Missamma
is a film that denies the natural phenomenon of aging. It is the
film that is liked by all the generations. It is a slapstick comedy
on the problem of unemployement. Ony Vijaya banner can produce films
that have comedy situations, melodious songs and humorous dialogues
mixed in right blend. It was remade in Tamil as 'Missiyamma'. Total
credit for the success of this film goes to the trio Pingali, Saluri
and Chakrapani.
Story of this film goes like this. Daughter of a Jamindar is lost
in Kakinada Pushkaralu. She was spotted by a Christian family
and they adapt her and names her as Mary. Jamindar starts school
in memory of his lost daughter. Being an ex precipal and a detective
Akkineni looks after managing of the school and he keeps on searching
for Jamindar's daughter. Being an unemployed graduate NTR had to
pair up with Mary and act as her husband in order to secure the
job of teacher in Jamindar's school. Though Mary and NTR dislike
each other, they acts as a married couple. At the end all the mystaries
get solved.
The character of Detective is a memorable one. Akkieni did this
role. Tangavelu and Kishore Kumar donned this role in Tamil and
Hindi versions. NTR's role was done by Gemini Ganeshan in Tamil
version. Bala Krishna acted as assistant to detective. One more
memorable role is that of Relangi who acted as a blind begger.
Chakrapani selected Bhanumathi for the Mary role. But when Bhanumathi
reported late to the shooting (as she was performing Vara Laxmi
Pooja that day) Chakrapani made a dynamic decision to replace her
with Savitri. And the rest is history. " May be it's the God's
decision that Savitri should become most popular star, I lost that
film to Savitri" says Bhanumti.
Though Missamma touches a burning issue called unemployment Chakrapani
disagrees with a point that his films carry messages to viewers.
He feels that films should entertain. "If anybody want to give
social messages let them send telegrams to viewers instead of making
films" says Chakrapani. Indian producers make their actors
imitage Chaplin when they made comedy films. But Chakrapani made
sure that his character's do not get affected by 'Chapline' towering
presence. He feels that comedy should have local touch.
The same principle applies to 'Chandamama' a magazine for entertaining
kids. Chandamama is also published from Vijaya's group. Recently
the same film is recycled and released as 'Brindavanam' that has
Rajendra Prasad and ramya in main leads.
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