Vaddante Dabbu (transl. Endless money)[1] is a 1954 Indian Telugu-language screwball comedy film directed by Y. R. Swamy. It was produced by Moola Narayana Swamy and presented by H. M. Reddy on Rohini Pictures banner. The film stars N. T. Rama Rao, Sowcar Janaki and Jamuna, with music composed by T. A. Kalyanam. It was simultaneously shot in Tamil as Panam Paduthum Padu (transl. Strains caused by money).[2]
The film follows Syam, a painter, and his close associate Rama Rao, who live together and are often engaged in borrowing money and evading creditors. Syam's artwork catches the eye of Saroja, the daughter of the wealthy Rao Saheb Hemachalapati. Saroja commissions a portrait, and the two fall in love. Impressed by Syam's talent, Rao Saheb gives him ₹1 lakh with the condition that he must spend it within 30 days, without donating or wasting the money.
Syam, guided by Rama Rao, spends the money on various activities, including horse racing, gambling, theatre plays, and building a house. As the days pass, Syam’s finances continue to grow. However, he becomes disillusioned with the pursuit of wealth and decides to return the money to Rao Saheb. Rao Saheb reveals that the purpose of the task was to teach Syam the dangers of money and help him understand its true value. The film ends with Syam and Saroja’s marriage, symbolizing his newfound understanding.
Vaddante Dabbu was released on 19 February 1954,[5] and Panam Padathum Padu was released on 4 March 1954.[6] Regarding the Telugu version, a critic from Zamin Ryot wrote that there is no need to be poor with the knowledge of the world, but Syam is portrayed as a dunce. This flaw in the main character makes the entire film look flawed and concluded that throughout the film, Swamy tickles the audience's funny bone.[7] Despite originally opening to a mixed response, the Telugu version attained cult status, and was remade in the same language as Babai Abbai (1985).[3]
^"వద్దంటే డబ్బు" [Vaddante Dabbu] (PDF). Zamin Ryot (in Telugu). Nellore. 26 February 1954. p. 10. Archived(PDF) from the original on 13 September 2016. Retrieved 1 June 2022.
