Latest news with #BhaskharMaurya
The Hindu
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
‘Muthayya' movie review: This charming Telugu film about long-cherished dreams pays homage to cinema
Watching director Bhaskhar Maurya's Telugu film Muthayya, now streaming on ETV Win, feels like shedding the trappings of urban life and settling into an unhurried rural setting, surrounded by affable characters. The story centres on a 70-year-old man from a village in Telangana, who dreams of becoming a film actor and seeing himself on the big screen — just once in his lifetime. Age may not be on his side, but his zest for life remains undiminished. Humour weaves gently through the narrative. In an early scene, two men climb a water tank to unveil a banner. Someone remarks, in the Telangana dialect, 'Yem peekindu?' (What did he achieve?). We soon find out. At the heart of the story is Muthayya (played by Sudhakar Reddy of Balagamfame), who owns a modest plot of land that overlooks open fields and distant hills. Each evening, he retreats to his simple dwelling on the land, sharing a drink or two with his much younger friend Malli (Arun Kumar), who runs a cycle repair shop in the village. Muthayya (Telugu) Director: Bhaskhar Maurya Cast: Sudhakar Reddy, Arun Kumar Run time: 118 minutes Storyline: An elderly man is determined to fulfill his dream of seeing himself on the large screen. Streaming on: ETV Win Birds chirp, Karthik Rodriguez's earthy score plays gently in the background, and cinematographer Divakar Mani captures the beauty of the hamlet without embellishment. The narrative gently unveils the ordinariness of Muthayya's daily life — his strained relationship with a son burdened by financial pressures, a kind-hearted daughter-in-law, and a cheerful grandson. At an age when most villagers are content to lead quiet lives, Muthayya is stirred by his long-held dream of becoming an actor. Posters of film stars surround his mirror, and he often reminisces about his failed attempts in Madras. One memorable scene features Muthayya lamenting the state of modern cinema, yet insisting on watching new films to stay up to date with contemporary acting styles. It is these smaller, reflective moments — more than grand narrative arcs — that make Muthayya linger in the mind. The film intermittently touches on Malli's love story, village drama troupes, and the younger generation dabbling in short films and Instagram reels. Director Bhaskhar Maurya allows the story to breathe, taking its time with unhurried pacing that may test the impatient viewer, especially in the first half. But it is this very rhythm that lets the characters settle into your heart. As the plot gently gathers momentum, with life presenting Muthayya a final chance at fulfilling his dream, the film becomes a battle between aspiration and resignation. The silver-haired, paunchy Muthayya might just remain a local stage star, especially when faced with opportunists and financial constraints. Yet you cannot help but root for him. Much of the film's soul lies in its performances. Sudhakar Reddy and Arun Kumar, supported by a well-cast ensemble (many of whom hail from the region), anchor the story with authenticity. Their unassuming presence blends seamlessly into the rural fabric the film aims to depict. The final sequence pays heartfelt homage to the communal joy of cinema, unfolding in a way both unexpected and deeply rewarding. At just under two hours, Muthayya is a tender, unhurried tale that reminds us there is a rich, grounded world beyond the spectacle of mainstream Telugu cinema. (Muthayya is streaming on ETV Win)
The Hindu
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Director Bhaskhar Maurya: ‘Muthayya' was born out of my fear
'I believed that my film would find its audience even if it took time,' says Bhaskhar Maurya, who has written and directed the Telugu indie film Muthayya. The film, which will stream on ETV Win from May 1, narrates the story of a 70-year-old man from rural Telangana with a long-cherished dream of seeing himself as an actor on the large screen. Call it serendipity, but the rather painstaking wait of this film, which began its journey in 2022 to reach its audience resonates with the film's story and tagline, 'it is never too late to dream big'. Muthayya, headlined by Sudhakar Reddy of Balagam fame, was filmed in and around Wanaparthy in Telangana. Produced by Hylife Entertainments and Fictionary Entertainment, the film was shot at a stretch in 15 days, starring several locals in supporting parts. Soon after its completion in early 2022, Muthayya premiered at the UK Asian Film Festival in London. It won the best feature film in Indian languages at the Kolkata International Film Festival. Bhaskhar bagged the award for best debut director at the Meta Film Fest, Dubai. The makers also won the best feature film jury award at the Indic Film Utsav. The seed for Muthayya was sown when Bhaskhar, who had chased filmmaking dreams in Hyderabad, returned home to Wanaparthy. 'I noticed people making reels and short films using their mobile phones and uploading them on YouTube and social media. They were not trained in filmmaking, but that did not dampen their enthusiasm.' Bhaskhar learnt about a few natives who nurtured dreams of a career in cinema but never made it, consumed by responsibilities at home. The thought that Bhaskhar could also end up like one of them, burying his directorial dreams, gnawed at him. He channeled that fear into writing a story of realising one's dreams, age no bar. 'Muthayya stemmed from the fear that I might end up growing old, without becoming a director. I wanted to make an entertaining film, not arthouse cinema.' Bhaskhar wrote the screenplay, since he did not have resources to pay anyone else. Once done with the first draft, he narrated the story to friends and used the feedback to finetune the screenplay. Hailing from a family of teachers, Bhaskhar pursued a diploma course in acting and direction at the Roshan Taneja School of Acting in Hyderabad. 'I learnt the basics,' he says, adding, 'I could not afford the fee at other larger film schools.' Armed with the diploma, in 2012-13, he tried to make inroads into Telugu cinema as an assistant director, in vain. Returning to Wanaparthy, he was amused by the emerging short film culture. Drawing from his knowledge gained at the film school, he began making short films. Bhaskhar also collaborated with his friends who were working on independent films, and spent the next three years learning screenwriting and script development. 'I had not paid enough attention to the writing process at the film school. I realised its importance when I ventured out on my own.' When Bhaskhar approached producers with the script of Muthayya, even those who liked the story wanted to tweak it to make it more commercially viable. Bhaskhar did not want to dilute the essence of the story. 'Ultimately I found the right producers — Vamsi Karumanchi, Vrinda Prasad and Hemanth Kumar — who gave me 100% creative freedom.' Cinematographer Divakar Mani, music composer Karthik Rodriguez, editor Sai Murali and sound designer Vamsi Priya Rasineni came on board. Bhaskhar says in gratitude, 'One cannot make this kind of authentic cinema without the right people.' Actors were chosen through auditions. Incidentally, Sudhakar Reddy's knowledge of Telugu theatre and some of his personality traits came in handy for his character portrayal. 'Arun Raj who was cast as his younger friend, Malli, is a native of a village in Mahbubnagar. His body language and dialogue delivery were apt for the character. We chose Mounica, Poorna and others through auditions. We wanted people who would be in sync with the film's setting.' Bhaskhar spent several days rehearsing with the actors and discussing the technical aspects with the crew. 'Divakar Mani is among the best cinematographers and was a boon to our film. We decided to shoot in Wanaparthy and nearby villages since it was familiar terrain for me.' After a location recce, the team began filming Muthayya during early monsoon in 2021. 'We had overcast weather conditions throughout, but it did not pour. Thanks to the rehearsals and good coordination in the crew, we completed filming in 15 days, as against the 25 days we had planned,' says Bhaskar. With the sound engineer, he also ensured that the film reflects the authenticity of the region, with ambient sounds. The real test began once the film was completed. Digital platforms that were until then open to smaller films, began changing their pattern of acquisition. The film's release fate hung in balance, and Bhaskhar moved on to take up more work. 'By then, several people in the film industry had heard about Muthayya and there was respect for the team.' Bhaskhar then directed the web series Sivarapalle, the Telugu adaptation of Panchayat, for Amazon Prime Video. Next, he is writing a film that is to be made on a larger scale for theatrical release.
Time of India
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Find out when and where to watch 'Muthayya' on OTT
The award-winning social drama film 'Muthayya', directed by Bhaskhar Maurya, is all set for its digital premiere. The film is an inspiring tale of hope, passion, and perseverance and has won several prestigious awards at international film festivals. OTT platform announcement The film is about a 70-year-old man who dreams of becoming an actor before the end of his life. The film will be released on ETV Win starting May 1, 2025. The OTT handle on their social media handle wrote, "Muthayya. A heartwarming story of dreams, hope, and passion! Witness the inspiring journey of a 70-year-old dreamer from Chennuru. Premieres from May 1. Only on @etvwin." About the film Muthayya is set in a small village and follows the simple life of its titular character, who owns a small piece of land and takes up odd jobs to make ends meet. Being a devoted cinema lover, Muthayya spends much of his time watching movies at the local theatre or chatting with his young friend Malli, a mechanic. They always speak about Muthayya's one big dream: to see himself on the silver screen. Despite the many obstacles posed by age and circumstance, Muthayya's spirit remains unbroken as he pursues his lifelong aspiration. The film features a strong cast including K. Sudhakar Reddy , known for his work in Balagam and Bapu, alongside newcomer Arun Raj, Mounika Bomma, and Purna Chandra in key roles. 'Muthayya' premiered at the UK Asian Film Festival and was showcased at several other international festivals. It won the Hiralal Sen Memorial Award for Best Feature Film in Indian Languages at the 28th Kolkata International Film Festival. It also won Best Feature Film at the Indic Film Festival 2022 and Best Debut Director at the META Film Festival in Dubai.
Time of India
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Award-winning Telugu movie Muthayya's OTT release date announced. When and where to watch Sudhakar Reddy's film
Telugu comedy drama Muthayya is all set to stream on ETV Win starting May 1, 2025. Directed and written by Bhaskhar Maurya, this heartfelt drama has already made waves across several film festivals, earning critical acclaim and prestigious awards, including Best Film at the 28th Kolkata International Film Festival and the Jury Award at Indic Film Utsav 2022. #Pahalgam Terrorist Attack India stares at a 'water bomb' threat as it freezes Indus Treaty India readies short, mid & long-term Indus River plans Shehbaz Sharif calls India's stand "worn-out narrative" The film stars K. Sudhakar Reddy in the lead role, supported by Mounika Bomma Purna and Chandra Arun Raj. Produced by Vamsi Karumanchi and Vrinda Prasad under the banners of HY Life Entertainments Private Limited and Fictionary Entertainment LLP, Muthayya promises an emotional, inspiring journey that strikes a chord with dreamers everywhere. — etvwin (@etvwin) by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Pungmu-dong Modular Homes: See Prices Mobile Homes | Search ads Undo Set in a small village, the story revolves around Muthayya, a 70-year-old man with a simple but powerful dream — to become an actor before he dies. Owning a modest land and taking up odd jobs to survive, Muthayya finds joy in movies, often spending hours either at the local theatre or chatting with his young friend Malli, a mechanic shop owner. Despite the hurdles that life throws at him, Muthayya never lets go of his dream, showcasing his acting talents in any small way he can. The film beautifully captures Muthayya's unwavering spirit, his emotional struggles, and the bittersweet challenges he faces in pursuit of a dream that many might find unrealistic for his age. As obstacles mount and heartbreaks unfold, the story asks a poignant question — will destiny finally favour Muthayya?
Hans India
21-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Hans India
Vijay Deverakonda unveils ‘Cinema La Act Jeshi' song from ‘Muthayya'
The much-celebrated and award-winning film Muthayya is now all set for its grand digital release on ETV Win. Directed by Bhaskhar Maurya, the film stars K. Sudhakar Reddy, Arun Raj, Poorna Chandra, and Mounika Bomma in key roles. The film has been jointly produced by Vamsi Karumanchi and Vrinda Prasad under the banners of HY-life Entertainments Private Limited and Fictionary Entertainment LLP, with Diwakar Mani serving as both the cinematographer and co-producer. In a major promotional push, star actor Vijay Deverakonda unveiled the film's standout song, Cinema La Act Jeshi, earlier today. Sharing his thoughts on the occasion, Vijay offered an inspiring message: 'No matter how many challenges come your way, never be afraid to chase your dreams.' He also conveyed his best wishes to the entire team behind Muthayya. The song, composed by Karthik Rodriguez, is a musical tribute to the titular character's passion for cinema. The lyrics, penned by director Bhaskhar Maurya himself, beautifully encapsulate Muthayya's dreams and struggles, while Chinna K's heartfelt vocals add a layer of emotional depth to the track. Cinema La Act Jeshi not only highlights the soul of Muthayya but also strikes a chord with anyone who has ever dared to dream. With the support of stars like Vijay Deverakonda and a strong creative team, the film is poised to leave a lasting impression when it premieres on ETV Win.
