Ten Must Watch Kannada Movies

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Following is the list of 10 must watch Kannada movies according to me. They are in no particular order. Though there will be always questions raised over the non-inclusion of some movies, this list definitely should serve as a representative listing of different genres of films in Kannada.

Beladingala Bale(1995) : Tale of a chess grand master and his quest for his elusive lover is a thriller. Revanth falls in love with a girl, who introduces herself as his fan. Though she communicates to him through telephone, her identity is concealed. Incidents which occur later in Revanth’s life resemble the moves in a game of chess. Use of pristine Kannada, revelations about chess and the presentation of different perceptions about a chess player make this movie worth a watch. To find more about movie and the book which was made the movie please visit here. You can watch the movie in youtube here.
Starring  : Anant Nag. Suman Nagarkar.

Bangarada Manushya(1972) : This is one movie which created a sensation in Karnataka in the 70’s. Sacrifice, selfless service, hard work and fraternity - virtues which are epitomized by Indian families even today form the crux of the movie. Viewing the personification of the great ideals which are farfetched in ordinary lives makes a delightful experience. Performances by stalwarts of Kannada cinema, ever green songs have given the movie the cult status. Importantly, we need to note the social impact it made with several guys going back to villages and taking up farming just like the film’s protagonist Rajeeva did. Watch the movie in youtube here.
Starring  : Raj Kumar, Bharathi

Mungaru Male(2006) : This movie seemingly is a real depiction of modern Indian love stories. Crisp dialogues readily catch your attention. Infatuation in the present age is presented in its full grandeur. Viewing the beauty of monsoon in Malnad with Jog falls in its full glow makes this film a visual treat. Some of the finest romantic compositions in Kannada featuring in the movie add to the glitter. These aspects served as benchmarks for the Kannada movies to be made later. 
Starring  : Ganesh, Pooja Gandhi

Nagarahaavu(1972) : Story of Ramachari is that of a rebel who wants to free himself from society’s shackles. When questioned about his violent ways he heeds none but his beloved teacher.  Shot mostly in the historical Chitradurga fort, this movie portrays the irrational state of mind which every guy experiences in his youth. Needless to say, young lads continue to identify themselves with the central character. Watch the film in youtube here.
Starring  : Vishnuvardhan, Arathi

Amruthavarshini(1997) : When a widower comes to live with his friend’s family, he gets attracted towards his friend’s wife. A person’s best friend who is soft spoken and has a poetic heart turning villain depicts the fragility of apparently great human relationships. Very few characters feature in the movie and they deliver one of the best performances of their movie career.  Climax of the movie is a brilliant take on the act of revenge.
Starring  : Ramesh Aravind, Suhasini

Manasa Sarovara(1982) : Mind is the source of all human endeavors. When mind, placid as a lake gets disturbed all hell breaks loose.  A psychiatrist falls in love with a patient whom he treats. But destiny has other plans as she gets attracted towards doctor’s cousin. Ironically, doctor who heals mental disorders, falls victim to mind’s vicious ways. Saga of love and hate remembered for its relevance in the present age.
Starring  : Srinath, Padma Vasanthi

America America(1995) : This film is a sensible portrayal of Indians migrated to US in the 90’s though with a triangular love story. Probably, it is first of its kind in India cinema. Without taking sides, movie raises questions about human identity and becomes a forum for debate on some of the fundamental questions raised in human history.
Starring  : Ramesh Aravind, Hema

Bhootayyana Maga Ayyu(1974) : Bhootayya, a village money lender is the epitome of vices found in human nature. Villagers though denounce him, do not come in open to protest. After the death of Bhootayya, new rivalry begins between his son and the people of the village. Visual similes used, which are unparalleled in Kannada cinema and the vivid presentations of village life make this movie a classic in the annals of Kannada movie history. You can view the movie here in youtube.
Starring  : Vishnuvardhan, Lokesh

Dweepa(2002) : How do you value one’s honor and respect in an age where everything is measured in monetary terms? A family in-charge of a shrine in a village which is bound to be submerged as result of a dam being constructed is forced to leave the village. It is faced with this question which cannot be answered. As a representative of the contemporary world, this movie appears as the unyielding resistance of human beings towards change and rational thinking. Enjoy watching the film in youtube.
Starring  : Avinash, Soundarya

Aa Dinagalu(2007) : When most of the producers in the Kannada film industry were testing their luck with formula driven gangster movies, here was a movie which was based on real life incidents. Touted as a film on gangs of Bangalore, this movie brings before you the Bengaluru of the 80’s. Don who is ready to stake anything for his supremacy and the encounters between rival gangs provide insight to the shady world of Bangalore mafia without shedding a drop of blood onscreen. Watch the movie in youtube. Also, you can check the review of the film here. 
Starring  : Chetan, Atul Kulkarni. 

Aa Dinagalu - Film Review

Numerous movies have come in Kannada based on Bangalore underworld and very few have depicted the real face of it. Most of the underworld movies have glorified violence but Aa Dinagalu is an exception. K M Chaitanya, the director of the movie has handled the story based on real incidents well.

Film is based on the book ‘Dadagiriya Dinagalu’ by Agni Shridhar based on real life incidents in the year 1986 in Bangalore. Movie revolves around the love story on the back drop of underworld. Chetan and Mallika are in love but Chetan’s father, a business man do not approve of it. He takes the help of the then underworld don, Kotwal Ramachandra to separate the love birds. Chetan then befriends Shridhar and Bachchan and goes to Kotwal’s rival Jairaj to counter Kotwal. How a businessman’s son brings an end to Kotwal’s reign in Bangalore is rest of the story.
The things which capture the viewers’ attention are the brilliant screenplay, excellent narration and crisp dialogues. H C Venu’s camera work adds to the film’s highlights too. Also, brilliant performances by Sharath Lohitashwa(as Kotwal), Ashish Vidyarthi(as Jairaj), Atul Kulkarni – yes, the same Ramaprasad Bismil of Rang De Basanthi (as Shridhar). All in all this film is worth watching. Don’t get dismayed by the fact that the film is based on underworld. Though based on underworld, there is no glorification of violence and rowdies. On the contrary, this film explores the fears, superstitions, thoughts of underworld dons. There is a scene in the movie when Shridhar says the violence should not go into one’s heart. Kotwal, who is a terrifying figure to the outside world, has his own superstitions of bad omens when leaving from house. Underworld dons in this movie think of the consequences before taking any drastic step. It seems like there was conscious effort by the team to bring the Bangalore of the 80s in the movie. No cell phones, No posh cars – Chaithanya has taken the details into account. Heroine of the movie, Archana is a new face in Gandhinagar and has the refreshing look. Chetan’s debut into Kannada films promises much more for the Kannada cinema in the future. Jnaan Peetha Awardee, Girish Karnad has played the role of Chetan’s father.

There is no second talk about the background score by Ilayaraja, the genius. Film contains 2 songs – Sihi Gaali and Aa Dinagalu, for both lyrics and music are superb. One of the songs Sihi Gaali is sung by Ilayaraja himself! Film had a good box office run and was featured in the top 10 Indian movies by the weekly, The Week.