H M Reddy: India's first multi-lingual sound film producer

Hanumappa Muniappa Reddy was born 128 years ago on June 12. He holds the distinction of directing the first multi-lingual film in Tamil and Telugu – Bhakta Kalidasa – in 1931. A year later, he produced and directed the first full length sound film in Telugu – Bhakta Prahlada.

Wikipedia informs that in a career of 23 years, Reddy directed 17 films and produced five. He quit a career in the police force because he did not want to work for the British and went to Bombay to learn about the film industry, which was his area of interest.

Quite interestingly, H M Reddy started his career with Ardeshir Irani as his assistant, the latter being the director of ' Alam Ara', India's first talkie movie released in 1931. He is rightfully called as the ' Father of South Indian Cinema'.