During the Telugu talkies days, stage dramas such as Prahlada and Harish Chandra were shot directly. The screenplay technique evolved next giving a new look to Cinema. Folklore stories which were highly popular among the audience were made into movies then. Our Telugu directors and producers keenly observed the Freedom movement, changing times and observed the social issues and got highly influenced by them. Gudavalli Ramabhrahmam is one person who is pivotal in doing this. He made Raithu Bidda which was based on the food giver of our society- the Farmer and the issues faced by financial and political issues faced by him as the main subject. He deeply criticized the zamindari system and the oppression they did. Regions under the control of British even banned the film following the directions given by Zamindars of that area!
Right from then, Telugu Cinema was highly influenced by the post-independence era and the rural issues which farmers faced later. ANR starrer Rojulu Maarayi which also has the popular song Eruvaaka Saagaroo and Sr.NTR starrer Palletooru came into existence. Telugu Audience- Rural audience in particular used to enjoy these films as they featured the issues they face, fun times, and their living. When the rural backdrop films became highly successful, many such films graced Telugu Cinema. These films were termed as minimum guarantee ones as well.
Films like Sowcar, Nammina Bantu, Raithu Kutumbam, Petthamdaarlu, Raithu Bidda (Sr.NTR starrer), Paadi Pantalu, Manchi Rojulu Vacchayi, and Bangaru Thalli came out in the same category and were highly successful. Times have changed, and farmers started facing new challenges in their lives, but current day producers and directors are hanging on to only Box Office commercial formula. Though time is repeating, farmer’s films are not getting repeated. Has the time come to an end for Rural backdrop films…we don’t know!
