Colour Photo

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Colour Photo
File:Colour Photo film.jpg
Release poster
Directed bySandeep Raj
Produced bySai Rajesha Neelam
Benny Muppaneni
Screenplay bySandeep Raj
Story bySai Rajesh
StarringSuhas
Chandini Chowdary
Sunil
Narrated bySandeep Raj
Music byKaala Bhairava
CinematographyVenkat R Shakamuri
Edited byKodati Pavan Kalyan
Production
company
Amrutha Productions
Loukya Entertainments
Distributed byAha
Release date
  • 23 October 2020 (2020-10-23)
Running time
142 minutes
CountryIndia
LanguageTelugu

Colour Photo is a 2020 Indian Telugu-language period romantic drama film directed by debutante Sandeep Raj. Produced by Amrutha Productions and Loukya Entertainment, the film stars Suhas in his first lead role, along with Chandini Chowdary, and Sunil.[1] The music was composed by Kaala Bhairava, marking his second film as composer after Mathu Vadalara. The film is set in Machilipatnam, Andhra Pradesh in the mid-1990s and is said to be the story of a "below-average guy".[2][3][4] The film premiered on aha on 23 October 2020.

The films stars many debutants who previously worked in few short films including the director of the film Sandeep Raj.[5] The film was shot completely in Machilipatnam, Vijayawada and the surrounding areas in Andhra Pradesh.[6]

Plot[edit]

The film begins with Deepthi receiving the news of her father's death. She and her husband Chandu reach their village and meet their family. Ramaraju, Deepthi's brother and the local sub-inspector, tries to talk to her, but she shuts him down and goes to her ex Jayakrishna's house in his jeep. Her friend Padmaja accompanies her, and they spot a couple arguing. Deepthi finds their issues very similar to her past with Jayakrishna, and narrates her story.

Jayakrishna, the son of a milkman, studies in the same college as Deepthi's. He once saw her rehearsing for a performance as a goddess, and fell in love with her. However, unlike Deepthi, he is dark skinned and from a poor economic background. Hence, he never expresses his feelings towards her. A year later, a few seniors rag Jayakrishna by tricking him into going to Deepthi's rehearsal and then beat him up for "teasing girls". Deepthi and her friends go to the principal and explain what truly happened, and Jayakrishna gets out of trouble. However, he starts avoiding them, as he does not want anyone to think badly. Deepthi confronts and proposes to Jayakrishna. On Jayakrishna's request, she accepts to keep their relationship a secret. With her encouragement, he beats up the seniors who beat him up and earns confidence and courage.

Unexpectedly, Padmaja and Jayakrishna's friend Bala Yesu "Balu" get to know about their relationship. They, too, accept to keep this a secret. Things go well for the couple until a fest, where the college principal denies Jayakrishna an opportunity to speak on the stage because of his skin tone. Jayakrishna feels insulted and gives a speech on the stage, criticising colour discrimination in front of the chief guest - a foreigner who does not understand Telugu and considers it a speech favouring engineering.

The principal, along with the seniors that have a grudge against him, decides to take revenge. On Deepthi's birthday, when Jayakrishna meets her in an empty class, the seniors lock the room and allege that the couple were having an amorous relationship. Ramaraju is angered and sends her away from the village. Jayakrishna is beaten up subsequently. However, as Deepthi arrives to collect her hall ticket, Jayakrishna shows up and leaves with her as Ramaraju is stuck in the college with their friends' help.

The couple feels encouraged and leaves happily. Then, Padmaja and Deepthi recollect the actual happenings. Jayakrishna was beaten up, humiliated, and his certificates were burnt by Ramaraju, thus ensuring that he gets no job in the future. He also kills Lakshmi, and a calf Jayakrishna has raised very dearly, naming it after his deceased mother. When Jayakrishna retorted, Ramaraju broke his leg, leaving him lame.

Jayakrishna met Deepthi when she arrived to receive her hall ticket, and they decide to commit suicide by consuming poison. Jayakrishna dies on the spot, but Deepthi was rescued by Ramaraju. Balu was left devastated and lost his sanity. The film ends with Deepthi learning that no photo of Jayakrishna exists in the village, and she drawing his portrait, calling it the 'Colour Photo'.

Cast[edit]

  • Suhas as Jayakrishna alias Kittu, Kannaya [7]
  • Chandini Chowdary as Deepthi Varma alias Deepu[8]
  • Sunil as Inspector Rama Raju, Deepthi's elder brother [9]
  • Harsha Chemudu as Bala Yesu alias Balu, Jayakrishna's friend[10]
  • Divya Sripada as Padmaja alias Paddu, Deepthi's friend[11]
  • Vidya Maharshi as Rama Raju's wife
  • Sai Krishna Enreddy as College Principal
  • Kancharapalem Raju as Jayakrishna's father [12]
  • Aadarsh Balakrishna as Chandu, Deepthi's fiance
  • R. K. Mallidi as Dharma
  • Sri Krishna Paani as Paani
  • Sneha Madhuri Sharma as Roja, Deepthi's friend
  • Arun Kumar Pulavarthi as Murali
  • Chandini Rao as Deepika
  • PSN Murthy as Watchman
  • Pandu Pulapaka as Peon
  • Jaya Naidu as Deepthi and Rama Raju's mother
  • Veerabhadra Rao as Deepthi and Rama Raju's father

Production[edit]

Development[edit]

Director Sandeep Raj already directed and acted in few short films. He is known for his performance in short films. In 2019, he decided to direct a small-budgeted film with his short films team.[13][14] Most of the actors in the film made their debut were previously YouTubers and those who did few short films. In an interview, Raj said that he wants to direct the films which have versatile story-telling.[15]

Casting[edit]

As a maker of short-films, I used to work with a small crew. But when it comes to a feature film, there would be 80-100 people on set at any given time. Many wouldn't even be aware of who is the film's director. I have learned how to manage people on set. It's important, like directorial skills.

— Sandeep Raj, Raagalahari

Sandeep Raj decided to feature the YouTubers he worked with. Chandini Chowdary already made her debut as a lead actress in Tollywood, also acted in few short films in early days. Suhas, the hero of the film is a good friend of Raj, also started his career from short films.[16] Suhas also been as a comedian in many big Tollywood films. The director thus decided to cast these actors in leading roles.[17] Actor-Comedian Sunil was roped into the film as the main antagonist.[18] Most of the other actors were also acted in few short films. In an interview Sandeep Raj revealed that Chandini Chowdary was not the first choice for the lead actress role, it is Niharika Konidela who was the first considered for the role.[19][20] In an interview to Film Companion South, Suhas told that, "My hundred short films prepared me for feature films".[21][22]

Crew[edit]

With the success of the music album of Mathu Vadalara,[23] Sandeep chose Kaala Bhairava for the film's soundtrack and background score.[24] The story is written by Sai Rajesh from his own incidents he faced. Debutant Venkat Shakamuri handled the cinematography of the film.[25] Kranthi Priyam was chosen as the art director who previously worked in Agent Sai Srinivasa Athreya (2019).[26]

Filming[edit]

Principal photography of the film started on 8 January 2020 in Hyderabad. The film was completely shot in Machilipatnam, Vijayawada and the surrounding parts. The story of the film also revolves around these places.[27][28]

Post-production[edit]

By the end of the March 2020, shooting of the film is almost done.[29] While the post production was completed by mid-April.[30]

Themes and influences[edit]

The film's central theme revolves around the colourism. It is based on the real-life incidents that happened the life of the film's story writer Sai Rajesh.[31][32] A reviewer of TeluguCinema stated that the film is all about 'Colour'. He further added that Color Photo deals with colourism, and boasts good dialogue writing. Despite tad slow-paced and dull initial portions, the latter half of the film has touching moments.[33]

Another reviewer of GreatAndhra noted that "The genre of love stories has dealt with issues including casteism, and honor killings. What other new topics would a writer come up with for a conflict point for a love story? Here, Sai Rajesh has touched upon this issue of colorism. While this issue has not been dealt with much in our films, the proceedings have little novelty."[34]

Sanat Kumar Malik of FastNewsFeeds wrote that "’It’s 1999 and people still discriminate based on skin colour and caste,’ rues Jayakrishna in Colour Photo. Oh well, in 2020, we still need the hashtag ‘Black Lives Matter’ and skin lightening creams continue to have many takers."[35]

Music[edit]

Colour Photo
Soundtrack album by
Kaala Bhairava
Released24 October 2020 (Jukebox)
Recorded2020
StudioStudio 47
JB studios
GenreFeature film soundtrack, Romance
Length14:23
LanguageTelugu
LabelAditya Music
ProducerKaala Bhairava
Kaala Bhairava chronology
Mathu Vadalara
(2019) 		Colour Photo
(2020) 		Thellavarithe Guruvaram
(2021)
External audio
Audio Jukebox at YouTube

The soundtrack and background score were scored by Kaala Bhairava and lyrics by Kittu Vissapragada and Sai Kiran. The audio was released on Aditya Music.[36][37]

The first single '' Tharagathi Gadhi's '' lyrical version was released on Aditya Music on 27 August 2020.[38][39] This single received good appreciation and is the most successful song among the album.[40][41] Second single " Arere Akasam " was released on 21 September 2020.[42] The third single '' Ekaantham's '' lyrical version was out on 7 October 2020.[43][44]

Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

Track listing
No. TitleSinger(s) Length
1. "Tharagathi Gadhi"  Kaala Bhairava 3:34
2. "Arere Aaakasam"  Anurag Kulkarni, Kaala Bhairava 3:23
3. "Ekaantham"  Ramya Behara 3:20
4. "College Song"  Hema Chandra 2:42
5. "Tharagathi Pathos"  Kaala Bhairava 2:04
Total length:
 14:23

Reception[edit]

The Hans India stated that ''Kaala Bhairava's music is a major asset for the movie. The songs are pleasant and the background score is impressive too.''[45] 123Telugu wrote in its review that ''One of the biggest plus points of the film is undoubtedly Kaala Bhairava, the music director. His songs are superb and have a haunting effect on you. His background music is also impressive.''[46]

A reviewer wrote that "Kaala Bhairava is here to stay. Very often, we see music directors taking small films lightly. He has done an excellent job both with the songs and the background score."[47]

Release[edit]

Although the makers of the film initially wanted to the release the film in theaters, COVID-19 pandemic made them to opt for alternative sources. Finally, the producers of the film Sai Rajesh and Benny made a deal with OTT platform, Aha to release the film digitally. The producers and Allu Aravind announced the decision of releasing the film on Aha on 23 October 2020 on the eve of Vijayadashami festival.[48][49]

Reception[edit]

The Times of India critic Thadhagath Pathi gave 3.5/5 stars and wrote that "Colour Photo is a heart-wrenching love story that stays with you." Pathi praised the performances of the lead cast, in addition to music and other technical aspects.[50] Sangeetha Devi Dundoo of The Hindu stated that Colour Photo deserves a pat on the pack for going against the norms in Telugu cinema.[51]

Eenadu wrote that the film is "an impressive love story in parts." While appreciating the director for picking up a storyline based on colourism, the reviewer opined that he couldn't translate it well into the screenplay. The review also stated that the lead actors have performed well in their given roles.[52] A reviewer from Sakshi praised the storyline, performances and the music but criticized the slow-paced screenplay.[53]

Jahnavi Reddy of The News Minute wrote that the film ''The intersections of biases around skin colour, caste and race are extremely complex, and the film doesn’t exactly do a perfect job addressing them".[54] Baradwaj Rangan of Film Companion South stated that ''Colour Photo is one of the better products of this [direct-to-streaming] era.'' [55]

Murali Krishna CH of Cinema Express wrote that the dialogues and performance while pointing out there were some scenes.'' The Hans India gave 2.5/5 stars and stated that ''Sai Rajesh Neelam is the story writer of the movie. He penned an interesting love story with a routine conflict. The film goes well with a section of audiences because of too many predictable things that it offers.''[56] NTV wrote about the film that "Colour Photo [..] is a watchable love story with a touching climax", adding that the film didn't hanker go after low-hanging fruits, rather it showed courage of conviction and delivered some unconventional content. "[57]

Accolades[edit]

Award[lower-alpha 1] Date of ceremony[lower-alpha 2] Category Recipient(s) Result Ref.
South Indian International Movie Awards 19 September 2021 Best Debut Producer – Telugu Amrutha Productions, Loukya Entertainments Nominated [58]
Best Debut Director – Telugu Sandeep Raj Nominated
Best Actress – Telugu Chandini Chowdary Nominated
Best Actor in a Negative Role – Telugu Sunil Nominated
Best Comedian – Telugu Harsha Chemudu Nominated
Best Music Director – Telugu Kaala Bhairava Nominated
Best Lyricist – Telugu Kittu Vissapragada – (for "Tharagathi Gadhi") Nominated
Best Male Playback Singer – Telugu Kaala Bhairava – (for "Tharagathi Gadhi") Nominated
Best Female Playback Singer – Telugu Ramya Behara – (for "Ekaantham") Nominated

Notes[edit]

  1. ↑ Awards, festivals and organizations are in alphabetical order.
  2. ↑ Date is linked to the article about the awards held that year, wherever possible.

References[edit]

  1. ↑ Dundoo, Sangeetha Devi (24 October 2020). "'Colour Photo' review: A moving tale that's more than skin deep". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 14 December 2020.
  2. ↑ Dundoo, Sangeetha Devi (11 August 2020). "'Colour Photo', the story of a 'below average' guy". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 28 August 2020.
  3. ↑ "I can assure that Sunil Garu has a terrifying role in Colour Photo: Suhas - Times of India". The Times of India.
  4. ↑ "Comedian Suhas turns into a hero for 'Colour Photo': Kala Bhairava to compose the music - Times of India". The Times of India.
  5. ↑ Krishna (23 October 2020). "రివ్యూ: క‌ల‌ర్ ఫోటో". www.hmtvlive.com. Retrieved 2 December 2020.
  6. ↑ Bureau, Binged (16 October 2020). "Color Photo on AHA: Tale of Two Andhra Towns of The 90s". Binged. Retrieved 1 December 2020.
  7. ↑ "Suhas turns lead actor". 19 October 2020.
  8. ↑ Dundoo, Sangeetha Devi (12 October 2020). "Chandini revisits the 1990s for 'Colour Photo'". The Hindu.
  9. ↑ "విలన్ గా సునీల్.. హీరోగా కమెడియన్‌". 29 December 2019.
  10. ↑ "2020 – Side-Kicks Who Stole the Show!". 11 December 2020.
  11. ↑ "After 'Colour Photo', Divya Sripada gets praised for 'Middle Class Melodies' - Telugu News". 20 November 2020.
  12. ↑ "2020 – Side-Kicks Who Stole the Show!". 11 December 2020.
  13. ↑ Dundoo, Sangeetha Devi (8 October 2020). "'Colour Photo': Sandeep Raj and Suhas, friends who dared to dream big". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 1 December 2020.
  14. ↑ "colour photo movie release date Archives » Bangalore News Today". Bangalore News Today. Retrieved 2 December 2020.
  15. ↑ ""Films like Eega and Lucia have inspired me to become a director": Sandeep Raj lists his top 5 films - Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 5 November 2020.
  16. ↑ cinetalks (14 October 2020). "Suhas Colour Photo: నల్లగా ఉంటాడనే సుహాస్‌ను హీరోగా తీసుకున్నాం: 'కలర్ ఫోటో' నిర్మాత - suhas colour photo movie producer sai rajesh interview". CINE TALKS. Retrieved 1 December 2020.
  17. ↑ "Comedian Suhas turns into a hero for 'Colour Photo': Kala Bhairava to compose the music - Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 5 November 2020.
  18. ↑ Hymavathi, Ravali (28 February 2020). "Actor Sunil Celebrates His Birthday On The Sets Of Colour Photo". www.thehansindia.com. Retrieved 1 December 2020.
  19. ↑ "Niharika Konidela was the first choice to play In Colour Photo Movie". english.tupaki.com. Retrieved 1 December 2020.
  20. ↑ Ravi, Murali (21 November 2020). "Niharika replaced". Tollywood. Retrieved 14 December 2020.
  21. ↑ FC, Team (29 October 2020). "My 100 Short Films Prepared Me For Feature Films: Suhas". Film Companion. Retrieved 1 December 2020.
  22. ↑ Telugu, TV9 (31 October 2020). "ఇది ప్రేక్షకుల విజయం : 'కలర్ ఫోటో' టీమ్". TV9 Telugu. Retrieved 1 December 2020.
  23. ↑ "Mathu Vadalara: SS Rajamouli is all praise for his nephews Kaala Bhairava and Simha; says 'I'm really proud'". PINKVILLA. 29 December 2019. Retrieved 2 December 2020.
  24. ↑ "Comedian Suhas turns into a hero for 'Colour Photo': Kala Bhairava to compose the music - Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 2 December 2020.
  25. ↑ source. "Digital première for 'Colour Photo'". Retrieved 2 December 2020.
  26. ↑ "Kranthi Priyam". IMDb. Retrieved 14 December 2020.
  27. ↑ "'Colour Photo' shoot kickstarted - Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 5 November 2020.
  28. ↑ Dundoo, Sangeetha Devi (11 August 2020). "'Colour Photo', the story of a 'below average' guy". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 5 November 2020.
  29. ↑ ""Shooting of Colour Photo is on the verge on completion," says debutante director Sandeep Raj - Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 5 November 2020.
  30. ↑ "Colour Photo Teaser: Beautiful Black & White Love Story". Gulte. 5 August 2020. Retrieved 5 November 2020.
  31. ↑ "Suhas and Chandini starrer 'Colour Photo' is inspired by incidents in producer Sai Rajesh's life". Newsron. 11 August 2020. Retrieved 1 December 2020.
  32. ↑ Team, Pehal News (11 August 2020). "Suhas and Chandini starrer 'Colour Photo' is inspired by incidents in producer Sai Rajesh's life". Pehal News. Retrieved 1 December 2020.
  33. ↑ "Color Photo Review: All about 'Color'!". Telugu Cinema. 23 October 2020. Retrieved 1 December 2020.
  34. ↑ Arikatla, Venkat (23 October 2020). "Color Photo Movie Review: Blurred Photo". greatandhra.com. Retrieved 1 December 2020.
  35. ↑ Malik, Sanat Kumar (24 October 2020). "'Colour Photo' review: A moving tale that's more than skin deep". Fast News Feeds. Retrieved 1 December 2020.
  36. ↑ Tharagathi Gadhi Lyrical | Colour Photo Songs | Suhas, Chandini Chowdary | Kaala Bhairava. Aditya Music. YouTube. Retrieved 7 October 2020.
  37. ↑ "Colour Photo". Wynk. Retrieved 7 October 2020.
  38. ↑ "'Colour Photo': 'Tharagathi Gadhi' song to be unveiled on THIS date!". www.ragalahari.com. Retrieved 1 December 2020.
  39. ↑ "Colour Photo: First song, 'Tharagathi Gadhi' to be out on August 27th - Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 1 December 2020.
  40. ↑ "First song from Colour Photo album, 'Tharagathi Gadhi' to be out on August 27th - Breaking Today". breakingtoday.in. Retrieved 5 November 2020.
  41. ↑ "Nani lauds Tharagathi Gadi Daati song from Colour Photo - Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 1 December 2020.
  42. ↑ "Arere Aakasham song from Suhas and Chandini Chowdary starrer Colour Photo released - Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 1 December 2020.
  43. ↑ Focus, Filmy. "Third song from Colour Photo album, 'Ekantham' released - Filmy Focus". filmyfocus.com/. Retrieved 5 November 2020.
  44. ↑ "'Ekaantham': Third single from Colour Photo released - Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 5 November 2020.
  45. ↑ hansindia (24 October 2020). "Colour Photo Movie Review & Rating {2.5/5}". thehansindia.com (in తెలుగు). Retrieved 5 November 2020.
  46. ↑ "Colour Photo Telugu Movie Review". 123telugu.com. 25 October 2020. Retrieved 5 November 2020.
  47. ↑ Toleti, Siddartha (24 October 2020). "Colour Photo Telugu Movie Review | Colour Photo Aha Video Review". mirchi9.com. Retrieved 1 December 2020.
  48. ↑ "Digital première for 'Colour Photo'". The Hindu. Special Correspondent. 16 September 2020. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 5 November 2020.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: others (link)
  49. ↑ India, The Hans (15 September 2020). "Colour Photo World Premiere on Aha". thehansindia.com. Retrieved 5 November 2020.
  50. ↑ Colour Photo Movie Review: A heartfelt fight between love and prejudice, retrieved 29 October 2020
  51. ↑ Dundoo, Sangeetha Devi (24 October 2020). "'Colour Photo' review: A moving tale that's more than skin deep". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 29 October 2020.
  52. ↑ "రివ్యూ: క‌ల‌ర్ ఫోటో" [Review: Colour Photo]. Eenadu (in తెలుగు). 23 October 2020. Archived from the original on 23 October 2020. Retrieved 23 October 2020.
  53. ↑ "క‌ల‌ర్ ఫొటో రివ్యూ". Sakshi (in తెలుగు). 23 October 2020. Archived from the original on 27 October 2020. Retrieved 23 October 2020.
  54. ↑ "'Colour Photo' review: A brave film that takes on caste, class and colour prejudice". The News Minute. 24 October 2020. Retrieved 5 November 2020.
  55. ↑ Rangan, Baradwaj (24 October 2020). "Colour Photo On Aha, With Suhas And Chandini Chowdary: A Not-Bad "Love Failure" Story With Truly Inspired Touches". Film Companion. Retrieved 5 November 2020.
  56. ↑ hansindia (24 October 2020). "Colour Photo Movie Review & Rating {2.5/5}". thehansindia.com (in తెలుగు). Retrieved 5 November 2020.
  57. ↑ Codingest. "Review: Colour Photo". NTV Telugu. Retrieved 1 December 2020.
  58. ↑ "The 9th South Indian International Movie Awards Nominations for 2020". South Indian International Movie Awards. Retrieved 23 August 2021.

External links[edit]

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