LAVAKUSA, one of the perennial classics of Telugu cinema completes Golden Jubilee this 29th March 2013. Having released on the same day 50 years back [29th March, 1963], this antique masterpiece starring stalwarts like N.T.R and Anjali Devi, directed by Chitthajallu Pullaiah-C.S. Rao duo [notably father and son] and produced by Shankar Reddy under Lalitha Siva Jyothi banner has been entertaining the Telugu audience over generations.
On this eve, iQlikmovies presents some lesser known facts about the classic –
Birth of LavaKusa - LavaKusa takes its origin from the epic legend ‘Uttara Ramayana Charitha’.
First version of LavaKusa - LavaKusa has actually become the most popular mythological Telugu film series having an earlier version of LavaKusa made in 1934 (under East India Company banner), much before than the NTR-Anjali Devi version mentioned here. It is again remade in 2011 by the name ‘Sri Rama Rajyam’.
The birth of LavaKusa – Shankar Reddy, the producer of LavaKusa (1963) earlier produced a film by name ‘Charanadasi’ starring N.T.R, AN.R, Anjali Devi and others. In one of the scenes of the film carrying an episode of the ‘Sita Agni Pariksha’ [Fire Test of Sita], N.T.R and Anjali Devi enacted the characters of Lord Rama and Goddess Sita respectively. Impressed by their impeccable performances, the idea of adapting ‘Uttara Rama Charitha’ casting N.T.R and Anjali Devi sprung up in Shankar Reddy. This eventually led to the evergreen LavaKusa.
Legendary pens of LavaKusa – Despite its inspirational origin, the script of LavaKusa were predominantly penned by eminent writer Vempati Sada Siva Brahmam. A few poems and writings of revered writers like Kankanti Papa Raju, Duvvuri Rami Reddy were taken in for this film. Along with other senior writers Samudrala and Kosaraju, Sada Siva Brahmam also penned a few poems for the film.
Music of LavaKusa - The memorable music of LavaKusa which adorns ageless songs like “Vinudu vinudu Ramayana gaadha…”, “Sandehinchakumamma Seethamma…”, “Ye nimushaniki emi jaruguno…” were composed by yet another legendary singer and composer Ghantasala Venkateswara Rao. The audio of LavaKusa still echoes or rather remained a carol of our festive celebrations.
Making of LavaKusa, not a cakewalk - But this epic was neither an easy piece of cake nor it had a clear sailing. It was flagged off in the year 1958 itself. But, various financial blockades and frequent health problems of director C. Pullaiah put spanners in the works all through its journey. But, the makers remained undeterred despite many blockades and movie released after five long years in 1963- Bows to their conviction and commitment!
Triumphic Second release - In today’s world where we boast about 100 days and 365 day films, LavaKusa was the film which adorns a 100 day run in the second release as well - A rare feat in fact!
