Telugu Cinema has got the much needed break for Commercial interests - thanks to one director Darsakendrudu K.Raghavendra Rao. He brought the glam factor to Telugu Cinema with his crisp commercial style of directing, by balancing out the perfect entertainment package for every section of audience. He knows the pulse of the audience so well that he could get back to back commercial hits throughout his career spanning over four decades. He brought the mass element of the male lead so breathtakingly by getting a fan base for every hero he directed. The glamour factor which was brought by him through the unique filming of songs is highly commendable. His films have a perfect mix of Comedy, Action, Drama, Sentiment, Entertainment and exceptionally good music.
Beginning his career with Babu starring Sobhan Babu and Vanisri in the lead, K.Raghavendra Rao struck success with his debut film itself. The film had some exceptional storyline and good dramatic sequences which was instrumental in its success. Right from then, this unique director never looked back. His next big hit was Adavi Ramudu starring Sr.NTR, Jayaprada and Jayasudha in lead roles. The commercial hit ‘Aaresukoboyi Paaresukunnanu’ became an anthem of Telugu households in that year. People started noticing the unique brilliance of the director in blending entertainment with commercial values. He then gave break to the beautifully talented Sridevi with Padharella Vayasu, which was a remake of Tamil Hit Padhinaaru Vayathinile by Bharatiraja. Sridevi & Raghavendra Rao combo rocked the Telugu Cinema for more than a decade with films like Vetagadu, Devatha, Jagadeka Veerudu Athiloka Sundari and so on. In fact, Raghavendra Rao has been instrumental in bringing the best out of Sridevi - both in terms of glamour and performance. He even gave her the break in Bollywood with Himmatwala opposite Jitendra - which became a blockbuster hit.
Another brilliant actress Ramya Krishna got the huge break in Raghavendra Rao’s films with amazing glam factor in Allari Mogudu, Allari Priyudu, Major Chandrakanth and so on. Her best was from his films which had scope for commercial entertainment along with great character oriented roles.
K. Raghavendra Rao worked with the young heroes of the 80s such as Chiranjeevi and their combination enthralled the Telugu Audience for more than a decade with successful films like Adavi Donga, Manchi Donga, Jagadeka Veerudu Athiloka Sundari, Gharana Mogudu, Iddaru Mitrulu and so on. He gave the fantastic mass image for Chiranjeevii and his star value was increased tenfold during his association with Raghavendra Rao. Though his films with other directors had more character value and substance, his work with Raghavendra Rao is most talked about and enjoyed by the audience till date. His association with Mohan Babu is also worth mentioning for films like Alludugaru and Allari Mogudu being super hits.
For critics who had a feeling that K.Raghavendra Rao can make only out and out commercial films, Annamayya and Sri Manjunatha came as fitting answers. His unique formula of blending devotional film with commercial values was greatly received by the audience. Nagarjuna proved himself as an exceptional actor once again by working with Raghavendra Rao in devotional subjects like Annamayya, Sri Ramadasu and the recent Shirdi Sai.
His association with Maestro Ilaiyaraaja gave some unforgettable melodies to the World of Telugu Cinema. Abbanee Teeyani became an all time hit for the perfect mix of commercial and melodious elements. Kotha Kothaga Unnadhi and Kalaya Nizama from Coolie No.1 are still remembered as mellifluous duets. However, his long term association with M.M.Keeravani gave even more fantastic music from films like Sundarakanda, Allari Priyudu, Pelli Sandadi, Rajakumarudu, Allari Mogudu and so on. He even produced an off-beat musical Morning Raaga starring his son Prakash Kovalemudi which was highly regarded as one of the best musical films made in Indian English Cinema.
The contribution of K.Raghavendra Rao to the land of Telugu Cinema is indispensable. The legendary director is celebrating his birthday today and iQlikmovies.com wishes him a very happy birthday and a creative year ahead!
