Jandhyala’s down-to-earth characterisation, humour and impeccable direction set him apart and with it set aside the industry’s formula themes and hero-centric hungama. In short, his arrival ushered in an era of healthy family entertainment so profound that even his death could not end it. Tragedy struck and he died at the age of 50. His contributions will perhaps never be matched. He wrote successful films, including the legendary Shankarabharanam. Some other films include, Adavi Ramudu, Jagadekaveerudu Atiloka Sudaru, Seethamalakshmi, Sommokadidi Sokokkadidi among other smashing hits.

His made his debut as a director with Mudda Mandaram. Though it did not do well at the box office, it did mark the beginning of a new trend in the Telugu film industry. An industry that was till then dominated by about five stars and formula films. Jandhyala introduced Tollywood to new ideas in entertainment and since then, Tollywood cinema has never been the same again. The healthy humour, comic situations and characters, simple themes and a much simpler way of narration, all started with Jandhyala.

The audience lapped up the new ideas and there was no looking back for Jandhyala. He created characters, punch lines, situations and scenes from everyday life that was easy for the middle class to relate to. Sixty films later and with the director gone, will Tollywood be able to retain the humour he introduced to the industry?