A Kodandarami Reddy-Chiranjeevi: 6 Blockbuster hit films of the ace director-actor duo

A Kodandarami Reddy, who was born on July 1, 1950, in Nellore, Andhra Pradesh, has given an indelible contribution to Telugu films. The ace director made his debut with the 1980 film ‘Sandhya’ and the following year he had helmed ‘Kirayi Rowdylu’ with Chiranjeevi, which catapulted him to a huge fame because of its vast critical appreciation. In fact, the duo’s combination started with this film. They were considered as the most successful pair in Tollywood in the '80s and '90s. They have worked in twenty-three films together, and nineteen of them were blockbuster hits. Let’s have a look at some of the blockbuster hit films of the lovely duo.

Starring Chiranjeevi, Madhavi, Sumalatha and Rao Gopal Rao in lead roles, ‘Khaidi’ is said to be a milestone film for Chiranjeevi. The film was accepted by the majority of the audiences as well as it could garner massive box office collections. The action-drama gave Chiru’s career a big boost and he became a supreme hero of Tollywood. The film has been recognised by industry critics as one of the best films ever made. Chiranjeevi had played the role of a young man Suryam, who strives to take revenge for his family’s ruin and this role solidified him standing as a youngster’s icon.

Starring Chiranjeevi, Radikaa and Rao Gopal Rao in lead roles, this was a magnificent hit film directed by A Kodandarami Reddy. The suspense-drama is based on the novel of the same name written by Yandamuri Veerendranath. 'Abhilasha' is known for Kodandarami Reddy’s production and his directorial reigns, and the lead artists’ remarkable performances. Noted music composer Ilaiyaraaja’s songs made the film more popular and even today people love to hum to the tunes of the film.

Starring Chiranjeevi, Vijayashanti, Suhasini and Rao Gopal Rao, ‘Challenge’ is an adaption of Yandamoori Veerendranath's novel Dabbu to the power of Dabbu. The film could garner much appreciation critically and commercially but it did exceptionally well at the box office. The film tells the story of an unemployed youth, who sets a challenge against a business tycoon and finally wins it. Upon release, the film emerged as a runaway hit at the box office and earned the duo an incredible critical acclaim.

Bankrolled by Allu Aravind under his home banner Geetha Arts, the family entertainer stars Chiranjeevi, Bhanupriya, Sharada and Shubha in the lead roles. Chiranjeevi’s role of Madhusudhana Rao aka Chinna babu is the best way, to sum up, his persona in the film, which changed the way people looked at Chiranjeevi. He proved his acting prowess as an actor and won the Filmfare Award for Best Actor in Telugu. Of course, we can’t forget the spectacular direction of Kodandarami Reddy.

Starring Chiranjeevi, Vijayashanti, Raghuvaran and Babu Antony in the lead roles, ‘Pasivadi Pranam’ is the official remake of a Malayalam film ‘Poovinnu Puthiya Poonthennal’, starring Mammootty. Upon its release, the film became the talk of the town and it was one of Chiranjeevi and Kodandarami Reddy’s finest works. The film’s music still echoes in people’s minds, thanks to the legendary late music director K Chakravarthy. The song ‘Kashmiri Loyalo’ became a smash hit when it released.

Chiranjeevi’s stunning performance and director Kodandarami Reddy’s technical brilliance won many accolades. Chiru had played Kondaveeti Raja and his portrayal gained much attention. His horse, costumes and dance moves were a trend among youth. A Kodandarami Reddy’s best remembered work ‘Kondaveeti Donga’ was a story of an IAS holder, who supports the tribal people against local mafia and landlords. The film has music by Illayaraja and he delivered terrific tunes in a unique way.