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{{Short description|Indian film producer, lyricist, and screenwriter}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2014}}
{{Infobox person
{{Infobox person
| name           = M. S. Reddy
| name               = M. S. Reddy
| image           =
| image             =  
| imagesize       =
| imagesize         =  
| alt             =
| alt               =  
| caption         =
| caption           =  
| birth_name       = Mallemala Sundara Rami Reddy
| birth_name         = Mallemala Sundara Rami Reddy
| birth_date       = {{birth date|df=y|1924|8|15}}
| birth_date         = {{birth date|df=y|1924|8|15}}
| birth_place     = near [[Nellore]], [[British India]]
| birth_place       = near [[Nellore]], [[British India]]
| death_date       = {{Death date and age|df=y|2011|12|11|1924|8|15}}
| death_date         = {{Death date and age|df=y|2011|12|11|1924|8|15}}
| death_place     = [[Hyderabad]], [[India]]
| death_place       = [[Hyderabad]], [[India]]
| othername       =
| othername         =  
| occupation     = {{hlist|writer|producer|lyricist|director|photographer}}
| occupation         = {{hlist|Film producer|lyricist|screenwriter}}
| children       = [[Shyam Prasad Reddy]]
| children           = [[Shyam Prasad Reddy]]
| yearsactive     = 1962–2011
| yearsactive       = 1962–2011
| spouse         =
| spouse             =  
| domesticpartner =
| domesticpartner   =  
| website         =
| website           =  
}}
}}


'''Mallemala Sundara Rami Reddy''' (15 August 1924&nbsp;– 11 December 2011), popularly known as '''M. S. Reddy''' and '''Mallemala''', was an [[Indian film]] producer, director, screen writer and lyricist in [[Telugu cinema]] and a writer known for his contribution to [[Telugu Literature]]. He also served as President of the Telugu Film Producers Council, South Indian Film Writers Association, and [[Film Nagar]] Co-operative Housing Society, as well as Chairman of Andhra Pradesh Film Development Corporation.<ref name=ndtvobit>[http://movies.ndtv.com/movie_story.aspx?section=Movies&Id=ENTEN20110189953&keyword=regional&subcatg=MOVIESINDIA&nid=157225 Telugu film producer MS Reddy passes away<!-- Bot generated title -->] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120108024030/http://movies.ndtv.com/movie_story.aspx?section=Movies&Id=ENTEN20110189953&keyword=regional&subcatg=MOVIESINDIA&nid=157225 |date=8 January 2012 }}</ref>He won two [[Nandi Awards]].
'''Mallemala Sundararami Reddy''' (15 August 1924&nbsp;– 11 December 2011), popularly known as '''M. S. Reddy''' and '''Mallemala''', was an Indian film producer, lyricist, and screenwriter in [[Telugu cinema]]. Over his career, he produced more than 25 films, several of which received [[Nandi Awards|Nandi]] and [[National Film Awards|National Awards]]. He penned over 5,000 songs and poems, earning the title "Sahaja Kavi" (The Natural Poet) for his simple and accessible writing style. In recognition of his significant contributions to cinema, he was honoured with the [[Raghupathi Venkaiah Award]] in 2005.<ref name=":4">{{cite news |date=2007-02-18 |title=Raghupathi Venkaiah award for M.S. Reddy |url=http://www.hindu.com/2007/02/18/stories/2007021804760600.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070524150044/http://www.hindu.com/2007/02/18/stories/2007021804760600.htm |archive-date=2007-05-24 |work=[[The Hindu]] |location=Chennai, India}}</ref>


==Early life==
M. S. Reddy established the Kaumudi Pictures and M. S. Arts banners, under which he produced notable films like [[Sri Krishna Vijayamu|''Sri Krishna Vijayam'']] (1971), ''Kode Nagu'' (1974), ''Muthyala Pallaki'' (1977), ''Palnati Simham'' (1985), ''Aahuthi'' (1987), ''[[Ankusam]]'' (1989), ''[[Ammoru]]'' (1995), [[Ramayanam (1997 film)|''Baala Ramayanam'']] (1997), and [[Arundhati (2009 film)|''Arundhati'']] (2009). ''Baala Ramayanam'', featuring 3,000 child artistes, won the [[National Film Awards|National Film Award]] for [[National Film Award for Best Children's Film|Best Children's Film]].<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=12 December 2011 |title=Telugu film producer MS Reddy passes away |url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/telugu-film-producer-ms-reddy-passes-away-622584 |access-date=2024-08-30 |website=[[NDTV]] |language=en}}</ref>
M. S. Reddy was born in the village of [[Alimili]], near to [[Nellore]]. His date of birth is usually given as 15 August 1924.<ref name=ndtvobit /><ref name=tcobit>{{cite news |title=M S Reddy is no more! |date=11 December 2011 |url=http://www.telugucinema.com/c/publish/starsprofile/tribute_msreddy.php |accessdate=22 March 2012 |publisher=TeluguCinema |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120419203632/http://www.telugucinema.com/c/publish/starsprofile/tribute_msreddy.php |archivedate=19 April 2012 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> He died at the age of 87 at his home in Film Nagar, [[Hyderabad, India|Hyderabad]], the city that he had been instrumental in making the hub of the Telugu cinema industry.<ref>[http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/Hyderabad/Veteran-Telugu-film-producer-MS-Reddy-dies/Article1-780930.aspx Veteran Telugu film producer MS Reddy dies – Hindustan Times<!-- Bot generated title -->] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111213203650/http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/Hyderabad/Veteran-Telugu-film-producer-MS-Reddy-dies/Article1-780930.aspx |date=13 December 2011 }}</ref>


Aside from his work, Reddy was also a campaigner for various social causes and had [[Gandhian]] views. [[Telugu film]] producer [[Shyam Prasad Reddy]] is his son.<ref name=hindu20070218>{{cite news | url=http://www.hindu.com/2007/02/18/stories/2007021804760600.htm | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070524150044/http://www.hindu.com/2007/02/18/stories/2007021804760600.htm | url-status=dead | archive-date=24 May 2007 | title=Raghupathi Venkaiah award for M. S. Reddy | date=18 February 2007 | accessdate=16 April 2007 | work=[[The Hindu]] | location=Chennai, India }}</ref>
M. S. Reddy played a key role in the relocation of the Telugu film industry from [[Chennai|Madras]] to [[Hyderabad]] and founded Sabdalaya Studios, a prominent [[recording studio]] in [[Banjara Hills]], Hyderabad. In addition to his contributions to filmmaking, Reddy held several leadership positions within the industry, including President of the Telugu Film Producers Council, the South Indian Film Writers Association, the [[Film Nagar]] Cooperative Housing Society, and as Chairman of the Andhra Pradesh Film Development Corporation.<ref name=":4" />


==Career==
==Early and personal life==
Reddy began his career with a photographic studio in [[Chennai]]. His first movie was dubbed version of ''[[Kanne Pilla]]'', in 1966, and his first production was the 1968 film, ''Bharya''.<ref name=tcobit /> He then produced many other movies, such as ''Srikrishna Vijayam'' (1971),Ooriki Upakari (1972) ''Kodenaagu'' (1974),Ramayya Thandri (1974) Doralu Dongalu (1976)''Mutayala Pallaki'' (1977),Naidu Bava (1978), ''[[Thathayya Premaleelalu]]'' (1980), ''Eklavya'' (1982), Kalyana Veena (1983) ''Palnati Simham'' (1985), O Prema Katha (1986)''Aahuthi'' (1987), ''Ankusham'' (1989), Ammoru (1995) and ''Ramayanam (1997)''. He also wrote poetry and was an artist.
Mallemala Sundararami Reddy was born in the village of Alimili, near [[Nellore]]. His date of birth is usually given as 15 August 1924.<ref name="tcobit">{{cite news |date=11 December 2011 |title=M S Reddy is no more! |url=http://www.telugucinema.com/c/publish/starsprofile/tribute_msreddy.php |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120419203632/http://www.telugucinema.com/c/publish/starsprofile/tribute_msreddy.php |archivedate=19 April 2012 |accessdate=22 March 2012 |publisher=[[TeluguCinema.com]] |df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref name=":4" /> He was known for his outspoken nature. Aside from his work, M. S. Reddy was also a campaigner for various social causes and had [[Gandhian]] views.<ref name=":2">[http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/Hyderabad/Veteran-Telugu-film-producer-MS-Reddy-dies/Article1-780930.aspx Veteran Telugu film producer MS Reddy dies – Hindustan Times<!-- Bot generated title -->] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111213203650/http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/Hyderabad/Veteran-Telugu-film-producer-MS-Reddy-dies/Article1-780930.aspx|date=13 December 2011}}</ref> Film and television producer [[Shyam Prasad Reddy]] is his son.<ref name="hindu20070218">{{cite news | url=http://www.hindu.com/2007/02/18/stories/2007021804760600.htm | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070524150044/http://www.hindu.com/2007/02/18/stories/2007021804760600.htm | url-status=dead | archive-date=24 May 2007 | title=Raghupathi Venkaiah award for M. S. Reddy | date=18 February 2007 | accessdate=16 April 2007 | work=[[The Hindu]] | location=Chennai, India }}</ref>
 
== Career ==
 
=== Film production ===
M. S. Reddy began his career at a photographic studio in Madras (now Chennai). His first production was the Telugu-dubbed version of the Tamil film ''[[Kumari Penn]]'' (1966), released as ''Kanne Pilla'' in the same year. He also dubbed two other Tamil films, ''[[Parakkum Pavai]]'' (1966) and ''[[Panam Padaithavan]]'' (1965), as ''Kontepilla'' and ''Kalachakram'' respectively, both released in 1967.
 
He made his debut as a film producer with the 1968 Telugu film ''Bharya'', starring [[Sobhan Babu]], under the Kaumudi Pictures banner.<ref name="tcobit" /> Reddy went on to produce a series of notable films, including [[Sri Krishna Vijayamu|''Sri Krishna Vijayam'']] (1971) featuring [[N. T. Rama Rao]], ''Kodenaagu'' (1974) with Sobhan Babu, and ''Mutyala Pallaki'' (1977), starring Narayana Rao and [[Jayasudha]]. His collaborations with actor [[Krishna (Telugu actor)|Krishna]] resulted in films like ''Ekalavya'' (1982) and ''Palnati Simham'' (1985). Other significant productions included ''Aahuthi'' (1987), ''[[Ankusam]]'' (1989), and [[Ramayanam (1997 film)|''Baala Ramayanam'']] (1997).<ref name=":5">{{Cite news |date=2011-12-12 |title='Sahaja Kavi' Mallemala no more |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/amplsquosahaja-kaviamprsquo-mallemala-no-more/articleshow/11076364.cms |access-date=2024-08-30 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref><ref name="tcobit" />
 
M. S. Reddy was instrumental in launching the career of [[N. T. Rama Rao Jr|Jr. NTR]] through the film ''Baala Ramayanam'' and contributed to the success of actor [[Rajasekhar (actor)|Rajasekhar]] by producing several of his films, including ''Ankusam'', in which Reddy also portrayed the role of a chief minister.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2012-05-16 |title=Dr Rajashekar, on his bond with MS Reddy |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/telugu/2011/Dec/12/dr-rajashekar-on-his-bond-with-ms-reddy-319505.html |access-date=2024-08-30 |website=[[The New Indian Express]] |language=en}}</ref>
 
=== Lyricist ===
As a lyricist, M. S. Reddy used his surname Mallemala as his [[pen name]]. He wrote over 5,000 songs and poems, earning the title "Sahaja Kavi" (The Natural Poet) for his simple and accessible writing style.<ref name=":1" />
 
=== Sabdalaya Studios ===
In 1984, the [[Andhra Pradesh government]] allotted M. S. Reddy half an [[acre]] of land on Road No. 2, [[Banjara Hills]], specifically for developing a recording and re-recording theatre.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2012-03-06 |title=Studio owners sit pretty on government land |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/studio-owners-sit-pretty-on-government-land/articleshow/12154001.cms |access-date=2024-08-30 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> Reddy utilized this opportunity to establish Sabdalaya Studios, a prominent recording studio in the Telugu film industry.<ref name=":5" />
 
== Autobiography ==
M. S. Reddy’s autobiography, ''Idhi Naa Kadha'', caused a stir in the Telugu film industry with its critical remarks about prominent stars, leading to backlash, particularly from fans of [[N. T. Rama Rao]] (NTR) and [[N. T. Rama Rao Jr]] (Jr. NTR).<ref>{{Cite news |date=2011-06-18 |title=Autobiography of M S Reddy creates controversy |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/movie-details/news-interviews/autobiography-of-m-s-reddy-creates-controversy/articleshow/8900743.cms |access-date=2024-08-30 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref>
 
In the book, M. S. Reddy described N. T. Rama Rao's on-set tantrums during the filming of [[Sri Krishna Vijayamu|''Sri Krishna Vijayam'']] (1971), including an incident where Rama Rao was upset with actor [[Nagabhushanam (actor)|Nagabhushanam]]’s costume, which resembled his own as [[Lord Krishna]]. Reddy explained that it took considerable effort to convince Rama Rao that Nagabhushanam was playing the role of Poundrika Vasudeva, a character who imitates Krishna.<ref name=":3">{{Cite news |date=2011-06-17 |title=M S Reddy's autobiography withheld |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/movie-details/news-interviews/m-s-reddys-autobiography-withheld/articleshow/8876888.cms |access-date=2024-08-30 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref>
 
M. S. Reddy also criticized Jr. NTR, whom he had introduced as [[Lord Rama]] in the film [[Ramayanam (1997 film)|''Bala Ramayanam'']] (1997). Reddy recalled that Jr. NTR had initially promised to debut as a lead actor under his production house but instead debuted with [[Usha Kiran Movies]]. Despite this, Reddy continued to seek a collaboration, and Jr. NTR eventually agreed to work on his ninth film under Reddy’s banner. However, during a script meeting at M. S. Reddy’s office, [[T. Subbarami Reddy]] arrived unexpectedly. When M. S. Reddy asked Jr. NTR to wait while he met with Subbarami Reddy, Jr. NTR left, reportedly saying, "Who is M. S. Reddy to make me wait?"<ref name=":3" />
 
The book also detailed a dispute between actresses [[Jamuna (actress)|Jamuna]] and [[J. Jayalalithaa|Jayalalithaa]] on the set of ''Sri Krishna Vijayam''. M. S. Reddy accused director [[Gunasekhar]] of betraying a promise to make the film ''[[Okkadu]]'' (2003) under Reddy’s banner. Gunasekhar responded by holding a press conference, dismissing the allegations as fabrications. Following the uproar, it was decided to withdraw the limited copy edition of the book.<ref name=":3" />
 
== Death ==
M. S. Reddy died on 11 December 2011 at his residence in [[Film Nagar]], [[Hyderabad]], after a prolonged illness. He was 87 years old.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" />
 
== Filmography ==
Source: <ref>{{Cite web |title=M. S. Reddy Filmography |url=https://indiancine.ma/grid/year/name=M.S._Reddy |access-date=2024-08-30 |website=Indiancine.ma}}</ref>
 
=== Producer/actor/presenter ===
* ''Bharya'' (1968)
* ''Kalasina Manasulu'' (1968)
* [[Sri Krishna Vijayamu|''Sri Krishna Vijayam'']] (1971)
* ''Ooriki Upakari'' (1972)
* ''Kode Nagu'' (1974)
* ''Ramaya Thandri'' (1975)
* ''Doralu Dongalu'' (1976)
* ''Mutyala Pallaki'' (1977)
* ''Nayudu Bava'' (1978)
* ''Rama Banam'' (1979)
* ''[[Thathayya Premaleelalu]]'' (1980)
* ''Bhola Shankarudu'' (1980)
* ''Ekalavya'' (1982)
* ''Kalyana Veena'' (1983)
* ''Palnati Simham'' (1985)
* ''Lady Doctor'' (1985)
* ''O Prema Katha'' (1987)
* ''Aahuthi'' (1987)
* [[Choopulu Kalasina Subhavela|''Chupulu Kalasina Subhavela'']] (1988)
* ''[[Ankusam]]'' (1989)
* ''Aagraham'' (1991)
* ''[[Ammoru]]'' (1995)
* [[Ramayanam (1997 film)|''Ramayanam'']] (1997)
* ''[[Velugu Needalu (1999 film)|Velugu Needalu]]'' (1999) (also actor)<ref>{{cite web|website=Express India|access-date=28 August 2025|title=Veluguneedalu: Remaking a Gujarati hit|url=http://www.expressindia.com/screen/dec11/south.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000824091251fw_/http://www.expressindia.com/screen/dec11/south.htm|archive-date=24 August 2000|date=11 December 1998}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://hindu.com/thehindu/2001/09/23/stories/0423403j.htm|work=The Hindu |title=Softie hunk set for a second innings|date=1 December 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101201000748/http://hindu.com/thehindu/2001/09/23/stories/0423403j.htm |archive-date=2010-12-01 }}</ref>
* ''[[Vamsoddharakudu]]'' (2000)
* ''Andham'' (2001)
* [[Arundhati (2009 film)|''Arundhati'']] (2009)
Dubbed films
 
* [[Kumari Penn|''Kannepilla'']] (1966)
* ''[[Parakkum Pavai|Kontepilla]]'' (1967)
* [[Panam Padaithavan|''Kalachakram'']] (1967)
 
=== Writer ===
 
* ''Ooriki Upakari'' (1972)
* ''Ramaya Thandri'' (1975)
* ''Doralu Dongalu'' (1976)
* ''Nayudu Bava'' (1978)
* ''Rama Banam'' (1979)
* ''[[Thathayya Premaleelalu]]'' (1980)
* [[Ramayanam (1997 film)|''Ramayanam'']] (1997)
 
=== Lyricist ===
 
* [[Sri Krishna Vijayamu|''Sri Krishna Vijayam'']] (1971)
* ''Kode Naagu'' (1974): "Sangamam Sangamam Anuraaga Sangamam"
* ''Ramaya Thandri'' (1974): "Malli Virisindi"
* ''Doralu Dongalu'' (1976): "Cheppalanukunnaanu, Doralevvaroo Dongalevvaroo Telusukunnaanu"
* ''Mutyala Pallaki'' (1976): "Sannajaajiki, Gunnamaamiki Pellli Kudhirindi", "Tellavaarakamundee Palle Lechindi"
* ''[[Thathayya Premaleelalu]]'' (1980): "Vennello Vinnanu Sannayi Geetam"
* ''Ekalavya'' (1982): All songs
* ''Kalyana Veena'' (1983): "Veguchukka Molichindi"
* ''[[Talambralu (film)|Talambralu]]'' (1986)
* [[Choopulu Kalasina Subhavela|''Chupulu Kalasina Subhavela'']] (1988): "Chupulu Kalasina Subhavela"
* ''Puttinti Gauravam'' (1996)
* ''[[Velugu Needalu (1999 film)|Velugu Needalu]]'' (1999) : All songs<ref>{{cite web |last1=Balakrishna |first1=Palli |title=Velugu Needalu (1999) |url=https://www.telugulyricsworld.in/2018/05/veluguneedalu-1999.html?m=1 |website=Telugu Lyrics World |access-date=30 August 2025}}</ref>
 
==Awards==
;[[Nandi Awards]]
* [[Nandi Award for Best Lyricist|Best Lyricist]] - ''[[Ankusam]]'' (1989)<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=నంది అవార్డు విజేతల పరంపర (1964–2008) |trans-title=A series of Nandi Award Winners (1964–2008) |url=http://ipr.ap.nic.in/New_Links/Film.pdf |access-date=21 August 2020 |publisher=[[Andhra Pradesh (magazine)|Information & Public Relations of Andhra Pradesh]]}}(in [[Telugu language|Telugu]])</ref>
* [[Nandi Award for Best Children Film|Best Childrens Film - Gold]] - ''[[Ramayanam (1997 film)|Ramayanam]]'' (1997)<ref name=":0" />


==See also==
==See also==
* [[Raghupathi Venkaiah Award]]
* [[Raghupathi Venkaiah Award]]
==Awards==
;[[Nandi Awards]]<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://ipr.ap.nic.in/New_Links/Film.pdf|title=నంది అవార్డు విజేతల పరంపర (1964–2008)|trans-title=A series of Nandi Award Winners (1964–2008)|publisher=[[Andhra Pradesh (magazine)|Information & Public Relations of Andhra Pradesh]]|access-date=21 August 2020}}(in [[Telugu language|Telugu]])</ref>
* [[Nandi Award for Best Lyricist|Best Lyricist]] - [[Ankusam]] (1989)
* [[Nandi Award for Best Children Film|Best Childrens Film - Gold]] - [[Ramayanam (1996 film)|Ramayanam]] (1997)


== References ==
== References ==
Line 52: Line 141:
[[Category:People from Nellore district]]
[[Category:People from Nellore district]]
[[Category:Film directors from Andhra Pradesh]]
[[Category:Film directors from Andhra Pradesh]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian film directors]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian people]]
[[Category:Screenwriters from Andhra Pradesh]]
[[Category:Screenwriters from Andhra Pradesh]]
[[Category:Producers who won the Best Children's Film National Film Award]]
[[Category:Producers who won the Best Children's Film National Film Award]]

Latest revision as of 15:01, 22 March 2026


M. S. Reddy
Born
Mallemala Sundara Rami Reddy

(1924-08-15)15 August 1924
near Nellore, British India
Died11 December 2011(2011-12-11) (aged 87)
Hyderabad, India
Occupation
  • Film producer
  • lyricist
  • screenwriter
Years active1962–2011
ChildrenShyam Prasad Reddy

Mallemala Sundararami Reddy (15 August 1924 – 11 December 2011), popularly known as M. S. Reddy and Mallemala, was an Indian film producer, lyricist, and screenwriter in Telugu cinema. Over his career, he produced more than 25 films, several of which received Nandi and National Awards. He penned over 5,000 songs and poems, earning the title "Sahaja Kavi" (The Natural Poet) for his simple and accessible writing style. In recognition of his significant contributions to cinema, he was honoured with the Raghupathi Venkaiah Award in 2005.[1]

M. S. Reddy established the Kaumudi Pictures and M. S. Arts banners, under which he produced notable films like Sri Krishna Vijayam (1971), Kode Nagu (1974), Muthyala Pallaki (1977), Palnati Simham (1985), Aahuthi (1987), Ankusam (1989), Ammoru (1995), Baala Ramayanam (1997), and Arundhati (2009). Baala Ramayanam, featuring 3,000 child artistes, won the National Film Award for Best Children's Film.[2]

M. S. Reddy played a key role in the relocation of the Telugu film industry from Madras to Hyderabad and founded Sabdalaya Studios, a prominent recording studio in Banjara Hills, Hyderabad. In addition to his contributions to filmmaking, Reddy held several leadership positions within the industry, including President of the Telugu Film Producers Council, the South Indian Film Writers Association, the Film Nagar Cooperative Housing Society, and as Chairman of the Andhra Pradesh Film Development Corporation.[1]

Early and personal life[edit | edit source]

Mallemala Sundararami Reddy was born in the village of Alimili, near Nellore. His date of birth is usually given as 15 August 1924.[3][1] He was known for his outspoken nature. Aside from his work, M. S. Reddy was also a campaigner for various social causes and had Gandhian views.[4] Film and television producer Shyam Prasad Reddy is his son.[5]

Career[edit | edit source]

Film production[edit | edit source]

M. S. Reddy began his career at a photographic studio in Madras (now Chennai). His first production was the Telugu-dubbed version of the Tamil film Kumari Penn (1966), released as Kanne Pilla in the same year. He also dubbed two other Tamil films, Parakkum Pavai (1966) and Panam Padaithavan (1965), as Kontepilla and Kalachakram respectively, both released in 1967.

He made his debut as a film producer with the 1968 Telugu film Bharya, starring Sobhan Babu, under the Kaumudi Pictures banner.[3] Reddy went on to produce a series of notable films, including Sri Krishna Vijayam (1971) featuring N. T. Rama Rao, Kodenaagu (1974) with Sobhan Babu, and Mutyala Pallaki (1977), starring Narayana Rao and Jayasudha. His collaborations with actor Krishna resulted in films like Ekalavya (1982) and Palnati Simham (1985). Other significant productions included Aahuthi (1987), Ankusam (1989), and Baala Ramayanam (1997).[6][3]

M. S. Reddy was instrumental in launching the career of Jr. NTR through the film Baala Ramayanam and contributed to the success of actor Rajasekhar by producing several of his films, including Ankusam, in which Reddy also portrayed the role of a chief minister.[7]

Lyricist[edit | edit source]

As a lyricist, M. S. Reddy used his surname Mallemala as his pen name. He wrote over 5,000 songs and poems, earning the title "Sahaja Kavi" (The Natural Poet) for his simple and accessible writing style.[2]

Sabdalaya Studios[edit | edit source]

In 1984, the Andhra Pradesh government allotted M. S. Reddy half an acre of land on Road No. 2, Banjara Hills, specifically for developing a recording and re-recording theatre.[8] Reddy utilized this opportunity to establish Sabdalaya Studios, a prominent recording studio in the Telugu film industry.[6]

Autobiography[edit | edit source]

M. S. Reddy’s autobiography, Idhi Naa Kadha, caused a stir in the Telugu film industry with its critical remarks about prominent stars, leading to backlash, particularly from fans of N. T. Rama Rao (NTR) and N. T. Rama Rao Jr (Jr. NTR).[9]

In the book, M. S. Reddy described N. T. Rama Rao's on-set tantrums during the filming of Sri Krishna Vijayam (1971), including an incident where Rama Rao was upset with actor Nagabhushanam’s costume, which resembled his own as Lord Krishna. Reddy explained that it took considerable effort to convince Rama Rao that Nagabhushanam was playing the role of Poundrika Vasudeva, a character who imitates Krishna.[10]

M. S. Reddy also criticized Jr. NTR, whom he had introduced as Lord Rama in the film Bala Ramayanam (1997). Reddy recalled that Jr. NTR had initially promised to debut as a lead actor under his production house but instead debuted with Usha Kiran Movies. Despite this, Reddy continued to seek a collaboration, and Jr. NTR eventually agreed to work on his ninth film under Reddy’s banner. However, during a script meeting at M. S. Reddy’s office, T. Subbarami Reddy arrived unexpectedly. When M. S. Reddy asked Jr. NTR to wait while he met with Subbarami Reddy, Jr. NTR left, reportedly saying, "Who is M. S. Reddy to make me wait?"[10]

The book also detailed a dispute between actresses Jamuna and Jayalalithaa on the set of Sri Krishna Vijayam. M. S. Reddy accused director Gunasekhar of betraying a promise to make the film Okkadu (2003) under Reddy’s banner. Gunasekhar responded by holding a press conference, dismissing the allegations as fabrications. Following the uproar, it was decided to withdraw the limited copy edition of the book.[10]

Death[edit | edit source]

M. S. Reddy died on 11 December 2011 at his residence in Film Nagar, Hyderabad, after a prolonged illness. He was 87 years old.[2][4]

Filmography[edit | edit source]

Source: [11]

Producer/actor/presenter[edit | edit source]

Dubbed films

Writer[edit | edit source]

Lyricist[edit | edit source]

  • Sri Krishna Vijayam (1971)
  • Kode Naagu (1974): "Sangamam Sangamam Anuraaga Sangamam"
  • Ramaya Thandri (1974): "Malli Virisindi"
  • Doralu Dongalu (1976): "Cheppalanukunnaanu, Doralevvaroo Dongalevvaroo Telusukunnaanu"
  • Mutyala Pallaki (1976): "Sannajaajiki, Gunnamaamiki Pellli Kudhirindi", "Tellavaarakamundee Palle Lechindi"
  • Thathayya Premaleelalu (1980): "Vennello Vinnanu Sannayi Geetam"
  • Ekalavya (1982): All songs
  • Kalyana Veena (1983): "Veguchukka Molichindi"
  • Talambralu (1986)
  • Chupulu Kalasina Subhavela (1988): "Chupulu Kalasina Subhavela"
  • Puttinti Gauravam (1996)
  • Velugu Needalu (1999) : All songs[14]

Awards[edit | edit source]

Nandi Awards

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 "Raghupathi Venkaiah award for M.S. Reddy". The Hindu. Chennai, India. 18 February 2007. Archived from the original on 24 May 2007.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 "Telugu film producer MS Reddy passes away". NDTV. 12 December 2011. Retrieved 30 August 2024.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 "M S Reddy is no more!". TeluguCinema.com. 11 December 2011. Archived from the original on 19 April 2012. Retrieved 22 March 2012.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Veteran Telugu film producer MS Reddy dies – Hindustan Times Archived 13 December 2011 at the Wayback Machine
  5. ↑ "Raghupathi Venkaiah award for M. S. Reddy". The Hindu. Chennai, India. 18 February 2007. Archived from the original on 24 May 2007. Retrieved 16 April 2007.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 "'Sahaja Kavi' Mallemala no more". The Times of India. 12 December 2011. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 30 August 2024.
  7. ↑ "Dr Rajashekar, on his bond with MS Reddy". The New Indian Express. 16 May 2012. Retrieved 30 August 2024.
  8. ↑ "Studio owners sit pretty on government land". The Times of India. 6 March 2012. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 30 August 2024.
  9. ↑ "Autobiography of M S Reddy creates controversy". The Times of India. 18 June 2011. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 30 August 2024.
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 "M S Reddy's autobiography withheld". The Times of India. 17 June 2011. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 30 August 2024.
  11. ↑ "M. S. Reddy Filmography". Indiancine.ma. Retrieved 30 August 2024.
  12. ↑ "Veluguneedalu: Remaking a Gujarati hit". Express India. 11 December 1998. Archived from the original on 24 August 2000. Retrieved 28 August 2025.
  13. ↑ "Softie hunk set for a second innings". The Hindu. 1 December 2010. Archived from the original on 1 December 2010.
  14. ↑ Balakrishna, Palli. "Velugu Needalu (1999)". Telugu Lyrics World. Retrieved 30 August 2025.
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 "నంది అవార్డు విజేతల పరంపర (1964–2008)" [A series of Nandi Award Winners (1964–2008)] (PDF). Information & Public Relations of Andhra Pradesh. Retrieved 21 August 2020.(in Telugu)
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