SVR, there is not one Telugu speaking person who hasn't heard the name. He is the only actor to receive the Rashtrapati Award for acting, not once but five times. He collected a heap of awards before it was cool. He is also India's first 'Method Actor' who paved the way for actors like Sanjeev Kumar, Kamal Haasan and Amitabh Bacchan! Here are some of his stellar performances that will forever be etched in our memory.
1. Mayabazar It is almost the dictionary definition of awesomeness. It takes the Mahabharata episode of Sasirekha Parinayam, and turns it on its head. It plays with everything from language (Friends-Asmadeeyulu;Enemies-Tasmadeeyulu!) and funny ideas (Ghatothkacha donning the form of Sasirekha and doing a jig to ‘Aha Na Pellanta!’), to metaphorical imagery and philosophical concepts, and surrounds us with an aura of magic and joy. SVR gave one of his best performances as Ghatotkacha. One of SVR’s most memorable lines in the film: “Evaru puttinchakapothe maatalela pudthayi?”.
2. Pathala Bhairavi Two reasons why you should watch this film: 1. SV Ranga Rao. 2. SV Ranga Rao.
NTR was the hero, yes…but SVR was THE MAN. His portrayal of the vile, bearded 'Nepala Mantrikudu' captured audience's imagination so much that he instantly became one of the greatest actors in the industry, deserving every acting award on earth. None of the current crop of actors can make a villain’s character seem so hypnotic.
The punch line? “Saahasam cheyara dimbaka, raakumari labhisthundi!”
3. Paandava Vanavaasam It is said that even NTR was stunned by the way SVR delivered his lines in this film filled with padyalu. A source for several tributes and spoofs, Duryodhana has never been the same ever since.
4. Sampoorna Ramayanam Bapu didn't want to have any other actor cast as Ravanudu in the film. Such was the trust directors placed in SVR's talent! This monologue is a prime example in how an actor should establish different shades in a character!
5. Bhakta Prahalada SVR portrays the egoistic king Hiranyakashapudu, who has a devotee son who refuses to accept him as the ultimate God. Well, we do for sure. _/\_
6. Narthanasaala As the evil commander Kichakudu, SVR scared the living daylights out of the audiences with his deep bass voice. This performance won him the National Award, as well as the Best Actor Award at the Indonesian Film Festival!
7. Andaru Dongale A light hearted and humorous performance where SVR played one half a lovable thieving duo along with Nagabhushanam. It was one movie where he showed several variations in his performance.
8. Athma Bandhuvu A story of a rich landlord who has everything. Riches a family that he dearly loves and also a servant boy that he adopted. His performance as the old man who is sidelined by his own children is epic to behold. In this song, he curses his fate, highlighting the plight of all old people everywhere.
9. Tatha Manavadu Another betrayed father. SVR plays a daily wage laborer who slaves all his life to educate his son, who in turn betrays and abandons his aged parents. The old couple is then rescued by SVR grandson played by Rajababu who is the hero of this film.
10. Thodi kodallu SVR plays the elder brother of the family, who sees all and knows all, but is forced into silence. A most subtle performance.
11. Missamma SVR plays the bumbling landlord of a village who is looking to employ new teachers for his school. His comic timing in this classic is impeccable.
12. Jagath Kiladilu Probably the first film in this genre, SVR plays an undercover cop who infiltrates a deadly crime syndicate. SVR as the protagonist was a treat to watch.
BONUS!
Brahmi did a really good impersonation of the great actor as a tribute on a TV show. And you should watch it!
