Madala Ranga Rao dies, rich tributes paid

Madala Ranga Rao, described by film observers as a conscientious filmmaker, is no more.  The actor-producer, whose moniker 'Red Star' is apt, had not been keeping well for more than a year.  He was undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Hyderabad.  He was not only a successful actor (having done about 70 movies), but was also a sensible producer with a very good strike rate (he bankrolled about 15 movies).  

Inspired by Communism and socialism, Ranga Rao did revolutionary subjects in the era of 1980s.  His 'red films' gave a stiff competition to "commercial" movies.  Social injustice and inequities, systemic exploitation, were the themes his films raised.  Films like 'Erra Mallelu', 'Viplava Sankam', 'Erra Sooryudu', 'Erra Pavuralu', 'Swarajyam', 'Janam Manam' and 'Praja Shakti' are memorable.  'Yuvatharam Kadilindi' in 1980 was conferred a Nandi Award.  

Megastar Chiranjeevi said, "Ranga Rao garu was a committed actor.  Although he was offered commercial movies, he refused them.  He was very principled.  He believed in using cinema as a vehicle to inspire people.  He stood as an inspiration for the likes of R Narayana Murthy garu."

Pawan Kalyan said, "His films in the '80s touched upon issues like corruption, the attitudes of political leaders, the problems of unemployed youngsters, etc.  Ranga Rao garu held progressive and Lefist views."