Telugu Language Day: Watch films that celebrate the glory of Telugu on OTT

Telugu Language Day, being celebrated today in remembrance of the efforts and initiatives undertaken by the legendary writer, linguist Gidugu Venkata Ramamurthy, presents an opportunity to cherish the beauty of the language in its entirety. We look back at some celebrated Telugu films across different eras, streaming on OTT, that showcased the magnificence of the language within the limitations of commercial cinema.

Yogi Vemana (1947)

One of the most iconic poets that the Telugu land has ever produced, Vemana is remembered for packaging life-lessons succinctly in a style that’s accessible to the linguist and layman alike. Nagaiah breathed life into the portrayal of the sage, poet in this KV Reddi directorial. Also stars Mudigonda Lingamurthy, MV Rajamma, Doraiswamy, with dialogues by Samudrala Sr.

Platforms: Eros Now, Youtube

Also read: From Mail to Senapathi: Here are the five best Telugu films in 2021 that released directly on OTT 

Tenali Ramakrishna (1956)

Based on Ch. Venkataramaiah’s play of the same name, the film documents the life story of the famous, witty court poet of the Vijayanagara dynasty ruled by the celebrated king Krishna Devaraya. The NTR, ANR starrer, directed by BS Ranga, is a beautiful homage to Telugu with impressive music, a gripping yet funny screenplay. Jamuna, Bhanumathi too essay important roles.

Platform: Jio Cinema

Meghasandesam (1982)

The 200th film in the career of ANR, the Dasari Narayana Rao directorial focuses on the highs and lows in the life of a middle-aged headman whose life takes a drastic turn with the arrival of a devadasi in his village. She channelises the poet in him and their ‘rumoured’ relationship wreaks havoc on his personal life. Packed with beautiful poems by Devulapalli Krishna Sastri set to Ramesh Naidu’s mellifluous compositions, Meghasandesam is a connoisseur’s delight.

Platform: SunNXT

Srinatha Kavi Sarvabhowmudu (1993)

The last theatrical release in NTR’s illustrious tryst with cinema, the film, directed by Bapu, traces the riches-to-rags story of the revered 15th century Telugu poet Srinatha, known for popularising the prabandha style of composition. The literary, phonetic richness of the poet’s works is music to the ears, beautifully enhanced by the performances of NTR, Jayasudha and the dialogues of Mullapudi Venkata Ramana.

Platform: SunNXT

Pilla Zamindar (2011)

The writer of the piece admits that the Nani, Haripriya starrer may not be an equal match to the other films mentioned in the list. Yet, he believes that it deserves a mention, for how it reminded an average viewer of the need to respect one’s mother tongue without being preachy. Special mention to the late MS Narayana, who played the Telugu lecturer Uddhandam with earnestness.

Platform: Amazon Prime Video

Also read: Best of 2022: RRR to DJ Tillu to Ante Sundaraniki, here are some of the most impressive Telugu films this year