TELUGU CINEMA -FROM BEGINNING
The word 'cinema' was derived from a Greek word 'Kinema' which means to move further or to move ahead.
In 1886 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
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Telugu Cinema : 1930 - 1940
Highlights
• No.of Films - 76
• Artists used their own vocals for playback
• First Telugu Talkie film produced
• Vahini Films started
• Introduction of Bhanumathi, Nagaiah
1931 can be called as a Golden year to Indian screen because during that year the first talkie film in Hindi - Aalam Aara, first talkie film in Telugu - Bhakta Prahalada , first talkie film in Tamil - Kalidas were produced. During this decade total of 76 pictures were released.
The first Telugu talkie Bhakta Prahalada was directed by H.M.Reddy. The film was based on a popular stage drama enacted by Surabhi Drama Company. Surabhi KamalaBai and Munipally Venakata Subbaiah acted in the main roles. The songs were written by Chantala KesavaDas and music was provided by H.R.Padmanabha Sastry.
Many movies produced during this decade were mythologies and most of them were popular as stage dramas. The artists who performed it on the stage used to act in the respective films. East India film produced "Lavakusa". The under mentioned directors were popular for their work during this decade. C.Pullaiah (Lavakusa), Ch.Narasimha Rao (Sita Kalyanam), H.V.Babu (Kanakadhara), P.Pullaiah (Venkateswara Mahatyam), and Ch.Narayana (Markandeya).
Prema vijayam was the first social movie produced in 1936 by Kruthiventi Brothers. The last leap of the decade witnessed the social movies. H.M.Reddy produced and directed Gruhalakshmi and introduced Nagaiah as hero.
B.N.Reddy, K.Ramanadh, A.K.Shekhar, started the film company later on the name "Vahini" pictures and their first production was Vandemataram in 1939. Popular stage drama Varavikrayam was filmed with the same title in the direction of C.Pullaiah and Bhanumathi was introduced to the silver screen through this movie. Samudrala Raghavacharya was introduced as a writer through the movie Kanakadhara. Nagaiah composed music to the films produced by vahini Films. Other popular music directors were B.N.Reddy and Galipenchala Narasimha Rao.Balijepalli Lakshmikantam, Tapi Dharma Rao were some popular writers.
The decade also witnessed the purposeful and powerful movies directed by Goodavalli Ramabrahmam under the banner Saradhi films. They were Maala Pilla, subjected untouchability, and Raithu Bidda, about the problems of farmers at the instance of Zamindhars.Though these two movies faced much opposition and criticism from some sectors, they were successful and created an awakening in the society,
Another director worthy of mention was Y.V.Rao who produced Malli Pelli where in he championed the cause of widow marriage. Artists Raghu Ramaiah(Whistle wizard), C.S.R.Anjaneyulu, K.Siva Rao, Relangi, Govindarajula Subbarao, Ballari Raghava, Gidugu Sitapathy, Jaggaiah, SantaKumari, Kannamba, Krishnaveni, Kanchanamala, S.Varalakshmi, Pushpavalli were introduced to screen.
The special feature of this decade in that is the artists used to sing their own songs. S.Rajeswara Rao, the great music director, was introduced to screen through the movie Sri Krishna Leelalu. He also composed music for Illalu where in the famous singer R.Balasaraswathi acted and rendered the songs.
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Telugu Cinema : 1940 - 1950
Highlights
• No.of Films - 91
• Playback gets popular
• Vahini Studios emerged
• Multistarrers with NTR and ANR
• Great artists debut
• Folklore Pictures dominated
During this decade 91 pictures were produced. This is a remarkable period since great directors like K.V.Reddy, L.V.Prasad, Bharani Ramakrishna Rao, Ghantasala Balaramaiah, K.B.Nagabhushan Rao, K.S.Prakash Rao, B.A.Subbarao were introduced.
Great artists A.Nageswar Rao (Sitarama Jananam), N.T.Rama Rao (Manadesam), S.V.Ranga Rao (Varudhini), Anjali Devi (Gollabhama), Savitri, (Samsaram), Janaki (Shavukaru) were introduced to the screen. Music directors Ghanatasala Venkateswara Rao (Swargaseema) , Pendyala Nageswara Rao (Drohi), singer P.Leela (Gunasundari Katha), writers Pingali Nageswara Rao (Vindya Rani), Aathreya (Deeksha), Aarudra (Beedala paatlu).
Playback system became popular. Film making technique was developed and cameraman like Marcas Bartley, Ali.M.Irani, K.Ramanadh exhibited their craftsmenship.
This decade witnessed the starting of the popular and prestigious Vahini Studios.
Nagaiah scored the patronage in the legendry roles as Bhakta Potana , Yogi Vemana , and Tyagayya. Besides playing the title role he composed music for those films. Akkineni Nageswara Rao established himself as a hero in the folklore movies. Mugguru Marateelu , Laila Majnu , Keelugurram , Swapna Sundari. The closure of this decade marked with two multistarrer movies - Samsaram, a social movie and the other folklore Palleturi Pilla where in Akkineni Nageswara Rao and N.T.Rama Rao were teamed together.
Great banners like Bharani Pictures (Ratnamala), Prakash pictures (Modati Ratri), Pratibha pictures (Parvati Kalyanam), Sobhanachala pictures (Bhakta Potana), Rohini Pictures (Tenali Ramakrishna), Vijaya Pictures (Shavukaru), PakshiRaja (Beedala Patlu), Sadhana Pictures (Samsaram) entered into film trade and produced pictures with a social purpose and with a healthy competitive spirit.
Character artists Gummadi Venkateswara Rao (Adrushta Deepam), Gourinatha Sastry (Bheeshma), Linga Murthy (Bhakta Potana), Mukkamala Krishna Murthy (Maya Maschindra) , Suryakantham (Narada Naradhi) made their entry to films.
Devatha, Baala Nagamma, Pantulamma, Swargaseema, Palanati Yudham, Drohi, Gunasundari Katha, Laila Majnu, Beedala Paatlu, Lakshmmamma, Shavukaru, Swapnasundari, were the worthy pictures to mention by many standards.
During this decade folklore pictures dominated. Yet same social pictures (Swargaseema, Drohi, Samsaram, Manadesam) played significant role.
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#4
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
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Telugu Cinema : 1960 - 1970
Highlights
• No.of Films - 552
• First color film started Lavakusa
• Krishna's debut
• SPB made his debut with Sri Sri Sri Maryada Ramanna Kadha.
• Introduction of Nandi Awards
During this decade 552 movies were produced. This decade is marked by a good number of changes in the process of film making. For the first time a color movie Lavakusha was released in 1963 and created records in box office collections. Adruthi Subbarao made a film Tenemanusulu in colour introducing all new stars to screen among whom Krishna became popular in subsequent years. Shoban Babu, Chandra Mohan, Krishnam Raju, Ramakrishna were introduced to screen as heroes. Glamourous stars like Jayalalitha, K.R.Vijaya, Vasanthi, Rajasri, Vanisri, Kanchana, L.Vijayalakshmi, Vijayanirmala, Sarada; character artists Satyanarayana, Dhulipala, Raogopalarao and comedians like Raavikondala rao, K.V.Chalam, Mada, Ramaprabha were introduced to screen.
D.Ramanaidu started production under the banner Suresh Productions and his 1st movie is Ramudu Bheemudu was a grand success and by the end of the century he completed the production of 100 movies and entered into Guniess Book of World Records. Vijayanirmala started her career as an artist, later turned out as director and among women she created a record by directing more than 40 movies and entered into Guniess Book of World Records. D.V.S.Raju started his own productions with Mangamma Shapadam and V.Visweswara Rao with Kanchukota.
Musically this decade can be called as the decade of K.V.Mahadevan, who has created melodies in hundreds. Satyam, T.G.Lingappa, S.P.kodandapani were popular among other composers. However the trio Ghantasala, S.Rajeshwara Rao and Pendyala kept their tempo. During this decade S.P.Balasubramanyam was introduced as singer from the movie Sri Sri Sri Maryada Ramanna Kada. Writers like Mullapudi Venkata Ramana, Gollapudi Maruthi rao, Bhamidipati Radhakrishna, Mupppalla Ranganayakamma, Koduri Kousalya devi were introduced to screen.
C.Narayana Reddy and Dasaradhi were popular as lyric writers. In the directional sector Bapu (Saakshi), K.S.R.Dass (Loguttu perumallakeruka), K.Viswanadh (Atma Gowravam), Pratyagatma (Barya-barthalu), M.Mallikarjuna Rao (Gudachari 116), Tatineni Ramarao (Navaratri), Peketi Sivaram (Chuttarikalu) deserve special mention among others. Character artist S.V.Rangarao produced and directed two pictures during this decade (Chadarangam and Bandavyyalu).
Heroine Savitri directed Matrudevata.
This decade can be rightly called as that of Adurthi Subbarao as director and the movies Moogamanusulu can be regarded as evergreen movie. During this decade the government of Andhra pradesh introduced Nandi Awards and awarded Golen Nandi, Silver Nandi and Bronze Nandi for the best 3 pictures in order of merit. Doctor Chakravarthy bagged the 1st golden nandi award in 1965. With the inspiration of the award Akkineni Nageswara Rao and Adurthi started Chakravarthy Chitra banner and produced two quality pictures Sudigundalu and Maro Prapancham and that resulted in loss.
Shooting the picture in outdoors became an important feature in this decade and for that the greenary in Andhra area and Godavari river backdrop were much utilized. Padandi Munduku produced by artists Jaggaiah, Nartanasala produced by Rajyam Pictures were exhibited in International film festivals and at Jakarta festival. S.V.Ranga Rao was adjudged as best actor and T.V.S.Sharma as best art director for the movie Nartanasala.
By and far many a measure the undermentioned pictures can be ranked as Gems of the decade.
Social: Barya-Barthalu, Batasari, Aaradhana, Gundammakatha, Kulagotralu, Moogamanusulu, Rakta Sambandam,Atama Balam, Antasthulu, Manushulu Mamathalu, Marapurani Kada, Naadi Adajanmee, Ramu, Atmeeyulu, Buddivanthulu, Dr.Chakravarthy, Manushulu Maarali, Rangula Ratnam, Kadhanayakudu.
Historical: Mahamantri Timmarasu, Bobbiliyudam and Kathanayaki Molla.
Folklore: Jagadekaveerunu Katha, Bandipotu, Guruvuniminchina Sisyudu, Kanchukota, Chikkadu Dorakadu, Akasa Ramanna.
Mythology: Bheesma, Nartanasala, Pandava Vanavasam, Sri Krishna Tulabaram, Sita Rama Kalyanam, Bhakta Prahaladha, Sri Krishnavataram, Sri Krishnapandaveeyam and Lavakusha.
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#6
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.
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#7
Telugu Cinema : 1980 - 1990
Highlights
• No.of Films - 1665
• NTR 's emergence as a political leader
• Kodanda Ramireddy peaks as a director
• Jandhyala turns director.
• Sitarama Sastry entered the industry
• Chiranjeevi emerges as No.1
• Balakrishna, Nagarjuna, Venkatesh got recognition
• Chakravarthy dominated the music
• First 70 MM film Simhasanam
• Establishment of APFDC
• Introduction of Slab System.
During this decade in a record score as many as 1665 movies were produced. But the result is that the quantity is more and quality is less. The sucess rate is just 25% only. The remarkable feature of this decade and a historical fact to record is that the movie enacted by N.T.Rama Rao were socially awaking and mass oriented and got him a tremondous response and as its result he started a political party Telugu Desam and rose to the post of Chief Minister. The movies Sardar Paparayudu, Bobbili Puli, Justice Chowdary, Kondaveeti Simham, Naadesam, supported him on his path.
During this decade Dasari Narayana Rao, K.Raghavendra Rao rose up to the occasion. But A.Kdanda Ramireddy reached the peak by giving hit movies to all most all the heros of telugu filmdom except NTR. Kodi Ramakrishna proved as commercial director. The success of Shiva proved the creative genius of a new director Ramgopal Varma.
producers like K.S.Ramarao of Creative Commercial Creations, K.Murari of Yuvachitra, T.Trivikram Rao of Vijayavahini arts, Gopi of Gopi arts, N.R.Anuradhadevi of Lakshmi films deserve special mention among the producers rank. Politician Subbaramireddy entered into film production. In comedy sector writer Jandyala turned director and gifted the audience with movies like Anandabhairavi, Ahanapellanta, Nalugu stambalata, Srivariki Premalekha etc., . Similarly as a comedy movie director Relangi Narasimha Rao reached the zenith.
Among writers Paruchuri Brothers bagged good name. Sirivennela Sitarama Sastry, introduced by director Viswanath, proved his mettle. Undoubtedly Chiranjeevi stood in the first place as artist and gave hits and super hits. The special feature of this decade is that Balakrishna, as heir of N.T.Ramarao, Nagarjuna, as heir of A.Nageswara Rao, Venkatesh, as heir of movie mughal Ramanaidu got striking recognition and all the four scored and claimed better fan response.
Mohanbabu as an artist produced and achieved good results. Ramesh, son of hero Krishna, could not last long as hero. Rajashekar as angry youngman and Rajendra Prasad as comedy hero were well applaused by public. Sridevi, Jayapradha, Jayasudha, Sujatha, Radhika, Vijayashanti, Radha captured market as heroines. In comedy sector Brahmanandam stood first. Other artists like Mallikarjuna Rao, Suttivelu, Veerabadra Rao, Srilakshmi did well. Kota Srinivasa Rao got many an occasion to prove his histrionics.
In the music sector though Ilayaraja, Raj-Koti, Ramesh Naidu did well, this decade is dominated by Chakravarthy as composer. S.P.Balasubramanyam and Chitra, as singers, gave good number of songs. Suseela, S.Janaki, Vanijayaram stood in the race. During this decade Krishna produced and directed a prestigious floklore movie Simhasanam and it was a 70mm movie, produced first time in Telugu. During this decade the A.P.State Film Development Corporation was established to help the film land in its varied facets. In 1984 the subsidy amount was raised to 2 lakhs and it reached to 3 lakhs by 1989.
The slab system was introduced during this decade and it has its own advantage and disadvantages. Megasandesam, Sitara, Swatimutyam, Pellipustakam, Mayuri, Geethanjali, Challenge, Tandrapaparayudu, Swarnakamalam, Ankusham, Siva, Jagadeka Veerudu - Athiloka Sundari are some of the worthy movies to be mentioned. Special mention to be made about Vejalla Satyanarayana who produced and directed movies into a social awakening. Another special feature is that Ramoji Rao of Eenadu entered film production under the banner Ushakiran movies and produced quality movies like Pratigatana and Mayuri. It was during this decade Padmalaya Studios and Ramanaidu studios came into existence.
During this decade the government introduced an award in the name of Raghupati Venkaiah and was awarded first time in 1981.
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chakrapani/nagireddy & bhanumathi madhya evo abhipraya bedhalu vachi bhanumathi ni theesesaru...just theesesthey parledu....kaani studio set lo ame act chesina part negatives kuppa ga posi thagala bettaru anta...ame mundarey.....
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