The Beginning. Of a new era in Telugu cinema. Liking a film is -- not entirely, but mostly -- subjective. One cannot always objectively prove what’s right or wrong. Even the biggest blockbuster in Indian film history will have its share of dissonant views. As for my view, I loved it. Immensely. Quite some people … Continue reading Baahubali
సీతారాముడి షష్ఠి
కొన్ని రోజుల క్రితం సిరివెన్నెలకు అరవై నిండాయట. ఊహలకు వయసుమైలురాళ్ళేంటో,పూల తోట లో గడియారం ముళ్ళ బాటలా. ఏది ఏమైనా, ఇది ఒక మజిలీ అని ప్రపంచం కోకిలై కూస్తుంది గనక, నావి కొన్ని జ్ఞాపకాలు. రాంగోపాల్ వర్మ ద్వారా నేను సీతరామ శాస్త్రి ప్రైవెట్ (అంటే అప్పటికి సినిమాల్లో రాని) పాటలకు అభిమానిని. వాటిలో కొన్ని తర్వాత సినిమాల్లో బలంగా చొరబడ్డాయి: 'సురజ్యమవలేని', 'నిగ్గదీసి అడుగు', 'జగమంత కుటుంబం'. పోయెట్రీ కీ సయెన్స్ కీ చుక్కెదురని … Continue reading సీతారాముడి షష్ఠి
Sri – A sweet melody, sadly interrupted
He wasn't quite 30 when I first met him. He wasn't quite 50 when he breathed his last. Some of my happiest moments were the Little Soldiers composing days. And the music director, Sri, was the magical creator of that joy along with Seetharama Sastry. He had created many unforgettable melodies. Many, but not quite … Continue reading Sri – A sweet melody, sadly interrupted
డభై ఎనిమిదేళ్ళ కుర్రాడికి నివాళి
ఒక యుగం ముగిసింది. నిర్మాతే సినిమా కి మూలవిరాట్టైన యుగం. దానికి యుగపురుషుడు రామానాయుడు గారు. ఎందుకంటే ఆయన ఆత్మబలం, ఉత్సాహం, అసమానం. కొన్ని దశాబ్దాల క్రితం డి వి నరసరాజు గారు ఒక కొత్త పంధా కద్ధ తయారు చేసారు, హీరో కి డ్యుఅల్ రోల్ తో. చాలా మంది నిర్మాతలు చాలా బాగుందన్నారు. కాని సినిమా తీయటానికి జంకారు. మూడు నాలుగేళ్ళు అలాగే పడివుంది, పూర్తిగా రెడీ ఐన ఆ స్క్రిప్టు. అప్పుడే ఒక … Continue reading డభై ఎనిమిదేళ్ళ కుర్రాడికి నివాళి
Ramanaidu – Literally a One Man Industry
Sometimes, the numbers are enough. 155 movies in 13 languages, produced in 52 years. By one man. Daggubati Ramanaidu. The start to his career epitomises the man. Over five decades ago, a writer had an innovative story about identical twins. It was a dual role for the lead actor, rare for those times. Many big … Continue reading Ramanaidu – Literally a One Man Industry
I totally agree with the Censor-in-Chief; Why do you need 36 cuss words when 1 dirty one will do: ‘Pahlaj-Nihalani’
I usually refrain from using foul language in my writing or movies, especially for the protagonist. But this is one instance when I would root for every person who tweets a profanity attached to Pahlaj Nihalani’s name. Like, “Pahlaj #@*^#* Nihalani”. I wish the whole nation tweets this twerp out of the country. He claims … Continue reading I totally agree with the Censor-in-Chief; Why do you need 36 cuss words when 1 dirty one will do: ‘Pahlaj-Nihalani’
ANR Award to AB
This was probably the grandest ANR Award ceremony. But there was a poignancy about the evening. He was not there. This was the first award conferred since Mr. Akkineni Nageswarar Rao left this world. Nothing would have made him happier than the award being given to Amitabh Bachchan. Mr. Nageswara Rao admired his talent and … Continue reading ANR Award to AB
K Balachander – This Neer Kumizhi (Water Bubble) is Forever
His name may mean ‘new moon’, but Balachander was a full moon of the Indian film firmament that hardly waned for fifty years. His silver glow reflected on over a 100 films in 5 languages. Incredibly, he directed nearly 80 of them; some makers may have done more films, but none grappled with such varied … Continue reading K Balachander – This Neer Kumizhi (Water Bubble) is Forever
‘Little Soldiers’ English Screenplay
I had started writing 'Little Soldiers’ in 1982. The idea was simple: in the movies if the hero had a problem he solved it by bashing up the baddies; what if someone who was physically weak had a problem? Say kids. From this little thought developed the screenplay of Little Soldiers. Writing it wasn’t easy, … Continue reading ‘Little Soldiers’ English Screenplay
Gangaraju Gunnam 