HM Reddy: The early proponent of talkie films

He was the one who gave voice and an identity to then silent movies in Telugu. Fondly called as ‘Talkie Puli’, Hanumappa Muniappa Reddy (HM Reddy) single handedly revolutionised the Telugu film Industry, with his film, ‘Bhakta Prahlada’ (1931), the first talkie in Telugu.Born on June 12 1892, HM Reddy was educated in Bangalore (now Bengaluru) and worked as Inspector of Police. The patriot in him resented the idea of working for the Brits; he left the job to try his hand at movie making. He moved to Bombay (now Mumbai) and started his career as a reflector boy.

He grew by leaps and bounds and was the first assistant to Ardeshir Irani, when the latter was making first Indian talkie ‘Alam Ara’. Reddy’s fortunes changed when Irani handpicked him to direct ‘Bhakta Prahlada’ and it was no looking back from then on. He also directed first Tamil talkie, ‘Kalidasu’ besides wielding the megaphone for a couple of Hindi and a Hinglish film, ‘Jazz of Life’ (1932).

He teamed up with his protégé, BN Reddy and actress Kannamba and floated Rohini Pictures. Under the banner he directed ‘Gruha Lakshmi’ based on the noted play, Rangoon Rowdy, which was a blockbuster back then. He was credited in introducing Chittoor V Nagaiah, the finest actor of his times, who earned the moniker ‘Paul Muni of India’. At the fag-end of his career, Reddy introduced actors Kantha Rao and Rajanala through his penultimate film ‘Pratigna’.

Ace directors of those times LV Prasad, BN Reddy and KV Reddy honed their skills under him. LV Prasad played minor roles in Reddy’s films, ‘Tenali Ramakrishna’ (1941) and ‘Gharana Donga’ (1942). Affectionately called as “Pappaji” by the artistes and crew, HM Reddy was known for his humility. It was often reported that he used his own vehicle to ferry out crew to the studio. ‘Vaddante Dabbu’ (1954) was his last feature film. He passed away on January 14, 1960 during the filming of ‘Gaja Donga.’

By Aditya Parankusam