Mallesham Explained

Mallesham
Director:Raj Rachakonda
Producer:Raj Rachakonda
Sri Adhikari
Starring:Priyadarshi
Jhansi
Ananya Nagalla
Ananda Chakrapani
Music:Mark K. Robin
Cinematography:Balu Sandilyasa
Editing:Raghavender V.
Studio:Studio 99
Distributor:Suresh Productions
Country:India
Language:Telugu
Budget:[1]

Mallesham is a 2019 Indian Telugu-language biographical film based on the life of Chintakindi Mallesham, written and directed by Raj Rachakonda. The film features Priyadarshi as Mallesham, alongside Jhansi, debutante Ananya Nagalla and Ananda Chakrapani in prominent roles. The film garnered positive reviews from critics upon release. Priyadarshi's performance in the film is regarded as one of the "100 Greatest Performances of the Decade" by Film Companion.[2]

Plot

Chintakindi Mallesham, a school dropout, goes on to revolutionize the weaving industry by creating the Asu machine.

Production

Short film director Raj made his directorial debut with this film.[3] He had seen the TED talk by Chintakindi Mallesham and wanted to create a film about Mallesham.[4] Carl Zeiss super-speed lenses were used to shoot the film as Raj wanted the film to feel like Shyam Benegal's Susman (1987). The film was shot in Revanapally and the crew stayed in the village for a year to shoot the film.[3] Laxman Aelay was signed as the head of art production after a hiatus of almost 25 years. His last work was Nirantharam (1995). He helped the crew by referring local artisans to the team. His drawings of weavers were used as references for the crew.[4] The trailer released on 29 May.[5]

Soundtrack

Mallesham
Type:Soundtrack
Artist:Mark K Robin
Released:2019
Recorded:2019
Genre:Soundtrack
Producer:Mark K Robin
Prev Title:Suryakantham
Prev Year:2019
Next Title:Agent Sai Srinivasa Athreya
Next Year:2019

The songs were composed by Mark K Robin.

Song Title Lyricist Singer(s)
"Dhana Dhana Dhann" Anurag Kulkarni
"Naaku Nuvvani" Sri Krishna, Ramya Behara
"Oho Jambiya" Goreti Venkanna Goreti Venkanna, Rahul SipliGunj
"Aa Challani" Dasaradhi Anurag Kulkarni
"Kotha Kotha Ga" Goreti Venkanna Sri Krishna & Ramya Behara
"Amma Deevena" Chandrabose Sri Krishna
"Amma Deevena" (Instrumental)
"Entha Maaya" Ashok Peddinti Ramya Behara
"Sethikochina Biddi" Chandrabose Anurag Kulkarni

Release

The Times of India gave the film four out of five stars and stated that "The film delivers what it promises – the story of a common man who dared to find a practical solution to the issue at hand, a man anyone can relate to. Director Raj Rachakonda needs to be lauded for this".[6] The New Indian Express stated that "And yes, Raj deserves applause for churning out a film which has its heart in the right place. Priyadarshi’s complete ownership of the role is what elevates this film a few notches higher."[7] The Hindu wrote that "This indie-spirited film is a heart-warming portrayal of tenacity and triumph".[8] The movie is successful at the box office.[9]

Digital release

The film has a theatrical release and digitally released on Netflix.

Accolades

Date of ceremonyAwardCategoryRecipient(s) and nominee(s)ResultRef.
28 March 2020Critics Choice Film AwardsBest Actor – MalePriyadarshi[10]
[11]
Best Actor – FemaleJhansi
Best DirectorRaj Rachakonda
Best FilmMallesham
11 January 2020Zee Cine Awards TeluguSpecial AppreciationMallesham[12]
Best StoryRaj Rachakonda, Peddinti Ashok Kumar
18 September 2021South Indian International Movie AwardsBest Debutant Producer – TeluguStudio 99[13]
18 September 2021South Indian International Movie AwardsBest Debutant ActressAnanya Nagalla
18 September 2021South Indian International Movie AwardsBest Debutant DirectorRaj R
18 September 2021South Indian International Movie AwardsBest Debutant ProducerStudio 99 (Raj R & Sri Adhikari)

Notes and References

  1. Web site: 2019-12-31. 2019లో భారీ వసూళ్లు రాబట్టిన సినిమాలివే... Highest grossing films of 2019. 2020-08-06. Sakshi. te.
  2. Web site: 100 Greatest Performances of the Decade. https://web.archive.org/web/20191219043509/https://www.filmcompanion.in/best-of-the-decade/100-best-performances-indian-cinema.html. dead. 19 December 2019. 2020-11-14. Film Companion. en.
  3. Web site: The Making of Mallesham. The New Indian Express.
  4. Web site: Behind the scenes of 'Mallesham', the Telugu biopic on an ikat weaver. Sangeetha Devi. Dundoo. 15 June 2019. The Hindu.
  5. Web site: Priyadarshi's 'Mallesham' trailer is here and it's promising!. The Times of India.
  6. Web site: Mallesham Movie Review : A biopic pulled off well. The Times of India.
  7. Web site: 'Mallesham' movie review: A heart-warming and inspiring story. The New Indian Express.
  8. Web site: 'Mallesham' review: A biopic that spells hope. Sangeetha Devi. Dundoo. 20 June 2019. The Hindu.
  9. https://www.sakshi.com/news/family/roundup-2019-special-story-tollywood-movies-1252065
  10. Web site: 2 March 2020. Critics Choice Film Awards 2020: Complete nominations list. 10 March 2020. The Indian Express.
  11. Web site: 28 March 2020. Critics' Choice Film Awards 2020: Complete winners list. 29 March 2020. The Indian Express.
  12. Web site: 12 January 2020. Zee Cine awards Telugu 2020: Samantha Akkineni, Chiranjeevi and Nani win top laurels. 12 January 2020. Hindustan Times.
  13. Web site: SIIMA 2021 Full Winners List: Mahesh Babu – Rashmika Mandanna Win Best Actor And Actress Award . India.com . 20 September 2021.