Contemporary Encyclopedia Exclusively on Indian Films : Vanam Jwala Narasimha Rao

 Contemporary Encyclopedia 

Exclusively on Indian Films 

Rentala Jayadeva Telugu Book 

‘Mana Cinema – Firsg Reel’  

Review By Vanam Jwala Narasimha Rao

I seldom like to see movies, except when I get info that a particular cinema has little bit of Entertainment to relax for a while coupled with a pinch of Artistic Experience and vivid description of ideas, which are uncommon these days and a certainty in the past. To such a person like me, when my daughter Prema Malini who is well-informed and evinces keen interest in pictures, gave me ‘Mana Cinema-First Reel’ Telugu book, authored by Dr Rentala Jayadeva and published by EMESCO, on the occasion of 93 years of celebrations of the ‘First South Indian Talkie Kalidas’ I am instantly impressed with the quick glance, and read in my style of reading-scanning and skimming. 

Author Rentala Jayadev, a friend of mine, deserves appreciation for writing this book, which covers everything from culture to science, pertaining to cinema which in turn the whole gamut of Indianism. The way literature is necessary to protect human values, documenting the need, concept, and evolution of contemporary cinema, is equally essential to preserve values in modern society. ‘Oscar Award Level Famous Film Director’ Padma Shri awardee SS Rajamouli in his appreciation commended that, this book gives a great feeling to cinema lovers.  

According to him, the birth of Cinema itself is a Marvel, Great Wonder, and Phenomenal Art that integrates various artistic elements. And hence it is absolutely necessary to provide future generations with cinema knowledge. Dr Rentala Jayadev, born in the family of scholars and brought up in Vijayawada, the capital of Telugu Cinema, did it meticulously. Perhaps Jayadeva could achieve this feat because he dedicated himself to aspects of language, literature, cinema, culture, society, and friendship exhaustively in the book. Rajamouli's words that this book is worthy of doctorate are absolutely true, and I fully agree with him.

The most impressive aspect of this ‘Contemporary Encyclopedia Exclusively on Indian Films’ is Jayadeva’s ‘Conversational Writing Style.’ Speaking or Conversing or Verbally Communicating is to be invariably done in ‘Language’ (Dialect) but not in ‘Literature’ form. Jean-Paul Sartre in his landmark book ‘What is Literature’ declared that, a Language or Literature that is not communicative, ceases to be a language. Sartre’s simple idea was that, the ‘Literary Work’ that is, the ‘Written Product of the Mind’ exists as such only ‘When it is Read.’ 

Satre meant, ‘Writing without Enabling Reading is Nonsense.’ And hence an unread book is nothing but a handful of soiled paper. To be more precise, ‘A writer for a Reader and a Reader for a Writer.’ While reading ‘Mana Cinema- First Reel’ I felt that there can be no two opinions about Jayadeva’s extraordinary ‘Conversational Writing Style’ which aptly fits in to ‘A writer for a Reader and a Reader for a Writer.’ Great indeed.

Writing on contemporary subjects, be it the 100-year-old history of Indian Cinema, be it the behind-the-scenes story of India's first talkie film Alam Ara, be it the history of Kalidas, or be it the complete story of South Indian Cinema, is always a formidable challenge. Every research-based thematic subject essentially needs forward and backward linkages between ‘Context and Content’ to make it readable. Context is very important because it provides the background of time, place, social, political, and economic aspects. Content which is equally and even more important, constitutes the core essence, offering details, factual accuracy, and analytical depth.  

Without context, content may not be engaging, and without content, context becomes meaningless. A good writer balances both effectively. When done correctly, the writing not only gains credibility but also provides complete information. Author Jayadeva has done a remarkable job of blending various aspects dovetailing cinema with accurate timing in his book. Understanding and balancing these aspects have resulted in an excellent book the ‘Mana Cinema, First Reel.’ Writing a comprehensive contemporary history of Indian, especially South Indian cinema, concisely and precisely is a big challenge. Jayadeva in this book has done it successfully.

As observed by EMESCO Editor Chandrasekhar Reddy, that, ‘If history is not recorded continuously, we will lose track of the past and experience of learning lessons for the present and future’ Jayadeva has systematically and carefully presented ‘Cinema Literature’ effectively and efficiently. All-time Great Filmmaker of diverse, message-driven, and experimental films in multiple languages, Singitam Srinivasa Rao, appreciating with high acclaim Rentala Jayadeva’s efforts, confessed that, on reading in the book about the ‘Past of Cinema’ he instantly reminisced his experiences with HM Reddy, LV Prasad, C Pullayya, P Pullayya, and KV Reddy. Actress Urvashi Sarada said the book reminded her journey in films. And hence, ‘Every Ardent Cinephile’ should acquaint themselves with the invaluable insights contained within. 

Actor Prakash Raj, who as an actor worked in films across all the languages, wrote that, this book breaks language barriers. An interesting observation he made is that, before the advent of Telangana Cinema, it was only the culture, traditions, and dialect of the Andhra region which were projected in films. Gradually, Telangana literature, culture, dialect, stories, struggles, and traditions emerged on silver screen. He opined that books like ‘Jayadeva’s First Reel’ which documented the past, analyzing the present, and giving hope for the future of cinema, will help in comprehending this cultural growth, and perspective. 

Explaining the genesis of his book, in his introduction, ‘Twenty-Five Years of Colorful Dreams’ Dr Rentala Jayadeva shared his experiences, including saving pocket money to watch movies, learning from film distributors, memories of film societies in Vijayawada, and his experiences covering international film festivals. The book is divided into eight chapters covering 45 topics across 566 pages, and incorporates approximately 2,000 rare archival newspaper clips and photographs, further enriching its narrative. It discusses the Indian film industry over 100 years, the first Indian talkie Alam Ara-behind the scenes stories, the first South Indian talkie Kalidas, the Lion of talkies HM Reddy, early Tamil talkies, the release controversy of the first full-length Telugu talkie Bhakta Prahlada, The Victory Anthem of Kannadigas, and the Silent Malabar Speaks. The introduction encapsulates key highlights, intriguing narratives, interesting facts, and stories. 

Jayadeva’s book provides some factual clarifications, such as the recognition of Kalidas as a Telugu dialogue film and the correction of the actual release date of the first Telugu talkie Bhakta Prahlada, which premiered on February 6, 1932, instead of the commonly believed date, September 15, 1931. The Book corrects misconceptions about the first Kannada talkie heroine. Book highlights key milestones, such as India’s rich cinematic history paralleling global developments, and its emergence as the world’s second-largest film industry. 

The first Indian filmmaker, Harishchandra Sakharam Bhatwadekar, known as ‘Save Dada,’ and Telugu cinema pioneer Raghupathi Venkaiah Naidu, who rose to prominence between 1909-1912 are mentioned. Durga Bai Kamat and her daughter Kamalabai Gokhale were the first Indian actresses, while Nataraja Mudaliar pioneered South Indian silent films with Keechaka Vadham. Other interesting aspects are: The impact of the first sound film, The Jazz Singer in the USA, India's first talkie screening of Melody of Love by Madan Theatres in Calcutta, The first Indian film song appeared in Alam Ara, Kajjan as the first singing star, India's first female director Fatima Begum as the mother to three heroines, South's first star heroine TP Rajyalakshmi etc.  Covering all aspects of the book in this brief review, would turn into a monograph. 

The final section like an epilogue, is fascinating. Well-known personalities, like VAK Ranga Rao, Vakulabharanam Ramakrishna, Pannala Subrahmanya Bhattu, Katragadda Narasaiah, Ganti Ramadevi (Ganti Subrahmanya Sharma), Dr Patibandla Dakshina Murthy etc. praised Jayadev Book, as a research-based effort that no one has ever done. Mana Cinema-First Reel offers an insightful exploration of the origins and development of the Telugu film industry, which needs concentered reading. 

(Review with suggestions from my daughter Prema).