Pedda Manushulu (1954 film)
Pedda Manushulu ( or ) is a 1954 Indian Telugu-language drama film produced and directed by K. V. Reddy. It stars Jandhyala Gaurinatha Sastry, Mudigonda Lingamurthy, Relangi, Vangara, Sriranjani Jr. in prominent roles. The film portrays corruption among so called respectable persons of the society. It was loosely based on The Pillars of Society, a 1877 play by famous Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen. Pedda Manushulu was commercially successful. It was the first Telugu film to win the National Film Award. The film proved K. V. Reddy's capability in directing not only fantasy and mythological films, but also social dramas. The film became a trendsetter for many later films with a similar theme. It showed that those who are considered Pedda Manushulu by the society are corrupt. After the film's release, the term Pedda Manushulu had negative connotations in Telugu culture for a long time. 