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Jandhyala

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For other uses, see Jandhyala (surname).

Jandhyala‌
Born
Jandhyala Subrahmanya Sastry[1]

(1951-01-14)14 January 1951[2]
Narsapuram, Madras State, India (present-day Andhra Pradesh)
Died19 June 2001(2001-06-19) (aged 50)[2]
Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India (present-day Telangana)
Other namesHasya Brahma
Occupations

Jandhyala Subrahmanya Sastry (14 January 1951 – 19 June 2001), known mononymously as Jandhyala, was an Indian film director, screenwriter, and playwright known for his work in Telugu cinema and theatre. Popularly referred to as "Hasya Brahma" (transl. "Brahma of comedy"), Jandhyala was celebrated for his exceptional contributions to comedy films. In a career spanning twenty five years, he directed more than 40 films and wrote dialogues for over 300 films.[3]

Jandhyala's interest in theatre began at a young age, and during his college years, he wrote several successful plays. He entered the film industry in 1976 and quickly established himself as a versatile writer. He penned commercial blockbusters such as Adavi Ramudu (1977), and Vetagadu (1979) as well as critically-acclaimed films like Siri Siri Muvva (1976), and Sankarabharanam (1980). His skill in crafting sharp dialogues and creating engaging characters earned him widespread recognition.[4]

Jandhyala transitioned to directing, and helmed several notable films such as Ananda Bhairavi (1983), Srivariki Premalekha (1984), Chantabbai (1986), Padamati Sandhya Ragam (1987), Aha Naa Pellanta! (1987), Vivaha Bhojanambu (1988), Choopulu Kalasina Subhavela (1988), and Jayammu Nischayammu Raa (1989).[5] Though best known for his contributions to comedy, his directorial works reflect versatility, spanning multiple genres. Jandhyala was also instrumental in launching the careers of actors like Naresh, Dharmavarapu Subramanyam, and Suthi Velu and played a key role in shaping the careers of actors such as Brahmanandam, Rajendra Prasad, and Kota Srinivasa Rao.[6]

In addition to directing, Jandhyala continued to write for other filmmakers. He contributed dialogues to National Award-winning films such as Saptapadi (1981), Seethakoka Chilaka (1981), Sagara Sangamam (1983), and Swathi Kiranam (1992). He also wrote for other notable films like Nireekshana (1986), Aakhari Poratam (1988), Jagadeka Veerudu Athiloka Sundari (1990), and Aditya 369 (1991).[7] Throughout his career, he received several accolades, including three Nandi Awards—one each for Best Director, Best Story Writer, and Best Dialogue Writer—and a Filmfare Award for Best Director – Telugu.[8]

Early life

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Jandhyala Veera Venkata Durga Siva Subrahmanya Sastry, known mononymously as Jandhyala, was born on 14 January 1951 in Narasapuram, West Godavari district, Andhra Pradesh into a middle-class family.[1][7] He completed his Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com) in SRR & CVR Govt. Degree College in Vijayawada.[5] C. Aswini Dutt, who would later go on to become a noted producer, was Jandhyala's childhood friend. They were classmates from fourth standard through their graduation and also lived in neighbouring houses.[9]

From a young age, Jandhyala was deeply involved in theatre, acting as a child artist in the drama troupe of Vinnakota Ramanna Pantulu. His passion continued during his college years, where he won the Best Actor prize for his performance in Tasmath Jagratha at an inter-university drama competition in 1969. At the age of 12, he published his first short story in Andhra Prabha. Influenced by plays like Kanyasulkam and Keerthi Seshulu, he wrote his first play, Jeevana Jyothi.[10] His subsequent plays, including Ek Din Ka Sultan, Gundelu Marchabadunu, O Cheekati Ratri, and Mandodari Mahila Mandali, gained popularity.[11] Ek Din Ka Sultan earned him accolades and was translated into several languages, while his social play Sandhyaraagamlo Sankhaaraavam was particularly acclaimed and marked his entry into the film industry.[12]

Career

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Entry into film industry

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In 1974, Jandhyala moved to Madras (now Chennai) to stage his acclaimed play Sandhyaraagamlo Sankhaaraavam. Impressed by his work, veteran filmmaker B. N. Reddi signed him to adapt the Beena Devi novel O Punya Bhoomi Kallu Theru into a film. However, the project did not materialise due to Reddi's ill health.[13]

Subsequently, A. Ananda Mohan signed Jandhyala for Pelli Kani Pelli, and V. Hanuman Prasad engaged him for Devudu Chesina Bommalu. His first released film was Devudu Chesina Bommalu (1976), followed by Pelli Kani Pelli (1977).[11] Jandhyala gained recognition as a writer with K. Viswanath's Siri Siri Muvva (1976), which was a major hit.[2] He quickly established himself as a versatile writer, contributing to both commercial hits like Adavi Ramudu (1977), and Vetagadu (1979) and critically acclaimed films such as Seetamalakshmi (1976) and Sankarabharanam (1980). He was a very busy writer from 1976–1981 and wrote nearly 200 films in those five years. He worked in various roles as a story writer, screenplay writer, and dialogue writer. He was working on four or five films at any given time during that period.[13]

Directorial career

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Jandhyala made his directorial debut with Mudda Mandaram in 1981.[7] While directing his films, he continued to write for other directors.[14] Over the years, he directed a total of 42 films and wrote over 150 films from 1981 to 2001.[14] After Mudda Mandaram, he directed the romantic drama Nalugu Stambhalata (1982) and the Telugu-Kannada bilingual dance film Ananda Bhairavi (1983), which was showcased at the International Film Festival of India and won Nandi Awards for Best Feature Film, Best Direction, and Best Story.

Jandhyala's directorial success continued with comedy dramas such as Rendu Jella Sita (1983), Srivariki Premalekha, (1984), Rendu Rellu Aaru (1986), Chantabbai (1986), Padamati Sandhya Ragam (1987), Vivaha Bhojanambu (1988), Choopulu Kalasina Subhavela (1988).[4] Padamati Sandhya Ragam received the Filmfare Award for Best Film – Telugu and the Nandi Award for Best Story Writer.[15] Other films he directed during this time include a film on national integration called Nelavanka (1983), Amarajeevi (1983), and Seetharama Kalyanam (1986). The last film he directed was Vichitram (1998) which starred Ghazal Srinivas in the lead role.[11]

Later career

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In addition to his directorial achievements, Jandhyala wrote dialogues for several National Award-winning films, including Sankarabharanam (1980), Saptapadi (1981), Seethakoka Chiluka (1981), Sagara Sangamam (1983), and Swathi Kiranam (1992).[16] His other significant writing credits include Sommokadidi Sokokadidi (1978), Nireekshana (1986), Aakhari Poratam (1988), Jagadeka Veerudu Athiloka Sundari (1990), and Aditya 369 (1991). Among his dialogue-writing work, he listed Sankarabharanam, Saptapadi, and Adavi Ramudu as his favourite films.[3]

Throughout his 25-year film career, Jandhyala earned several accolades including three state Nandi Awards and a Filmfare Award South. He frequently collaborated with directors K. Raghavendra Rao and K. Viswanath, contributing to many successful films.[10] E. V. V. Satyanarayana, who worked as Jandhyala’s assistant director for 22 films over eight years, later became a prominent director himself.[17]

Beyond films, Jandhyala wrote children's stories, and authored more than 27 stage and radio plays. He acted in numerous stage plays, was a popular television anchor, and occasionally served as a dubbing artist. His diverse contributions to Telugu cinema, theatre, and television have left a lasting impact on the industry.[2][10]

Death

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Following a massive heart attack, he died on 19 June 2001, aged 50. He had completed his silver jubilee year in film industry.[8][5][18]

Filmmaking style

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Jandhyala was renowned primarily for his work in comedy, but his directorial portfolio spans several genres. Notable films beyond comedy include the drama Nelavanka, the dance film Ananda Bhairavi, and romance films such as Amarajeevi and Seetha Rama Kalyanam.[10]

Jandhyala had a distinct aversion to ribald comedy and preferred using simple, natural dialogues. He believed that conversations in films should reflect realistic scenarios that audiences could easily relate to and enjoy.[10] According to A. Saye Sekhar of The Hindu, Jandhyala's comedic style involved "taking sensitive potshots at the doings of assorted nabobs, stuffed shirts in typical Telugu families, village footpads, miserable misers, secret polluters, tax evaders, preening lawyers, idiosyncratic doctors, oily accountants, defendants who got off too easily and celebrities who talked too much."[12]

As a screenwriter, Jandhyala was known for his versatility. He contributed to a wide range of films, from commercial blockbusters like Adavi Ramudu and Vetagadu to critically acclaimed works such as Siri Siri Muvva and Sankarabharanam.[14] His versatility extended across genres including action (Aakhari Poratam), fantasy (Jagadeka Veerudu Athiloka Sundari), science fiction (Aditya 369), and supernatural thrillers (Govinda Govinda). His films also explored classical art forms, evident in Siri Siri Muvva, Sankarabharanam, Sagara Sangamam, and Swathi Kiranam.

Legacy

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Bronze bust of Jandhyala at Tummalapalli Kalakshetram, Vijayawada

Jandhyala earned the moniker "Hasya Brahma" (transl. "Brahma of comedy") for his exceptional contributions to comedy films. He is celebrated as the 'King of Comedy in Tollywood' by The Hindu.[1][16] His films, known for their clean entertainment and family-friendly content, established comedy as a significant genre in Telugu cinema. Before his influence, comedy often played a secondary role, with comedians typically relegated to sidekick positions. Jandhyala's success demonstrated that comedy could be a central, full-length subject in films.[4] Among his acclaimed works, Aha Naa Pellanta! is regarded as one of the best comedy films in Telugu cinema.[10][2]

Jandhyala introduced Naresh, Dharmavarapu Subramanyam, Suthi Velu to Telugu cinema.[14][6] He also helped establish comic actors such as Rajendra Prasad, Brahmanandam, Kota Srinivasa Rao, Suthi Veerabhadra Rao, Gundu Hanumantha Rao, and Sri Lakshmi through his films.[7][6][19]

His impact on the film industry is further underscored by the admiration of his peers. Brahmanandam regarded Jandhyala as the best comedy director he ever worked with.[20] Noted screenwriter V. Vijayendra Prasad expressed his admiration for Jandhyala.[21] Filmmaker Tharun Bhascker mentioned Jandhyala as one of the inspirations on his directorial sensibilities.[22][23] Director and screenwriter Anil Ravipudi cited Jandhyala as the biggest inspiration in his career. Ravipudi stated, "I grew up watching Jandhyala films. I have watched video cassettes of all his films. He provided healthy comedy. I took inspiration from him to provide entertainment in all my films."[24]

In January 2005, a bronze bust of Jandhyala was erected at Tummalapalli Kalakshetram in Vijayawada, honouring his contributions to the industry.[12]

Filmography

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Director

Filmography chart of the films directed per year by Jandhyala (click to expand)
Year Film Notes
1981 Mudda Mandaram
1982 Malle Pandiri
1982 Nalugu Stambhalata
1983 Nelavanka
1983 Rendu Jella Sita
1983 Amarajeevi
1983 Moodu Mullu
1984 Ananda Bhairavi Simultaneously shot in Kannada
1984 Srivariki Premalekha
1984 Rama Rao Gopal Rao
1985 Puttadi Bomma
1985 Babai Abbai
1985 Srivari Sobhanam
1985 Mogudu Pellalu
1985 Muddula Manavaralu
1986 Rendu Rella Aaru
1986 Seeta Rama Kalyanam
1986 Chantabbai
1987 Padamati Sandhya Ragam
1987 Raga Leela
1987 Satyagraham
1987 Aha Naa Pellanta
1988 Chinni Krishnudu
1988 Vivaha Bhojanambu
1988 Neeku Naaku Pellanta
1988 Choopulu Kalasina Subhavela
1989 Hai Hai Nayaka
1989 Jayammu Nischayammu Raa
1990 Prema Zindabad
1991 Ladies Special
1991 Bava Bava Panneru
1991 Prema Enta Madhuram
1991 Vichitra Prema
1992 Babai Hotel
1994 Aa Aaa E Ee
1994 Shhh. Gup Chup
1996 Oho Naa Pellanta
1998 Vichitram
Dialogue writer
Actor
Dubbing artist

Awards

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Nandi Awards
Filmfare Awards South

References

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  1. ^ a b c A. S., Sashidhar (13 June 2012). "'Jandhyala' is his surname". The Times of India. Retrieved 28 September 2020.
  2. ^ a b c d e f Pandya, Haresh (3 August 2001). "Obituary: Jandhyala Sastri". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 28 September 2020.
  3. ^ a b "జంధ్యాల కోరిక" (PDF). Zamin Ryot (in Telugu). 15 October 1999. p. 9. Archived from the original (PDF) on 13 September 2016. Retrieved 11 November 2022.
  4. ^ a b c Sreekanth, D (14 January 2004). "Jandhyala - great director of Telugu cinema". Idlebrain.com. Retrieved 6 August 2022.
  5. ^ a b c "Tribute – Jandhyala – Telugu film director and writer". Idlebrain.com. 19 June 2001. Retrieved 7 September 2012.
  6. ^ a b c Rao, P. Surya (30 June 2011). "Tribute to a legend". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 4 August 2022.
  7. ^ a b c d Thanjavaur, Kiran Kumar (19 June 2020). "స్మృతిలో జంధ్యాల వర్ధంతి: తెలుగు సినీ హాస్య ప్రపంచంలో సరిలేరు మీకెక్వరు." News18 Telugu. Retrieved 28 September 2020.
  8. ^ a b "Vijayawada News : Rich tributes paid to Jandhyala". The Hindu. 20 June 2006. Archived from the original on 6 September 2012. Retrieved 7 September 2012.
  9. ^ Producer C. Aswani Dutt || Cheppalani Vundhi | 18th September 2021, retrieved 3 August 2022 From 2:05 to 3:02
  10. ^ a b c d e f M. L., Narasimham (29 June 2001). "End of a comedy era". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 4 June 2015. Retrieved 5 August 2022.
  11. ^ a b c "సినీ హాస్యజగతికి వరమాల.. జంధ్యాల..!". Zee News (in Telugu). 14 January 2018. Retrieved 29 July 2022.
  12. ^ a b c Sekhar, A. Saye (29 January 2005). "Metro Plus Vijayawada : Laughing is a luxury". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 3 December 2013. Retrieved 6 August 2022.
  13. ^ a b అట్లూరి, శ్రీ. "హాస్యబ్రహ్మ జంధ్యాలగారి చివరి ముఖాముఖి". Jandhya Vandanam. Archived from the original on 15 March 2017. Retrieved 6 August 2022.
  14. ^ a b c d Krishna (14 January 2020). "కామెడీని కొత్త పుంతలు తొక్కించిన హాస్యబ్రహ్మ". HMTV (in Telugu). Retrieved 4 August 2022.
  15. ^ "35th Annual Filmfare Awards South Winners". Archived from the original on 5 February 2017. Retrieved 2 March 2019.
  16. ^ a b "Jandhyala remembered". The Hindu. 15 January 2016.
  17. ^ "Telugu film director Satyanarayana passes away". News18. 22 January 2011. Retrieved 4 August 2022.
  18. ^ "The Hindu : End of a comedy era". The Hindu. 4 June 2015. Archived from the original on 4 June 2015. Retrieved 4 August 2022.
  19. ^ Seshagiri, Sangeetha (22 December 2013). "Celebrity Deaths 2013: Remembering Srihari, AVS, Dharmavarapu Subramanyam and Other Telugu Film Personalities". IBTimes. Retrieved 29 July 2022.
  20. ^ "Brahmanandam - chitchat - Telugu cinema actor". Idlebrain.com. 4 January 2006. Retrieved 8 August 2022.
  21. ^ Nachaki, Sri (10 December 2004). "TC Exclusive: Interview with writer Vijayendra Prasad". Telugucinema.com. Archived from the original on 11 December 2004.
  22. ^ Jandhyala is the Major Inspiration for me says #PelliChoopulu - Tharun Bhascker | Latest l Interview, 29 July 2016, retrieved 6 August 2022; From 4:07
  23. ^ Tharun Bhascker About Mani Ratnam And Jandhyala || Dialogue With Prema, 17 January 2018, retrieved 6 August 2022
  24. ^ Kavirayani, Suresh (9 January 2020). "'Jandhyala is my inspiration'". Deccan Chronicle. Retrieved 6 August 2022.
  25. ^ "Jandhyala dubs for Sutti Veerabhadra Rao". The Times of India. Retrieved 4 August 2022.
  26. ^ a b c "నంది అవార్డు విజేతల పరంపర (1964–2008)" [A series of Nandi Award Winners (1964–2008)] (PDF). Information & Public Relations of Andhra Pradesh. Retrieved 21 August 2020.(in Telugu)
  27. ^ "Collections". 1991.
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