60 years of superstar Krishna’s debut film Tene Manasulu

March 31, 2025, marked the 60th anniversary of Tene Manasulu, the film that launched Telugu cinema legend Superstar Krishna. Directed by Adurthi Subba Rao, the film was released on March 31, 1965 and became a massive hit, setting the stage for Krishna’s illustrious career.
Interestingly, the film was initially conceived as a black-and-white production. However, after shooting a few reels, Adurthi Subba Rao decided to convert it into a color film, making it one of the earliest color films in Telugu cinema with a social drama theme.
The casting process for Tene Manasulu was unique, as the director sought fresh faces through a newspaper advertisement. Krishna, keen on entering the film industry, sent his portfolio. Other notable actors, including Jayalalitha, Krishnam Raju and Hema Malini, also applied for roles. Eventually, Krishna and Ram Mohan were selected as the leads.
Music played a crucial role in the film’s success. The legendary singer Ghantasala lent his voice for Krishna’s songs, which became musical chartbusters. Additionally, renowned writer Mullapudi Venkata Ramana served as the screenwriter, while K. Viswanath, who later became a celebrated filmmaker, worked as an assistant director.
One lesser-known anecdote from the film’s production involved Krishna learning to ride a scooter. Since the script required him to drive one, he trained for four days under the guidance of Ravi Kondala Rao before confidently riding from Sarathi Studios to Sanath Nagar.
Following Tene Manasulu, Krishna became a sensation and went on to become one of the biggest superstars of Telugu cinema. He later turned producer, director, and even established a film studio in Hyderabad. His legacy continues through his son, Mahesh Babu, who is one of the leading actors in South Indian cinema today.