On its Oak Anniversary, Tollywood is remembering legendry H M Reddy who has released the first talkie movie ‘Bhakta Prahlada ‘ in Telugu movie industry on 15th September, 1931. Since then, about 5000 movies and many more classics were released in Telugu Film Industry which is just a wonderful achievement by Tollywood. It is proved that Tollywood creates a world record by releasing largest number of movies in an year.
‘Bhakta Prahlada’ was believed to be made with a budget of just Rs 18,000 in 21 days. But sadly, its original movie print is not available today in market. In the same year, 1931, even Kollywood and Bollywood have started by releasing their first talkie movies.
‘Alam Ara’, directed and produced by Ardeshir Irani, was the first Indian sound movie, which was released on 14th March, 1931. With the success of Alam Ara, Ardeshir Irani suggested his close friend H.M. Reddy to produce films in South too. Inspired by his friend, H. M Reddy directed a Tamil talkie ’Kalidas’ (1931) and a Telugu talkie ‘Bhakta Prahalada’, both were released in short span of time simultaneously.
Today Tollywood celebrated "Telugu Chalana Chitra Dinotsavam” on the occasion of the Telugu film industry completing 80 years, at the Film Nagar Cultural Club. The Cinematography Minister, Ms D.K. Aruna, was the chief guest for the event and she unfurled Tollywood flag and wished the industry of progress and prosperity. The Tollywood film industry felicitated yesteryear actors and producers on the occasion.
While speaking to media on the occasion, the Movie Artistes Association (MAA) president, Mr Murali Mohan, and veteran director, Mr Dasari Narayana Rao said that from the next year, September 15 will be noticed as Tollywood Day and it would be a holiday for all the film shootings for Tollywood.
