The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Hyderabad News : They have much to laugh about

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Dec 12, 2006
ePaper

Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

They have much to laugh about

K.V.S. Madhav

Cine comedians play solo heroes, deliver hits. For now, the laughter brigade is in the driving seat in Telugu filmdom

ALL SMILES: Sunil's `Andhala Ramudu' is a runaway hit.

HYDERABAD: With big stars and their mighty productions on a suicidal mode with their clichéd themes biting the dust, it is raining comedies again in Telugu cinema much to the relief of the entertainment-starved and hype-abused audiences.

If the success of `Bhagyalakshmi Bumper Draw,' featuring the entire comedy clan of Telugu cinema, is a reflection of the trend, the re-emergence of the comedy solo hero is another.

Leading comedians of Telugu cinema are being roped in for solo hero roles. Comedian Sunil who made it big with `Andhala Ramudu', one of the big hits of 2006, was flooded with offers and his next film as solo hero `Banthi' is going to the floors soon.

Ali's repeat act

Ali, who clicked as solo hero a decade back with `Yamaleela', is doing a repeat act with `Gundamma Manavadu'. In fact, he along with Venumadhav, the toast of Telugu comedy today, paired up for `Hungama', directed by S.V. Krishna Reddy early this year.

Venumadhav, the highest paid comedian, continues his tryst with herogiri with director Siva Nageswara Rao's film on the land craze sweeping Hyderabad, `Bhukailas'!

A comedian with flair for subtle yet sharp wit Krishna Bhagawan played the male lead along with Sivaji in `Tata Birla Madhyalo Laila' and industry insiders say he is poised to become solo hero with the curiously titled `Kassak'!

A protégé of maverick director Vamsi, he has played a variety of character roles before shifting to fulltime comedy.

The modern Telugu film firmament witnessed comedy's golden era in the late 80s and early 90s with the doyen of Telugu comedy Jandhyala, Vamsi, E.V.V. Satyanarayana, Relangi Narasimha Rao and S.V. Krishna Reddy tickling the funny bone.

The pioneer

Rajendra Prasad institutionalised the concept of comedy hero. So much so that big heroes too were forced to make comedy an integral element of their roles. EVV's son `Allari' Naresh stepped into the shoes of Rajendra Prasad and is ready with his new offering, `Seema Sastry'!

But, the sustenance of comedians as solo heroes has been short - Brahmanandam, Babumohan, AVS had all tried their hand at solo hero projects but burnt their fingers - but no one is complaining. After all, the fun lasts as long as the laughs last!

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Andhra Pradesh