri Sitaramaraju" won central government award as the best lyric. During this decade action, crime oriented movies played a major role and family drama movies were rare. Dasari Narayana Rao scored well in sentimental movies and Raghavendra Rao fared well in action oriented movies. Vijaya Chander, Murali Mohan, Giri Babu, Prasad Babu, Narayana Rao, Mohan Babu, Narasimha raju, Chiranjeevi, Sangeetha, Lakshmi, Jayachitra, Jayasudha, Jayaprada, Sujatha, Lata, Sumalatha, Suhasini were introduced to silver screen in this decade.
Sridevi who played child roles in the early years of this decade rose to the status of glamourous artist. Among character artists Rao Gopalarao, Nutan Prasad, J.V.Somayajulu were popular. Bapu's Mutyala Muggu and K.Viswanath's Sankarabharanam changed the film industry atmosphere. so far boxoffice formula are concerned. For the movies of Bapu and Viswanath, K.V.Mahadevan's music was an added attraction. Ramakrishna , G.Anand, Jesudas, L.R.Eswari, Jamuna Rani, Vani Jayaram were popular as singers. Kranthi Kumar was a producer with taste and he produced women oriented movies like Sarada, Jyothi, Kalpana. Artist Krishnamraju with a real taste produced quality movies Krishnaveni, Amaradeepam and Bhakta Kannappa.
Posani's Apadamokkulavadu with Naga Babu 12th July 2007
Related Gallery Posani Krishna Murali once again swooped on sensation by launching Apadamokkulavadu starring mega brother Nagababu for Aman International banner. The film was formally announced following a simple puja ceremony today at the production house office at Ameerpet, Hyderabad. Addressing a press meet, director Posani said that his latest film Operation Duryodhana gave him a new lease of life in the industry, for which he thanked the producer Mallikarjun. About Apadamokkulavadu, he said the story is about the revolution of a poor farmer against the corrupt practices in the governmental set up. The script was prepared after giving a critical thought over the prevailing conditions in the agricultural sector. Nagendra Babu plays the lead role which is christened nearer to his real name as Nagendra Rao. Posani said the 50 days function of Operation Duryodhana would be celebrated at Vijayawada on July 19th. The 100 Days event will be organized in Hyderabad. Chiranjeevi accepted to attend it as the chief guest, Posani maintained. The unit of the film is undertaking a success tour in Krishna, Guntur, East and West Godavari districts from July 20th. Further, he thanked the media for its massive publicity for Operation Duryodhana. He reciprocated his gesture by donating Rs. 1 lakh to the Film Critics Association.
Chitrayatra festival book inaugurated 10th July 2007
Chitra Yatra- the 33 day Film Festival to Celebrate World Cinema, being organized by Drusya Film Foundation at Hari Hara Kala Bhavan- Secunderabad is drawing greater response by the day. The festival book of Chitra Yatra was released by the Vice-Chairman of HUDA Mr.Jayesh ranjan and Mr.Allu Aravind renowned Telugu Film Producer at the Festival Venue Hari Hara Kala Bhavan –Secunderabad on 5th Jul’2007
Sri Jayesh Ranjan lauded the efforts of Drusya Film Foundation saying Chitra Yatra the 33 day Film Festival is a commendable effort. He said it is a veritable feast for any film buff as Chitra Yatra includes the screening of several monumental cinematic works like Birth of a Nation by D.W.Griffith, Black Mail by Alfred Hitch Cock, Breath less by Goddard , Sound Barrier by David Lean, Gandhi Bu Richard Atten Burrough, Salam Bombay by Mira Nair, Mirch Masala by Ketan Mehta and so on. He said he was glad to be in some manner associated with Chitra Yatra.
Mr.Allu Aravind congratulated Jayesh Ranjan for supporting such a just cause. He said initially he had some apprehensions about how such a huge task of conducting a month long festival would be carried out, but upon arriving he felt his apprehensions were unfounded. He said he was extremely happy about the kind of films Drusya is bringing to the audiences of Hyderabad. He said he would also like Drusya to raise the awareness about Good Cinema for greater understanding and appreciation. He said he would like to see not 50 or 60 percent of the auditorium full as is the case now, but would like the venue to be overflowing with eager audiences for such fabulous effort. He added that in he is heartened by the efforts of Drusya for promoting Good cinema and he would like to take more active part next year.
Mr.B.Narasinga Rao Film maker and Chairman of Drusya Film Foundation thanked Mr.Jayesh Ranjan ,HUDA , GHMC and all the other sponsors for their generous support without which the festival he said would not have been possible.
The event was conducted by Mr.Mohan Krishna Indraganti, Director of Grahanam, while other members of Drusya , Sri Relangi Narasimha Rao, Sri, Ram Prasad, Rajkumar, Hemanth, Satish participated. Several film enthusiasts including Allu Sirish attended the event. The book release was followed by the screening of the Indian film ‘Naseem’ by Saeed Mirza and the Iranian film ‘Actor’ by Mohsen Makmalbaf.
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State Government celebrates 75 years of Telugu cinema
Hyderabad, January 25, 2007
The weeklong celebrations of Telugu cinema were inaugurated by the Chief Minister, Dr.YS Rajasekhara Reddy at Jubilee Hall in Hyderabad on Thursday. The celebrations are being organized jointly by the Department of Culture, the State Film Development Corporation (FDC) and other departments of the Government of the State Government are jointly organizing the celebrations from January 25 to 31st.
Dasari Narayana Rao in his address said all the Congress chief ministers from Neelam Sanjeeva Reddy to Dr.YS Rajasekhara Reddy had made enormous contribution to the growth of film industry. He said that government has come to the rescue of the industry whenever it faces crises. He remarked that the present generation artists should always remember the earlier generation of artists. Chief Minister in his speech said that cinema is the only entertainment for common man and that is why the government support the industry. He commented that it works like a communication.
FDC chairman Adisekhagiri Rao and well-noted actor Krishna spoke on the occasion and later some cultural items were presented. Interestingly, except Mohan Babu and Krishna nobody else connected with the Telugu cinema was present.
Telugu Cinema History
Introduction
Cinema is one media that has penetrated deep into the society and became a part and parcel of one’s life. It will not be an exaggeration to say that no other media has achieved that acceptance like what motion picture did. In Andhra, films are celebrated. Festivals are celebrated through the films and in the same way some of the leading hero’s films are celebrated like festivals.
From the time films production has started, Telugu people had their piece of share in its growth. Tollywood has seen through the evolution of films from silent motion pictures to the present hi-fi audio and video technologies. Telugu Film Industry is in its present shape, as one of the leading motion picture making industries in India, due to the contribution and dedication of many great talented individuals.
Here is an effort from TotalTollywood to bring you the history of Telugu Cinema in brief. This serves us to salute the talented and dedicated artists who stay in the heart and mind of Telugu audience forever. We thank Mr. S.V.Ramarao for his contribution of this invaluable article to TotalTollywood.
About the Author
S.V.Ramarao, the author of award winning book Telugu Tera, is a script writer, film journalist, and also master of ceremonies. One of the most knowledgeable persons about Telugu Films, S.V.Ramarao wrote hundreds of articles and film reviews for Yuvaraktam, Andhra Prabha, Andhra Bhoomi, India Today, and Mohini (Special book on Telugu films).
S.V.Ramarao graduated from C.R.Reddy college, Eluru. By profession, he was a sub-registrar. Cinema has been his passion from his childhood. He scripted, acted and conducted plays. He also acted in films such as Sriranga Neetulu, Kaliraja kai etc. He provided the script for movies like Kalavari Kutumbam, Triloka Sundari, Aata Bomma, Attamechina Alludu, Sukravaram Mahalakshmi and Ee Prashnaku Baduledi(Associate director). By 1961, he became a film journalist.
His work, Telugu Tera, bagged Nandi award in 1999. Telugu Tera gives a comprehensive history of Telugu Cinema from 1930s. He received good number of felicitations - Best Film Critic award by A.P.Film Circle, Best Film Journalist by A.P.Cine Goers Association, Madras Telugu Academy award for his knowledge in Telugu films and many more. He is awarded Cine Vignana Visarada by Dr. C.Narayana Reddy.
Presently he is a multifaceted cultural personality, having good rapport with cultural organizations. He also authored the biography of Sri Gummadi and he is working on many more.
Prelude
The word 'cinema' was derived from a Greek word 'Kinema' which means to move further or to move ahead.
In 1986 Lumiar Brothers exhibited a silent picture at Bombay. Later R.G.Torney, with the assistance and help of foreign technology, produced two silent movies Bhaktha Pundalika in 1910 and Raja Durbar in 1911.
It was Dundiraj Govind Falke - the first Indian to produce a silent picture without the aid of foreign technology or technicians. It was he who produced and directed Raja Harischandra and also acted in the title role. The movie was released on 3rd May, 1913. To commemorate his name the Government of India is honoring the stalwarts in filmdom for their services by giving the "Dada Saheb Falke" awards since 1970. Devika Rani was the first recipient of this award.
The under mentioned personalities from the Telugu cinema field were honored with the Dada Saheb Falke award for the years mentioned against their names.
• Sri B.N.Reddy - Producer & Director - in 1975.
• Sri L.V.Prasad - Producer & Director - in 1983.
• Sri B.Nagi Reddy - Producer - in 1987.
• Sri A.Nageswar Rao - Artist - in 1991.
As far as Telugu films are concerned, Raghupati Venkaiah from Machilipatnam pioneered Telugu silent movies. He sent his son R.S.Prakash to foreign countries to acquire knowledge about film craft. Prakash toured Germany, Italy and America and also worked for the movie "Ten Commandments" under Cicil.B.Demille. Raghupati Venkaiah is the first Telugu producer to make a silent picture Bhisma Prathigna in 1921 under the direction of his son R.S.Prakash. Prakash acted the title role 'Bhishma'. Later they produced Matsyavatar, Nandanar and Gajendra Moksham etc., Stalwarts like Y.V.Rao and C.Pulliah associated with R.S.Prakash and Venkaiah.
Later C.Pullaiah produced Bhakta Markandeya a slient movie and it was produced at Kakinada. C.Pullaiah acted in the title role of 'Yamadharma Raja'. In those days for the silent movies (as they are without dialogues) there were certain commentators who used to stand at the gates of the theatre or in front of the screen to narrate the film. K.Siva Rao, K.Sadasiva Rao, K.Hanumantha Rao, P.Kondalarao, D.Narasimha Rao were popular among such commentators.
To commemorate the service of Raghupathi Venakaiah, the Govt. of Andhra Pradesh installed an award in his name in 1981. And it is being given to those who rendered meritorious services to Telugu screen. Now let us see the growth of Telugu Cinema, decade wise since 1931.
Telugu Cinema : 1950 - 1960
Highlights
• No.of Films - 327
• Central Govt introduced national awards
• Pedhamanushulu, Todudongalu, Vipranarayana got the awards in 1954, the first time national awards.
• Many stage artists made it to the screen including Allu Ramalingayya
• Dubbing other language films started
• Saradhi studios started
This can be regarded as the golden era for telugu movies by many standards. During this decade 327 movies were released.
Famous film producing concerns like Annapoorna Pictures (Dongaramudu), Anupama Pictures (Muddu Bidda), Rajyam Pictures (Daasi), Krishna Pictures (Anarkali),Vinoda Pictures (Stree Sahasam), Shalini Pictures (Amara Sandesham), Vikram Productions (Maa Gopi), National Art Theatres (Pichi Pullaiah), Rajasri Pictures (Anasuya), Aswaraj Pictures(Annadata), Vittal Productions (Kanyadanam), Navasakthi films (Maa Inti Mahalakshmi), Jagapathi Pictures(Annapoorna) are famous among those who newly entered into the trade of film making.
The striking feature of this decade is that the central government with a view to encourage healthy and purposeful movies introduced the presentation of awards(Golden Lotus, Silver Lotus, and certification of merit) to the best movies in order of merit. Peddamanushulu, Todudongalu,and Vipranarayana produced in 1954 were awarded the awards respectively in 1955.
During this decade Jaggaiah (Aadarsham), Kantarao (Pratighna), Balaiah (Yethu ku Paiyethu), Ramana Murthy (M.L.A), Harnath (Maa Inti Mahalakshmi), Jamuna (Puttillu), Krishna Kumari (Navvite Navaratnalu), Devika (Rechukka), Girija(Paramanandayya Sishyula Kadha), B.Saroja devi (Panduranga Mahatyam), Chalam (Palle Paduchu), Ramana Reddy (Manavathi), Raja Babu (Samajam), Rajasulochana (Kanna Talli), were introduced to screen.
Among the directors Dr.Raja Rao deserves special mention. He hailed from the stage of Prajanatya Mandali. He produced and directed Puttillu in which a good number of stage artists including Allu Ramalingaiah were introduced to screen. Among the character artists who made their debut - Mikkilineni R. Nageswara Rao, Rajanala, Prabhakar Reddy, Nirmala, Hemalatha deserve special mention.
In the directional wing it was Adurthi Subbarao who changed the phenomena of film making as director (Amara Sandesam). Among the others introduced to screen as directors Vedantam Raghavaiah (Devadas) , T.Prakasa Rao (Palleturu), Tapi Chanakya (Rojulu Marayi), Yoganand (Ammalakkalu), Rajani Kanth (Vadina Gari Gajulu), K.B.Tilak (Muddu Bidda), Kamalakara Kameswara Rao (Chandraharam), C.S.Rao (Sri krishna Tulabaram), V.Madhusudana Rao (Sati Tulasi) deserve mention.
The special technique of making a picture from other language to Telugu was started during this decade and the Hindi film Veera aur Nanda was dubbed into Telugu and Sri Sri was its writer. Later the dubbing films process became popular. A good number of social movies were produced. Kosaraju, lyric writer though, wrote Raithubidda in 1939. He reentered the cinema field as writer with the movie Pedda Manushulu. Through the same film D.V.Narasaraju made his debut as writer. Arudra, Samudrala senior and his son Samudrala Junior, Pingali Nageswara Rao were the much demanded writers of the decade.
In the field of music P.Suseela (Kanna Talli), S.Janaki (M.L.A), A.M.Raja, P.B.Srinivas, Pitapuram Nageswara Rao, Madhavapeddi Satyam, K.Rani, A.P.Kamala were popular as singers. Though Ghantasala Venkateswara Rao, Pindyala Nageshwara Rao were the much demanded composers of the season, T.V.Raju, S.Dakshina Murthy, Aswadhama, Adinarayana Rao, T.Chalapati Rao were popular as music directors and created memorable melodies.
The important feature of this decade was the construction of Saradhi studio in Andhra Pradesh, at its capital Hyderabad and the first movie to be pictured in that studio was Maa Inti Mahalakshmi directed by G.Ramineedu.
This decade marked the production of the following movies which can be regarded as evergreen
* Malleswari
* Pathala Bhairavi
* Pellichesi choodu
* Devadas
* Pedda Manushulu
* Bangaru Papa
* Vipranarayana
* Rojulu Marayi
* Jayasimha
* Dayamayudu
* Tenali Ramakrishna
* Missamma
* Thodikodallu
* Mayabazar
* Bhukailas
* Jayabheri
* Pellikanuka and
* Maha Kavi Kalidas
Telugu Cinema : 1970 - 1980
Highlights
• No.of Films - 758
• Industry development in Andhra Pradesh
• Cinema Scope gets popular
• Sridevi played child artist and glamour artist in the same decade
During this decade 758 movies were produced in Telugu and most of the films were filmed in Andhra Pradesh. As the cost of production at Andhra involves additional expenditure to the producer the Government offered an subsidy of one lakh rupees for the movies produced in the state of Andhra Pradesh.
The striking event is the technology advancement marked by the production of cinema scope movie in white & black (Devatalara Deevinchandi). Mosagallaku Mosagadu was produced by Krishna in western style cowboy type movie. Special feature is that this movie was dubbed into English with the title Treasure Hunt. This was a colour movie. During this decade Dasari Narayana Rao and K. Raghavendra Rao made their entry as directors and they enriched the Telugu films by their varied craftsmanship. V.B.Rajendra Prasad, who produced movies previously, now turned as director with Dasara Bullodu. K.Balachander, Tamil director, through his Telugu movie Anthuleni Katha and Maro Charitra scored well.
V.Ramachandra Rao directed a historical movie Alluri Sitaramaraju which was produced in cinemascope. P.C.Reddy, Lakshmi Deepak, Singeetam Srinivas rao, K.Bapaiah were the few to mention who fared well as directors. Jandyala was the much demanded writer of the decade. Satyanand, Paruchuri Brothers are popular as writers. Chakravarthy worked as music director for maximum number of movies. As lyric writer Veturi Sundararama Murthy stood first.
N.T.Ramarao besides directing and producing the movie "Dana veera Sura Karna" he acted in three controvertial roles of Krishna, karna and Duryodana in that movie. The multi starrer movie "Devudu Chesina Manushulu" produced by Krishna has created a record. The song 'Telugu Veera Levara' wriiten by Sri Sri for the movie "Alluri Sitaramaraju" won central government award as the best lyric. During this decade action, crime oriented movies played a major role and family drama movies were rare. Dasari Narayana Rao scored well in sentimental movies and Raghavendra Rao fared well in action oriented movies. Vijaya Chander, Murali Mohan, Giri Babu, Prasad Babu, Narayana Rao, Mohan Babu, Narasimha raju, Chiranjeevi, Sangeetha, Lakshmi, Jayachitra, Jayasudha, Jayaprada, Sujatha, Lata, Sumalatha, Suhasini were introduced to silver screen in this decade.
Sridevi who played child roles in the early years of this decade rose to the status of glamourous artist. Among character artists Rao Gopalarao, Nutan Prasad, J.V.Somayajulu were popular. Bapu's Mutyala Muggu and K.Viswanath's Sankarabharanam changed the film industry atmosphere. so far boxoffice formula are concerned. For the movies of Bapu and Viswanath, K.V.Mahadevan's music was an added attraction. Ramakrishna , G.Anand, Jesudas, L.R.Eswari, Jamuna Rani, Vani Jayaram were popular as singers. Kranthi Kumar was a producer with taste and he produced women oriented movies like Sarada, Jyothi, Kalpana. Artist Krishnamraju with a real taste produced quality movies Krishnaveni, Amaradeepam and Bhakta Kannappa.
Telugu Cinema : 1970 - 1980
Highlights
• No.of Films - 758
• Industry development in Andhra Pradesh
• Cinema Scope gets popular
• Sridevi played child artist and glamour artist in the same decade
During this decade 758 movies were produced in Telugu and most of the films were filmed in Andhra Pradesh. As the cost of production at Andhra involves additional expenditure to the producer the Government offered an subsidy of one lakh rupees for the movies produced in the state of Andhra Pradesh.
The striking event is the technology advancement marked by the production of cinema scope movie in white & black (Devatalara Deevinchandi). Mosagallaku Mosagadu was produced by Krishna in western style cowboy type movie. Special feature is that this movie was dubbed into English with the title Treasure Hunt. This was a colour movie. During this decade Dasari Narayana Rao and K. Raghavendra Rao made their entry as directors and they enriched the Telugu films by their varied craftsmanship. V.B.Rajendra Prasad, who produced movies previously, now turned as director with Dasara Bullodu. K.Balachander, Tamil director, through his Telugu movie Anthuleni Katha and Maro Charitra scored well.
V.Ramachandra Rao directed a historical movie Alluri Sitaramaraju which was produced in cinemascope. P.C.Reddy, Lakshmi Deepak, Singeetam Srinivas rao, K.Bapaiah were the few to mention who fared well as directors. Jandyala was the much demanded writer of the decade. Satyanand, Paruchuri Brothers are popular as writers. Chakravarthy worked as music director for maximum number of movies. As lyric writer Veturi Sundararama Murthy stood first.
N.T.Ramarao besides directing and producing the movie "Dana veera Sura Karna" he acted in three controvertial roles of Krishna, karna and Duryodana in that movie. The multi starrer movie "Devudu Chesina Manushulu" produced by Krishna has created a record. The song 'Telugu Veera Levara' wriiten by Sri Sri for the movie "Alluri Sitaramaraju" won central government award as the best lyric. During this decade action, crime oriented movies played a major role and family drama movies were rare. Dasari Narayana Rao scored well in sentimental movies and Raghavendra Rao fared well in action oriented movies. Vijaya Chander, Murali Mohan, Giri Babu, Prasad Babu, Narayana Rao, Mohan Babu, Narasimha raju, Chiranjeevi, Sangeetha, Lakshmi, Jayachitra, Jayasudha, Jayaprada, Sujatha, Lata, Sumalatha, Suhasini were introduced to silver screen in this decade.
Sridevi who played child roles in the early years of this decade rose to the status of glamourous artist. Among character artists Rao Gopalarao, Nutan Prasad, J.V.Somayajulu were popular. Bapu's Mutyala Muggu and K.Viswanath's Sankarabharanam changed the film industry atmosphere. so far boxoffice formula are concerned. For the movies of Bapu and Viswanath, K.V.Mahadevan's music was an added attraction. Ramakrishna , G.Anand, Jesudas, L.R.Eswari, Jamuna Rani, Vani Jayaram were popular as singers. Kranthi Kumar was a producer with taste and he produced women oriented movies like Sarada, Jyothi, Kalpana. Artist Krishnamraju with a real taste produced quality movies Krishnaveni, Amaradeepam and Bhakta Kannappa.
Posani's Apadamokkulavadu with Naga Babu
12th July 2007
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Posani Krishna Murali once again swooped on sensation by launching Apadamokkulavadu starring mega brother Nagababu for Aman International banner. The film was formally announced following a simple puja ceremony today at the production house office at Ameerpet, Hyderabad. Addressing a press meet, director Posani said that his latest film Operation Duryodhana gave him a new lease of life in the industry, for which he thanked the producer Mallikarjun. About Apadamokkulavadu, he said the story is about the revolution of a poor farmer against the corrupt practices in the governmental set up. The script was prepared after giving a critical thought over the prevailing conditions in the agricultural sector. Nagendra Babu plays the lead role which is christened nearer to his real name as Nagendra Rao. Posani said the 50 days function of Operation Duryodhana would be celebrated at Vijayawada on July 19th. The 100 Days event will be organized in Hyderabad. Chiranjeevi accepted to attend it as the chief guest, Posani maintained. The unit of the film is undertaking a success tour in Krishna, Guntur, East and West Godavari districts from July 20th. Further, he thanked the media for its massive publicity for Operation Duryodhana. He reciprocated his gesture by donating Rs. 1 lakh to the Film Critics Association.
Chitrayatra festival book inaugurated
10th July 2007
Chitra Yatra- the 33 day Film Festival to Celebrate World Cinema, being organized by Drusya Film Foundation at Hari Hara Kala Bhavan- Secunderabad is drawing greater response by the day. The festival book of Chitra Yatra was released by the Vice-Chairman of HUDA Mr.Jayesh ranjan and Mr.Allu Aravind renowned Telugu Film Producer at the Festival Venue Hari Hara Kala Bhavan –Secunderabad on 5th Jul’2007
Sri Jayesh Ranjan lauded the efforts of Drusya Film Foundation saying Chitra Yatra the 33 day Film Festival is a commendable effort. He said it is a veritable feast for any film buff as Chitra Yatra includes the screening of several monumental cinematic works like Birth of a Nation by D.W.Griffith, Black Mail by Alfred Hitch Cock, Breath less by Goddard , Sound Barrier by David Lean, Gandhi Bu Richard Atten Burrough, Salam Bombay by Mira Nair, Mirch Masala by Ketan Mehta and so on. He said he was glad to be in some manner associated with Chitra Yatra.
Mr.Allu Aravind congratulated Jayesh Ranjan for supporting such a just cause. He said initially he had some apprehensions about how such a huge task of conducting a month long festival would be carried out, but upon arriving he felt his apprehensions were unfounded. He said he was extremely happy about the kind of films Drusya is bringing to the audiences of Hyderabad. He said he would also like Drusya to raise the awareness about Good Cinema for greater understanding and appreciation. He said he would like to see not 50 or 60 percent of the auditorium full as is the case now, but would like the venue to be overflowing with eager audiences for such fabulous effort. He added that in he is heartened by the efforts of Drusya for promoting Good cinema and he would like to take more active part next year.
Mr.B.Narasinga Rao Film maker and Chairman of Drusya Film Foundation thanked Mr.Jayesh Ranjan ,HUDA , GHMC and all the other sponsors for their generous support without which the festival he said would not have been possible.
The event was conducted by Mr.Mohan Krishna Indraganti, Director of Grahanam, while other members of Drusya , Sri Relangi Narasimha Rao, Sri, Ram Prasad, Rajkumar, Hemanth, Satish participated. Several film enthusiasts including Allu Sirish attended the event. The book release was followed by the screening of the Indian film ‘Naseem’ by Saeed Mirza and the Iranian film ‘Actor’ by Mohsen Makmalbaf.
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