• Source: Tholi Prema (1998 film)

Tholi Prema (transl. First Love) is a 1998 Indian Telugu-language romantic drama film written and directed by A. Karunakaran. It stars Pawan Kalyan and Keerthi Reddy, with music composed by Deva. The cinematography was done by Y. Maheedhar and Chota K. Naidu.
The film was a blockbuster at the box-office and propelled Pawan Kalyan to stardom. It is considered as one of the most iconic romantic films in Telugu cinema. It won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Telugu, six state Nandi Awards, and was featured in the Indian Panorama mainstream section at the 30th International Film Festival of India. The film was later dubbed into Tamil as Anandha Mazhai, remade in Kannada as Preethsu Thappenilla (2000), and in Hindi as Mujhe Kucch Kehna Hai (2001).




Plot


Balu is the youngest son in his family and carefree. His father often scolds him, but his uncle and mother dote on him, so does his brother. He has a bunch of friends to hang around. On a late Diwali night, Balu's father is angry with him and he goes out for a stroll. On this night, Balu happens to see a girl Anu with a white churidar, playing with children although revealing only her feet. He instantly falls for her. He learns that she has returned from the US to spend time with her grandfather, awaiting her Harvard call.
Anu is impressed with Balu when he saves a child's life on the motorway; she tries to get his autograph but fails. Balu leaves for Ooty for his studies and accidentally meets Anu on the way when his taxi breaks down. Anu gives Balu a lift and leaves her driver to help the taxi driver. While on the way, Anu's car slips into a valley due to a rash lorry driver. Balu makes an effort to save Anu and rescues her to safer ground. Trying to save Anu, Balu slips off into a valley. Anu is depressed that Balu sacrificed himself to save her, searches for him and loses hope. Balu is saved by a truck driver and admitted to a hospital. On his return, Anu meets Balu at his house to express her gratitude. Balu thinks of proposing his love, but is warned by his sister Priya. Balu develops a friendship with Anu, but never dares to express his love. Priya gets married and leaves. At the same time, Anu is admitted to Harvard University and is about to leave. They remain silent until they reach the airport. His goal is to make her realize how much he loves her. As they wait for the flight announcement, she realizes that she is indeed in love with Balu. She gets emotional and hugs him. She says that she needs him more than Harvard. An emotional Balu iterates that she has worked hard and she is waiting for this day and shouldn't miss the chance for love. They agree to reunite after they have realized their goals.




Cast






Production


A. Karunakaran saw the photograph of Pawan Kalyan on the cover of a Telugu film magazine in Chennai and felt he would ideal for the lead role in his offbeat romantic film. After Karunakaran narrated the script to Kalyan, the latter introduced him to producer G. V. G. Raju, who previously produced Gokulamlo Seeta (1997) with him.
A replica set of Taj Mahal was erected at Mahabalipuram for the song "Gagananiki Udayam".




Soundtrack


The soundtrack was composed by Deva. Four of the film's five songs are based on other songs without acknowledgement: "Yemaindo Yemo Ee Vela" is based on Ricky Martin's "Maria"; "Emi Sodhara" is based on "Pyar Ka Musafir" by Lucky Ali; "Romance Rhythms" is based on "Noonday Sun" by Deep Forest; and "Ee Manase Se Se" is based on "Alabalaba (Woman’a’Sexy)" by Dr. Alban.




Awards






Release


The film had run for more than 100 days in 21 centres; it ran for more than 200 days in 2 centres. It was the winner of six Nandi Awards and National Award Best Feature Film (Telugu) and ran for more than 365 days.




References






External links


Tholi Prema at IMDb

Kata Kunci Pencarian:

• Pawan Kalyan
• Penghargaan Nandi untuk Film Fitur Terbaik
• P. Unni Krishnan
• Tholi Prema (1998 film)
• Tholi Prema
• Badri (2000 film)
• Venky Atluri
• A. Karunakaran
• Keerthi Reddy
• Preethsu Thappenilla
• Marthand K. Venkatesh
• Mujhe Kucch Kehna Hai
• Anand Sai