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History Of Birth And Growth Of Telugu Cinema (Part 13)

Rise In Productions: The production number began mounting. In 1952 as many as 24 films were released. But unfortunately most of them were flops at the box office. Tatineni Prakash Rao, who became full-fledged director this year, handled 'Palletooru' for Peoples Art Productions. It was a big hit. Vijaya Productions' 'Pellichesi Choodu', directed by LV Prasad, was also a successful entertainer. Launching of Mukkamala Krishnamurthy's own banner, noted for character roles, especially as a villain was an event. Lakshmi Rajyam produced 'Daasi'. She turned a producer that year. Then Vinoda Pictures produced its maiden venture 'Prema'.

ANR in Devadas

Devadas: But Vinoda Pictues banner made a good name with the release of 'Devadas,' directed by Vedantham Raghavaiah. This is one example how the name of a banner becomes immortal with an immortal film like 'Devadas'. This is considered as one of the best productions in Indian cinema. This film gave name to Akkineni Nageswara Rao and to CSR Anjaneyulu too. It created box office history and continued to make money even in its repeat releases.

CR Subbaraman's music score and Ghantasala's rendition made the film a great musical. Some of the songs rendered by Raavu Balasaraswati also became great hits. The lyrical quality also arrested the attention of the knowledgeable. Most of them sound abstract, but carry specific meaning – particularly the songs 'Jagame Maaya' and 'Kudi Yedamaite'. The lyrics sound a different brand altogether.

Bhanumathi made 'Chandirani' in three languages - Telugu, Tamil and Hindi - simultaneously and directed it, besides playing the title role. She is regarded as first woman director of Telugu cinema. Music score was also hers. This year introduced Kamalakara Kameswara Rao as director with his not so successful maiden venture - 'Chandraharam'. But he steadily grew, to be finally acclaimed as Pauranika Chalana Chitra Brahma.

Prajanatya Mandali laid roots for powerful social plays and through them, many talented artistes emerged. Dr. Garikapati Raja Rao was one of its founders. He used to run a theatre and when he launched a film titled 'Puttillu,' he introduced Jamuna, who went on to become a great actress, through it. Many Praja Natyamandali artistes also joined the main stream of cinema, from then on who included Devika, Allu Ramalingaiah, music composers Mohandas and T. Chalapati Rao, choreographer Venugopal, writers Sunkara Satyanarayana and Vasireddi Bhaskara Rao, noted burrakatha artiste Nazer. 'Puttillu' is remembered for good performances.

Ghantasala too tried his hand at film production. But the resultant product 'Paropakaram,' like its title, helped others only, but not the producer.

NAT Launched: NTR's NAT banner was also launched in this year. 'Pichi Pullaiah' was the first film made under this banner. This was directed by Tatineni Prakash Rao. It was a good movie. NTR turned in a moving performance. Yet the film did not do well commercially.

To Be Continued...