Chennai: “Iconic films like ‘Mayabazar’ still continue to hold a charm among the masses and legendary movie makers like B Nagi Reddi deserve the credit for producing such magnificent movies,” said Telugu cine lyricist Vennelakanti.
He made these reference while felicitating Nagi Reddi’s son, B Viswanatha Reddi. Veteran actors Gollapudi Maruti Rao, T Rajasree and Chandra Mohan were also honoured at the event in recognition of their work in the Telugu film industry.
” ‘Mayabazar’ continues to be popular even with my children,” said Vennelakanti reminding that a couple of popular scenes are repeatedly watched by them even now. The movie-maker, Nagi Reddi, is also known for ‘Chandamama’ magazine, he said.
The epic magazine that came out in multiple languages, focused on taking our cultural values to the future generations, he said.
It would be not be wrong say that there would be no Telugu who hasn’t seen a Nagi Reddi movie and who hasn’t read ‘Chandamama’, he said, and added that it is happy that his son Viswanatha Reddi is carrying forward that legacy.
Speaking in praise of Gollapudi Maruti Rao, Vennelakanti said the veteran actor rose from the position of being a writer to that of being the most recognised actor through sheer hard work.
South Indian Cine Cultural Association (SICCA) president, P Subba Reddy, said they are working to establish a world-class studio for films at Nellore district in Andhra Pradesh and would be completed in two years.
Former deputy director of International Film Festival of India, Srinivas Santanam, said they will be conducting an international short film festival from 26 to 28 December in Nellore, where film enthusiasts can showcase short films which can be up to 20 minutes in duration.
The films can be shot in three categories – short fiction, short documentary and short animation. The best film in each category will be awarded a prize of Rs 1 lakh, he said.
Veteran actors Bhanu Chander, Ambika, Jayamalini, music director Vidyasagar were among others present.