A new book titled Master of Suspense Hitchcock, dedicated to the legendary filmmaker Alfred Hitchcock, was launched recently. Renowned director Vamsy, who attended the event, called the book a groundbreaking achievement in Indian languages. “No one has attempted something like this before in Indian languages—it’s truly a wonder!” he said, praising the authors for capturing Hitchcock’s cinematic brilliance.
The book, co-authored by senior journalist and writer Pulagam Chinnarayana along with IRS officer Ravi Padi, commemorates two major milestones: the 125th anniversary of Hitchcock’s birth and the 100th anniversary of his first film. It features 62 essays penned by 45 directors, 7 writers, and 10 journalists, offering an in-depth exploration of Hitchcock’s life and legacy.
Director Vamsy, known for his admiration of Hitchcock, shared his personal connection to the master filmmaker. “Inspired by Hitchcock, I made Anveshana. I’ve watched all 53 of his films, and my office walls are filled with his impressions,” he revealed. He also highlighted Hitchcock’s famous quote: “A movie needs three things—script, script, script,” and expressed his excitement about the book, calling it a wonderful tribute to Hitchcock’s lasting influence.
During the event, the first copy of the book was presented to director Harish Shankar, while the second copy was given to senior actor Nassar. Santhosham magazine head Suresh Kondeti purchased the first copy for Rs. 5,000 as a gesture of support for the literary effort. The book’s cover, designed by award-winning publicity designer Eshwar, was unveiled by director Mohanakrishna Indraganti.
The launch event was attended by several prominent figures, including directors Meher Ramesh, Mohanakrishna Indraganti, and Shiva Nageswara Rao, as well as senior actors like Nassar. The gathering celebrated both Hitchcock’s cinematic contributions and the dedication of Pulagam Chinnarayana and Ravi Padi in preserving and promoting his legacy.
Director Harish Shankar shared his thoughts on Hitchcock’s influence, saying, “Though we never got to see Hitchcock in person, we are fortunate to experience his legacy through Vamsy garu, whom many compare to Hitchcock. For me, Hitchcock is Hollywood’s Vamsy.” He also expressed hope that the book would become a bestseller in Hyderabad, emphasizing how rare books about the film industry are and praising Pulagam Chinnarayana for his ongoing efforts to bring cinema-related literature to readers.
Director Mohanakrishna Indraganti reflected on Hitchcock’s revolutionary impact on world cinema, particularly his innovative use of sound and visuals. “Films like Vertigo, Psycho, and The Birds are iconic,” Indraganti said, adding that Hitchcock’s refusal to conform to norms set a benchmark for generations of filmmakers.
Senior actor Nassar also spoke at the event, lamenting the lack of books on cinema in India. He recalled his admiration for a book on Hitchcock’s interviews with French critic Truffaut and expressed gratitude for the launch of Master of Suspense Hitchcock. He called the book a significant contribution to India’s film literature.
As the event concluded, there was excitement about the book’s potential to engage readers and inspire filmmakers. Pulagam Chinnarayana, whose previous works include Jandhya Marutham and Cine Poornodayam, has written 11 books to date and won two Nandi Awards for Best Author and Critic. With this latest release, he continues to introduce Indian audiences to the rich history and cultural impact of cinema.
The launch of Master of Suspense Hitchcock was not just a tribute to Hitchcock’s extraordinary legacy but also a celebration of the growing interest in cinema literature in India.
