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Mayadari Malligadu (transl. Deceiver Malli) is a 1973 Indian Telugu-language drama film directed by Adurthi Subba Rao. The film stars Krishna and Manjula in lead roles, with Jayanthi, Anjali Devi, Nagabhushanam, and Padmanabham in pivotal roles. It marks the debut of Manjula as a lead actress and features Krishna in the role of a bold, rebellious protagonist.

The film was both a critical and commercial success, boosted by its memorable soundtrack composed by K. V. Mahadevan, with songs like "Navvuthu Bratakalira" becoming iconic. The film also helped launch the career of screenwriter Satyanand, marking the start of his significant contributions to Telugu cinema.

Plot

The film follows a righteous man (played by Krishna) who confronts societal injustices and corruption.

Cast

• Krishna
• Manjula
• Jayanthi
• Anjali Devi
• Nagabhushanam
• Prasanna Rani
• Padmanabham
• Raja Babu
• Kantha Rao
• Master Ramu
• K. V. Chalam

Production

Development

Director Adurthi Subba Rao faced challenges during the production of Maayadari Malligadu. After setbacks in the Hindi film industry, he returned to Telugu cinema with plans to cast newcomers, including Sarath Babu as the lead. Inspired by his earlier success with Thene Manasulu (1965), which introduced new talent, Subba Rao aimed to replicate that formula. However, his colleagues advised against the financial risks of working with newcomers and suggested approaching Krishna, whom Subba Rao had launched as a lead actor in Thene Manasulu (1965). Subba Rao met Krishna, who immediately agreed to star in the film, providing his call sheets without hesitation and prioritizing the project to support his mentor.

Pre-production

Subba Rao initially planned to produce Maayadari Malligadu in black-and-white to reduce costs. Annapurna Distributors, who agreed to distribute the film, set a condition that it be made in black-and-white with a budget cap of ₹8 lakh. Subba Rao accepted these terms. However, Krishna opposed the idea, recalling Subba Rao's earlier achievement of making Thene Manasulu in colour, despite it featuring newcomers with no established market. Krishna insisted that Maayadari Malligadu also be filmed in colour, offering to arrange the necessary film stock, which was scarce and difficult to procure at the time. Using his influence, Krishna secured the colour film, ensuring the production retained its artistic quality.

Cast and crew

The film featured Krishna in an unconventional role for a social drama, portraying a character who stands against injustice and corruption. His appearance was marked by a distinctive look, including a checked lungi, thin shirt, scarf around the neck, wide belt, and a stick. This unique presentation, combined with the character's bold and assertive personality, contributed to the film's appeal and left a lasting impression on audiences.

Maayadari Malligadu marked the first collaboration between Krishna and Manjula as co-stars. Although Manjula had appeared in a few Telugu films before, this was her debut as a lead actress. Her performance and screen presence were widely appreciated, particularly by younger audiences, establishing her as a popular actress.

Maayadari Malligadu also marked the debut of Paidipalli Satyanand, director Adurthi Subba Rao's nephew, who wrote the dialogues for the film. Initially an assistant director, Subba Rao encouraged Satyanand to switch to screenwriting. After Satyanand wrote dialogues for scenes around a song with Krishna and Manjula, Subba Rao was impressed and mentored him in screenwriting. Success of Maayadari Malligadu led to further opportunities, launching his career as a screenwriter.

Music

The soundtrack, composed by K. V. Mahadevan, significantly contributed to the film's success. Songs such as "Navvutu Bataalira,", and "Malle Pandiri Needalona," became timeless classics.

Reception

Critical reception

Maayadari Malligadu was well-received by both critics and audiences. Krishna's performance, along with those of Jayanthi and Anjali Devi, was praised. Jayanthi's performance stood out, while Anjali Devi's acting was also appreciated. The music by K. V. Mahadevan, featuring popular songs, was another highlight of the film.

Box office

Produced on a budget of ₹11 lakh, the film grossed ₹13 lakh share within 40 days of its release. Krishna took the Guntur region distribution rights as part of his remuneration. However, the film's withdrawal from several centers on its 49th day, despite its popularity, led to disappointment among fans.

Legacy

The film remains a notable film in Krishna's career, celebrated for its engaging narrative, distinctive character design, and memorable music. It is also notable for Manjula's debut as a lead actress and Krishna's efforts to support his mentor, Adurthi Subba Rao.

Mayadari Malligadu also marked the debut of Paidipalli Satyanand, the nephew of director Adurthi Subba Rao, who wrote the dialogues for the film. Initially an assistant director, Satyanand was encouraged by Subba Rao to transition to screenwriting, which led to a successful career spanning over 400 films.

References

1. "Mayadari Malligadu (1973)". Indiancine.ma. Retrieved 28 November 2024.
2. ^ "Super Star Krishna: అలా గురుదక్షిణ చెల్లించుకున్న సూపర్ స్టార్." Chitra Jyothy (in Telugu). Andhra Jyothy. 23 June 2024. Retrieved 28 November 2024.
3. ^ Dogiparthi Subrahmanyam (24 June 2024). "కృష్ణ... మాయదారి మల్లిగాడు కాదు... మంచి మనసున్న మల్లిగాడే..." [Krishna... Not Mayadari Malligadu, but a Good-hearted Malligadu]. Muchata (in Telugu). Retrieved 28 November 2024.
4. ^ "'I cherish that compliment'". The Hindu. 3 November 2012. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 28 November 2024.
5. Mayadari Malligadu Full Movie. Telugu Movies. Event occurs at 5:05. Retrieved 2 November 2024 – via YouTube.

External links

• Mayadari Malligadu at IMDb

• 1970s Telugu-language films
• 1970s Indian films
• 1973 films
• Films directed by Adurthi Subba Rao
• Films scored by K. V. Mahadevan