Missamma

Missamma is a 1955 Indian Telugu-language comedy-drama film directed by L. V. Prasad, showcasing a stellar cast of N. T. Rama Rao, Savitri, Akkineni Nageshwara Rao, and Jamuna. The film's plot is an amalgamation of humor, romance, wit, intelligence, and social themes, and is considered a classic in the history of Telugu cinema.

Missamma opens up with two unemployed college graduates, Mary (played by Savitri) and Rao (played by N. T. Rama Rao), who are in desperate need of jobs. Rao, who hails from an impoverished family, lives with his hilarious friend Ramu, portrayed by the master of comedy himself, Relangi Venkata Ramaiah, while Mary lives with her grandmother. Their paths intertwine when they come across an ad posted by a wealthy widow seeking a couple to manage her estate. Seeing this as an opportunity, Mary and Rao pretend to be a married couple, despite their strong dislikes for each other, and secure the job.

The entertainment quotient of the film is heightened with the entry of Madhusudhan Rao (Akkineni Nageshwara Rao), a detective hired by the widow to validate the couple's credentials. During his detective work, Rao confronts his past love, Sita (Jamuna), with whom he had lost connection due to a misunderstanding. Icons like S. V. Ranga Rao, who plays the role of a church pastor, and Ramana Reddy, who takes on the role of a domestic help, amplify the humor in the narrative.

Each of these characters is sketched meticulously, representing a range of personalities. The lead characters, N. T. Rama Rao and Savitri, showcase their acting prowess through the varied facets of their characters – be it their pretentious marital relationship or hidden feelings for each other. Nageshwara Rao, as the private detective, showcases his versatility as an actor with a seamless blend of humor and sincerity.

A spectacular aspect of Missamma is the portrayal of strong female characters. Savitri's unprecedented performance as Mary, showcasing her bravery, intelligence, and wit, is a refreshing portrayal that was a significant departure from the traditional women characters represented during that era. The fantastic performance of Jamuna as Sita, though a supporting character, highlights her character's depth and influence on the narrative.

The film is a perfect blend of comedy and drama, attracting viewers from varied age groups. Furthermore, the movie also subtly tackles social issues around unemployment, and the measures people are forced to take in these difficult times. The film beautifully depicts each character's struggles and their efforts to make things right.

Adding to the movie's charms are the musical talent of Ghantasala and Madhavapeddi Satyam; their compositions gave the audience evergreen melodies, further enhancing the narrative. Saluri Rajeswara Rao, the music director, adds his magical touch, making the songs resonate with the film's storyline.

Interestingly, a significant part of the filming was completed in the city of Madras (now Chennai), providing a fascinating backdrop for the story. The cinematography of Marcus Bartley amplifies the visual aesthetics of the film, making it visually delightful to the viewers.

In essence, the film Missamma is a wonderful tapestry of humor, romance, social theme, and music, interwoven with a thrilling mystery. It showcases the originality of the era's Telugu Cinema while providing a timeless piece of entertainment for future generations. Missamma isn't merely a film; it's a piece of art, history, and narrative brilliance that has the power to captivate audiences, transcend generation boundaries, and stand tall in the annals of Indian cinema.