N T Rama Rao’s ‘Major Chandrakanth’ which was produced by Dr Mohan Babu has successfully completed 20 years today. The 1993 patriotic-family drama was directed by K Raghavendra Rao featuring NT Rama Rao, Mohan Babu, Sharada, Ramya Krishna, Nagma, Srihari, Amrish Puri, Brahmanandam and Manoj Manchu in central roles. Mohan Babu produced it on his home banner Sri Lakshmi Prasanna Pictures. Parachuri Brothers penned dialogues, M M Keeravani rendered the musical scores and cinematography was done by Anay Vincent. The evergreen song ‘Punyabhoomi Naadesam’ written by Jaladi and crooned by SP Balasubrahmaniam is fresh in the minds of Telugu people even today. ‘Major Chandrakanth’ released on 23rd April, 1993 and successfully completed 20 years today.
On this occasion Mohan Babu recalled, “Lakshmi Prasanna Pictures banner was launched by my Annayya (N T Rama Rao). Producing a great film like ‘Major Chandrakanth’ with my Annayya is an unforgettable moment in my life. I played a small role in his film ‘Samraat Ashok’. At that time, one fine day I went to the shooting sets of ‘Samraat Ashok’ and approached him for the film ‘Major Chandrakanth’ saying that I wanted to produce a film with him as hero. He laughed aloud and said “Are you joking?” I replied, “No, I’m serious. K Raghavendra Rao is going to direct the film.” “Ok, we will discuss tomorrow”, he said and left the sets. The next day he replied, “I’ve lost in elections. Now who will watch me on the screen.” I convinced him saying, “If people will not watch you on silver screen, who will they watch? I want to produce this film only with you.” Then he agreed and asked me to bring the script. That’s how ‘Major Chandrakanth’ took place.”
Mohan Babu has a great respect for Late N T Rama Rao and went on to produce this film with him as hero. Besides producing the film he played NTR’s son in ‘Major Chandrakanth’ and Manchu Manoj was seen as a young Mohan Babu. The film was declared as blockbuster and went on to celebrate silver jubilee.
