Telugu audience is very familiar with the saying “Old is gold”. The proverb might be an old one, but it is true, especially in the case of old Telugu films. Few old movies like Jambalakidi Pamba, Yamaleela, Geetanjali cite good examples. Some films don’t need extraordinary dialogues, action feats or mesmerizing songs to impress the audience. With neat comedy and hilarious expressions and a creative presentation, a routine movie can go to the next level. The 1987 film Aha Naa Pellanta is one such film which created a massive impact on the audience at the time of its release. Even after thirty-three years after the release, this film is continuing to entertain the audience.
Jandhyala, a great director, famously known as Haasya Brahma, collaborated with Rajendra Prasad who was already an actor. Even though Rajendra Prasad did many supporting roles and a few roles, only with Aha Naa Pellanta did his hilarious side was explored. Aha Naa Pellanta made him an overnight star and this movie also marks the debut of Padma Shri holder Bhramanandam. The film is an adoption of a novel Satyam Gaari Illu. The adoption is done beautifully without overcooking or undercooking.
Rajendra Prasad as Krishnamurthy acted as the son of a well-known industrialist. The film revolves around him as he tries to convince his father about his love. Nutan Prasad as Satyanarayana is the father of Krishnamurthy and the scenes between them stand out to be humorous. The first half shows how Krishnamurthy falls in love with Padhma, how he acknowledges his father about her, and how he handles the consequences following that. Satyanarayana is a typical industrialist who loves to recite his family history. Scenes involving him annoying people always stay in people’s minds. The concept has been adopted in many modern films.
The second half as a whole is the complete comedy-feast. How Krishnamurthy accepts the challenge given by his father, how he meets Lakshmipathy, Padma’s father and the upshots complete the second half. Lakshmipathy is natural in a miserable role. Even though he is a villain in Krishnamurthy’s love story, he stood out to be a comedian for this film. His weird traits and hilarious expressions made the role unique and a memorable one. Kota Srinivasa Rao is explored and a true actor in him is brought out well by Jandhyala. Besides Lakshmipathy, another notable role is that of Bhramanandam’s Govindu aka Ara Gundu. He works for Lakshmipathy and is set to be the best role in the whole film. Cursing his boss for his greediness, helping Krishnamurthy in his challenge and struggling with his stammering, made his role very catchy and unforgettable.
Few one-liners like “Expect chesa…” by Krishnamurthy, “Nenevaro neeku theleedha..” by Satyanarayana, “Pothav ra Rey… Nasanam aipothav”, “Aa moham choodandi, chepala market lo vibhoothi ammukune mohamu vaadunuu…” by Ara Gundu, “Naakenti…” by Lakshmipathy are still remembered by the audience and are very popular. This film might be old, but the dialogues and scenes are meme-able and the templates are very famous and identified by any Telugu person.
Ara Gundu, being in a helpless situation of serving a miser boss, carried the movie with his humorous expressions and outstanding “thitlu”. Jandhyala is known for this speciality. He delivers comedy through insults and generates humour with his characters’ problems. Ara Gundu is one such creation. Even though Lakshmipathy’s family is embarrassed and ashamed with his behaviour, Govindu is the one who suffers the most. Helpless with his situation, he keeps cursing his boss in his inner self.
There are very few films where side roles and comedians create more impact than the leads. The duo of Lakshmipathy and Govindu is one which made this comedy-drama to be classic and evergreen. Their roles and the way the actors portrayed these characters is what made this film unique and proved that these roles are more impactful than Krishnamurthy. The dialogues and characters are still being produced in the new movies, such is the impact of the film. Whenever somebody feels low, Aha Naa Pellanta will always be for their rescue.
