There are a few films taken in Telugu language way back in the late 50’s; but are still very much popular in the Southern film world and every person cherishing them even today. This speaks volumes of the amount of hard work and dedication which had gone to make these films so memorable. Three of such mega-hits are:

♦  Maya Bazaar

♦ Missamma

♦ Gundamma Katha.

In each of these films all the four reigning artistes of those times namely NTR, ANR, SVR and Savitri are present. All these actors had lots of talent and performed in their own style, which contributed to the huge success of the films. Besides, the songs in them have very good lyrics and are truly melodious.

I would like to discuss briefly about each of these films.

MAYA BAZAAR

This mythological film, released in the 1957, is based on a folklore called “Sasirekha Parinayam”, which is supposed to be part of the epic Mahabharatha. This was later remade into Tamil also.

Cast: NT Rama Rao ,SV Ranga Rao, ANR, Savitri, Gummadi Venkateshwara Rao, Mukkamala and Relangi Venkatramaiah, Rushyendramani

Director: K.V Reddy

Synopsis: The background of the film is that at the time of Pandava`s exile, Arjuna sends his wife Subhadra(Rushyendramani) to Dwaraka to stay with her brothers, Krishna(NTR) and Balarama(Gummadi Venkateshwara Rao).

Here, Arjuna’s son, Abhimanyu(ANR) and Balarama’s daughter, Sasirekha(Savitri) start to love each other right from childhood and so, the families agree to get them married. However, as the Pandavas are in exile, Duryodhana(Mukkamala) comes and persuades Balarama to give the hand of Sasirekha to his son, Lakshmana Kumara (Relangi). Balarama agrees, but due to Krishna’s intervention, Sasirekha  gets wedded to her sweetheart, Abhimanyu.

The drama that follows with Ghatotkacha(SVR), in the guise of Sasirekha, coming and getting ready for marriage to Lakshmana Kumara and the real Sesirekha blissfully getting married to Abhimanyu  forms the central plot of the film.

Review: The animation scenes, which were perfectly made at the time when technology was still at its starting stages, are interesting to watch. NTR, as usual, was at his best in his role as Lord Krishna. SVR's portrayal of Ghatotkacha is notable and he, along with comedian Relangi display nice, decent comedy. The songs are lively, with music scored by the legendary singer Ghantasala.

MISSAMMA

This social film was released in Telugu in 1955 and was remade in Tamil(as Missiamma) and in Hindi (as Miss Mary).

Cast: SV Ranga Rao, NT Rama Rao, A.Nageswara Rao, Savitri, Jamuna, Relangi Venkatramaiah, Bala Krishna, Ramana Reddy, Gummadi Venkateswara Rao

Director: L.V Prasad

Synopsis: A village zamindar, Gopalam(SVR) gives an advertisement in the paper stating that he wants a married couple to run his school. Rao(NTR) and Mary(Savitri) posing as a newly-wed couple go and join the job. There, Sita(Jamuna) gets attracted to NTR and asks him to teach her music and dance.  Meanwhile Mary, to control her auguish, tries to teach music to A.K Raju(ANR) – who is  the school’s ex-principal and also an amateur detective.

Now, the zamindar has two daughters, one of whom gets lost approximately 20 years back.  One is Sita and the other one turns out to be Mary whose actual name is MahaLakshmi. Thus, the film ends on a happy note with all mysteries resolved and Rao marrying Mahalakshmi. 

Review: The acting of NTR and Savitri and the drama between that goes between them is the most interesting feature of the film and provides enough humour, even for the non-Telugu people.  The comedy scenes by Relangi Venkatramaiah and Ramana Reddy are simply superb. ANR, in his role as a private detective, looks a bit comical. There are many enjoyable songs in the picture. Though not strictly a message oriented film, the film also deals with the underlying issue of unemployment.  This can be said to be one of the greatest hits in the telugu film world and brought immense fame to the director.

GUNDAMMA KATHA

 This film was released in the year 1962 and is considered a masterpiece in the Telugu film realm.

Cast: NT Rama Rao, A. Nageswara Rao, SV Ranga Rao, Savitri, SuryaKantham Jamuna, Relangi Venkat Ramaiah, Chayadevi, Harinath, Rajanala, Ramana Reddy

Director: Kamalakar Kameshwar Rao

Synopsis: It is a pure family drama which revolves around a proud mother, Gundamma (Suryakantham’)s family. Gundamma is a rich widow who stays with her son, Prabhakar(Harinath),daughter Saroja(Jamuna) and step daughter, Lakshmi (Savitri). Saroja, being the love-lorn daughter, happens to be a little bit arrogant while Lakshmi is humble and decent. As both Saroja and Lakshmi come of age, Gundamma, keeps herself busy searching for suitable grooms.

Ramabhadraiah(SVR), a wealthy landlord, who has two marriageable sons, Anji (NTR) and Raja(ANR) comes to know of Gundamma and her daughters. He visits her place, but finds Saroja’s attitude a bit disturbing. Therefore, he tells his sons to go anonymously and first  transform Saroja into a well-behaved girl before winning the girls' hands. Anji goes in the guise of a servant, sees Lakshmi and weds her. Raja goes and wins the heart of Saroja. He marries her and brings about a change in her attitude, posing as a drunkard and a thief in the process. At the end, Gundamma also changes for the better and all live together happily in Ramabhadraiah’s home.

                                                                                                       A scene from the film Gundamma Katha

Review: ANR and NTR who act as brothers form the major highlight in the film. The numerous mild comedy scenes and humerous dialogues which are present throughout the film are commendable. The performance of NTR posing as a servant and a guardian to the house is good. The songs are appropriate and have rich lyrical value. The music composed by the legendary singer, Ghantasala, is a masterpeice and appeals to even today’s youth.

These films have become so popular and inspirational that even today, attempts are being made to present these goldies to the audience in color, fully confident that the color versions would become a huge success at the box office. Already the film Mayabazaar has been released in color with 55 prints last week and is giving a visual treat to all NTR and ANR fans.