Cineflections:55 – Missamma – 1955, Telugu

Cineflections-55

Missamma – 1955, Telugu

-Manjula Jonnalagadda

“All religions must be tolerated… for every man must get to heaven in his own way.” – Epictetus

          Missamma is a film made by L.V. Prasad written by Chakrapani based on a Bengali short story titled Manmoyee Girls’ School penned by Rabindranath Maitra. This film is from the classic Tollywood era, pioneered by Vijaya Productions.

          Classic era films of Tollywood were typically light hearted films filled with humor with some kind of social message. Many times they explored themes like caste system, dowry system, living beyond once means, etc.

          L.V. Prasad started his career as an errand boy. He acted in the first talkie film of India Alam Ara. He acted in a few more films before he started making films. His first film as director is Gruhapravesam in which he also played the lead role. He directed several films in Telugu, Tamil, and Hindi. He also produced several films. He acted in films in till 1981. He received several accolades including the Dada Saheb Phalke award.

          Chakrapani was a screenwriter for many films produced by Vijaya and Vahini films. He translated many Bengali novels and short stories into Telugu. Along with Nagi Reddi, he started the beloved children’s magazine Chandamama which was published in multiple languages.

          The film begins with a scene in Mahalakshmi School where teachers have no interest in teaching. One of them is Raju, the nephew of Gopalam a zamindar (local landlord). Gopalam lives with his nephew, a daughter called Sita, and his wife is called Ammi (we never know her name, in those days quite a few couples didn’t call their spouses by name). Gopalam had two daughters, one of them called Mahalakshmi went missing in the childhood.

          M.T. Rao and Mary teach siblings of a government employee. They both lose their jobs as the family moves to another town. M.T. Rao is a shrewd but well meaning person, Mary is feisty and a bit short tempered. Mary is the lost daughter of Gopalam and is raised Christian. Mary doesn’t know that she is adopted. She is also pursued by David who lends her some money for her education. Gopalam, vexed by the non-performance of the teachers of the school, advertises for jobs for a married couple to teach at their school. M.T. Rao and Mary apply posing as a married couple and get the job.

          Gopalam and his wife think that Mary resembles their lost daughter Mahalakshmi. Raju is convinced that Mary is Mahalakshmi and is out to prove it. Mary is unable to deal with Gopalam and his wife’s affection and Hindu rituals. Sita’s proximity to Rao makes both Mary jealous, as does Raju who loves Sita. How everything is resolved is the rest of the story.

          The film works because of the screenplay, it is near perfect with few flaws. The story flows very logically. Many times a person is recognizable from a childhood photo. So when Gopalam and his wife see their daughter, it is only logical that they recognize her. The only flaw I see is Mary not eating her food with her hands, and her lack of knowledge about Hinduism, given it is impossible for her not to have Hindu friends. That works for humor however. I know I am nitpicking.

          The film works because its humor. There are jibes about unemployment in a scene where M.T. Rao quips “When I was a student I read sports columns, after graduation I read only the wanted column”. Raju’s obsession about being a detective, Mary’s jealousy, Sita’s immaturity, all lead to very funny situations. The film doesn’t take itself very seriously despite the message that all religions are equal.

          The dialogue in the film, penned by Pingali Nagendrarao, is very good! Pingali is known for his wit; this is his second best work in my opinion, his best being Mayabazaar. Themusic is very good as well, even though there are way too many songs. Too many songs was the norm in Telugu films those days.

          Nageswara Rao as Raju is excellent! His scenes are humorous, even though his role is not the main role in the film. N. T. Ramarao is extremely charismatic, so is Savithri who was fantastic as Mary! Jamuna as Sita, and Rushyendramani as Gopalam’s wife are quite good as well. Relangi as a trickster Deviah and Ramana Reddy as David need a special mention! Last but not the least is S.V. Rangarao as Gopalam is at his absolute best!

          Watch this film to enjoy the endearing farcical classic, that has aged as well as Oscar Wilde’s work.

*****