Producer Edida Raja has shared an interesting anecdote about how filmmaker Bharathiraja altered the climax of the iconic Telugu film 'Seethakoka Chiluka' following a suggestion from his father, the late producer Edida Nageswara Rao. The 1981 film, produced under the banner of Poornodaya Creations, went on to become one of Bharathiraja's most celebrated works in Telugu cinema. Raja revealed that the original ending was tragic, but his father believed that a love story centered on an inter-caste relationship needed a hopeful resolution.
Edida Raja Recalls the Climax Change
In an exclusive interview with Cinema Express, Edida Raja explained that Bharathiraja readily accepted his father's suggestion and reshot the climax. “The original climax ended on a tragic note, and those scenes had already been shot. However, my father suggested that the ending should be changed to a happy one,” Raja said. He added that his father wanted the film to convey a positive message. “He felt that since the story revolved around two people from different castes falling in love and getting married, the film should encourage such relationships and end on a positive note. Bharathiraja garu liked the suggestion and agreed to reshoot the climax with a happy ending,” Raja recalled.
The film later achieved tremendous success, winning the National Award for Best Telugu Film, the Nandi Award, and several other honors. Raja noted that 'Seethakoka Chiluka' remains one of the most memorable titles produced by Poornodaya Creations.
How Bharathiraja Came to Direct 'Seethakoka Chiluka'
Raja also spoke about the origins of the project. He mentioned that Vamsi, who worked as an assistant director at Poornodaya Creations, suggested that his father watch Bharathiraja's debut film '16 Vayathinile' and consider collaborating with him. “Our production house had just delivered the sensational blockbuster 'Shankarabharanam', which was completely music-oriented. We approached Bharathiraja garu, and that is how 'Seethakoka Chiluka' came into existence,” Raja said.
He also clarified that 'Seethakoka Chiluka' was not a remake. Bharathiraja shot the Telugu version separately alongside the Tamil version, 'Alaigal Oivathillai'. Raja expressed that Bharathiraja's passing is a significant loss to Indian cinema.
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