Viswa Mohini (transl.The World of Entertainment) is a 1940 Telugu-language romantic thriller film in the backdrop of Indian motion picture world, directed by Y. V. Rao.[1] The ensemble cast starring V. Nagayya was written by Balijepalli Lakshmikanta Kavi, and was screened at the Venice Film Festival.[1][2] The production design was handled by T. V. S. Sarma, and cinematography was handled by Pandurang Naik.[3][4]

Viswa Mohini
Theatrical release poster
Directed byY. V. Rao
Screenplay byBalijepalli Lakshmikanta Kavi
Story byY. V. Rao
Produced byY. V. Rao
StarringV. Nagayya
Y. V. Rao
Pushpavalli
Gohar Mamajiwala
Lalitha
CinematographyPandurang Naik
Chandulal Shah
Edited byY. V. Rao
Music byOgirala Ramachandra Rao
Production
companies
Newton Studios
Lakshmi Studios
Distributed bySri Jagadesh Films
Release date
  • November 9, 1940 (1940-11-09)
Running time
195 minutes
CountryIndia
LanguageTelugu

It is the first Indian film to be made about the movie world.[5] The film released in 1940, and turned out to be a mediocre success.[2][1]

Plot

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Mohan Rao, who works for a law firm in Madras, cheats his Manager Padmanabham, and becomes the owner of the company through illegal means. Mohan Rao is the son of Padmanabham's business rival Purushothama Rao. He plans his son Mohan Rao's marriage with Hemalatha, the daughter of a wealthy widow Visalakshi who happens to be Puroshothama Rao's neighbour. But Mohan Rao is not interested in this alliance.

Pasupathi, a renowned filmmaker and friend of Mohan Rao, lures him to popular actress Viswamohini on the sets of a film shooting. Viswamohini is the daughter of the same Padmanabham whom Mohan Rao cheated. Mohan Rao develops a secret affair with Viswamohini, and expresses his wish to marry her. Padmanabham, is unaware of the fact that Mohan Rao is the son of his arch rival Purushotham.

Meanwhile, Pasupathi lures the wealthy Visalakshi into film production and distribution. Visalakshi loses all her wealth in the process. In a twist of fate, Padmanabham is shocked to know through Hemalatha that Mohan Rao is the son of his Purushotham. How Padmanabham deals with the situation, and how he becomes aware of Mohan Rao's criminal deeds, and Pasupathi's ulterior motive forms the rest of the plot.

Cast

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Soundtrack

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The lyrics for the soundtrack were written by Balijepalli Lakshmikantha Kavi, the songs were choreographed by Srinivasa Kulakarni.[2][6]

  • "Melavimpagade Cheliya Veena"
  • "Bhale Face Beautiful Nee Pose"
  • "Yee Poo Podarinta"

Release and reception

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The film had an unprecedented release in 1940 at 11 centers in Madras Presidency, and turned out to be a mediocre success.[2][1]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d Rajadhyaksha, Ashish; Willemen, Paul (10 July 2014). Encyclopedia of Indian Cinema. Routledge. ISBN 978-1-135-94325-7 – via Google Books.
  2. ^ a b c d narasimham, m.l. (22 June 2013). "Viswamohini (1940)". The Hindu.
  3. ^ pioneer, Y. V. Rao (21 August 2003). "A revolutionary filmmaker". The Hindu. p. 04. Archived from the original on 17 January 2004 – via The Hindu (old).
  4. ^ entertaianment.oneindia.in/celebs/lakshmi/biography.html
  5. ^ Guy, Randor (22 August 2003). "A revolutionary filmmaker". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 19 November 2016. Retrieved 19 November 2016.
  6. ^ "Viswamohini review Indian express". hindi-films-songs.com.