When Gollapudi's short story, Kallu, received wide literary awards, it must have occurred to many that it be translated on to the celluloid. In the end, someone did. It was MV Raghu, a noted cinematographer of that era. Kallu the film, released in 1988, completes 25 years as of today.

It successfully completed 100 days in 6 centres even in those days. A function was held in Hyderabad to commemorate the film. Murali Mohan said, "By making this film, Raghu gave encouragement to many newcomers. It won several Nandis. When good stories are made into films, the whole society benefits from them."

Tanikella Bharani said that Kallu was a memorable film in the pantheon of commercial films. Tammareddy felt that the film won awards on the scale of the films made by K Vishwanath, and Dasari.

Shivaji Raja, the film’s hero, said, "I thank Raghu garu, who gave this film, which has helped me hold my own as an artist."

Sirivennela Seetharama Sastry said that Kallu reflected the creativity of the Telugu mind.

The film’s director said, "I endeavoured with the aim of making a film on the concept: Those who fail to see things with their heart are truly blind. I used my experience of working for Magamaha Raju, Swathi Muthyam, Sirivennela, Sitara, Anweshana, and Maharshi. Hunting for the right faces was a challenge. Sastry garu wrote amazing lyrics. It is my request to today’s filmmakers to make films that are useful for the society."

Dasari reminisced that he had wanted to make the film. "I abandoned my efforts when I learnt that Raghu Naidu had already acquired the rights. We have seen a 'swarna yuga,' but we are now witnessing something lowly, instead of seeing something greater."