41 years of ‘Chillarakottu Chittamma’: Intriguing facts about the cult film

The Murali Mohan and Jayachitra starrer ‘Chillarakottu Chittamma’ which was one film with a perfect blend of different elements like the family sentiment, love, suspense and beautiful music, clocked 41 years today. It was one of the most loved films which went on to get a cult status. The film, which released exactly 41 years ago on October 7, saw Mada Venkateswara Rao played a titular role in the film. On the occasion, we give you a rundown of some intriguing facts about the cult Telugu film.

Jayachitra was paired alongside Murali Mohan in the film, which was produced by RS Raju under the banner of Lakshmi Jyothi Films. She essayed the title role in the film which earned her best reviews as an actress. The story and dialogues have been penned by Dasam Gopalakrishna and Jayachitra had agreed to do it when Gopal explained the plot to her the day before. Her other Tollywood films include ‘Soggadu’ (1975), ‘Yavvanam Katesindi’ (1976), ‘Kalpana’ (1977), ‘Katakataala Rudraiah’ (1978), ‘Vayasu Pilichindi’ (1978), ‘Annadammula Savaal’ (1978), ‘Allari Vayasu’ (1979) and ‘Bobbili Puli’ (1982).

‘Chillarakottu Chittamma’, which is directed by Dasari Narayana Rao, is considered as one of the classic romantic dramas of Telugu film industry. The movie ran for over 225 days in the respective centres and emerged as the sensational hit of the year. Nowadays, a Telugu cinema completing more than 100 days is a rare phenomenon. What’s more interesting is that the late legendary actors Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao and Akkineni Nageswara Rao had attended the 225 days function as the chief guests.

During that time, most of the Tollywood movies had catchy compositions, unlike today when we have excessive use of digital sound and remixing. Given the scenario, ‘Chillarakottu Chittamma’ was surprisingly decent. Every song from Dasari Ramesh Naidu’s film is underwhelming classy tunes and is designed to delight.

Murali Mohan, 78, emerged as the talented actor of Tollywood after the film and was flooded with plenty of opportunities. He is one of those actors who has witnessed some highs and lows in his career. He has acted in 157 films so far. He is undoubtedly one of the finest actors Telugu cinema has ever had. In addition to acting, Murali Mohan is a business executive, film producer and politician. Some of his produced films including ‘Athadu’, ‘Aavida Maa Aavide’, ‘Varasudu’, and ‘Nirnayam’. Currently, he is serving as a Member of Parliament for Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh.

It was not just the lead artists who became popular, Dasari Naranaya Rao’s direction also became a talking point of the movie. Directed by Dasari, ‘Chillarakottu Chittamma’ was one of the best flicks of 1977 and garnered coveted accolades from critics and audience alike. Apart from Murali Mohan and Jayachitra, the film also starred KV Chalam, Mada Venkateswara Rao, Benarji, Malladi, CH Krishna Murthy, Gokina Ramarao, Usha Chowdary, Lakshmikanthamma, Shantha Devi, ND Lakshmi, Bejawada Chandrakala, Savithri Ganesan, Nirmala and Tulasi Sivamani.