Renowned journalist-writer and Nandi Awardee, Dr Rentala Jayadeva, the man who unearthed the correct release date of the first full-length Telugu talkie Bhakta Prahlada with his meticulous research, has now authored the book, Mana Cinema… First Reel. The book represents his 25 years of research and presents the history of South Indian cinema. The book launch was held at the ongoing Hyderabad Book Fair.
Eminent director Trivikram Srinivas launched the book and handed over the first copy to IRS officer Krishna Koundinya. On this occasion, Trivikram Srinivas speaks and remembers the time when he met Rentala Jayadeva for the first time in Chennai. He loved the way Jayadeva passionately wrote about the movies and articles when he worked for India Today. He remarked that their friendship remained intact from such a long time despite the differences in opinions.
“It is said that the first reel, interval and climax are very important for a movie. The book is titled First Reel, because it talks about the early days of Telugu Cinema. This book is as interesting as the first reel of a film, like how the first reel takes you into the story within ten minutes of the movie, this one also takes into the history of cinema within the first ten pages. Hats off to Jayadeva for such a gripping narrative,” said Trivikram.
He further stated, Jayadeva has proved how authentic a person who loves cinema can write a book about cinema. “I sincerely wish he spends more time writing books before he becomes a film writer. Jayadeva told the story of the first talkies in South Indian languages like Telugu, Tamil, Kannada and Malayalam. This book is like a novel,” he said.
Talking about writer Jayadev, Trivikram said that he definitely has all the qualities a writer should have. Such a person never tried to become a writer like his father and sister. “Jayadeva’s father Rentala Gopalakrishna was a great poet. He wrote more than 200 books. Jayadeva’s elder sister Kalpana Rentala is an author. I have read Tanhai and other novels and stories written by her. I just wish Jayadeva will write more books like First Reel further too,” said Trivikram.
Author, Nandi awardee Dr Rentala Jayadeva said, “My third elder sister Kalpana, my third elder brother Rentala Ramachandra, who supported me like a mother after mother, patted me on the back and encouraged me to come out with this book. Although I have been writing about movies for over three and a half decades, this is my first movie book. There were many teachers who taught me alphabets. I am very happy that our Master Chandrasekhar Reddy is here,” said Jayadeva. He thanked everyone present at the event and bowed to them with respect.
‘Emesco’ Vijay Kumar, Mamidi Harikrishna, Director of Telangana Language and Culture Department, Acharya D Chandrasekhar Reddy, noted poet-critic Afsar, writer Kalpana Rentala, director Dasharath, senior journalist Indira Parimi and others participated in this event.
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