| Premavijayam | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Kruthivennu Nageswara Rao |
| Written by | Kruthivennu Nageswara Rao |
| Starring | Prabhala Krishnamurthy P. S. Sarma P. Rama Rao K. Rangarao M. Ramachandramurthi Nukaraju Rajyam B. Rajalakshmi |
| Music by | Munuvanti Venkateswara Rao |
| Production company | Indian Art Cinetone |
| Release date |
|
| Running time | 133 minutes |
| Country | India |
| Language | Telugu |
Prema Vijayam (transl. Triumph of love) is a 1936 Telugu-language drama film directed by Kruthivennu Nageswara Rao. Produced by Indian Art Cinetone, it is recognized as the first social film in Telugu cinema. At a time when mythological films dominated the industry, Prema Vijayam introduced contemporary social themes, making it a groundbreaking work in Telugu cinema.
The film was adapted from Nageswara Rao's original stage play and is considered the first Telugu film to break away from mythological themes. The plot centers on two lovers who face opposition from their parents before finally coming together. It is often viewed as a precursor to the Rohini and Vauhini Telugu melodramas.
Despite its significance, the film was a commercial failure, and many details about its production remain obscure. However, available information reveals that Prabhala Krishnamurthy played the lead role and music was composed by Munuvanti Venkateswara Rao with lyrics written by poet Vedula Satyanarayana Sastry.
Nevertheless, Prema Vijayam paved the way for the future of social films, inspiring filmmakers to explore contemporary issues in cinema. The story revolved around themes of college life, student relationships, and local elections, addressing modern social issues like widow remarriage, which was a major topic of discussion in society at the time. The film also reflects a desire for independence in the colonial era.
Cast
Source:
- Prabhala Krishnamurthy
- P. S. Sarma
- P. Rama Rao
- K. Ranga Rao
- M. Ramachandramurthi
- Nookaraju
- Rajyam
- B. Rajalakshma Bhagavathar
Legacy
Although Prema Vijayam did not succeed commercially, it remains a significant milestone as the first social film in Telugu cinema. Its daring approach to depicting real-life societal challenges opened the door for future social films, making it a precursor to films that addressed contemporary issues.
References
- A.P. Year Book. Hyderabad Publications & Newspapers. 1982. p. 51.
- Yojana. Vol. 39. Publications Division, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. 1995. p. 121.
- ^ Mareswara Rao, Akkina (1997). Cultural and Ideological Mediation of Telugu Cinema in Colonial Andhra's Past (1931–1947) (PDF). University of Hyderabad. p. 104.
- ^ "తెలుగు వెండితెరపై స్వరాజ్య గళం". ETV Bharat News (in Telugu). 15 August 2022. Retrieved 22 October 2024.
- "Prema Vijayam (1936)". Indiancine.ma. Retrieved 22 October 2024.
- ^ Rajadhyaksha, Ashish; Willemen, Paul (2014). Encyclopedia of Indian Cinema. Routledge. p. 1401. ISBN 978-1-135-94325-7.
- "Prema Vijayam (1936)". Cinemaazi.com.
- Rentala Jayadeva. Tharam Marindi! Swaram Marindi! - Eemata. Retrieved 22 October 2024.
- "పాడవోయి…భారతీయుడా…". Prajasakti (in Telugu). 5 August 2024. Retrieved 22 October 2024.