Mala Pilla
Mala Pilla or Malapilla (English: Girl from Mala caste) is a 1938 Indian Telugu-language social problem film directed by Gudavalli Ramabrahmam and written by Tapi Dharma Rao. The film was produced by Raja of Challapalli, Yarladadda Sivarama Prasad on Sarathi Films banner. It featured Kanchanamala in the title role with Gali Venkateswara Rao, Govindarajula Subba Rao, P. Suribabu, Sundaramma in other prominent roles.
| Mala Pilla | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Gudavalli Ramabrahmam |
| Written by | Tapi Dharma Rao |
| Produced by | Gudavalli Ramabrahmam, Yarlagadda Sivarama Prasad |
| Starring | Kanchanamala Gali Venkateswara Rao Govindarajula Subba Rao Sundaramma |
| Cinematography | Sailen Bose |
| Music by | Bhimavarapu Narasimha Rao |
Production company | |
Release date | 25 September 1938 |
Running time | 175 minutes |
| Country | India |
| Language | Telugu |
It is a social drama depicting the love story between a Brahmin boy and a Dalit girl. The film dealt with themes like untouchability, taboo on entry into temples for Dalits, Gandhism, and nationalism in pre-independent India. The film was dedicated to the Maharajah of Travancore, Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma who had passed a law allowing members of all castes to enter temples.
Malapilla was released in a record 12 centres on September 25, 1938, and was a big hit. On its release, the film caused a sensation, rejecting the stage-derived mythological genre dominating Telugu cinema in the 1930s. The film's success kindled interest in other Telugu filmmakers to make films based on social themes. Malapilla was also the 50th talkie film made in Telugu cinema.