'Balu, Lakshmi should get national awards'

At a time when big films close their business after three to four weeks of their theatrical run, Tanikella Bharani's 'Mithunam' with SP Balasubrahmanyam and Lakshmi in the lead roles, has grown day by day in AP and in US, and has completed 50 days.

While it was hard for the film to find theatres at first, word of mouth helped the film reach a wider-section. Veterans, Dasari Narayana Rao, K Raghavendra Rao, K Viswanath and Gollapudi Maruthi Rao made their presence felt at the function to mark the successful run of the film at Ravindra Bharathi, Hyderabad on Sunday.

The event was a full-house with most senior citizens making it a point to attend it and showcase their love towards the film. Bharani said that he could just locate one viewer in Usha Mayuri theatre, Hyderabad, on day one of the films' release in AP.

'He was kind enough to say that this type of flicks needs time. By the end of the film there were nine people in total who watched it (smiles),' said Bharani.

The event also witnessed Dasari, the chief guest, unveiling the soundtrack of the film besides presenting mementos to the cast and crew of the film.

The lead cast and Bharani were also felicitated by Dasari and his veteran colleagues. Writer Ramana on whose work the film was based upon was also present at the do.

Speaking at the event, Dasari said, 'When films are just running for the first three days and when they are nothing but mere fights and recording dances, it's heartening to see a film like 'Mithunam' surpassing 50 days. In the past, Bharani often asked me whether he should continue as a writer or an actor.

I've suggested him to be an actor knowing his potential, but also asked him to concentrate on writing now and then.

After some years, he was still unhappy and was always of the opinion that our cinema can go beyond commercial boundaries since we have the potential. See what transpired now.

He made 'Mithunam' straight from the heart and is now reaping the benefits of it. I wouldn't have made the film for sure.' He said Balu and Lakshmi deserve National Awards for their performances in the film.

SP Balu said the film will remain as a special chapter in my life. 'Bharani deserves every accolade for the film. His narration made audience sit through for two hours with just two characters.'

K Viswanath said the fact that people are still heading to screens to watch 'Mithunam' shows that good cinema is always embraced. Gollapudi recollected a 75-year-old man telling him that he watched the film thrice which speaks about the film's reach.

Actress Lakshmi recalled that her family responsibilities kept her away from films. Celebrating the 100 years of Indian cinema, 'Mithunam' is a perfect gift to me by Bharani.

I could proudly say that I had enough in front of the camera after working in this film. I've been exposed to his romance (songs) on a daily basis and it is the reason for our sparkling chemistry in the film,' she concluded.