Gundamma Katha – The Story of 50 years

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There are few films in Telugu cinema which have found a place in the history and culture of Telugu people. If Maya Bazaar occupies the mythological seat in people’s hearts, Pathala Bhairavi became the eternal movie in the genre of folklore. When it comes to socials none can beat the aura of “GUNDAMMA KATHA” which when released on June 7th, 1962 became such a success story that generations of Telugus see the film just to have fun and laugh wholeheartedly at the idiosyncrasies of a Telugu household.

The premise of the film and the subsequent story, that of two brothers marrying step-sisters and bringing a reform in their mother-in-law by staging some drama in the house, is well-known. The film which was acted by the likes of NTR, ANR, Savitri, Jamuna, Haranath, L Vijayalakshmi and SVR is as famous as any mythological story. But the impressive star-cast which commands every bit of respect were for once overshadowed by two women who just reminded everyone that this is a story which can happen in any household. Suryakantham as Gundamma and Chaya Devi as Sooramma just stole the show from the stars. Ramana Reddy as the comic-villain Gantanna added to the flavor and Rajanala in a guest role provides the thrills.

The story reminds everyone that anyone can fall in bad times. Gundamma who just despises her step-daughter, Lakshmi jumps with joy on seeing her back again after Sooramma ill-treats her. Gundamma repents her own mistakes and asks Lakshmi to take her away. That scene with Suryakantham and Savitri tells it all about the reform the director, Kamalakara Kameswara Rao was talking about. Even Saroja, spoiled daughter of Gundamma is put in hardships by her husband to reform her. On the other hand, Lakshmi who suffered all through her life without complaining is given lot of happiness post-marriage. Sooramma is taught a lesson for her boorish and lecherous behaviour and even Gantanna is mildly reprimanded for his eyes on Gundamma’s property.

Gundamma Katha was directed by Kamalakara Kameswara Rao who directed previously only mythological and folklores. This film remains as his best social movie ever. The film was made on Vijaya Productions  Banner by B Nagi Reddy and Chakrapani. Gundamma Katha happens to be the most successful commercial film of Vijaya Productions and banked on the performances of the stars rather than banking on a solid script, considering the Tamil version of the same film did not succeed as the Telugu version. The reason for its success was attributed to the star cast and the performances of Suryakantham and Chaya Devi. At one point of time, Nagarjuna and Balakrishna wished to remake the film but stopped mid-way because they could not find any replacement for Suryakantham and Chaya Devi. Such was the impact of the duo on the viewers.

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The music of the film, scored by Ghantasala, remains to be a high point of the production as every song turned out to be a classic and the children who participate in the reality shows are seen singing songs from this. The melodies like, “Mounamu gaane manasu paadina” “Enta haayi ee reyi” “prema yaatralaku” “sannaga veeche challagaaliki” and the satires on the society, “lechindi nidra lechindi” “Veshamu maarchenu”, the devotional “aligina velani choodaali” and the playful, “kolo kolo anna” remain as the some of the musical classics.

The film had amazing cinematography from Vijaya’s regular DOP, Marcus Bartley. He captured the outdoor shots as beautifully as he captured the studio sets. The song “kolo kolo anna” is best remembered for its choreography of which one couple, ANR and Jamuna is placed on the first storey of the house and the second couple, NTR and Savitri were placed on the ground floor. All the four actors are never to be found in a single frame and even the shoot was done in different time zones, yet the impact on screen was magical. The direction, choreography, editing and cinematography were perfect that the viewer could never point out the reality. Such was the dedication and perfection, the technicians and artists of the day gave to their work.

GUNDAMMA KATHA remains as a greatest commercial entertainer of Telugu cinema. Generations of Telugus pass on this film as a gift to their future generations. For the past 50 years the film is getting newer fan base and remains as an evergreen entertainer.