Jandhyala
Jandhyala Subrahmanya Sastry (14 January 1951 – 19 June 2001), known mononymously by his surname Jandhyala, was an Indian film director, screenwriter, playwright, and actor known for his works in Telugu cinema and Telugu theatre.[3] He is popularly known as Hasya Brahma (transl. Brahma of comedy).[1][4] In a career spanning more than two decades, he directed over 40 films and wrote the dialogue for more than 300 films.[2][5] He won three state Nandi Awards one each for Best Director, Best Story Writer, and Best Dialogue Writer and one Filmfare Award for Best Director – Telugu.[6] The Hindu referred to him as the 'King of Comedy in Tollywood'.[3][7]
Jandhyala | |
|---|---|
| Born | Jandhyala Subrahmanya Sastry[1] 14 January 1951[2] |
| Died | 19 June 2001 (aged 50)[2] |
| Other names | Hasya Brahma |
| Occupations | |
| Awards | Padma Shri[citation needed] |
Jandhyala was interested in theatre right from his childhood. In his college days, he wrote many plays that became popular.[8][9] He later entered the film industry in 1976 and established himself as a versatile writer penning commercial blockbusters such as Adavi Ramudu (1977), Vetagadu (1979) as well as critically-acclaimed films like Siri Siri Muvva (1976), Sankarabharanam (1980).[6][10][11]
He later turned director with the film Mudda Mandaram (1981). His notable films as a director include Nalugu Sthambalata (1982), Ananda Bhairavi (1983), Srivariki Premalekha (1984), Rendu Rellu Aaru (1986), Seetharama Kalyanam (1986), Chantabbai (1986), Padamati Sandhya Ragam (1987), Aha Naa Pellanta! (1987), Vivaha Bhojanambu (1988), Choopulu Kalasina Subhavela (1988), Jayammu Nischayammu Raa (1989), Babai Hotel (1992).[10][12]
He also wrote the dialogue for National Award-winning films such as Saptapadi (1981), Seethakoka Chilaka (1981), Sagara Sangamam (1983), and Swathi Kiranam (1992).[4] His other famous works as a writer include Sommokadidi Sokokadidi (1978), Nireekshana (1986), Aakhari Poratam (1988), Jagadeka Veerudu Athiloka Sundari (1990), Aditya 369 (1991), Govinda Govinda (1994). He also acted in the 1992 film Aapadbandhavudu which won him critical acclaim.[8][10]
Jandhyala introduced Naresh, Dharmavarapu Subramanyam, Suthi Velu to Telugu cinema.[12][13][14][9] Actors like Brahmanandam, Rajendra Prasad, Kota Srinivasa Rao, Suthi Veerabhadra Rao, Gundu Hanumantha Rao, Sri Lakshmi became established comic actors through his films.[3][6][10]
Early life edit
Jandhyala was born as 'Jandhyala Venkata Durga Siva Subrahmanya Sastry' into a middle-class family on 14 January 1951 in Narasapuram, West Godavari district of present-day Andhra Pradesh.[1][10] He completed his B.Com in SRR & CVR Govt. Degree College in Vijayawada.[3][12] C. Aswani Dutt, who would later go on to become a noted producer, was Jandhyala's childhood friend. They were classmates from fourth standard till their graduation and also lived in neighbouring houses.[15]
He acted as a child artist in the drama troupe of Vinnakota Ramanna Pantulu. He continued acting in his college days. In 1969, he won the best actor prize for Tasmath Jagratha at an inter-university drama competition.[8] His first short story was published in Andhra Prabha when he was only 12. Jandhyala once noted, "Kanyasulkam and Keerthi Seshulu inspired me to write stage plays. I read them several times like text books''.[8] The first play written by him was Jeevana Jyothi. His later plays like Ek Din Ka Sultan, Gundelu Marchabadunu, O Cheekati Ratri, Mandodari Mahila Mandali etc. became popular.[3][6] Ek Din Ka Sultan won him accolades and was translated into several languages. His social play Sandhyaraagamlo Sankhaaraavam was acclaimed and paved the way for his entry into the film industry.[3][8]
Career edit
In 1974, Jandhyala came to Chennai to stage his play Sandhyaraagamlo Sankhaaraavam. The veteran filmmaker B. N. Reddy who watched the play was so impressed that he signed Jandhyala to work on a film based on the Beenadevi novel O Punya Bhoomi Kallu Theru. Due to B. N. Reddy's ill health, the project did not materialise.[16][8]
Later, A. Ananda Mohan signed him for Pelli Kani Pelli and V. Hanuman Prasad signed him for Devudu Chesina Bommalu. His first released film was Devudu Chesina Bommalu (1976).[6] Pelli Kani Pelli released later in 1977. K. Viswanath's Siri Siri Muvva (1976) became a big hit and Jandhyala became popular as a writer.[8][2] He established himself as a versatile writer penning commercial potboilers such as Adavi Ramudu (1977), Vetagadu (1979) as well as critically-acclaimed films like Seetamalakshmi (1976), Sankarabharanam (1980). He was a very busy writer from 1976–1981 and wrote nearly 200 films in those five years. He worked in various roles as a story writer, screenplay writer, and dialogue writer. He was working on four or five films at any given time during that period.[16]
Jandhyala turned director with the film Mudda Mandaram in the year 1981.[10] He continued writing other directors' films while directing his own films.[9] As Jandhyala noted in one of his last interviews, he wrote over 150 films from 1981–2001 and directed a total of 42 films.[16] After Mudda Mandaram, he directed the romantic drama Nalugu Stambhalata (1982), and the Telugu-Kannada bilingual dance film Ananda Bhairavi (1983) which was screened at the International Film Festival of India. Ananda Bhairavi won the state Nandi Awards for Best Feature Film, Best Direction, and Best Story.
He then directed the dramedy works such as Rendu Jella Sita (1983), Srivariki Premalekha, (1984), Rendu Rellu Aaru (1986), Chantabbai (1986), Padamati Sandhya Ragam (1987), Vivaha Bhojanambu (1988), Choopulu Kalasina Subhavela (1988).[11] Padamati Sandhya Ragam received the Filmfare Award for Best Film – Telugu, and Nandi Award for Best Story.[17] Other films he directed during this time include a film on national integration called Nelavanka (1983), Amarajeevi (1983), a romance film with Akkineni Nageswara Rao and Jaya Prada, and Seetharama Kalyanam (1986) starring Balakrishna and Rajani. The last film he directed was Vichitram (1998) which starred Ghazal Srinivas in the lead role.[6][12]
Jandhyala also wrote the dialogue for National Award winning films such as Sankarabharanam (1980), Saptapadi (1981), Seethakoka Chiluka (1981), Sagara Sangamam (1983), and Swathi Kiranam (1992).[4] His other famous works as a writer include Sommokadidi Sokokadidi (1978), Nireekshana (1986), Aakhari Poratam (1988), Jagadeka Veerudu Athiloka Sundari (1990), Aditya 369 (1991), Govinda Govinda (1994). Jandhyala listed Sankarabharanam, Saptapadi, Adavi Ramudu as his favourite films among those he penned the dialogues for.[5]
In a film career spanning twenty five years, Jandhyala won three state Nandi Awards and a Filmfare Award South. He collaborated with directors K. Raghavendra Rao and K. Viswanath on many of their hit films.[8] E. V. V. Satyanarayana worked as an assistant director to Jandhyala in 22 films for eight years and later went on to become a noted director.[18][19][20] Jandhyala also wrote children's stories, and more than 27 stage and radio plays. He also acted in hundreds of stage plays in his career.[2] He was also a popular television anchor and wrote television scripts. He was also an occasional dubbing artist and lent his voice in a few films.[8]
Death edit
Following a massive heart attack, he died on 19 June 2001, aged 50. He had completed his silver jubilee year in film industry.[7][12][21]
Filmmaking edit
Though famous as a comedy director, he directed films in other genres too. Drama film Nelavanka, dance film Ananda Bhairavi, romance films Amarajeevi, Seeta Rama Kalyanam are some of his famous films in non-comedy genres.
Jandhyala disliked ribald comedy. He preferred simple and natural dialogues. He believed that dialogues should be realistic conversations with which the audience could easily identify themselves with, and enjoy.[8] Regarding his comedic style, A. Saye Sekhar of The Hindu writes,
"In his dialogue-writing and also direction in his time, Jandhyala took sensitive potshots at the doings of assorted nabobs, stuffed shirts in typical Telugu families, village footpads, miserable misers, secret polluters, tax evaders, preening lawyers, idiosyncratic doctors, oily accountants, defendants who got off too easily and celebrities who talked too much."[3]
In his career as a screenwriter, he worked in various roles as a story writer, screenplay writer, and dialogue writer. As a screenwriter, Jandhyala was known for his versatility penning commercial blockbusters such as Adavi Ramudu, Vetagadu as well as critically-acclaimed films like Siri Siri Muvva, Sankarabharanam.[10][9][11] He wrote films in various genres like the action film Aakhari Poratam, fantasy film Jagadeka Veerudu Athiloka Sundari, science fiction film Aditya 369, supernatural thriller Govinda Govinda, films based on classical art forms like Siri Siri Muvva, Sankarabharanam, Sagara Sangamam, Swathi Kiranam.
Legacy edit
Actors like Rajendra Prasad, Brahmanandam, Naresh, Kota Srinivasa Rao, Suthi Velu, Suthi Veerabhadra Rao, Gundu Hanumantha Rao, Sri Lakshmi became established comic actors through his films.[3][10][12][14]
Jandhyala is popularly known as 'Hasya Brahma' (transl. Brahma of comedy).[1][4] The Hindu referred to him as the 'King of Comedy in Tollywood'.[3][7] Idlebrain.com noted, "Before his movies, comedy was a small part of movies and comedians were sidekicks to the hero or villain. Jandhyala proved to the Telugu film industry that comedy can itself be a full-length subject and achieved a great success in this endeavor."[11] His films are well known as clean entertainers affable to the family audiences without any obscene language or double entendre.[11]
Aha Naa Pellanta! is considered one of the best comedy films in Telugu cinema.[8][2] A bronze bust of Jandhyala was put up on the premises of Tummalapalli Kalakshetram in Vijayawada in January 2005.[3]
Brahmanandam considered Jandhyala to be the best comedy director he has ever worked with.[22] Noted screenwriter V. Vijayendra Prasad expressed his admiration for Jandhyala.[23] Filmmaker Tharun Bhascker mentions Jandhyala as one of the inspirations on his directorial sensibilities.[24][25] Director and screenwriter Anil Ravipudi cited Jandhyala as the biggest inspiration in his career. "I grew up watching Jandhyala films. I have watched video cassettes of all his films. He provided healthy comedy. I took inspiration from him to provide entertainment in all my films," he said.[26]
Filmography edit
- As director
| Year | Film | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1981 | Mudda Mandaram | |
| 1982 | Malle Pandiri | |
| 1982 | Nalugu Stambhalata | |
| 1983 | Nelavanka | |
| 1983 | Rendu Jella Sita | |
| 1983 | Amarajeevi | |
| 1983 | Moodu Mullu | |
| 1984 | Ananda Bhairavi | Simultaneously shot in Kannada |
| 1984 | Srivariki Premalekha | |
| 1984 | Rama Rao Gopal Rao | |
| 1985 | Puttadi Bomma | |
| 1985 | Babai Abbai | |
| 1985 | Srivari Sobhanam | |
| 1985 | Mogudu Pellalu | |
| 1985 | Muddula Manavaralu | |
| 1986 | Rendu Rella Aaru | |
| 1986 | Seeta Rama Kalyanam | |
| 1986 | Chantabbai | |
| 1987 | Padamati Sandhya Ragam | |
| 1987 | Raga Leela | |
| 1987 | Satyagraham | |
| 1987 | Aha Naa Pellanta | |
| 1988 | Chinni Krishnudu | |
| 1988 | Vivaha Bhojanambu | |
| 1988 | Neeku Naaku Pellanta | |
| 1988 | Choopulu Kalasina Subhavela | |
| 1989 | Hai Hai Nayaka | |
| 1989 | Jayammu Nischayammu Raa | |
| 1990 | Prema Zindabad | |
| 1991 | Ladies Special | |
| 1991 | Bava Bava Panneru | |
| 1991 | Prema Enta Madhuram | |
| 1991 | Vichitra Prema | |
| 1992 | Babai Hotel | |
| 1994 | Aa Aaa E Ee | |
| 1994 | Shhh. Gup Chup | |
| 1996 | Oho Naa Pellanta | |
| 1998 | Vichitram |
- As dialogue writer
- Siri Siri Muvva (1976)
- Adavi Ramudu (1977)
- Amara Deepam (1977)
- Seetamalakshmi (1978)
- Sommokadidi Sokokadidi (1979)
- Tayaramma Bangarayya (1979)
- Driver Ramudu (1979)
- Viyyala vari Kayyalu (1979)
- Vetagadu (1979)
- Burripalem Bullodu (1979)
- Bhale Krishnudu (1980)
- Sankarabharanam (1980)
- Mama Allulla Saval (1980)
- Amavasya Chandrudu (1980)
- Rowdy Ramudu Konte Krishnudu (1980)
- Subhodhayam (1980)
- Saptapadi (1981)
- Seethakoka Chilaka (1981)
- Sagara Sangamam (1983)
- Vijetha (1985)
- Pasivadi Pranam (1987)
- Aakhari Poratam (1988)
- Jagadeka Veerudu Athiloka Sundari (1990)
- Aditya 369 (1991)
- Swathi Kiranam (1992)
- Aapadbandhavudu (1992)
- Abbayigaru (1993)
- Govinda Govinda (1994)
- Sri Sita Ramula Kalyanam Chootamu Raarandi (1998)
- As actor
- Rendu Rellu Aaru (1986)
- Aapadbandhavudu (1992)
- As dubbing artist
- Gandhi (1982) – Telugu dubbing for Roshan Seth as Jawaharlal Nehru[2]
- Padamati Sandhyaragam (1987) – for Meer Abdulla who plays uncle
- Choopulu Kalasina Subhavela (1988) – for Sutti Veerabhadra Rao[27]
- Donga Donga (1993) – Telugu version of Mani Ratnam's Thiruda Thiruda (for Salim Ghouse)
- Bharateeyudu (1996) – Telugu version of Indian (for Nedumudi Venu)
- Bhama Ne Satyabhama Ne (1996) – Telugu version of Avvai Shanmughi (for Gemini Ganesan)
- Iddaru (1997) – Telugu version of Iruvar (for Prakash Raj)
- Arunachalam (1997) – Telugu version of Arunachalam (for Visu)
- Merupu Kalalu (1997) (for Girish Karnad)
Awards edit
- 1984, Best Director – Ananda Bhairavi[28]
- 1987, Best Story Writer – Padamati Sandhya Ragam[28]
- 1992, Best Dialogue Writer – Aapadbandhavudu[28]
Other awards edit
- Madras Film Fans Award
- Andhra Pradesh Film Journalists Award
- Vijayawada Film Journalists Award
- Vamsi Award
- Kalasagar Award
- Andhra Pradesh Cinegoers Award
References edit
- ^ a b c d A. S., Sashidhar (13 June 2012). "'Jandhyala' is his surname". The Times of India. Retrieved 28 September 2020.
- ^ a b c d e f g Pandya, Haresh (3 August 2001). "Obituary: Jandhyala Sastri". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 28 September 2020.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j Sekhar, A. Saye (29 January 2005). . The Hindu. Archived from the original on 3 December 2013. Retrieved 6 August 2022.
- ^ a b c d "Jandhyala remembered". The Hindu. 15 January 2016.
- ^ a b (PDF). Zamin Ryot (in Telugu). 15 October 1999. p. 9. Archived from the original (PDF) on 13 September 2016. Retrieved 11 November 2022.
- ^ a b c d e f "సినీ హాస్యజగతికి వరమాల.. జంధ్యాల..!". Zee News (in Telugu). 14 January 2018. Retrieved 29 July 2022.
- ^ a b c "Andhra Pradesh / Vijayawada News : Rich tributes paid to Jandhyala". The Hindu. 20 June 2006. Archived from the original on 6 September 2012. Retrieved 7 September 2012.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k M. L., Narasimham (29 June 2001). . The Hindu. Archived from the original on 4 June 2015. Retrieved 5 August 2022.
- ^ a b c d Krishna (14 January 2020). "కామెడీని కొత్త పుంతలు తొక్కించిన హాస్యబ్రహ్మ". HMTV (in Telugu). Retrieved 4 August 2022.
- ^ a b c d e f g h Thanjavaur, Kiran Kumar (19 June 2020). "స్మృతిలో జంధ్యాల వర్ధంతి: తెలుగు సినీ హాస్య ప్రపంచంలో సరిలేరు మీకెక్వరు." News18 Telugu. Retrieved 28 September 2020.
- ^ a b c d e Sreekanth, D (14 January 2004). "Jandhyala - great director of Telugu cinema". Idlebrain.com. Retrieved 6 August 2022.
- ^ a b c d e f "Tribute – Jandhyala – Telugu film director and writer". Idlebrain.com. 19 June 2001. Retrieved 7 September 2012.
- ^ Seshagiri, Sangeetha (22 December 2013). "Celebrity Deaths 2013: Remembering Srihari, AVS, Dharmavarapu Subramanyam and Other Telugu Film Personalities". IBTimes. Retrieved 29 July 2022.
- ^ a b Rao, P. Surya (30 June 2011). "Tribute to a legend". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 4 August 2022.
- ^ Producer C. Aswani Dutt || Cheppalani Vundhi | 18th September 2021, retrieved 3 August 2022 From 2:05 to 3:02
- ^ a b c అట్లూరి, శ్రీ. . Jandhya Vandanam. Archived from the original on 15 March 2017. Retrieved 6 August 2022.
- ^ "35th Annual Filmfare Awards South Winners : Santosh : Free Download &…". archive.is. 5 February 2017. Archived from the original on 5 February 2017. Retrieved 2 March 2019.
- ^ "Telugu film director Satyanarayana passes away". News18. 22 January 2011. Retrieved 4 August 2022.
- ^ "Remembering EVV Satyanarayana". 123telugu.com. 10 June 2013. Retrieved 4 August 2022.
- ^ "Can you imagine a climax with only comedians? - EVV can!". IndiaGlitz.com. 10 June 2020. Retrieved 6 August 2022.
- ^ . The Hindu. 4 June 2015. Archived from the original on 4 June 2015. Retrieved 4 August 2022.
- ^ "Brahmanandam - chitchat - Telugu cinema actor". Idlebrain.com. 4 January 2006. Retrieved 8 August 2022.
- ^ Nachaki, Sri (10 December 2004). . Telugucinema.com. Archived from the original on 11 December 2004.
- ^ Jandhyala is the Major Inspiration for me says #PelliChoopulu - Tharun Bhascker | Latest l Interview, 29 July 2016, retrieved 6 August 2022; From 4:07
- ^ Tharun Bhascker About Mani Ratnam And Jandhyala || Dialogue With Prema, 17 January 2018, retrieved 6 August 2022
- ^ Kavirayani, Suresh (9 January 2020). "'Jandhyala is my inspiration'". Deccan Chronicle. Retrieved 6 August 2022.
- ^ "Jandhyala dubs for Sutti Veerabhadra Rao". The Times of India. Retrieved 4 August 2022.
- ^ a b c "నంది అవార్డు విజేతల పరంపర (1964–2008)" [A series of Nandi Award Winners (1964–2008)] (PDF). Information & Public Relations of Andhra Pradesh. Retrieved 21 August 2020.(in Telugu)
- ^ "Collections". 1991.
External links edit
- Jandhyala at IMDb