Jandhyala

For other uses, see Jandhyala (surname).

Jandhyala‌
Born
Jandhyala Subrahmanya Sastry[1]

(1951-01-14)14 January 1951[2]
Narsapuram, Madras State, India (present-day Andhra Pradesh)
Died19 June 2001(2001-06-19) (aged 50)[2]
Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India (present-day Telangana)
Other namesHasya Brahma
Occupations

Jandhyala Subrahmanya Sastry (14 January 1951 – 19 June 2001), known mononymously as Jandhyala, was an Indian film director, screenwriter, and playwright known for his work in Telugu cinema and theatre. Popularly referred to as "Hasya Brahma" (transl. "Brahma of comedy"), Jandhyala was celebrated for his exceptional contributions to comedy films. In a career spanning twenty five years, he directed more than 40 films and wrote dialogues for over 300 films.[3]

Jandhyala's interest in theatre began at a young age, and during his college years, he wrote several successful plays. He entered the film industry in 1976 and quickly established himself as a versatile writer. He penned commercial blockbusters such as Adavi Ramudu (1977), and Vetagadu (1979) as well as critically-acclaimed films like Siri Siri Muvva (1976), and Sankarabharanam (1980). His skill in crafting sharp dialogues and creating engaging characters earned him widespread recognition.[4]

Jandhyala transitioned to directing, and helmed several notable films such as Ananda Bhairavi (1983), Srivariki Premalekha (1984), Chantabbai (1986), Padamati Sandhya Ragam (1987), Aha Naa Pellanta! (1987), Vivaha Bhojanambu (1988), Choopulu Kalasina Subhavela (1988), and Jayammu Nischayammu Raa (1989).[5] Though best known for his contributions to comedy, his directorial works reflect versatility, spanning multiple genres. Jandhyala was also instrumental in launching the careers of actors like Naresh, Dharmavarapu Subramanyam, and Suthi Velu and played a key role in shaping the careers of actors such as Brahmanandam, Rajendra Prasad, and Kota Srinivasa Rao.[6]

In addition to directing, Jandhyala continued to write for other filmmakers. He contributed dialogues to National Award-winning films such as Saptapadi (1981), Seethakoka Chilaka (1981), Sagara Sangamam (1983), and Swathi Kiranam (1992). He also wrote for other notable films like Nireekshana (1986), Aakhari Poratam (1988), Jagadeka Veerudu Athiloka Sundari (1990), and Aditya 369 (1991).[7] Throughout his career, he received several accolades, including three Nandi Awards—one each for Best Director, Best Story Writer, and Best Dialogue Writer—and a Filmfare Award for Best Director – Telugu.[8]

  1. ^ Cite error: The named reference TOI was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ a b Pandya, Haresh (3 August 2001). "Obituary: Jandhyala Sastri". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 28 September 2020.
  3. ^ "జంధ్యాల కోరిక" (PDF). Zamin Ryot (in Telugu). 15 October 1999. p. 9. Archived from the original (PDF) on 13 September 2016. Retrieved 11 November 2022.
  4. ^ Sreekanth, D (14 January 2004). "Jandhyala - great director of Telugu cinema". Idlebrain.com. Retrieved 6 August 2022.
  5. ^ Cite error: The named reference :2 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  6. ^ Rao, P. Surya (30 June 2011). "Tribute to a legend". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 4 August 2022.
  7. ^ Thanjavaur, Kiran Kumar (19 June 2020). "స్మృతిలో జంధ్యాల వర్ధంతి: తెలుగు సినీ హాస్య ప్రపంచంలో సరిలేరు మీకెక్వరు." News18 Telugu. Retrieved 28 September 2020.
  8. ^ Cite error: The named reference :4 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).