When composer A.R. Rahman was recently asked about his interest to work in Telugu films, he cited the example of Rajamouli-Keeravani to explain how some directors and composers work in tandem. He went on to add that he doesn’t want to break their harmonious ‘marriage’. Rahman’s statement turns the spotlight on some of the prominent winning combinations in Tollywood and the key to their success and sustenance.
I feel pleased that such filmmakers trust me and it is indeed a pleasure to work with him (Rajamouli). It only helps us grow better. Rajamouli does extensive pre-production work like having multiple workshops, reading and script sessions, etc. All these help the composer.
— Keeravani
Setting new benchmarks —
S.S. Rajamouli and M.M. Keeravani have worked on 10 films together, all of which have been super hits. The director-composer duo has been setting new benchmarks in filmmaking and composing since their first outing in 2001.
Says Keeravani, “I feel pleased that such filmmakers trust me and it is indeed a pleasure to work with him (Rajamouli). It only helps us grow better.” He adds, “The key to success is to understand and visualise the script. Rajamouli does extensive pre-production work like having multiple workshops, reading and script sessions, etc. All these help the composer.”
Chiranjeevi and Kodandarami Reddy
On the same page —
One of the most noteworthy combinations in Tollywood has been that of Chiranjeevi and Kodandarami Reddy. The celebrated actor-director pair of Telugu cinema in the ’80s and ’90s worked together on more than 25 films, most of which were super hits.
Commenting on their winning streak, Kodandarami Reddy says, “I used to ask my writers to stay on the sets so that things will be easy for me. Since people accepted our combination, there was always an impetus to make another
film.”
He adds, “Chiranjeevi and I were able to do several films in various genres because there was a good understanding between us and both of us were always on the same page. Also, the technicians and writers’ support has been invaluable.”
Paruchuri Brothers
The ‘Write’ Brothers
Dialogue-writing duo Paruchuri Venkateswara Rao and Gopalakrishna hold a unique record for penning the story and dialogues for more than 350 films over a period of 40 years (the latest being Chiranjeevi-starrer Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy). Gopala-krishna says that allocation of work and transparency is the key to their award-winning combination.
Gopalakrishna says, “We had clarity of thought on how to go about the work. My brother Venkateswara Rao used to first write the story and then I would pen the dialogues. While my brother’s strength lies in writing natural sounding dialogues, I am good at composed dialogues. Both of us can act, write and direct, but we love being called as ‘one’. My brother is my inspiration and I always follow his footsteps. Venkateswara Rao adds, “Money and women cause contrasting perceptions, but luckily they did not affect our lives. Also, we understand each other’s strengths and know each other well. We have similar ideologies, and never do anything that the other one doesn’t like.”
Bapu and Ramana
The Millennium Friend
Filmmaker Bapu aka Sattiraju Lakshmi Narayana and writer Mullapudi Venkata Ramana were called ‘Millennium Friends’. While Bapu’s films reflected Telugu culture, Mullapudi Venkata Ramana was known for his candy floss humour writing. Their formidable combination enthralled the Telugu audiences for over 50 years.
Raj — Koti
In tune with each othe
Thotakura Somaraju and Saluri Koteswara Rao were another lethal combination that rocked Tollywood in the late ’80s and ’90s. Popularly known as Raj-Koti, the duo composed more than 2500 songs and won several awards for their compositions. Filmmakers used to make a beeline to bring them on board.
Talking about their strong camaraderie, Koti says, “Both of us were good friends even before we became composers. We used to discuss music a lot and knew each other well. After forming a team, Raj used to conduct the notation for the orchestra while I used to deal with filmmakers and other aspects. We were thus able to compose tunes and complement each other.”
