"Padmashri" Dr Brahmanandam

Comedy is more or less integral part of the Tollywood. There are many movies where comedians are placed in a move just for a comic relief. There are comedians who existed outside the story line as standard actors. In many movies, comedians have become simple "jokers" or "sidekicks" for the hero or anti-hero. In 50's and 60's the Andhra Laurel and Hardy pair - Relangi Venkataramayya and RamanaReddy ensured that they are integral part of the story line - as we have seen in Mayabazaar or Missamma. Relangi became the legend and he is the king of Tollywood comedy.

Progressively, by 1960's the role of comedian got sandwiched between the Hero and Villian. Allu Ramalingaiah moved as side kick for the Anti-Hero. Rajababu or Padmandabham moved towards hero as side kicks.

By 1970's the role of comedians in Telugu movies and their success became negligible. Rajababu and Padmanabham though are standard entries - most of the their performances were only contextual but never legendary.

By 1980's with the arrival of Brahmanandam the whole scene and weight for the comedians changed significantly. Brahmanandam created a trend - and in the course of three decades he truly became a legend. One striking similarity between Relangi and Brahmanandam is their facial expressions to make audience relax. And their innovative performances.

Perhaps it is not a understatement - that just because of Brahmanandam performance, many movies have become super hits. Actually the brand value of Brahmanandam in Tollywood goes beyond many "heroes".

Every hero or heroine would have a segment of followers and critics. But everyone is a fan for Brahmanandam. That is the power of this Tollywood Super Comedian.

It is fortunate that Telugu community is blessed with such an extraordinarily talented actor. And Padmashri is a fitting tribute to all the laughs and lightness he created in everyone's hearts.

Chiranjeevi - Road ahead and Options (Part-II)

Then, there are many rumours floating around that Chiru may come into politics. It is difficult to know one thing for sure at this stage - is Chiru interested or someone wanted to push him in to politics. Till now, Chiru consistently maintained that he is not interested in politics. He gives impression that he is more interested in pursuing his welfare activities. At the same time it is hard to resist the temptations. After all, on having poplularity and wealth - Power is the natural progression.

I never met Chiru in my life - the closest I watched him was from 100 meters in theaters or from 20 ft on TV. From the reports in media, gossips, rumours, interviews, and more importantly from his track record in Tollywood and his welfare activities - it is not difficult to summarise Chiru's strengths and opportunities to the Powerful position in AP politics.

Chiru still got very good following with in youth and middle class. His welfare activities may have endeared many. He carries a clean image - the biggest asset.

Secondly, the ubiquitous caste politics in AP provides a strong base. The power in state is split between two economically and politically strong communities. There are few alternatives today for the voters and Chiru fills the gap well. Also that fact that Loksatta is a disaster (largely due to its Leader's mistakes), middle class are open to accept Chiru as an alternative

Thirdly, Chiru seems to be kind hearted and genuine person. He appears to mean what he says. Tollywood is a mini Andhra. In such industry if Chiru could survive maintaining neutrality for so long - he can make it in politics.

Lastly, Chiru can be seen as symbol of unified Andhra Pradesh. He can counter Telengana sentiment with genuine approach.

But Politics is not movies. Beyond the popularity, any other similarities end.

Polictics is about performance. Chiru will be everything - script writer, Story teller, Director. He will have to perform his own stunts. Thus, the first question is - does Chiru got the story of politics right?

Secondly, Chiru lacks the Charisma of NTR, Polictical acumen of P V Narasimaha Rao or Administrative skills of Chenna Reddy or Vision of Jalagam Vengal Rao. Obviously, Chiru needs right people to fill the gaps except on the Charisma front. How good are the those friends and advisers "pushing" Chiru?

Slowly but surely, if he wants or not, Chiru is building his family empire. Already there is strong perception about nepotism. Power is a big sucker. It will suck everyone in and Chiru would find it difficult to manage them. Being just a good and being right are two different aspects.

The state which is slowly but surely tilting pro-rich, require a leader who got guts, energy, commitment, vision and honesty to serve the poor. People are waiting for someone who can improve the quality of their lives. Today in AP it is fact that Rich are becoming rich and poor are becoming poor.

There is an opportunity - is Chiru ready to grab it and become a real hero or remain a reel hero?

Let's wait and see

Chiranjeevi - Road ahead and options (Part-1)

Chiranjeevi got tremendous acting talent. However, the best of his talents were not extracted on consistent basis during the past decade or so. I think Chiru's last genuine blockbuster is Gangleader. By then he attained iconic status. Since mid 1990's scripts and stories for Chiru's movies have been prepared to reflect his stardom. That proved a constant disaster for the Megastar. His producers might have made money at the box office, but as an actor Chiru is slowly becoming irrelevant in the industry. New stars and talent is coming up to bring the variety to audience. Between his image and stardom, between his talent and ability, Chiru is struggling to produce a blockbuster.

For a great artist like Chiru with immense popularity still options are not out. Only thing is Chiru is struggling to reinvent himself. I think, this is where Chiru is getting ill advice and lacking critical feedback.

Let's look at couple of stars who re-invented themselves when they we wriggling with their career options. NTR in early and mid 70's was in big trouble. He was struggling to produce hits. Most of his movies at that time were either flops or average. Then in 1977 came an opportunity for NTR to reinvent himself with AdiviRamudu. From 1977 till 82 he went on to produce some of the best movies like Justice Chowdary, Yamgola or Vetagadu. He found a new combination in Raghavendra Rao. NTR was re-invented. If he were to act as 'old' NTR, there will be a 'young' NTR to fill the gaps at song sequence or fill the script with flashbacks.

Similar is the case with Big B. After series of flops, Big B re-invented himself to comeback again as Bollywood No.1. Remember here, the scripts are not made for Big B, but Big B is willing to reinvent himself in different roles like Grandpa, old police officer or anything that would bring variety for a good storyline

Today, Chiru's strength - dance is his liability. His action orientation is his liability. The image that you kill 100 people in a shot is not right for his age, experience and talent. It is time to stop the stories that will build his image artificially. Instead Chiranjeevi has to see - if he can fit into the role and story. It is change and Chiru got tremendous talent to adapt.

Is Chiru ready to re-invent?

Tollywood Legends and Celebrities

Another controversy in Tollywood. This time about who are legends and celebrities? So, who is who and who can be whom?

All Tollywood actors are celebrities in their own way. Most of them are instant celebrities born out of craze rather than lasting talent. Remember acting is not about exposing, dancing or fighting.

Some are celebrities because of their celebrity fathers, grandfathers, brothers or immediate family. Most in this category are 'blips' in the history of Tollywood. They are forgotten as time goes by. Their 'forced upon' value is retained in the present time rather than for the future.

The other category of celebrities are those who have come up in the industry out their hard work and persistence. Most of them failed due to lack of discipline or hard work after attaining celebrity status

This brings us to the celebrities who have made lasting impression for a generation or generations. They are the actors, producers, directors and technicians. These celebrities who have their own period of domination. They changed the destiny of Telugu film industry. Their productions and acting is best of the times. You can keep seeing them on and on without getting bored. As an example can anyone see and enjoy "Pokiri" as they enjoyed today after two years. I would bet - not at all. But what about a Mayabazar?

One who are legends? Legends are the artists and producers who make it to believe that it they only can do it. Other way round, can anyone imagine other than NTR as Lord Krishna? He is a legend. And, these legends are not in 100's or 1000's. We can pick on fingers - ANR, SVR, Relangi, Savithri, Bhanumathi, Suryakantam, Anajali Devi, Ghantasala, Brahmanandam, Alluramalingayya, Kaikala Satyanarayana, LV Prasad, Bapu, Viswanath, Ramanaidu, K V Reddi, Vijaya, Annapoorna and Vauhini productions. May be we can add few more.

Rest all are first or second class celebrities - some may not even that like....