Chittajallu Pullayya (1898–1967), popularly known as C. Pullayya, stands as a monumental figure in the history of Telugu cinema. His contributions as a director, producer, and screenwriter laid the foundation for the Telugu film industry, earning him the title of the “Father of Telugu Cinema.”
Early Life and Career
Born in Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh, Pullayya embarked on his cinematic journey in 1921 as a camera apprentice under the guidance of Raghupati Venkaiah Naidu, a pioneer in Indian cinema. He honed his skills further at Kohinoor Studios in Bombay before returning to Kakinada with a second-hand movie camera in 1924. Determined to bring cinema to the masses, he established the ‘City Electric Cinema,’ a tent theatre that traveled across towns, showcasing films to audiences unfamiliar with the medium. This initiative marked the inception of the movie theatre movement in Andhra Pradesh .
Contributions to Telugu Cinema
In 1933, Pullayya directed Sati Savitri, the first Telugu film produced by the East India Film Company. The film garnered international recognition by receiving an honorary diploma at the Venice Film Festival. Following this success, he directed Lava Kusa (1934), which became the first major commercial success in Telugu cinema, attracting unprecedented numbers of viewers to theatres .
Pullayya’s filmography includes several notable works:
- Sati Savitri (1933): Marked the beginning of his directorial career and introduced Telugu cinema to a broader audience.
- Lava Kusa (1934): A mythological film that became a significant commercial success.
- Sati Anasuya (1936): The first Telugu children’s film, featuring sixty child actors.
- Bala Nagamma (1942): A film produced by Gemini Pictures, based on a popular Burrakatha.
- Vara Vikrayam (1939): A reformist social film addressing the dowry system, which introduced actress Bhanumathi to the film industry.
- Gollabhama (1947): A swashbuckler film based on the stories of ‘Kaasi Majili’
In 1963, he directed a remake of Lava Kusa, which won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Telugu
Legacy
Pullayya’s influence extended beyond filmmaking. He introduced several actresses, including Anjali Devi and Bhanumathi, to the film industry, shaping the careers of prominent figures in Telugu cinema. His commitment to portraying mythological and social themes resonated with audiences and set a precedent for future filmmakers. Through his innovative approaches, such as the establishment of traveling theatres, he democratized cinema, making it accessible to the masses.
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Last Updated on: Sunday, October 5, 2025 5:14 pm by News Proton Team | Published by: News Proton Team on Sunday, October 5, 2025 5:14 pm | News Categories: India, News