India is the nation that possesses belief in depth in mythology. All the artistic forms namely paintings, sculptures, poetry, music and dance are initiated in devotion towards the almighty and it is proved historically. The first Indian feature film produced by Dada Saheb Phalke was Raja Harishchandra like wise the first Telugu talkie film was Bhakta Prahlada which was directed by H.M.Reddy and was released in the year 1931. After this, for about a period of 8 years, the trend of production of the mythological films had been carried out. In due course of time quite a number of films, based on the stories of Indian mythologies like Ramayan, Mahabharat, Bhagavatam etc. had been produced .The technological advancement paved a way for most of the creative writers and directors to utilize their expertise to make and remake the movies of mythological subject viz. Bhakta Prahlada was made 3 times, Mayabazar -3 times, Sri Krishnaleelalu -3 times, Sampoorna Ramayanam two times and so on. Creative directors, to name a few - K.V.Reddy, Kamalakara Kameswara Rao,b.a.subba Rao’ Bapu etc. created a live form to the stories composed by writers namely Samudrala Raghavacharya. Ample artists mesmerized a vast movie audience with their performance in such movies, Nandamuri Taraka Ramarao was one of them who deserved a niche for prominence. He had revealed his talent, added to his attractive features, in playing various roles like Krishna, Rama, Bhima, Arjuna, Bheeshma, Karna, Duryodhana, Ravana, Indrajit, Lord Venkateswara, Yama etc. and proved himself matchless.
Sri Krishnarjuna Yuddham is one of the best creations of K.V.Reddy. It is based on the theatrical play Gayopakhyanam of Chilakamarti. NTR played the role of Krishna in the film and ANR played Arjuna. The live forms of K.V.Reddys creativity are quite a lot, out of which Mayabazar and Pothana are highly commended.
K.V.Reddy, known for his creative distinction, rendered his fineness through the ever memorable film Mayabazar which was released in the year 1957.The acclaimed performance of the exalted actor S.V.Ranagarao as Ghatotkacha and the laudable show of Savitri in the role of the female form of the former, would be ever lasting in the hearts of Telugu cinema audience. Her presentation in the film is being praised as never before and never after of the sort. Mayabazar is the jewel in the crown of the Telugu cinema. The film known for its versatility in its dialogue part, were penned by Pingali Nagendra Rao. The dialogues were in an undemanding language presented until which were presented in a dramatic form. The music rendered by S.Rajeswara Rao and Ghantasala lured the folks and the lyrics of the film are known by heart even by the people of current generation. Every role in the film has significance. Renowned actors namely Relangi, CSR, Ramana Reddy, Gummadi, Suryakantham, Chayadevi played the remaining roles in the film. Kamalakara Kameswara Rao whose career was commenced as an assistant director with K.V.Reddy, had created a wide set of films of the same theme with his exalted efficiency added to his talent. Film Narthanasala is one of his best creations. This is known to be another milestone of Telugu cinema in this category. The film was produced by renowned actress Lakshmirajyam. Narthanasala was screened at Jakarta film festival in which the most reputed and matchless actor S.V.Rangarao was held in high esteem. He played the role of Keechaka in this film and NTR did that of Arjuna. NTRs exhibition as Brihannala - the eunuch was extra-ordinary. Music direction for this film was taken up by Susarla Dakshinamurthy added to the marvelous melodious touch of Dr.Mangalampalli Balamurali Krishnas playback support.The talented performance of the charming, born artiste Savitri as Draupadi (Sairandhri) is laudable indeed. Relangis hilarious performance in the comic role of Uttarakumar is commendable.
Another film directed by Kamalakara Kameswara Rao was Pandava Vanavaasam in which NTR and S.V.Rangarao (SVR) played the roles of Bhima and Duryodhana respectively was held in high standing in this category (This was also the debut film of dream girl Hemamalini). Ghantasala Venkateswara Rao had rendered the musical support to the film. Gummadi, Balayya, Sobhanbabu appeared as the remaining pandavas and Savitri as Draupadi in the film. The songs in the film to mention a few Himagiri Sogasulu, Deva Deenabandhava Vidhivanchitulai Vibhavamu veedi, Mogalipoovula Chinnadana (picturised on Hemamalini) etc. have a splendid melodious touch. Until the year 1963, the Telugu audience had to opt only for monochrome movies. In the same year the first full multicolor film Lavakusa was released under the banner Lalita Siva Jyothi, produced by M.Sankar Reddy. The film Lavakusa gained the laurels as next commendable movie to the unforgettable one Mayabazar in the category of mythological movies. The direction of the film Lavakusa was handled by C.Pullayya initially but due to his sudden demise the responsibility of completing the film was vested on his son C.S.Rao. The film was applauded for its excellence in music scored by Ghantasala and highly talented performance of the artists. NTR gained the admiration of the Telugu audience for his mesmerizing performance as Rama in the film. No wonder the exalted show of the veteran, Nagayya as Valmiki was appeasing and the wonderful performance of the two kids as Lava and Kusa is ever remembered. The lyrics written by Samudrala blended with melodious vocal support of Gana Gandharva Ghantasala are still echoing