Radhakrishna Malineni on 26 years of Telugu television

For more than 25 years, Radhakrishna Malineni has followed one philosophy — storytelling can convey powerful messages without sounding preachy. “I want to narrate stories that convey emotions and values in a natural way rather than as a sermon,” says the veteran director.

In his new serial, Seetaramayya Gari Manavaralu, aired on Eenadu Television (E TV), the aim is to deliver core values without complex lectures. Incidentally, the title takes the Telugu audience back to a 35-year-old movie with a similar title portraying an emotional relationship between a grandfather and granddaughter and starred legendary actor Akkineni Nageswara Rao and Meena.

Radhakrishna Malineni
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The serial follows the story of a grandfather and a granddaughter, with family legacy in focus, and explores the idea of “whether inheritors are wealth fighters or wish-fulfillers”. Currently being filmed at Ramoji Film City, the serial revolves around Seetaramayya, a businessman, who believes business can be pursued successfully without compromising on ethics, principles and values. “Seetaramayya believes living by values is the greatest legacy one can leave behind,” says the 56-year-old director. “If you do your duty as a parent, do good work and live by values, your children will imbibe them and in turn will pass it on to their children. That is how one generation can pass their values and aspirations to the next generation.”

The serial addresses a few social issues too. For instance, the story of Seetaramayya’s daughter (played by Tamil actor Rachitha Mahalakshmi) focuses on mental health awareness. When challenging situations turn her life turn upside down, she considers ending it but realises suicide is not a solution and finds strength to fight back. The character was conceptualised to inspire the young generation to find courage and strength during hardships.

The female protagonist in Mouna Ragam overcomes her disability to become a painter
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“Women contribute immensely to other people’s lives, often giving priority to others’ needs and well-being. There are moments when they are on the brink of giving up but with a bit of hope and resolve, they bounce back.”

Stories of ordinary people overcoming challenges or offering a new perspective are also some of his favourite themes. For instance, in Mouna Ragam, a girl with speech impairment overcomes her disability to become a painter and in Padamati Sandhya Ragam, a girl shows how internet can be a powerful tool for learning if used wisely.

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Pasupu Kumkuma, Mouna Ragam, Padamati Sandhya Ragam, Megha Sandesam, Manasantha Nuvve

While his father Malineni Subba Rao, a notable theatre artiste, inspired him from an early age, Radhakrishna’s tryst with television began as an episode director for the serial Ruthuragalu in 2000. For someone who never assisted any filmmaker, the journey has been remarkable. Although he directed two films, it is on the small screen that he found success.

A scene from ‘Padamati Sandhya Ragam’
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Human interest stories

His human interest stories in more than 25 serials on E TV, Star Maa and Zee Telugu are inspired by experiences and observations gathered over the years. “Human lives and emotions inspire me; I want stories to reflect people and their struggles,” says the director who is drawn towards filmmaker Mani Ratnam’s films, storytelling and his nuanced way of portraying human emotions.

From ‘Manasantha Nuvve’
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Despite the growing influence of films and OTT content, Radhakrishna considers television as a “mother” that nurtures the talent and provides livelihood to many. “While storytelling in television too has evolved human interest stories continue to attract viewers. Narratives that depict strong women, and not those that only focus on sorrow and suffering, are celebrated.”

As he gets ready for the next shot of Seetaramayya Gari Manavaralu, Radhakrishna says optimism and seeing good in everyone have been his abiding principles . “I don’t like to gossip about someone as I believe negativity kills creativity.”

Seetaramayya Gari Manavaralu airs on E TV, Monday to Friday at 8.30 p.m.