Of late many filmmakers and movie lovers are getting fascinated by the new found penchant for message oriented stories in films. Some are raving about the change in the mindset of the stars and the filmmakers and saying this is a new trend.
However message oriented films is not new to Tollywood. For years many message oriented films came in Tollywood. However, in order for the message oriented films to become successful, the story should be loaded with powerful sentiments.
In the ANR, Jayalalithaa's Adarsa Kutumbam directed by K Pratyagatma in the year 1959, the makers highlighted the troubles and misunderstandings in joint families and sent a message that it is better to live happily separately and meet family members during weekends. But, the film did not turn out to be a hit.
However NTR's Ummadi Kutumbam turned out to be super hit due to the emotions and sentiments loaded in it. This doesn't mean movie lovers love films loaded with sentiments. If that is the case, Peoples' Star Narayanamurthy highlights social problems and gives solutions with his films. But none of his films in recent times turned out to be hits. This because all his film stories turned out to be routine testing the patience of the viewers.
So makers and the writers should do the balancing act using sentiment in a clever and creative manner to score hits.