Gruhalakshmi (1938 film)

Last updated

Gruhalakshmi
Grihalakshmi 1938 Telugu film.jpg
Directed by H. M. Reddy
Written by Samudrala Sr.
Produced by H. M. Reddy
Starring V. Nagayya
Ramanujachari
Jandhyala Gaurinatha Sastri
Govindarajula Subba Rao
Kannamba
Kanchanamala
Sarala
Mohini
Cinematography K. Ramnoth
Music byPrabhala Satyanarayana
Production
company
Rohini Pictures
Release date
  • March 12, 1938 (1938-03-12)
Running time
184 minutes
CountryIndia
LanguageTelugu

Gruhalakshmi is a 1938 Indian Telugu-language drama film produced and directed by H. M. Reddy. Starring Ramanujacharyulu, Kanchanamala, Kannamba, and Chittoor Nagayya, it was the debut production of Rohini Pictures and marked the cinematic debut of Chittoor Nagayya. [1] The film was an adaptation of the 1929 stage play Rangoon Rowdy by Somaraju Ramanuja Rao and was a commercial success. [2] [3] Gruhalakshmi is notable for introducing Kanchanamala as Telugu cinema's first "oomph" girl, gaining widespread attention for its daring portrayal of sensuality. [4] The film also marked an early career role for K. V. Reddy, who worked as a cashier for Rohini Pictures before becoming a renowned filmmaker. [2]

Contents

Plot

The story revolves around Dr. Krishna Rao (played by Ramanujacharyulu), a happily married man living with his devoted wife Radha (Kannamba). Madhuri (Kanchanamala), a woman of questionable morals, enters Krishna Rao's life and tries to seduce him, leading to turmoil in his otherwise stable life. Madhuri's attempts to lure Krishna Rao form a central part of the plot, and her character is portrayed as a seductress who uses her beauty and charm to manipulate men.

Cast

Production

Gruhalakshmi was filmed at Kartikeya Studio in Madras, established by cinematographer K. Ramnoth and art director A. K. Sekhar. Although the film's video footage is now lost, some of its audio recordings, including the song Bigi kougita jerpaga raaraa, have been preserved. The song, composed by Prabhala Sathyanarayana, was a semi-classical piece that was considered bold for its time and is comparable to modern "item" songs in terms of its provocative nature. [4]

This film was the debut of Chittoor V. Nagayya, who played Gopinath, a social reformer and the elder brother of Radha, one of the main characters. Ramanujacharyulu, a well-known lawyer and stage actor famous for his role as Gireesam in Kanyasulkam , portrayed Dr. Krishna Rao. This was the only film in which Ramanujacharyulu appeared. [4]

The character of Madhuri, played by Kanchanamala, was modeled after Kitty Packard, a character portrayed by Jean Harlow in George Cukor's 1933 American film Dinner at Eight . Like Kitty, Madhuri is a seductive woman who uses her beauty to manipulate a wealthy man, in this case, Dr. Krishna Rao. Madhuri's character was considered groundbreaking for Telugu cinema due to its bold depiction of female sensuality. [4]

One of the film’s key moments is a sensual dance sequence performed by Kanchanamala, which is regarded as the first of its kind in Telugu cinema. The song Bigi kougita jerpaga raaraa was written by Samudrala Sr. (credited as S. V. Raghavacharya) and composed by Prabhala Sathyanarayana. Despite not being a trained singer, Kanchanamala performed the song herself, as playback singing was not yet common in Telugu cinema. [4]

Music

The music of Gruhalakshmi was composed by Prabhala Satyanarayana, with lyrics written by Samudrala Raghavacharya (credited as S. V. Raghavacharya). [1] The soundtrack of Gruhalakshmi includes several songs, such as:

Reception

Gruhalakshmi was a commercial success, mainly due to Kanchanamala's portrayal of Madhuri and the comedic elements in the film. The film significantly enhanced Kanchanamala's popularity, especially among younger audiences. [4]

However, its content did not align with the aesthetic preferences of filmmaker B. N. Reddi. This difference in vision led B. N. Reddi to leave Rohini Pictures and establish Vauhini Pictures with Nagi Reddi, K. V. Reddi, K. Ramnoth, and A. K. Sekhar, with the goal of producing films with a focus on artistic quality. [4]

Legacy

Gruhalakshmi is remembered for its daring themes and its pioneering depiction of female sensuality in Telugu cinema. Kanchanamala's portrayal of Madhuri introduced the concept of the "oomph" girl to Telugu films and set the stage for similar roles in the future. The film's blend of commercial success and bold content marked a turning point in Telugu cinema, bridging traditional storytelling with more modern, provocative expressions. [4]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">B.N. Reddi</span> Indian film director, producer and screenwriter (1908–1977)

Bommireddi Narasimha Reddi, professionally known as B. N. Reddi, was an Indian film director, producer, and screenwriter. He was an early figure in the Telugu cinema. Many of his earlier films like Vande Mataram (1939), Devatha (1941) had V. Nagayya as the lead. His Malliswari (1951) starring N. T. Rama Rao and Bhanumathi is considered a timeless Indian film classic. Reddi was the first film personality to receive the Dadasaheb Phalke Award from South India the highest honorary award of Indian cinema. He was awarded India's third highest civilian honour the Padmabhushan, and the Doctor of Letters.

Kadiri Venkata Reddy, commonly known as K. V. Reddy, was an Indian film director, screenwriter, and producer, primarily known for his work in Telugu cinema. Renowned as one of the most influential filmmakers in South Indian cinema, he directed 14 feature films during his career. His contributions earned him several prestigious accolades, including three National Film Awards and a Filmfare Award South.

<i>Nartanasala</i> (1963 film) 1962 film by Kamalakara Kameshwara Rao

Nartanasala is a 1963 Indian Telugu-language Hindu mythological film directed by Kamalakara Kameswara Rao and written by Samudrala Sr. It stars N. T. Rama Rao, Savitri, S. V. Ranga Rao, and Relangi while Mukkamala, Mikkilineni and Dandamudi Rajagopal play supporting roles among others. Susarla Dakshinamurthi composed the film's soundtrack and background score. M. A. Rahman and S. P. S. Veerappa served as the cinematographer and editor respectively. T. V. S. Sarma was the film's art director. The film was produced by actress C. Lakshmi Rajyam and her husband C. Sridhar Rao under the Rajyam Pictures banner.

<i>Lava Kusa</i> (1963 film) 1963 film by C. Pullayya and C. S. Rao

Lava Kusa is a 1963 Indian Hindu mythological film directed by C. Pullayya and C. S. Rao. Produced by Lalita Sivajyothi Films, the film is a remake of the 1934 production of the same name, which was also directed by C. Pullayya. The story is based on the Uttara Kanda of the Ramayana, focusing on Lava and Kusa, the twin sons of Rama and Sita. The cast includes N. T. Rama Rao as Rama, Anjali Devi as Sita, with Chittoor Nagayya, Kantha Rao, Sobhan Babu, S. Varalakshmi, and Kaikala Satyanarayana in supporting roles. The soundtrack features 27 songs, with the musical score primarily composed by Ghantasala.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">P. Kannamba</span>

Pasupuleti Kannamba was an Indian actress, playback singer and film producer of Telugu cinema, of Andhra Pradesh, India. She acted in more than 170 films and produced about 25 films in Telugu and Tamil languages during the 1930s to the 1960s.

Samudrala Raghavacharya, also known as Samudrala Sr., was an Indian screenwriter, lyricist, playback singer, director, and producer known for his works in Telugu cinema. Samudrala Senior made his screen debut in 1937, and known for his collaborations with Ghantasala.

<i>Bhakta Pothana</i> 1943 film

Bhakta Pothana is a 1943 Telugu-language biographical film directed by K. V. Reddy in his directorial debut. Based on the life of poet-saint Pothana who translated Bhagavatham into Telugu language, the film was scripted by Samudrala Sr. The film had celebrated Jubilee runs all over the South India including Mysore state and Kerala. It was remade in 1966, starring V. Nagayya as Pothana.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">V. Nagayya</span> Indian actor (1904–1973)

Vuppaladadiyam Nagayya Sarma, popularly known as Chittoor Nagayya, was an Indian actor, singer, music composer, and director known for his works in Telugu cinema, Tamil cinema, and Telugu theatre. Nagayya was one of the first multilingual filmmakers in India. Indian film journalist Baburao Patel described Nagayya as "The Paul Muni of India". Nagayya was considered the best character actor in South Indian cinema during 1940s and 1950s. In 1965, he became the first South Indian actor to receive the Padma Shri in Arts from the Government of India for his contributions to Indian cinema.

<i>Ashok Kumar</i> (film) 1941 Indian film

Ashok Kumar is a 1941 Indian Tamil-language historical drama film directed by Raja Chandrasekhar. Based on a legend involving the Mauryan emperor Ashoka The Great, his son Kunala and Ashoka's second wife Thishyarakshai, it stars M. K. Thyagaraja Bhagavathar, Chittoor V. Nagayya and P. Kannamba. The film was released on 17 September 1941.

<i>Swargaseema</i> 1945 Indian film

Swargaseema is a 1945 Telugu-language drama film produced and directed by B. N. Reddi and starring V. Nagayya, B. Jayamma and Bhanumathi. The film marked the debut of Ghantasala as a playback singer and Marcus Bartley as a cinematographer.

<i>Tyagayya</i> (1946 film) 1946 film

Tyagayya is a 1946 Telugu-language film produced and directed by V. Nagayya It is based on the life of the saint Tyagaraja.

Chittajallu Srinivasa Rao was an Indian actor, writer and director. He was the son of film director Chittajallu Pullayya. He directed around 65 films in the Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam and Oriya languages. He garnered two National Film Awards for directing the films Lava Kusa (1963) and Desamante Manushuloyi (1970). Directors including Muktha V. Srinivasan and K. S. Sethu Madhavan worked as his assistants.

<i>Sumangali</i> (1940 film) 1940 Indian film

Sumangali is a 1940 Telugu-language film written, directed and produced by B. N. Reddy. The film stars V. Nagayya, A. S. Giri, Kumari and Malathi. The main concept of the film widow remarriage is inspired by Kandukuri Veeresalingam.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">K. B. Nagabhushanam</span> Indian film director and producer

Kadaru Nagabhushanam or K. B. Nagabhushanam was an Indian film director and producer in the 1940s to 1960s, working in Telugu and Tamil cinema. He was the husband of P. Kannamba. They established Rajarajeshwari Films and produced many mythological films starring Kannamba in the lead role including Harischandra. Their social film Navajeevanam on untouchability got the recognition of Madras State and was chosen as the best feature film.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kanchanamala</span> Indian actress

Kanchanamala (1917–1981) was an Indian actress known for her works in Telugu cinema.

<i>Santhi Nivasam</i> (1960 film) 1962 film by C. S. Rao

Santhi Nivasam is a 1960 Indian Telugu-language drama film directed by C. S. Rao. The film stars Akkineni Nageswara Rao, Rajasulochana, Kantha Rao, Krishna Kumari and Devika. It is an adaptation of Palagummi Padmaraju's Telugu play of the same name, which itself was based on B. S. Ramiah's Tamil play Malliyam Mangalam.

<i>Gruhalakshmi</i> (1967 film) 1967 Indian film

Gruhalakshmi is a 1967 Telugu-language, comedy film, produced and directed by P. S. Ramakrishna Rao under the Bharani Pictures banner. It stars Akkineni Nageswara Rao, Bhanumathi Ramakrishna with music composed by S. Rajeswara Rao. The film was remade as the Tamil movie Anbe Aaruyire (1975).

<i>Aada Pettanam</i> 1958 film

Aada Pettanam is a 1958 Indian Telugu-language drama film, produced by M. Narayana Swamy and M. Venkata Ramadasu and directed by Adurthi Subba Rao. It stars Akkineni Nageswara Rao, Anjali Devi and music jointly composed by S. Rajeswara Rao & Master Venu. Anisetty was announced as the director initially, but Adurthi Subba Rao took over later.

<i>Enga Veettu Penn</i> 1965 film by Tapi Chanakya

Enga Veettu Penn is a 1965 Indian Tamil-language drama film directed by Tapi Chanakya and produced by Nagi Reddi and Chakrapani of Vijaya Combines Productions. A remake of the company's own Telugu film Shavukaru (1950), it features an ensemble cast that consists of M. R. Radha, S. V. Subbaiah, A. V. M. Rajan, Jaishankar, K. A. Thangavelu, Nagesh, V. Nagayya, O. A. K. Thevar and Nirmala, who became known as Vijaya Nirmala after its release. The film was released on 23 October 1965.

Bhagyalakshmi is a 1943 Indian Telugu-language drama film directed by P. Pullayya and produced by Chittoor Nagayya. The film features Chittoor Nagayya, Malathi, Doraswamy, Tanguturi Suryakumari, and Giri in key roles. It is notable for being Nagayya’s first production under the Renuka Films banner. Bhagyalakshmi was recognized as the 100th talkie film in Telugu cinema, as noted in a souvenir published by the Film Federation of India to commemorate the silver jubilee of Indian talkies. It did not perform well at the box office.

References

  1. 1 2 "Gruhalakshmi (1938)". Idlebrain.com . Archived from the original on 21 February 2009. Retrieved 1 September 2009.
  2. 1 2 వేణుగోపాల్‌, డా. నాగసూరి (21 August 2021). "తెలుగు సినిమా స్వర్ణయుగంలో మూలస్తంభం". Sakshi (in Telugu). Retrieved 2 October 2022.
  3. ↑ S. V., Rama Rao; C. V. R., Manikyeswari (8 September 2018). "భాగ్యచక్రము | ఫ్లాష్ బ్యాక్ @ 50". Andhra Bhoomi (in Telugu). Retrieved 29 September 2022.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Narasimham, M. L. (22 January 2019). "The song from 'Gruhalakshmi' released in 1938 featured an item number and a 'seductive heroine'". The Hindu. ISSN   0971-751X . Retrieved 19 October 2024.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.