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SVR in Shaocar

NTR is elder to ANR. But ANR entered cinema before NTR. They launched the star era of Telugu cinema with their own individual approach and contribution. They came to be known as the 'two eyes of Telugu cinema' and contributed greatly to the golden era of Telugu cinema.

Nagireddi and Chakrapani acquired Vauhini studios on lease and produced 'Shaocar' (1950) under Vijaya Productions banner. LV Prasad was its director. This film gave a good break to another stalwart of Telugu cinema SV Ranga Rao. Janaki was introduced to Telugu screen with the film and is known till date as 'Shaocar Janaki'. As part of their new venture 'Patala Bhairavi' Vijaya booked NTR, Ranga Rao, Sriranjani, Padmanabham, Balakrishna, KVS Sharma, Chadalavada, Vallam Narasimha Rao and many more as permanent artistes on contract basis.

'Patala Bhairavi' (1951) not only gave fillip to NTR's career as an artiste but also made big money for Vijaya. 'Malleswari' directed by BN Reddi and made under the banner of Vauhini was also released in the same year. Though the film was not a commercial success, the critics were ecstatic about the director and technicians. It stands out as a monumental musical in Telugu cinema. BN Reddi confided to the writer of this article that the film made some money in its second run. The combination of lyric writer Devulapalli Krishna Sastry, music composer S. Rajeswara Rao and singers Ghantasala and Bhanumathi was at its best.

Viswa Nata Chakravarthi SV Ranga Rao: SV Ranga Rao born to Koteswara Naidu and Lakshmi Narasayamma on 3rd July, 1918 had an impressive figure, a distinctive dialogue delivery, fantastic expression and other plus points. After taking his B.Sc., degree, though desirous of doing M.Sc., he landed a job as a fire officer, because his impressive physique suited it.

SVR in Patala Bhairavi with NTR

BV Ramanadham picked up SV Rangarao for the role of the hero Pravarakhya in the movie 'Varudhini'. He was paid a then impressive salary of Rs. 250/- a month. He had then a minor role in 'Palleturi Pilla'. Afterwards, selected for the role of the magician in 'Patala Bhairavi', which was a super hit, he acquitted himself so well that he never looked back.

His performance as Viyyanna in 'Pelli Chesi Choodu' showing mannerisms like twirling his eyes, bending his neck, etc., won the acclaim of all. His blind man's role in 'Santhanam' won him great fame. He was good at performing the role of Shylock and combining with it the element of fury, he did the role of the magician in 'Patala Bhairavi'. The then Chinese prime minister Chou En Lai was all praise for Ranga Rao's action in the role of Yama in 'Sati Savithri'.

None can forget his action as Kamsa in Yasoda Krishna, Duryodhana in Pandava Vanavasam, Keechaka in Narthanasala (he won an award for this role at the Afro-Asian Film Festival from the hands of President Sukarno), Harischandra in Harischandra, as Bhasmasura in Mohini Bhasmasura (people remember his dance in this movie), Vasudeva in Krishnanjaneya, Ravanasura in Sampurna Ramayanam, Tandra Paparayudu in Bobbili Yuddham, the unforgettable role of Kotaiah in Bangaru Papa, his roles in Shaocar, his rowdy roles in Mosagallaku Mosagadu, Kattula Rattaiah, Jagat Kiladeelu and Jagat Jatteelu.

He often added slang words of abuse like gootle, bewakoof, etc., in his dialogues. He acted a variety of roles in a total of a hundred movies in Telugu and ninety movies in Tamil, two movies in Kannada, three in Malayalam and three in Hindi.

As Producer & Director: He set up the SVR Banner and produced and directed, Chadarangam (1967) and Bandhavyalu (1968). He made 'Naadi Aadajanme' too with NTR and Savithri in 1965.

Honors Abroad: He visited Spain to receive an award for his performance in 'Nammina Bantu'. He visited West Germany, France and England with the troupe of 'Nartana Sala' and won an award for his role as Keechakudu.

As A Person: Rangarao was a devotee of Lord Siva. He had a son and two daughters. His hobbies were writing poetry, book reading and drawing. He was honored on countless occasions. The titles that adorned him included Viswa Nata Chakravarthi, Nata Sarvabhouma, Nata Sekhara, Nata Simha, etc. He received the President of India's best actor award for his performances in Annai, Sarada, Naanum Oru Penn, Karpagam, Nartana Sala, etc. 'Chadarangam' he produced and directed won the Nandi award as the second best movie, and the other movie that he produced and directed 'Bandhavyalu' won the Nandi award as the best picture. He died of a heart attack on July 18, 1974.

To Be Continued...