Legendary filmmaker Bharathiraja, who left an indelible mark on Indian cinema with his realistic storytelling, also had a successful association with Telugu cinema. He directed a few Telugu films, and one of the most celebrated among them was Seethakoka Chiluka (1981). The film went on to win the National Award for Best Telugu Film, the Nandi Award, and several other honours, becoming a landmark success for producer Edida Nageswara Rao and Poornodaya Creations.
Edida Raja, son of the late Edida Nageswara Rao, recalled the memorable journey of making Seethakoka Chiluka and his father's association with Bharathiraja.
“Bharathiraja garu was a trendsetter with his debut film 16 Vayathinile. Vamsi, who was working as an assistant director in our production house at the time, suggested that my father watch the film and consider producing a movie with Bharathiraja garu,” recalls Edida Raja, in an exclusive interview with CE.
“Our production house had just delivered the sensational blockbuster Shankarabharanam, which was completely music-oriented. We approached Bharathiraja garu, and that is how Seethakoka Chiluka came into existence. It remains one of the greatest love stories ever made. Many filmmakers later said they were inspired by the film and went on to make several memorable love stories,” he said.
Edida Raja clarified that Seethakoka Chiluka was not a remake.
“Bharathiraja garu wanted to make the story simultaneously in Tamil and Telugu. The Tamil version was titled Alaigal Oivathillai, while we produced the Telugu version, Seethakoka Chiluka. He shot both versions separately. At that time, many people questioned our decision to make a love story immediately after the success of Shankarabharanam, but my father believed in the subject and decided to go ahead,” he said.
Recalling an interesting incident, Edida Raja said Bharathiraja was always open to suggestions and respected others' opinions.
“The original climax ended on a tragic note, and those scenes had already been shot. However, my father suggested that the ending should be changed to a happy one. He felt that since the story revolved around two people from different castes falling in love and getting married, the film should encourage such relationships and end on a positive note. Bharathiraja garu liked the suggestion and agreed to reshoot the climax with a happy ending,” recalled Edida Raja.
He added that the film went on to become a sensational success.
“Seethakoka Chiluka won the National Award for Best Telugu Film, the Nandi Award, and several other honours. Bharathiraja garu further strengthened his reputation as a trendsetter with this film. Even today, it remains one of the most memorable and prestigious films produced by Poornodaya Creations,” said Edida Raja.
Edida Raja paid tribute to Bharathiraja and said that his passing is a great loss to Indian cinema. “I pray that God gives strength to his family members during this difficult time and that his soul rests in peace,” said Edida Raja.
