Naming serials after popular movies and songs may not be nuanced, it is, in fact, fairly common on Telugu channels. Most of the time, the title and the story have no connection with the movie but serve to connect with audiences and instantly grab eyeballs. A given serial’s popularity, however, rests on the TRPs it manages to get. Here’s a looks at a few serials with either movie or song titles, whilst speaking to the teams behind these serials to understand their reasons.
Story of twins
‘Akka Mogudu’
Movie
The movie starred Rajasekhar as a mechanic who takes the responsibility of getting his wife’s (played by Suhasini) sisters married.
Serial plot
The story follows two twins —Ramya and Sowmya — who are poles apart in their personality and ideals. Things take a turn when Amar enters their lives. How these two sisters overcome turbulences in their lives shapes the rest of the story. The team states the title was selected on basis of the plot. “The title was chosen as it is apt for the story of twin sisters and their marital lives.”
On Gemini; Starts from May 28; Monday to Friday, 7:30 pm
The big and beautiful
‘Gundamma Katha’
Movie
Six decades on, the movie is unparalleled in popularity in Telugu cinema, for its classic dialogues, melodious songs and the acting. A rich widow Gundamma (played by the inimitable Suryakantham) pampers her daughter (Jamuna) and ill treats her stepdaughter (Savitri). Brothers NTR and ANR enter her home to teach her a lesson and change the setup.
Serial plot
They’ve played with the title here. Since Gundu mean round in Telugu, the serial revolves around a plump protagonist Geetha who ridiculed owing to her obesity and is called ‘Gundamma’. Geetha gets married to Ram, who had nurtured dreams of having a glamorous partner. How she handles her life after marriage forms the crux of the story. “The title resonates with the serial’s theme. Since she is teased for her weight, we think ‘Gundamma Katha’ is an apt title for the show,” says the spokesperson adding, “ Gundamma Katha movie is a classic, and that title helps connect with the audience. Of course the title should be related to the story.”
On Zee Telugu; Monday-Friday, 1:30 pm
Brother-sister drama
‘Raktha Sambandham’
Movie
This sentimental drama starred NTR and Savitri as brother and sister. A rift in the family creates issues and the siblings are separated with the movie ending tragically.
Serial plot
The story explores relationships in the families of siblings Krishna Prasad (Jackie) and Krishna Priya (Meena Kumari). The sister gives up her son to her sister-in-law and, in exchange, raises her niece. When the mother and the daughter end up being mother-in-law and daughter-in-law in the same house, their lives change.
This title was agreed upon by the entire team, as “it explores blood relationships at different levels. A movie title helps if the film has been popular and if the story and the title are in sync.”
On Zee Telugu; Monday-Friday, 1 pm.
Life after marriage
‘Kante Koorthune Kanaali’
Movie
The Ramya-Krishna starrer named Kante Koorthuni Kanu shows that, more than sons, daughters are more compassionate and loving towards their aged parents.
Serial plot
A middle-class girl is the only support of her parents but after marriage, she faces restrictions by her in-laws. After her father dies and her mother is left alone, she tries to balance the two families important in her life. The team says the title was picked because it is the reality of girls who go through such situations after marriage, adding, “This title does justice to the daughter-parents bond that continues even after marriage.”
On Star Maa; Monday to Friday, 1:30 pm
Opposites attract
‘Maate Mantramu’
Movie
Maate mantramu, manase tantramu ... is one of the hugely popular songs from the movie Seethakoka Chiluka . The song captures the romance of a couple from two different religions.
Serial plot
Vamsi and Vasundhara are as different as chalk and cheese but destiny has other plans. How their relationship takes form is the crux of this story. “Every time Vamsi confronts Vasundhara, her words leave a lasting impact on him. They reiterate in his mind and drive him to change himself. Her word is his mantra. Hence, the title Maate Mantramu . The song has a huge connect with audiences,” says the team and admits its popularity depends on the connect the show has with the title.
