Early development: 1912–1930
The Telugu film industry originated with silent films in 1912, with the production and release of Bhisma Pratighna in 1921. The film was directed by Raghupathi Venkaiah Naidu and his son R. S. Prakash. The two, along with Yaragudipati Varada Rao, would go on to produce and direct dozens of films throughout the decade, casting theater actors in major roles. They established a long-lasting precedent of focusing exclusively on religious themes; Nandanar, Gajendra Moksham, and Matsyavatar, three of their most famous productions, centered on religious figures, parables, and morals.
Rise of the talkie: 1931–1947
Promotional poster of the 1931 film Bhakta Prahlada the first south Indian talkie film directed by H. M. Reddy, to have a theatrical release Promotional poster of Tyagayya directed by Chittor V. Nagaiah, one of the first multilingual film actor, singer, music composer, producer and director's in India. He was also known as Paul Muni of India in the media.In 1931, the first Telugu film with audible dialogue, Bhakta Prahlada, was produced by H.M. Reddy. Popularly known as talkies, films with sound quickly grew in number and popularity. In 1934, the industry saw its first major commercial success with Lavakusa. Directed by C. Pullaiah and starring Parupalli Subbarao and Sriranjani in lead roles, the film attracted unprecedented numbers of viewers to theaters and thrust the young film industry into mainstream culture.
By 1936, the mass appeal of film allowed directors to move away from religious and mythological themes. That year, under the direction of Krithiventi Nageswara Rao, Prema Vijayam, a film focusing on social issues, was released. Its success prompted the production of dozens of other immensely successful 'social films', notably 1939's Vandemataram and Maala Pilla. Touching on societal problems like the status of Untouchables and the practice of giving dowry, Telugu films increasingly focused on contemporary living: 29 of the 96 films released between 1937 and 1947 had social themes.
The outbreak of World War II and the subsequent resource scarcity caused the British Raj to impose a limit on the use of filmstrip in 1943 to 11,000 feet, a sharp reduction from the 20,000 feet that had been common till then. As a result, the number of films produced during the war was substantially lower than in previous years. Nonetheless, before the ban, an important shift occurred in the industry: independent studios formed, actors and actresses were signed to contracts limiting who they could work for, and films moved from social themes to folklore legends.
START OF THE TOLLYWOOD:
START OF THE TOLLYWOOD:
The very first movie of TOLLYWOOD was BHAKTHA PRAHLADHA released in 1931
This movie was produced by H.M. REDDY. Popularly known as Talkies, films with sound quickly grew in number and popularity.
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| Paper advertisement of the movie |
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| H.M Reddy garu |
This movie was produced by H.M. REDDY. Popularly known as Talkies, films with sound quickly grew in number and popularity.
