Happy Days (2007 film): Difference between revisions

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{{short description|2007 Telugu film directed by Sekhar Kammula}}
{{short description|Film by Sekhar Kammula}}
{{EngvarB|date=May 2014}}
{{use Indian English|date=May 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2016}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2016}}
{{Infobox film
{{Infobox film
|name = Happy Days
| name           = Happy Days
|image = Happy Days (2007 film).jpg
| image         = Happy Days (2007 film).jpg
|director = [[Sekhar Kammula]]
| caption        = Theatrical release poster
|producer = Sekhar Kammula
| director       = [[Sekhar Kammula]]
|writer = Sekhar Kammula
| producer       = Sekhar Kammula
|starring = [[Varun Sandesh]]<br>[[Rahul Haridas]]<br>[[Nikhil Siddharth]]<br>Vamsee Krishna<br>[[Tamannaah]]<br>[[Sonia Deepti]]<br/>Gayatri Rao<br/>Monali Chowdhary
| writer         = Sekhar Kammula
|music = [[Mickey J Meyer]]
| starring       = {{plainlist|
|cinematography = [[Vijay C Kumar]]
*[[Varun Sandesh]]
|editing = [[Marthand K. Venkatesh]]
*[[Tamannaah Bhatia]]
|studio = Amigos Creations
*[[Rahul Haridas]]
|distributor = [[Amigos Creations]]
*[[Nikhil Siddharth]]
|released = {{Film date|df=yes|2007|09|28|United States}}, {{Film date|df=yes|2007|10||India}}
*Vamsee Krishna
|runtime = 165 minutes  
*[[Sonia Deepti]]
|country = India
*Gayatri Rao
| language = [[Telugu language|Telugu]]
*Monali Chowdhary}}
|budget = {{INR|20 million|link=yes}}<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/magazine/2009/oct/25/happy-days-arent-money-driven-97942.html |title=Happy days aren’t money-driven |website=The New Indian Express |date=25 October 2009 |access-date=1 June 2021}}</ref><!--Must be attributed to a reliable published source with an established reputation for fact-checking. No blogs, no IMDb.-->
| music         = [[Mickey J. Meyer]]
|gross = 240 million INR(Gross)
| cinematography = [[Vijay C. Kumar]]
| editing       = [[Marthand K. Venkatesh]]
| studio         = Amigos Creations
| distributor   = [[Amigos Creations]]
| released       = {{plainlist|
{{Film date|2007|09|28|United States|2007|10|02|India|df=y}}}}
| runtime       = 160 minutes
| country       = India
| language       = Telugu
| budget         = {{INR|2–3 crore}}<ref name= "budget">{{Cite web |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/magazine/2009/oct/25/happy-days-arent-money-driven-97942.html |title=Happy days aren't money-driven |website=The New Indian Express |date=25 October 2009 |access-date=1 June 2021 |archive-date=2 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602215604/https://www.newindianexpress.com/magazine/2009/oct/25/happy-days-arent-money-driven-97942.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
| gross          = {{Estimation}}  {{INR}}18.59 crore [[Box office#Distributor rentals|distributors' share]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Tollywood Top 10 Box Office Collection Movies In 2007 |url=https://t2blive.com/tollywood-top-10-box-office-collection-movies-in-2007/ |website=T2BLive |language=en |date=19 February 2019 |access-date=14 April 2025}}</ref>
}}
}}


'''''Happy Days ''''' is a 2007 Indian [[Telugu language|Telugu]]-language [[musical film|musical]] [[coming of age film]] written, produced and directed by [[Sekhar Kammula]]. The film features [[Varun Sandesh]], [[Rahul Haridas]], [[Nikhil Siddharth]], Vamsee Krishna, [[Tamannaah]], [[Sonia Deepti]], Gayatri Rao, and Monali Chowdhary in the lead roles. The plot explores the college life and experiences of eight friends. 
'''''Happy Days ''''' is a 2007 Indian [[Telugu language|Telugu]]-language [[musical film|musical]] [[coming of age film]] written, produced and directed by [[Sekhar Kammula]]. The film features [[Varun Sandesh]], [[Tamannaah Bhatia]], [[Rahul Haridas]], [[Nikhil Siddharth]], Vamsee Krishna, [[Sonia Deepti]], Gayatri Rao, and Monali Chowdhary in the lead roles.  


The film was dubbed in Malayalam and remade in Kannada as ''Jolly days'' and in Tamil as ''[[Inidhu Inidhu]]'' by actor [[Prakash Raj]]. The film won six [[Filmfare Awards South]],<ref name="bharatstudent.com">[http://www.bharatstudent.com/cafebharat/view_news-Malayalam-News_and_Gossips-4,27721.php "55th Annual Tiger Balm South Filmfare Awards 2008: Winners – Malluwood News & Gossips"]. Bharatstudent.com (14 July 2008). Retrieved on 2016-05-11.</ref> and three [[Nandi Awards]].<ref name="idlebrain.com">[http://www.idlebrain.com/news/2000march20/nandiawards2007.html "Nandi awards 2007 announced – Telugu cinema news"]. Idlebrain.com (12 January 2008). Retrieved on 2016-05-11.</ref>  
The film follows eight diverse students pursuing [[engineering]] at [[Chaitanya Bharathi Institute of Technology|CBIT]] navigating their four years of college life. It explores their friendships, rivalries, romantic relationships, and self-discovery, capturing the essence of campus experiences and the transition into adulthood.
 
The film received a positive response and was a huge box office success, redefining the coming-of-age college drama in [[Telugu cinema]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=19 June 2025 |title=Dollar Dreams to Love Story: 5 Sekhar Kammula films you must watch before Kuberaa |website=[[The Times of India]] |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/dollar-dreams-to-love-story-5-sekhar-kammula-films-you-must-watch-before-kuberaa/photostory/121951708.cms?picid=121951884 }}</ref><ref name="budget" /> The film won three [[Nandi Awards]], and six [[Filmfare Awards]].<ref name="idlebrain.com">[http://www.idlebrain.com/news/2000march20/nandiawards2007.html "Nandi awards 2007 announced – Telugu cinema news"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150531021540/http://www.idlebrain.com/news/2000march20/nandiawards2007.html |date=31 May 2015 }}. Idlebrain.com (12 January 2008). Retrieved on 2016-05-11.</ref><ref name="bharatstudent.com">[http://www.bharatstudent.com/cafebharat/view_news-Malayalam-News_and_Gossips-4,27721.php "55th Annual Tiger Balm South Filmfare Awards 2008: Winners – Malluwood News & Gossips"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120904234147/http://www.bharatstudent.com/cafebharat/view_news-Malayalam-News_and_Gossips-4,27721.php |date=4 September 2012 }}. Bharatstudent.com (14 July 2008). Retrieved on 2016-05-11.</ref> Happy Days is widely considered a modern classic of Telugu cinema, holding significant cultural impact, notably influencing many students to pursue engineering. The film was dubbed was remade in Kannada as ''[[Jolly Days (film)|Jolly Days]]'' and in Tamil as ''[[Inidhu Inidhu]]'' by actor [[Prakash Raj]].


==Plot==
==Plot==
Happy Days tells us a story that explores the lives of eight friends through the four years of their engineering course. Each one of them joins [[Chaitanya Bharathi Institute of Technology]] with their own set of idiosyncrasies, eccentricities, beliefs and ideals. What starts off as a journey of individuals, slowly becomes a collective one over time. They bond over as they go through bullying seniors, stringent professors, intense examinations, over the top celebrations, love, betrayal, sacrifice and every other possible emotion that an individual can experience in a college. The movie portrays the mindset of a typical engineering student which helped youth to connect with the characters involved.
{{AI-generated|date=December 2025|section=Plot}}
 


==Cast==
==Cast==
{{colbegin}}
{{cast listing|
* [[Varun Sandesh]] as Chandrashekar "Chandu"
* [[Varun Sandesh]] as Chandrashekar "Chandu"
* [[Tamannaah]] as Madhu
* [[Tamannaah Bhatia]] as Madhu (voiced by [[Sunitha (Telugu singer)|Sunitha]])
* [[Nikhil Siddharth]] as Rajesh
* [[Nikhil Siddharth]] as Rajesh
* Gayatri Rao as Aparna "Appu"
* [[Rahul Haridas]] as Arjun "Tyson"
* [[Sonia Deepti]] as Shravanthi "Shravs"
* [[Sonia Deepti]] as Shravanthi "Shravs"
* Vamsee Chaganti as Shankar
* Vamsee Chaganti as Shankar
* Gayatri Rao as Aparna "Appu"
* [[Rahul Haridas]] as Arjun "Tyson"
* Monali Chowdhary as Sangeetha
* Monali Chowdhary as Sangeetha
* Gururaj Manepalli as College Principal
* Gururaj Manepalli as the Dean of [[Chaitanya Bharathi Institute of Technology|CBIT]]
* [[Kamalinee Mukherjee]] as Shreya Madam (Guest Appearance)
* [[Krishnudu]] as Bandodu
* [[Krishnudu]] as Bandodu
* [[Randhir Gattla]] as Naveen
* [[Ranadhir Reddy]] as Naveen
* [[Adarsh Balakrishna|Aadarsh Balakrishna]] as Sanjay
* [[Aadarsh Balakrishna]] as Sanjay
* Vamshi as Paidithalli
* Vamshi as Paidithalli
* Adithya as Praveen
* Adithya as Praveen
* Shruti as Prashanthi
* Shruti as Prashanthi
* Srikanth
* Sandhya Janak as Madhu's mother<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/tollywoods-favorite-mommy-sandhya-janak/articleshow/13034616.cms|title=Tollywood's favorite mommy|work=[[The Times of India]]|date=8 May 2012|access-date=19 September 2024}}</ref>
* Nachiketh
;Cameo appearance
* Satya
* [[Kamalinee Mukherjee]] as Shreya Madam
* Dileep
}}
* Chaitanya Chitrada
* Kamal
* Praveen
* Suresh
* Krishna
* Sowjanya
* Priyanka
* Hima Bindu
* Deepthi
{{colend}}


==Production==
==Production==


===Casting===
===Casting===
Sekhar Kammula held a talent search at Big FM and idlebrain.com and managed to select seven of the eight lead actors. He had to cast [[Tamannaah]] as a suitable actress was not found.<ref name=int>[http://www.idlebrain.com/celeb/interview/sekharkammula2.html Idle Brain Interview with Sekhar Kammula]. Idlebrain.com (26 September 2007). Retrieved on 2016-05-11.</ref> The main lead of the film was selected using the internet without any direct audition. Varun Sandesh did not audition for his role. He sent his photograph by e-mail in response to idlebrain.com advertisement and subsequently sent a video clip of himself enacting certain scenes along with a song via [[Google]] Video. Damidi Kamalakar Reddy, founding Secretary and Treasurer of Chaitanya Engineering College, acted as a Professor/Lecturer in a brief cameo role.
Sekhar Kammula held a talent search at Big FM and idlebrain.com and managed to select seven of the eight lead actors. He had to cast [[Tamannaah Bhatia]] as a suitable actress was not found.<ref name=int>[http://www.idlebrain.com/celeb/interview/sekharkammula2.html Idle Brain Interview with Sekhar Kammula] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071221143051/http://www.idlebrain.com/celeb/interview/sekharkammula2.html |date=21 December 2007 }}. Idlebrain.com (26 September 2007). Retrieved on 2016-05-11.</ref> The main lead of the film, [[Varun Sandesh]], was selected using the internet without any direct audition. He sent his photograph by e-mail in response to the idlebrain.com advertisement and subsequently sent a video clip of himself enacting certain scenes along with a song. Damidi Kamalakar Reddy, founding Secretary and Treasurer of Chaitanya Engineering College, acted as a Professor/Lecturer in a brief cameo role.


===Location===
===Filming===
Most of the movie was shot at [[Chaitanya Bharathi Institute of Technology]] (CBIT) and [[Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Technology]] MGIT. In fact, the opening scene between Appu and Rajesh was shot in MGIT with select scenes shot outdoors. Sekhar is an alumnus of CBIT, and he found it to be a suitable location. He had to arrange a special screening of [[Anand (2004 film)|Anand]] to the chairman of CBIT and its board members to convince them for an on-site shoot. Apparently, after watching Anand, the board granted their permission to shoot the film.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://idlebrain.com/news/functions/audio-happydays.html| title=Audio launch – Happy Days| access-date=24 March 2008}}</ref>
Most of the shooting took place at [[Chaitanya Bharathi Institute of Technology]] (CBIT) and [[Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Technology]] (MGIT). The opening scene between Appu and Rajesh was shot in MGIT with select scenes shot outdoors. Sekhar being an alumnus of CBIT, found it to be a suitable location. He had to arrange a special screening of ''[[Anand (2004 film)|Anand]]'' to the chairman of CBIT and its board members to convince them for an on-site shoot. Apparently, after watching ''Anand'', the board granted their permission to shoot the film.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://idlebrain.com/news/functions/audio-happydays.html| title=Audio launch – Happy Days| access-date=24 March 2008| archive-date=11 March 2008| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080311233242/http://www.idlebrain.com/news/functions/audio-happydays.html| url-status=live}}</ref>


===Cost cutting measures===
===Cost cutting measures===
Sekhar Kammula cut costs of producing the film through various methods. By casting newcomers, he cut expenses to a reasonable level. As most of the shooting took place in the college, there was no need to construct sets. By partnering with ''[[Pantaloon Group]]'', he saved another Rs 1&nbsp;million in the costumes budget.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.idlebrain.com/news/functions/announcement-happydays.html| title=Announcement – Happy Days| access-date=24 March 2008}}</ref>
Sekhar Kammula cut costs of producing the film through various methods. By casting newcomers, he reduced expenses to a reasonable level. As most of the shooting took place in the college, there was no need to construct sets. By partnering with [[Pantaloon Group]], he saved an additional ₹10 lakh on the costumes budget.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.idlebrain.com/news/functions/announcement-happydays.html| title=Announcement – Happy Days| access-date=24 March 2008| archive-date=9 February 2008| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080209195042/http://www.idlebrain.com/news/functions/announcement-happydays.html| url-status=live}}</ref>


==Release==
==Music==
''Happy Days'' was released on 28 September 2007 in the United States and 2 October 2007 in India. In addition, it was dubbed into [[Malayalam]].
Music was composed by [[Mickey J Meyer]] and released by [[Big Music (record label)|Big Music]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Happy Days - All Songs - Download or Listen Free - Saavn |date=13 April 2010 |url=https://www.saavn.com/album/happy-days/EYwgwl5Yf1c_ |access-date=3 November 2018 |archive-date=18 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231118122228/https://www.jiosaavn.com/album/happy-days/EYwgwl5Yf1c_ |url-status=live }}</ref> The audio launch took place at [[Annapurna Studios]] on 24 August 2007, 100 students selected from various colleges in Hyderabad attended. The guests for the evening included BN Reddy (CBIT), Kamalakar Reddy (CBIT), [[Dil Raju]], [[Sekhar Kammula]], Ravi Naidu (BIG Music), Mahesh Kumar (Reliance business head), Ilayaraja, Swapna, C Vijaya Kumar, Ashok and the star cast. BN Reddy launched the audio CD and gave the first unit to Kamalakar Reddy.<ref>{{cite web |title=Happy Days music launch - Telugu cinema function |url=http://www.idlebrain.com/news/functions/audio-happydays.html |website=www.idlebrain.com |access-date=3 November 2018 |archive-date=19 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180719213056/http://www.idlebrain.com/news/functions/audio-happydays.html |url-status=live }}</ref>


==Response==
[[Mickey J Meyer]] won the [[Filmfare Award for Best Music Director – Telugu]] and [[Nandi Award for Best Music Director]] for this soundtrack.
Though the film featured mostly newcomers, it became a commercial hit throughout India. It collected {{INR}} 2&nbsp;crores (20million) in 50 days.<ref>[http://www.greatandhra.com/ganews/viewnews.php?id=4794&scat=33 Box Office Collections of Hit Films of Tollywood- 2007]. Great Andhra (31 December 2007). Retrieved on 11 May 2016.</ref> The film received extremely positive reviews for its fresh story, cast, screenplay, and songs.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.filmchamber.com/fcre.aspx?m=HappyDays| title=Movie Review – Happy Days | access-date=24 March 2008 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071020032112/http://www.filmchamber.com/fcre.aspx?m=HappyDays <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date = 20 October 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.idlebrain.com/movie/archive/mr-happydays.html| title=Telugu Movie review – Happy Days | access-date=24 March 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.cinegoer.com/reviews/happydays.htm| title=A Trip Down Memory Lane| access-date=24 March 2008| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080223125636/http://www.cinegoer.com/reviews/happydays.htm| archive-date=23 February 2008| url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.greatandhra.com/ganews/viewnews.php?id=2972&cat=1&scat=12| title='Happy Days' Review: A Nostalgic Retreat| access-date=24 March 2008}}</ref>
 
==Awards==
; [[Filmfare Awards South]] – 2008<ref name="bharatstudent.com"/>
* [[Filmfare Award for Best Film – Telugu|Best film]] – [[Sekhar Kammula]]
* [[Filmfare Award for Best Director – Telugu|Best Director]] – Sekhar Kammula
* [[Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress – Telugu|Best Supporting Actress]] – [[Sonia Deepti]]
* [[Filmfare Award for Best Music Director – Telugu|Best Music Director]] – [[Mickey J. Meyer]]
* [[Filmfare Award for Best Lyricist – Telugu|Best Lyricist]] – [[Vanamali]] (''Areyrey Areyrey'')
* [[Filmfare Award for Best Male Playback Singer – Telugu|Best Male Playback Singer]] – [[Karthik (singer)|Karthik]] (''Areyrey Areyrey'')
 
; [[Nandi Awards]] – 2008<ref name="idlebrain.com"/>
* [[Nandi Award for Best Feature Film|Best film]] (Silver) – Sekhar Kammula
* [[Nandi Award for Best Music Director|Best Music Director]] – Mickey J. Meyer
* [[Nandi Award for Best Male Playback Singer|Best Male Playback Singer]] – Karthik (''Oh My Friend'')
 
; [[CineMAA Awards]] – 2008
* Best Film – Sekhar Kammula
* Best Director – Sekhar Kammula
* Best Story – Sekhar Kammula
* Best Screenplay – Sekhar Kammula
* Best Music – Mickey J. Meyer
* Best Lyricist – Vanamali (''Areyrey Areyrey'')
* Best Lyricist – Veturi
* Best Male Singer – Karthik (''Areyrey Areyrey'')
 
==Soundtrack==
The Music was composed by [[Mickey J. Meyer]] and Released by [[Big Music]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Happy Days - All Songs - Download or Listen Free - Saavn |url=https://www.saavn.com/album/happy-days/EYwgwl5Yf1c_ |access-date=3 November 2018}}</ref> The Audio Launch took place at [[Annapurna Studios]] on 24 August 2007, 100 students selected from various colleges in Hyderabad attended it to make it more colorful. The guests for the evening included BN Reddy (CBIT), Kamalakar Reddy (CBIT), [[Dil Raju]], [[Sekhar Kammula]], Ravi Naidu (BIG Music), Mahesh Kumar (Reliance business head), Mickey J Meyer, Swapna, C Vijaya Kumar, Ashok and the star cast.BN Reddy launched the audio CD and gave the first unit to Kamalakar Reddy.<ref>{{cite web |title=Happy Days music launch - Telugu cinema function |url=http://www.idlebrain.com/news/functions/audio-happydays.html |website=www.idlebrain.com}}</ref>
 
[[Mickey J. Meyer]] Won The [[Filmfare Award for Best Music Director – Telugu]] and [[Nandi Award for Best Music Director]] for this Soundtrack.


{{Infobox album
{{Infobox album
| name        = Happy Days
| name        = Happy Days
| type        = Soundtrack
| type        = Soundtrack
| artist      = [[Mickey J. Meyer]]
| artist      = [[Mickey J Meyer]]
| cover        =  
| cover        =  
| released    = 24 August 2007
| released    = 24 August 2007
Line 117: Line 89:
| genre        = [[Soundtrack]]
| genre        = [[Soundtrack]]
| length      = 28:27
| length      = 28:27
| label        = [[Big Music]]
| label        = [[T-Series (company)|T-Series]]
| language = [[Telugu (language)|Telugu]]
| language     = [[Telugu (language)|Telugu]]
| producer    = [[Mickey J. Meyer]]
| producer    = [[Mickey J Meyer]]
| prev_title  = Notebook
| prev_title  = [[10th Class]]
| prev_year    = 2006
| prev_year    = 2006
| next_title  = [[Hare Ram]]
| next_title  = [[Hare Ram]]
Line 126: Line 98:
}}
}}


{{tracklist|
{{track listing|
|extra_column=Singer(s)
| extra_column = Singer(s)
|headline = Track-List
| headline     = Telugu Track-List
|total_length=28:27
| total_length = 28:27
|title1=Areyrey Areyrey |extra1=[[Karthik (singer)|Karthik]]| lyrics1 = [[Vanamali]]|length1= 4:59
| title1       = Arere Arere
|title2=Jill Jill Jinga|extra2=Krishna Chaitanya, Kranti, Aditya Siddharth, Sashi Kiran| lyrics2 = Venkatesh Patvari|length2=4:34
| extra1       = [[Karthik (singer)|Karthik]]
|title3=Happy Days |extra3=Mickey J. Meyer, Harshika| lyrics3 = [[Veturi Sundararama Murthy]]|length3=3:51
| lyrics1       = [[Vanamali]]
|title4=Ya Kundendu|extra4=Pranavi | lyrics4 = Traditional|length4=1:24
| length1       = 4:59
|title5=Ye Cheekati|extra5=[[Ranjith (Singer)|Ranjith]], [[Sunitha Sarathy]]| lyrics5 = Vanamali|length5=4:45
| title2       = Jill Jill Jiga
|title6=O My Friend |extra6=Karthik| lyrics6 = Vanamali|length6=5:03
| extra2       = Krishna Chaitanya, Kranti, Aditya Siddharth, Sashi Kiran
|title7=Happy Days |note7 = Rock Version|extra7=[[Naresh Iyer]], Mickey J. Meyer| lyrics7 = Veturi Sundararama Murthy |length7=3:51
| lyrics2       = Venkatesh Patvari
| length2       = 4:34
| title3       = Happy Days Title Track
| extra3       = Mickey J. Meyer, Harshika
| lyrics3       = [[Veturi]]
| length3       = 3:51
| title4       = Ya Kundendu
| extra4       = Pranavi
| lyrics4       = Traditional
| length4       = 1:24
| title5       = Ye Cheekati
| extra5       = [[Ranjith (Singer)|Ranjith]], [[Sunitha Sarathy]]
| lyrics5       = Vanamali
| length5       = 4:45
| title6       = O My Friend
| extra6       = Karthik
| lyrics6       = Vanamali
| length6       = 5:03
| title7       = Happy Days
| note7         = Rock Version
| extra7       = [[Naresh Iyer]], Mickey J. Meyer
| lyrics7       = Veturi
| length7       = 3:51
}}
}}
{{Infobox album
{{Infobox album
| name        = Happy Days
| name        = Happy Days
| type        = Soundtrack
| type        = Soundtrack
| artist      = [[Mickey J. Meyer]]
| artist      = [[Mickey J Meyer]]
| cover        =  
| cover        =  
| released    = 2007
| released    = 2007
Line 149: Line 143:
| label        = Redakh Arts<br/>[[Universal Music India]]
| label        = Redakh Arts<br/>[[Universal Music India]]
| language = [[Malayalam]]
| language = [[Malayalam]]
| producer    = [[Mickey J. Meyer]]
| producer    = [[Mickey J Meyer]]
}}
}}


{{tracklist|
{{track listing|
|extra_column=Singer(s)
| extra_column = Singer(s)
|all_writing = [[Rajeev Alunkal]]
| all_writing   = [[Siju Thuravoor]]
|headline = Malayalam Track-List<ref>{{cite web |title=Happy Days (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) - EP by Mickey J Meyer on iTunes |url=https://itunes.apple.com/in/album/happy-days-original-motion-picture-soundtrack-ep/640830510 |access-date=3 November 2018 |date=1 January 2012}}</ref>
| headline     = Malayalam Track-List<ref>{{cite web |title=Happy Days (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) - EP by Mickey J Meyer on iTunes |website=[[iTunes]] |url=https://itunes.apple.com/in/album/happy-days-original-motion-picture-soundtrack-ep/640830510 |access-date=3 November 2018 |date=1 January 2012 |archive-date=3 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181103131553/https://itunes.apple.com/in/album/happy-days-original-motion-picture-soundtrack-ep/640830510 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
|total_length=21:01
| total_length = 21:01
|title1=Ayyayyo|extra1=[[Karthik (singer)|Karthik]]| length1= 4:36
| title1       = Ayyayyo
|title2=Vida Chollam|extra2=Anu Pravin, Shobha|length2=3:52
| extra1       = [[Karthik (singer)|Karthik]]
|title3=Unarukayayi |extra3=[[Vidhu Prathap]]|length3=4:31
| length1       = 4:36
|title4=Manasinnu Marayilla|extra4=Ajay Satyan|length4=4:59
| title2       = Vida Chollam
|title5=Ee Theeppori|extra5=[[Manjari (Indian singer)|Manjari]], [[Ranjith (singer)|Ranjith]]|length5=3:03
| extra2       = Anu Pravin, Shobha
| length2       = 3:52
| title3       = Unarukayayi
| extra3       = [[Vidhu Prathap]]
| length3       = 4:31
| title4       = Manasinnu Marayilla
| extra4       = Ajay Satyan
| length4       = 4:59
| title5       = Ee Theeppori
| extra5       = [[Manjari (Indian singer)|Manjari]], [[Ranjith (singer)|Ranjith]]
| length5       = 3:03
}}
}}


==Dubbed Versions and Remakes==
==Release==
The film was dubbed into [[Malayalam film|Malayalam]] as Happy Days and re-made in [[kannada film|Kannada]] as ''[[Jolly Days (film)|Jolly Days]]'' and released in 2008. Both versions proved to be successful. The [[Kollywood|Tamil]] remake, ''[[Inidhu Inidhu]]'',<ref>[http://www.cinesouth.com/masala/hotnews/new/10122008-5.shtml டோடோவின் ரஃப் நோட்டு — Tamil Kavithai – தமிழ் கவிதைகள் – நூற்று கணக்கில்!]. Cinesouth.com. Retrieved on 11 May 2016.</ref> was directed by noted cinematographer [[K. V. Guhan]] under actor [[Prakash Raj]]'s [[Duet Movies]] banner, which flopped at the box-office due to its lack of richness and fresh feel. The first schedule was completed in [[Vellore Institute of Technology]], [[Vellore]] (also called VIT University) and featured newcomers as protagonists. [[Mickey J. Meyer]] was retained as the music director and the project was his first venture in Tamil.
''Happy Days'' was released on 28 September 2007 in the United States and 2 October 2007 in India.<ref name="rf"/>
 
==Reception==
===Critical response===
The film received positive reviews for its fresh story, cast, screenplay, and songs. A critic from ''[[Rediff.com]]'' wrote that "Don't miss ''Happy Days'' for you will be reminded of the days gone by. Savour that nostalgia as Sekhar gives you ample amount of it".<ref name="rf">{{Cite web|url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/2007/sep/28sshappy.htm|title=Happy Days -- Go for it!|first=Radhika|last=Rajamani|work=[[Rediff.com]]|date=28 September 2007|access-date=20 January 2023|archive-date=20 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230120092110/https://www.rediff.com/movies/2007/sep/28sshappy.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> Jeevi of ''[[Idlebrain.com]]'' wrote that "If he sticks to his sensibilities, Sekhar Kammula can never make a bad film. Go and watch ''Happy Days''."<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.idlebrain.com/movie/archive/mr-happydays.html| title=Telugu Movie review – Happy Days| access-date=24 March 2008| archive-date=31 August 2015| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150831001203/http://www.idlebrain.com/movie/archive/mr-happydays.html| url-status=live}}</ref>
 
==Awards==
;
; [[Filmfare Awards South]] – 2008<ref name="bharatstudent.com" />
* [[Filmfare Award for Best Film – Telugu|Best film]] – [[Sekhar Kammula]]
* [[Filmfare Award for Best Director – Telugu|Best Director]] – Sekhar Kammula
* [[Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress – Telugu|Best Supporting Actress]] – [[Sonia Deepti]]
* [[Filmfare Award for Best Music Director – Telugu|Best Music Director]] – [[Mickey J. Meyer]]
* [[Filmfare Award for Best Lyricist – Telugu|Best Lyricist]] – [[Vanamali]] ("Arere Arere")
* [[Filmfare Award for Best Male Playback Singer – Telugu|Best Male Playback Singer]] – [[Karthik (singer)|Karthik]] ("Arere Arere")
; [[Nandi Awards]] – 2008<ref name="idlebrain.com"/>
* [[Nandi Award for Best Feature Film|Second Best Feature Film - Silver]] – Sekhar Kammula
* [[Nandi Award for Best Music Director|Best Music Director]] – Mickey J Meyer
* [[Nandi Award for Best Male Playback Singer|Best Male Playback Singer]] – Karthik ("Oh My Friend")
; [[CineMAA Awards]] – 2008
* Best Film – Sekhar Kammula
* Best Director – Sekhar Kammula
* Best Story – Sekhar Kammula
* Best Screenplay – Sekhar Kammula
* Best Music – Mickey J Meyer
* Best Lyricist – Vanamali ("Arere Arere")
* Best Lyricist – Veturi
* Best Male Singer – Karthik ("Arere Arere")
 
==Dubbed versions and remakes==
The film was dubbed into [[Malayalam film|Malayalam]] as ''Happy Days'' and re-made in [[kannada film|Kannada]] as ''[[Jolly Days (film)|Jolly Days]]'' and released in 2008. Both versions proved to be successful. The [[Kollywood|Tamil]] remake, ''[[Inidhu Inidhu]]'' (2010),<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20081212011003/http://www.cinesouth.com/masala/hotnews/new/10122008-5.shtml டோடோவின் ரஃப் நோட்டு — Tamil Kavithai – தமிழ் கவிதைகள் – நூற்று கணக்கில்!]. Cinesouth.com. Retrieved on 11 May 2016.</ref> was directed by noted cinematographer [[K. V. Guhan]] under actor [[Prakash Raj]]'s [[Duet Movies]] banner. [[Mickey J. Meyer]] was retained as the music director for both films and the project was his first venture in each language, respectively.


In 2014, there were speculations that a Hindi remake of ''Happy Days'' would be directed by Sekhar himself, and would be co-produced by [[Salman Khan]].<ref>[http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news-interviews/Salman-Khan-to-remake-Sekhar-Kammulas-Happy-Days-in-Hindi/articleshow/34367452.cms "Salman Khan to remake Sekhar Kammula’s Happy Days in Hindi"]. ''Times of India'' (29 April 2014). Retrieved on 2016-05-11.</ref><ref>[http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news-interviews/Sekhar-Kammula-gears-up-for-Bollywood-debut/articleshow/34540494.cms Sekhar Kammula gears up for Bollywood debut"]. ''Times of India'' (2 May 2014). Retrieved on 2016-05-11.</ref><ref>[http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news-interviews/Sekhar-Kammula-confirms-his-next-film/articleshow/34479455.cms Sekhar Kammula confirms his next film"]. ''Times of India'' (1 May 2014). Retrieved on 2016-05-11.</ref> However, there were no further updates.
In 2014, there were speculations that a Hindi remake of ''Happy Days'' would be directed by Sekhar himself, and would be co-produced by [[Salman Khan]].<ref>[http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news-interviews/Salman-Khan-to-remake-Sekhar-Kammulas-Happy-Days-in-Hindi/articleshow/34367452.cms "Salman Khan to remake Sekhar Kammula’s Happy Days in Hindi"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140505085259/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news-interviews/Salman-Khan-to-remake-Sekhar-Kammulas-Happy-Days-in-Hindi/articleshow/34367452.cms |date=5 May 2014 }}. ''Times of India'' (29 April 2014). Retrieved on 2016-05-11.</ref><ref>[http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news-interviews/Sekhar-Kammula-gears-up-for-Bollywood-debut/articleshow/34540494.cms Sekhar Kammula gears up for Bollywood debut"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140505085304/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news-interviews/Sekhar-Kammula-gears-up-for-Bollywood-debut/articleshow/34540494.cms |date=5 May 2014 }}. ''Times of India'' (2 May 2014). Retrieved on 2016-05-11.</ref><ref>[http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news-interviews/Sekhar-Kammula-confirms-his-next-film/articleshow/34479455.cms Sekhar Kammula confirms his next film"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180222081059/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news-interviews/Sekhar-Kammula-confirms-his-next-film/articleshow/34479455.cms |date=22 February 2018 }}. ''Times of India'' (1 May 2014). Retrieved on 2016-05-11.</ref> However, there were no further updates.


==References==
==References==
Line 186: Line 220:
{{Filmfare Best Telugu Film}}
{{Filmfare Best Telugu Film}}


[[Category:Indian films]]
[[Category:2007 films]]
[[Category:2007 films]]
[[Category:Telugu-language films]]
[[Category:Telugu films remade in other languages]]
[[Category:Telugu films remade in other languages]]
[[Category:Films scored by Mickey J Meyer]]
[[Category:Films scored by Mickey J Meyer]]
[[Category:2000s buddy comedy films]]
[[Category:2000s coming-of-age comedy-drama films]]
[[Category:Indian buddy comedy-drama films]]
[[Category:Indian coming-of-age comedy-drama films]]
[[Category:Films about teacher–student relationships]]
[[Category:Films set in universities and colleges]]
[[Category:Films directed by Sekhar Kammula]]
[[Category:Films directed by Sekhar Kammula]]
[[Category:2000s Telugu-language films]]
[[Category:2007 Telugu-language films]]

Latest revision as of 23:35, 3 March 2026


Happy Days
Theatrical release poster
Directed bySekhar Kammula
Produced bySekhar Kammula
Written bySekhar Kammula
Starring
Music byMickey J. Meyer
CinematographyVijay C. Kumar
Edited byMarthand K. Venkatesh
Production
company
Amigos Creations
Distributed byAmigos Creations
Release date
  • 28 September 2007 (2007-09-28) (United States)
  • 2 October 2007 (2007-10-02) (India)
Running time
160 minutes
CountryIndia
LanguageTelugu
Budget₹2–3 crore[1]
Box officeest. ₹18.59 crore distributors' share[2]

Happy Days is a 2007 Indian Telugu-language musical coming of age film written, produced and directed by Sekhar Kammula. The film features Varun Sandesh, Tamannaah Bhatia, Rahul Haridas, Nikhil Siddharth, Vamsee Krishna, Sonia Deepti, Gayatri Rao, and Monali Chowdhary in the lead roles.

The film follows eight diverse students pursuing engineering at CBIT navigating their four years of college life. It explores their friendships, rivalries, romantic relationships, and self-discovery, capturing the essence of campus experiences and the transition into adulthood.

The film received a positive response and was a huge box office success, redefining the coming-of-age college drama in Telugu cinema.[3][1] The film won three Nandi Awards, and six Filmfare Awards.[4][5] Happy Days is widely considered a modern classic of Telugu cinema, holding significant cultural impact, notably influencing many students to pursue engineering. The film was dubbed was remade in Kannada as Jolly Days and in Tamil as Inidhu Inidhu by actor Prakash Raj.

Plot[edit | edit source]

Template:AI-generated


Cast[edit | edit source]

Cameo appearance

Production[edit | edit source]

Casting[edit | edit source]

Sekhar Kammula held a talent search at Big FM and idlebrain.com and managed to select seven of the eight lead actors. He had to cast Tamannaah Bhatia as a suitable actress was not found.[7] The main lead of the film, Varun Sandesh, was selected using the internet without any direct audition. He sent his photograph by e-mail in response to the idlebrain.com advertisement and subsequently sent a video clip of himself enacting certain scenes along with a song. Damidi Kamalakar Reddy, founding Secretary and Treasurer of Chaitanya Engineering College, acted as a Professor/Lecturer in a brief cameo role.

Filming[edit | edit source]

Most of the shooting took place at Chaitanya Bharathi Institute of Technology (CBIT) and Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Technology (MGIT). The opening scene between Appu and Rajesh was shot in MGIT with select scenes shot outdoors. Sekhar being an alumnus of CBIT, found it to be a suitable location. He had to arrange a special screening of Anand to the chairman of CBIT and its board members to convince them for an on-site shoot. Apparently, after watching Anand, the board granted their permission to shoot the film.[8]

Cost cutting measures[edit | edit source]

Sekhar Kammula cut costs of producing the film through various methods. By casting newcomers, he reduced expenses to a reasonable level. As most of the shooting took place in the college, there was no need to construct sets. By partnering with Pantaloon Group, he saved an additional ₹10 lakh on the costumes budget.[9]

Music[edit | edit source]

Music was composed by Mickey J Meyer and released by Big Music.[10] The audio launch took place at Annapurna Studios on 24 August 2007, 100 students selected from various colleges in Hyderabad attended. The guests for the evening included BN Reddy (CBIT), Kamalakar Reddy (CBIT), Dil Raju, Sekhar Kammula, Ravi Naidu (BIG Music), Mahesh Kumar (Reliance business head), Ilayaraja, Swapna, C Vijaya Kumar, Ashok and the star cast. BN Reddy launched the audio CD and gave the first unit to Kamalakar Reddy.[11]

Mickey J Meyer won the Filmfare Award for Best Music Director – Telugu and Nandi Award for Best Music Director for this soundtrack.

Happy Days
Soundtrack album by
Mickey J Meyer
Released24 August 2007
Recorded2007
GenreSoundtrack
Length28:27
LanguageTelugu
LabelT-Series
ProducerMickey J Meyer
Mickey J Meyer chronology
10th Class
(2006) 		Happy Days
(2007) 		Hare Ram
(2008)
Telugu Track-List
No.TitleLyricsSinger(s)Length
1."Arere Arere"VanamaliKarthik4:59
2."Jill Jill Jiga"Venkatesh PatvariKrishna Chaitanya, Kranti, Aditya Siddharth, Sashi Kiran4:34
3."Happy Days Title Track"VeturiMickey J. Meyer, Harshika3:51
4."Ya Kundendu"TraditionalPranavi1:24
5."Ye Cheekati"VanamaliRanjith, Sunitha Sarathy4:45
6."O My Friend"VanamaliKarthik5:03
7."Happy Days" (Rock Version)VeturiNaresh Iyer, Mickey J. Meyer3:51
Total length:28:27
Happy Days
Soundtrack album by
Mickey J Meyer
Released2007
Recorded2007
GenreSoundtrack
Length21:01
LanguageMalayalam
LabelRedakh Arts
Universal Music India
ProducerMickey J Meyer

All tracks are written by Siju Thuravoor.

Malayalam Track-List[12]
No.TitleSinger(s)Length
1."Ayyayyo"Karthik4:36
2."Vida Chollam"Anu Pravin, Shobha3:52
3."Unarukayayi"Vidhu Prathap4:31
4."Manasinnu Marayilla"Ajay Satyan4:59
5."Ee Theeppori"Manjari, Ranjith3:03
Total length:21:01

Release[edit | edit source]

Happy Days was released on 28 September 2007 in the United States and 2 October 2007 in India.[13]

Reception[edit | edit source]

Critical response[edit | edit source]

The film received positive reviews for its fresh story, cast, screenplay, and songs. A critic from Rediff.com wrote that "Don't miss Happy Days for you will be reminded of the days gone by. Savour that nostalgia as Sekhar gives you ample amount of it".[13] Jeevi of Idlebrain.com wrote that "If he sticks to his sensibilities, Sekhar Kammula can never make a bad film. Go and watch Happy Days."[14]

Awards[edit | edit source]

Filmfare Awards South – 2008[5]
Nandi Awards – 2008[4]
CineMAA Awards – 2008
  • Best Film – Sekhar Kammula
  • Best Director – Sekhar Kammula
  • Best Story – Sekhar Kammula
  • Best Screenplay – Sekhar Kammula
  • Best Music – Mickey J Meyer
  • Best Lyricist – Vanamali ("Arere Arere")
  • Best Lyricist – Veturi
  • Best Male Singer – Karthik ("Arere Arere")

Dubbed versions and remakes[edit | edit source]

The film was dubbed into Malayalam as Happy Days and re-made in Kannada as Jolly Days and released in 2008. Both versions proved to be successful. The Tamil remake, Inidhu Inidhu (2010),[15] was directed by noted cinematographer K. V. Guhan under actor Prakash Raj's Duet Movies banner. Mickey J. Meyer was retained as the music director for both films and the project was his first venture in each language, respectively.

In 2014, there were speculations that a Hindi remake of Happy Days would be directed by Sekhar himself, and would be co-produced by Salman Khan.[16][17][18] However, there were no further updates.

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Happy days aren't money-driven". The New Indian Express. 25 October 2009. Archived from the original on 2 June 2021. Retrieved 1 June 2021.
  2. ↑ "Tollywood Top 10 Box Office Collection Movies In 2007". T2BLive. 19 February 2019. Retrieved 14 April 2025.
  3. ↑ "Dollar Dreams to Love Story: 5 Sekhar Kammula films you must watch before Kuberaa". The Times of India. 19 June 2025.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 "Nandi awards 2007 announced – Telugu cinema news" Archived 31 May 2015 at the Wayback Machine. Idlebrain.com (12 January 2008). Retrieved on 2016-05-11.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 "55th Annual Tiger Balm South Filmfare Awards 2008: Winners – Malluwood News & Gossips" Archived 4 September 2012 at the Wayback Machine. Bharatstudent.com (14 July 2008). Retrieved on 2016-05-11.
  6. ↑ "Tollywood's favorite mommy". The Times of India. 8 May 2012. Retrieved 19 September 2024.
  7. ↑ Idle Brain Interview with Sekhar Kammula Archived 21 December 2007 at the Wayback Machine. Idlebrain.com (26 September 2007). Retrieved on 2016-05-11.
  8. ↑ "Audio launch – Happy Days". Archived from the original on 11 March 2008. Retrieved 24 March 2008.
  9. ↑ "Announcement – Happy Days". Archived from the original on 9 February 2008. Retrieved 24 March 2008.
  10. ↑ "Happy Days - All Songs - Download or Listen Free - Saavn". 13 April 2010. Archived from the original on 18 November 2023. Retrieved 3 November 2018.
  11. ↑ "Happy Days music launch - Telugu cinema function". www.idlebrain.com. Archived from the original on 19 July 2018. Retrieved 3 November 2018.
  12. ↑ "Happy Days (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) - EP by Mickey J Meyer on iTunes". iTunes. 1 January 2012. Archived from the original on 3 November 2018. Retrieved 3 November 2018.
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 Rajamani, Radhika (28 September 2007). "Happy Days -- Go for it!". Rediff.com. Archived from the original on 20 January 2023. Retrieved 20 January 2023.
  14. ↑ "Telugu Movie review – Happy Days". Archived from the original on 31 August 2015. Retrieved 24 March 2008.
  15. ↑ டோடோவின் ரஃப் நோட்டு — Tamil Kavithai – தமிழ் கவிதைகள் – நூற்று கணக்கில்!. Cinesouth.com. Retrieved on 11 May 2016.
  16. ↑ "Salman Khan to remake Sekhar Kammula’s Happy Days in Hindi" Archived 5 May 2014 at the Wayback Machine. Times of India (29 April 2014). Retrieved on 2016-05-11.
  17. ↑ Sekhar Kammula gears up for Bollywood debut" Archived 5 May 2014 at the Wayback Machine. Times of India (2 May 2014). Retrieved on 2016-05-11.
  18. ↑ Sekhar Kammula confirms his next film" Archived 22 February 2018 at the Wayback Machine. Times of India (1 May 2014). Retrieved on 2016-05-11.

External links[edit | edit source]

Awards
Preceded by
Bommarillu 		Filmfare Best Film Award (Telugu)
2007 		Succeeded by
Gamyam
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