"Master of Suspense Hitchcock" Book Launch: A Celebration of Cinematic Legacy
Hyderabad witnessed a grand celebration of the legendary filmmaker Alfred Hitchcock with the launch of "Master of Suspense Hitchcock," a book penned by senior journalist and film writer Pulagam Chinnarayana and IRS officer Ravi Padi. The event, marking Hitchcock's 125th birth anniversary and the centenary of his first film, brought together prominent figures from Telugu cinema to pay homage to the "Master of Suspense."
The book, a compilation of 62 essays penned by 45 directors, 7 writers, and 10 journalists, offers a comprehensive exploration of Hitchcock's life and cinematic contributions. Renowned director Vamsy graced the occasion, launching the book and handing over the first copy to director Harish Shankar, while the second copy was presented to senior actor Nassar.
Director Vamsy, a self-proclaimed Hitchcock aficionado, expressed his admiration for the filmmaker, stating, "I'm very fond of Hitchcock. The thought of writing a book about his life and his works is wonderful. As far as I know, this is the first ever literary attempt ever done in an Indian language." He lauded the book's content and expressed his hope for a reprint soon.
Director Harish Shankar, known for his energetic filmmaking style, drew parallels between Hitchcock and Vamsy, humorously remarking, "Most people compare Vamsy garu with Hitchcock and call him Andhra Hitchcock. But I believe Hitchcock is Hollywood's Vamsy!" He praised Chinnarayana's dedication to promoting film literature and expressed his desire for the book to achieve "Hyderabad Bestseller" status, mirroring the success of a blockbuster film.
Director Mohanakrishna Indraganti highlighted Hitchcock's significant influence on world cinema, from silent films to the talkies. He commended the book for its quality and insightful analysis, setting it apart from typical biographies.
Senior actor Nassar lamented the scarcity of books about cinema and expressed his appreciation for the authors' efforts in bringing Hitchcock's legacy to the forefront.
Director Meher Ramesh lauded Chinnarayana's extensive knowledge and his contributions to the film industry, pledging to promote the book within his circles.
The event was attended by a host of film personalities, including directors Meher Ramesh, Mohanakrishna Indraganti, Veerashankar (Telugu Director's Association President), Chandra Siddhartha, Shiva Nageswara Rao, Karuna Kumar, and others. Senior writers and journalists also graced the occasion, contributing to the celebration of Hitchcock's enduring impact on cinema.
With "Master of Suspense Hitchcock," Pulagam Chinnarayana adds another feather to his cap, having previously authored ten books on various aspects of cinema. A two-time Nandi Award winner for Best Author and recipient of the Best Critic award, Chinnarayana continues to champion film literature with this latest offering.
This book launch not only commemorates a cinematic legend but also underscores the importance of documenting and celebrating film history through dedicated literary works.
