Ghantasala Venkateswararao, known mononymously by his surname as Ghantasala, was an Indian playback singer and film composer known for his works predominantly in Telugu and Kannada cinema and also in Tamil, Malayalam, Tulu and Hindi language films. He is considered one of the greatest singers of Telugu cinema. In 1970, he received the Padma Shri award, India's fourth highest civilian award for his contribution to Indian cinema. According to The Hindu and The Indian Express, Ghantasala was 'such a divine talent and with his songs he could move the hearts of the people'. 'Ghantasala's blending of classical improvisations to the art of light music combined with his virtuosity and sensitivity puts him a class apart, above all others in the field of playback singing'. Gifted with what Indian film historian V. A. K. Ranga Rao called 'the most majestic voice', Ghantasala helped Telugu film music develop its own distinct character which remains unparalleled. He is referred to as the 'Gaana Gandharva' for his mesmerising voice and musical skills.
Mutyala Muggu is a 1975 Indian Telugu-language drama film adaptation of Uttara Ramayana from the writer-director duo of Ramana and Bapu. The film stars Sangeeta, Sreedhar, Kanta Rao, Rao Gopal Rao, Mukkamala, Allu Ramalingaiah and Nutan Prasad. The film has garnered two National Film Awards. The film recorded as blockbuster at the box office. Rao Gopal Rao received widespread acclaim for his role. The film was remade in Hindi as Jeevan Jyoti (1976).
Siri Siri Muvva( in Telugu సిరి సిరి మువ్వ) is a 1976 Indian Telugu-language drama film written and directed by K. Viswanath. It stars Jaya Prada and Chandra Mohan. K. Viswanath later remade the film with his leading lady Jaya Prada, as Sargam, in 1979. Siri Siri Muvva was screened at the International Film Festival of India, and Moscow International Film Festival, and has received two National Film Awards.
Rangula Ratnam is a 1966 Indian Telugu-language film directed and produced by B. N. Reddy under the banner of Vauhini pictures. The film stars Chandra Mohan, Vanisri, Anjali Devi and Baby Rekha. It is a social and political satire involving a middle-class family in the backdrop of politics and elections. The film won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Telugu and also won two Nandi Awards. B. N. Reddy introduced many stalwarts like Chandra Mohan, Vanisri, Rekha and Vijaya Nirmala as young artistes to the film industry with this movie.
Seetamalakshmi is a 1978 Indian Telugu-language film written and directed by K. Viswanath. The film stars Talluri Rameswari and Chandra Mohan. It was released on 27 July 1978. It won two state Nandi Awards and a Filmfare Award for Best Actress - Telugu for Talluri Rameswari. Seetamalakshmi was remade in Tamil as Enippadigal (1979), and in Hindi as Sitara (1980).
Andala Ramudu is a 1973 Telugu-language comedy drama film, film produced by N. S. Murthy under the Chitra Kalpana banner and directed by Bapu. It stars Akkineni Nageswara Rao, Latha and music composed by K. V. Mahadevan. The film is based on Mullapudi Venkata Ramana's Janata Express (novel). The film is the debut to veteran artists Nutan Prasad and Latha. The film won two Nandi Awards. The film has given enthusiastically drawing atmosphere and spirit to the movie Godavari (2006), directed by Sekhar Kammula.
Saptaswaralu or Sapta Swaralu is a 1969 Telugu-language film directed by Vedantam Raghavayya and produced by famous actor Tadepalli Lakshmi Kanta Rao under the banner Hema Films.
Maharajah's Government College of Music and Dance is an educational institution in Vizianagaram, Andhra Pradesh, India. It is the first music college in South India.
Mattilo Manikyam is a 1971 Telugu drama film directed by B. V. Prasad. It is produced by actor Chalam. The film won National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Telugu in 1971.
Jeevana Tarangalu is a 1973 Indian Telugu-language drama film directed by T. Rama Rao. The film stars Sobhan Babu, Krishnam Raju, Vanisri, Chandramohan, and Lakshmi. It is based on a novel by Yaddanapudi Sulochana Rani, and won three Filmfare Awards South. It was remade in Tamil as Thirumangalyam (1974), in Hindi in as Dil Aur Deewaar (1978), and in Kannada as Mangalya (1991).
Nammina Bantu is a 1960 Indian Telugu-language drama film directed by Adurthi Subba Rao. It stars Akkineni Nageswara Rao, S. V. Ranga Rao, and Savitri, with music jointly composed by S. Rajeswara Rao and Master Venu. The film was simultaneously made in Tamil as Pattaliyin Vetri, under the same banner and director, and some of the scenes and artists are the same in both versions. Upon release Nammina Bantu received critical acclaim. The film was featured at the 8th San Sebastián International Film Festival. The film won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Telugu.
Sampoorna Ramayanam is a 1972 Indian Telugu-language Hindu mythological film directed by Bapu. It is based on Valmiki's Ramayana. The film was a commercial success.
Mangalya Balam is a 1959 Indian Telugu-language romantic drama film, produced by D. Madhusudhana Rao under Annapurna Pictures banner and directed by Adurthi Subba Rao. It stars Akkineni Nageswara Rao and Savitri, with music composed by Master Venu. The film is a remake of the Bengali film Agni Pariksha, which was based on Ashapurna Devi's novel of the same name. It was simultaneously made by the same banner and director in Tamil as Manjal Mahimai.
Missamma is the soundtrack of the 1955 Indian Telugu-language film of the same name directed by L. V. Prasad. Composed by S. Rajeswara Rao, the soundtrack contains 11 songs with lyrics by Pingali. The film was written by Chakrapani, who co-produced it with B. Nagi Reddi for Vijaya Productions. N. T. Rama Rao and Savitri played the lead roles the Telugu version, with Akkineni Nageswara Rao, Jamuna, S. V. Ranga Rao, Rushyendramani, Relangi and Ramana Reddy in supporting roles.
Suputhrudu (transl. Son) is a 1971 Indian Telugu-language drama film, produced by Jagarlamudi Subba Rao, Gorantla Rajendra Prasad on Madhavi Combines banner and directed by T. Rama Rao. It stars Akkineni Nageswara Rao, Lakshmi and music composed by K. V. Mahadevan.
Rangeli Raja is a 1971 Telugu-language, action-drama film, produced by C. Lakshmi Rajyam, C. Sridhar Rao, and Sundarlal Nehata under the Rajyam Productions banner. and directed by C. S. Rao It stars Akkineni Nageswara Rao, Kanchana and music has been composed by Ghantasala.
Vasantha Sena is a 1967 Telugu-language historical drama film, produced and directed by B. S. Ranga under the Vikram Studios banner. It stars Akkineni Nageswara Rao and Krishna Kumari, with music composed by S. Rajeswara Rao. The film is based on the Sanskrit Stage drama, Mṛcchakatika by Śūdraka of 5th century AD. It was Tamil actress, Padmini Ramachandran's last Telugu movie.
Bala Nagamma is a 1959 Indian Telugu-language fantasy swashbuckler film directed by Vedantam Raghavayya. The film stars N. T. Rama Rao, Anjali Devi, and S. V. Ranga Rao with music composed by T. V. Raju. It is a remake of the 1942 Telugu film of the same name.
M. L. A. Yedukondalu is a 1983 Telugu film directed by Dasari Narayana Rao starring him in the eponymous role. The film was a critical and commercial success. It was remade in Hindi in 1984 as Aaj Ka M.L.A. Ram Avtar
