‘Janapada Brahma’ B. Vittalacharya’s folklore films are known to one and all. Telugu movie lovers hold the yesteryear filmmaker in high esteem, thanks to his tireless work that has been admired by people down the generations. Senior journalist and writer Pulagam Chinnarayana, a passionate film lover himself, has written a book named ‘Jai Vittalacharya’ to introduce the legend’s style and cinematic treatment to the new generation. The book encapsulates Vittalacharya’s journey comprehensively and meticulously. Zeelan Basha Shaikh has published this book under the auspices of Movie Volume Media. The book launch event was held today in the presence of star director and ‘Matala Mantrikudu’ Trivikram Srinivas today. The first copy was received by Ravi Padi, the senior civil servant and bureaucrat with the Indian Railways.
Speaking on the occasion, Trivikram Srinivas appreciated Pulagam Chinnarayana, whom he has known for years. “I have read his earlier books as well. Vittalacharya is the Father of Telugu Mass Cinema and the Father of Folklore Cinema. Before the VFX era, he was a great technologist who made adventurous and ambitious films in his heyday. Neither his immense success ratio, nor the reach of his movies, nor his popularity is known to the present generation. Most of today’s generation doesn’t know him except because of YouTube or the satellite channels that broadcast old movies. I wholeheartedly appreciate the efforts by Chinnarayana to bring out his life and works. Congratulations to him, Ravi and publisher Zeelan Basha Shaikh. Bringing such books is not a profitable business. It shows their love for the cinema. As a person who loves books, I hope that such efforts will increase a book-reading culture among people. In Telugu writing, recording history is not widespread. The history of Telugu cinema is an area that has not been explored thoroughly so far. Pulagam Chinnarayana should write more books. He has that energy and interest. So, I sincerely want to write books like this,” the director-writer said.
Pulagam Chinnarayana said, “I wrote this book as fast as Vittalacharya used to make movies. Superstar Krishna garu, Kaikala Satyanarayana garu, Jamuna garu, Vani Sri garu, Rajasree garu, Jaya Malini garu, and Narasimha Raju garu, among other titans, have been introduced for this book. Also, I talked to the family members of Vittalacharya and learned about him personally. I have prepared this book with behind-the-scenes features of 39 movies directed by the iconic filmmaker. Besides, several interesting anecdotes and pieces of info have been documented for the first time ever. I am very happy that this book launch program has been held in the presence of Trivikram, who is very fond of movies and Telugu literature.”
Ravi Padi said, “The cover page of this book is made with the final painting of Eshwar garu, the senior Publicity Designer and a recipient of the Raghupathi Venkaiah Award. I am happy to receive the first copy of this book at the hands of Trivikram. Pulagam Chinnarayana researched extensively in writing this tome. He is writing the history of Telugu cinema and wants to bring out more books.”
Movie Volume Media’s Zeelan Basha Shaikh said, “Being in journalism, I am proud to step up to publish this book. Superstar Krishna unveiled the cover page of this book. It is a memory I will always cherish. Thanks to Trivikram for being here today for the launch.”
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Regards!
Pulagam Chinnarayana
