“Seeeeenuuuuuu!!”
We just read that name in the same tone as Tabu does in this movie, right? That popular this movie was. Released in 1996, starring Tabu and Nagarjuna in lead roles, Ninne Pelladatha was a twist in the romantic movies’ era. Until then the romantic movies had either a bad ending with exceptional performances, leading to national awards, or a happy ending with a rom-com feel. None of them were complete entertainers for the families to watch. The story starts as a tale of 2 friends who live in similar houses, next to each other and they live like a family. Then comes Mahalakshmi, for flight training and falls in love with Seenu. The rest of the movie is how they convince others and how their fate goes. Acting by Nagarjuna and Tabu were outstanding. We just cannot imagine anyone else in Tabu’s place, with her beauty and sensuousness in those chiffon sarees, just doesn’t go out of our heads after watching the movie. Nagarjuna looks handsome especially in the song “Greekuveerudu”. His hairstyle in this movie was the most in-thing in the 90s. There were many senior actors in the movie- Lakshmi, Chalapathi Rao, Chandra Mohan, Rama Prabha, and Ahuthi Prasad. The other supporting roles were by the 90s cult actors- Jeeva, Uttej, Banerjee, Brahmaji, and Giribabu.
Screenplay, story, dialogues, and direction were by Krishna Vamsi. By that time, he was known for his Gulabi, which was another romantic movie. He nailed his skills to the point to bring out the authenticity that the audience wanted. By that time, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge and Hum Aapke Hain Kaun were cult hits and has shaken the whole country, pleasing every age audience to watch it at least once. He decided to make a similar movie in Tollywood, to bring out the cultural aspect and the family entertaining aspect and didn’t fail too. He mentioned in an interview that he wanted the audience to expect fun and entertainment, rather than story-oriented movies. His idea was simple and the screenplay was easy going and it worked out. Then comes the cinematography, which was good and didn’t deviate in any way. We either find Nagarjuna or Tabu in every frame and that was a little too much for the audience who are not much into romance and stuff. The whole movie goes pretty colourful and happy without losing a grip on the story. The scene where Mahalakshmi’s parents and Seenu’s parents’ crossover was taken marvellous. There isn’t a single dialogue and every emotion and expression are covered in full length.
Music was by Sandeep Chowta who gave extraordinary tunes to all the songs. The song Yeto Vellipoindi Mansu and Greekuveerudu are the superhits and still play on everyone’s playlists. The song videos are also amazing, highlighting the romance as well as maintaining the dignity the audience expects. This is because most movies are banned or either asked to cut out the scenes which are real and the movie loses its essence in the end. The song Kannulo Nee Roopame is a super melody one and just melts us with its tune. All the lyrics were by SIrivennala Sitaramashastryand are too good.
The movie won the Nandi award, Filmfare award, and National award for Best feature film, which is pretty justified.
