Malladi Reviews, ‘Master of Suspense Hitchcock’

Malladi Venkata Krishnamurthy, a name revered in Telugu literary circles, has captivated readers for over five decades with his novels and writings. Known for his reticence about other books and his enthusiastic praise for Master of Suspense, Hitchcock has caught the attention of many. Not only did he write the foreword for the book, but he also released an audio statement lauding the effort and brilliance behind it.  

Speaking about Alfred Hitchcock, Malladi highlighted the director’s unparalleled contributions to cinema, emphasizing how even those unfamiliar with English films recognize Hitchcock’s name due to his distinctive style. Hitchcock’s mastery of suspense, crime, and mystery made him a brand unto himself, as he utilized his image and wit to etch his legacy.

Recalling a famous Hitchcock quote, Malladi said, “If I make a Cinderella film, the audience will be waiting for the corpse.” He also shared a humorous anecdote about Psycho, in which Hitchcock responded to a husband’s concern about his wife’s reaction to the movie’s famous bathtub murder scene with the advice, “Send your wife to the laundry.”  

Master of Suspense Hitchcock, edited by Pulagam Chinnarayana and Ravi Padi, chronicles Hitchcock’s illustrious film career through 62 articles contributed by 45 directors, seven writers, and ten journalists. Released to commemorate Hitchcock’s 125th birth anniversary and the centenary of his first film, the book has resonated strongly with Telugu readers, with its first edition selling out in just two weeks.  

The book was launched at an event graced by senior director Vamsi, and Harish Shankar received the first copy.