still from Alamara

In the year 1931,September 15th, first Telugu talkie cinema named 'Bhakata Praharlada" was released. This film was produced by HM Reddy. As there were no popular cinema artists at that time. HM Reddy selected Surabhi stage artists who were very popular at that time. This film was shot at Impirial Studios - Bombay. HM Reddy had to take all the artists to Bombay and he used Alamara (which was the first hindi talky) sets as is is. This film was completed in 20 days with the expenditure around twenty thousand. Dharamavarapu Krishnama Chary's play "Praharlada" was adopted by Reddy for this film automatically Krishnama Chary turned as teh first cine writer.

The role of Hiranyakasayapa played by VV Subba Rao, Leelavathi by Surabhi Kamalabai, Praharlada by Master Krishna

The big wig LV Prasad also acted one of the diciple of Chitravarapu Narasimha Rao.

We wish Telugu Cinema should cross many more centures.