It’s the 75th anniversary of the Kannada Film Industry. This is a humble attempt from my side to identify the 75 movies in Kannada Cinema that can be considered as landmarks. By ’landmark’, I do not mean that they were box office grossers – my intent is to identify those films that may have made a difference to Kannada Cinema or the society at large. They could be movies that took technological advancements in Kannada Cinema to the next level OR maybe a ‘first’ for Kannada cinema in any category or created a new wave in a particular genre or made a startling impact to Kannada society and public at large.
This list is not attempting to list down the Best Movies of Kannada Cinema. It is just trying to bring out the Milestone Movies in Kannada Cinema
Disclaimer – Reference to the internet has been only to get the exact year of release of all the movies. The remaining text is original.
1. Sati Sulochana (1934) – The first talkie and the reason why we are celebrating the Amruta Mahotsava in the first place.
2. Bedara Kannappa (1954) – Rajkumar’s foray into Kannada Cinema. Also launched Narasimharaju, Balakrishna and GV Iyer. This movie paved the way for more budgets coming into Kannada cinema and more releases in the following years.
3. School Master (1958) – A sensitive portrayal of a simple School Master’s life. Panthulu infused life into his character. The movies also introduced Shivaji Ganesan
4. Ranadheera Kanteerva (1960) – Perhaps the first movie produced by Kannada artistes
5. Kittooru Chennamma (1962) – First historical that broke all records
6. Chandavalliya Thota (1962) – Won the President’s medal for Best Film. Also paired Rajkumar and Jayanthi for the first time.
7. Veera Kesari (1963) – An unforgettable historical with Rajkumar and Leelavathi. ‘Swabhimanada Nalle’ is a cult song popular even today.
8. Amarashilpi Jakkanachari (1964) – A colourful milestone. This film on the life of sculptor Jakkana was the first Kannada Colour film.
9. Naandi (1964) – The first Kannada film to win a volley of awards in the state and at a National and International level.
10. Sathya Harishchandra (1965) – Highly regarded the best historical film ever made. Another highlight is MP Shankar’s ‘Kuladalli Keelyavudo’
11. Sandhya Raga (1967) – First movie in the Classical movie genre
12. Belli Moda (1968) – Advent of Puttanna Kanagal through this Triveni’s novel. Also this elevated Kalpana as the industry’s numero uno heroine and got the title Minugu Taare based on a song from this film.
13. Jedara Bale (1968) – Rajkumar starred in this Bond version. Paved the way for many such Bond type movies like Goadalli CID999 and Operation Diamond Racket.Also this movie was the first Kannada film to feature a cabaret.
14. Gejje Pooje (1969) – Puttanna’s hardhitting movie on devadasi culture.
15. Sri Krishnadevaraya (1970) – Probably the first historical movie in colour. Very well made in realistic locations of Hampi.
16. Samskara (1970) – Undoubetdly the first movie to pave the wave for parallel cinema in Kannada and Indian cinema
17. Vamshavruksha (1971) – S.L Bhairappa’s novel was already a rage and the movie further fortified the trend of movies based on novels.
18. Kasturi Nivasa (1971) – One of the all-time popular tearjerkers with great music by G.K Venkatesh – Nee Bandu Ninthaga & Aadisi Nodu Beelisi Nodu
19. Sharapanjara (1971) – Puttana’s first colour film. Kalpana’s histrionics created history so did the memorable songs by G.K Venkatesh. Despite its dark storyline, this movie had the audiences enthralled and it is hailed as the first Kannada film to get in repeat audiences.
20. Sakshatkara (1971) – Popular social. Also will go down in history as one of the longest Kannada films. Prithviraj Kapoor’s foray into South Indian cinema.
21. Bangarada Manushya (1972) – A milsetone in Kannada cinema. Rajkumar’s character, Bharathi’s charm, the deft direction, the melodious music. No wonder the movie ran for 2 years at a stretch in Bangalore.
22. Nagara Haavu (1972) – Kanagal’s most popular movie that gifted Kannada cinema with two of its most popular stars – Sahasa Simha Vishnuvardhan and Rebel Star Ambarish. The ‘Onake Obavva’ song immortalized Jayanthi so did the ‘Baare Baare’ song shot in slow motion for the first time on Kannada screen.
23. Abachurina Post Office (1973) – Poornachandra Tejasvi’s novel strengthed the parallel cinema wave in Kannada.
24. Eda Kallu Guddada Mele (1973) – It’s no wonder that a majority of Puttana’s movies make it to this list owing to his totally different subjects - this one being on a taboo subject like extra marital affair.
25. Gandhada Gudi (1973) – This is my favourite. Looking back the movie was shot so realistically with real leopards and cheetahs. The movie is there in this list mainly for the signature Kannada song of pride ‘Naavaduva Nudiye Kannada Nudi’. It was also the only movie that starred both Dr.Raj and Vishnuvardhan. Unfortunately, they were never since pitted against each other in the same film ever.
26. Kaadu (1973) – Girish Kasarvalli’s Kaadu further strentghened the parallel wave in Kannada cinema. Personally, I haven’t watched it but have heard so much about it, that it deserves to be in the list of Kannada milestone movies.
27. Sampattige Sawaal (1974) – Ah, this movie gave us the greatest voice of all times – that of Dr.Rajkumar. His maiden song’Yaare Koogadali’ paved the way for a musical journey for Raj fans from the 70s right upto the 90s.
28. Eradu Kanasu (1974) – The touching storyline coupled with performances of the lead actors.However what puts the movie in the list is music by Rajan Nagendra. This can go down in history as the most popular Kannada music album ever – Poojisalende Hoogala Tande, Endendu Ninnanu Maretu, Tamnam Tamnam etc
29. Bootayyana Maga Ayyu (1974) – One of the best movies of the 70s. Characters created by Hunsur Krishnamurthy remains etched in the minds of people even today. The movie further strengthened the angry image of Vishnuvardhan in Kannada Cinema
30. Bhakta Kumbhara (1974) – This movie took devotion to dizzying heights. Such a poignant tale – it went on to prove that when it comes to devotion there was none to beat the king of emotions. The scene where Kumbhara tramples his toddler to death is one of the most touching scenes on Kannada screen ever.
31. Daari Tappida Maga (1975) – One of the first commercial Kannada movies to win a national award. Also, Dr.Rajkumar’s portrayal as the bad man created waves.
32. Hamsa Geethe (1975) – This movie has not made it to this list just because my dad played the role of Tipu Sultan in the film. I truly believe GV Aiyyar’s Hamsa Geethe gifted Kannada Cinema with one of the finest actors we have today – Ananth Nag. The perfect Carnatic classical music that was interwoven in the film was also a first for Kannada.
33. Katha Sangama (1975) – For the first time on Indian screen, we had three stories in one movie that were not connected to each other in anyway (Raj Kapoor’s Mera Naam Joker came close but they were connected by a common thread). Each of the three stories were in typical Puttanna Kanagal style and only he could spin such a yarn.
34. Chomana Dudi (1975) – An award winning classic
35. Nagara Hole (1977) – Perhaps the first full fledged commercial children’s film. A very well shot and directed film or its times. The animal scenes were all very realistic and this kids’ film paved the way for many such movies in this genre like Putani Agents 123, Makkala Mari Sainya, Makkala Sainya, Simhada Mari Sainya and Dhange Edda Makkalu.
36. Babruvahana (1977) – Ah ! how can this materpiece be left out. This appraently is the most popular Rajkumar movie in the DVD circuit. The costumes and sets were rich and the music was a highlight. The final showdown between the 2 Rajkumars as Arjuna and Babruvahana will go down as one of most popular scenes in Kannada Cinema.
37. Ghatashraddha (1977) – This film always features in the Top 10
38. Sose Thanda Sowbhagya (1977) – Well, this Vishnuvardhan-Manjula social was the run of the mill family drama. The reason this is regarded as a milestone is because this is the first Kannada film in cinemascope. Also the priceless PBS number ‘Ravivarmana’ is considered as one of the most romantic Kannada songs of all times
39. Singapurinalli Raja Kulla (1978) – This period saw many firsts in Kannada films. This was the first Kannada movie to be ever shot outside India. Dwarkish made a mark as director and elevated Kannada commercial cinema to the next level.
40. Shankar Guru (1978) – Although Dr.Raj had portrayed in multiple roles before, Shankar Guru was clearly one of his landmark films – which had him essaying triple roles. This was the typical 70s masala film which apparently made waves even outside the state.
41. Ondanondu Kaladalli (1978) – Girish Karnad’s film is regarded as a milestone in Indian cinema even to this day. For Kannada movie goers, it gave us our most prolific actor-director ever – Shankar Nag. He also won the National Award in his very first film.
42. Naa Ninna Bidalare (1979) – Brought together for the first time Anant Nag and Lakshmi who became one of the most popular screen pairs in Kannada history. Also this was the first movie which was closest to the Horror genre interspersed with devotional dramatics in plenty. Often regarded as Rajan Nagendra’s best musical score/album.
43. Auto Raja (1979) – Not the best of films in any sense, but this movie goes down in history as the most popular movie among autorikshaw drivers and created a demigod for them in the guise of Shankar Nag. The magic weaved by this film is to this day evident when one looks at Nag’s photograph pasted on every other auto in the state.
44. Minchina Ota (1980) –. Shankar Nag’s first directorial venture was an absolute thriller, deftly directed with subtle performances from all the 3 lead actors – Ananth, Shankar and Loknath which was very rare in South Indian Cinema at that time.
45. Ranganayaki (1980) – Some regard it as the best film of the best Kannada film maker. Puttanna was always known to pick up sensational subjects but this film that depicted the Oedipus complex was perhaps the first in Indian cinema ever.
46. Guru Shishyaru (1981) – The movie was a pathbreaking one in the comedy genre. With little known actors, the maker was able to create a magical film which to this day enjoys repeat viewership.
47. Antha (1981) – If I do remember right, this film went down in Kannada film history as the most violent film with some gruesome censored scenes as well. Ambarish’s portrayal as the wronged cop was so good, it catapulted him to the top league. The Rebel Star image stuck.
48. Pallavi Anupallavi (1983) – What luck ! India’s greatest filmmaker Manirathnam’s first directorial venture had to be this Kannada masterpiece. Again a very unconventional storyline. This movie had several milestones like Balu Mahendra being the cameraman, Ilayaraja giving one of his earliest and rare hits in Kannada and for the first time we had a north Indian actor(Anil Kapoor) as a full fledged hero in a Kannada film
49. Kavirathna Kalidasa (1983) – While the earlier decades saw a flurry of Dr.Raj films in the list I am drawing, this mythological is perhaps the only entry in the 80s decade. Most of his other films of the decade were the typical social films or general entertainer not worthy considered milestones. However this one gets into this list for being considered technically the best mythological made. Also Raj’s superlative performance here clouds his own best works in earlier movies of this genre.
50. Manasa Sarovara (1983) – Last movie directed fully by Kanagal. Again a poignant portrayal of love, heartbreak and betrayal. Perhaps Srinath’s best performance ever.
51. Phaniyamma (1983) – A microscopic view of a society riddled with inane rules and regulations, caste system and prejudice - Phaniyamma successfully sent across a strong message about the social evils prevailing at that point of time.
52. Geetha (1983) – A typical family tearjerker. But why is it in this list? For 2 reasons – Ilayaraja’s musical album goes down in history as perhaps one of the best in the entire decade. Also this film gave us the most popular Kannada film song ever – “Jotheyali Jothe Jotheyali”
53. Bandhana (1984) – This Vishnuvardhan-Suhasini superhit directed by Rajendra Singh Babu can be considered as the most poignant film which touched the hearts of millions across Karnataka. The songs were an icing on this ‘emotional’ cake !
54. Accident (1985) – Shankar Nag emerged again with another masterpiece. Got a glimpse of this movie on TV eons ago but having heard about it so much – I gather that this is a must have film on this list.
55. Bettada Hoovu (1985) – Perhaps the best performance that Puneet ever put up as a child actor (or as an adult for that matter).
56. Tabarane Kathe (1987) – Girish Kasarvalli’s Tabarana Kathe is indeed one the most interesting movies in the award winning category of films. The movie won several awards including the Golden Lotus. Charu Hassan’s portrayal as Tabara was extraordinary.
57. Premaloka (1987) – This Ravichandran magnum opus created such a musical, youthful hysteria that broke all previous records. This paved the way for a new trend in music in Kannada Cinema thanks to Hamsalekha. Also the Kannada film sets and production values just got bigger with this film.
58. Pushpaka Vimana (1988) – Widely known as Pushpak, little know that Singeetham Srinivasa Rao masterpice with no dialogues and great blend of slapstic comedy is in fact originally a Kannada film that was later retitled into Hindi and other languages. This movie provided the viewers with a total new experience sans dialogues - only with actions and expressions with great performances by Kamalhassan, Tinu Anand, Sameer Khakkar and Amala.
59. Tarka (1989) – Sunil Kumar Desai’s first film is an aboslutely delightful thriller with Devaraj bringing the concept of the anti hero first time in Kannada Cinema. Although the director’s later releases were all gripping (Utkarsha, Nishkarsha, Sparsha to name a few), Tarka remains the milestone film in this category.
60. Nanjundi Kalyana (1989) – The film created box office history even surpassing that of Bangarada Manushya. Although Raghavendra Rajkumar failed to cash in on the film’s stupendous success, it’s heroine Malashree went on to become the highest paid heroine of Kannada films ever and reigned the boxoffice for years. The film had a wonderful storyline and the song ‘Olage Seridare Gundu’ was another milestone.
61. Idu Sadhya (1989) – Not a masterpiece by any yardstick but this Shankar Nag directed film definitely needs to feature in this list because it was the first Kannada movie to get into the Guinness Book. The record in this case was that the entire film was shot in just 48 hours.
62. Mutthina Haara (1990) – A war film in Kannada. This was definitely the first of its kind and one of the well made war films on Indian screen. The movie also captured the Kodava customs and way of life in a very colourful manner. The movie flopped but it left us with some memorable songs, great picturization and intelligent performances.
63. Ganeshana Madhuve (1990) – No other film in the previous decade tickled our bones as much as Ganeshana Madhuve. This film hailed Ananth Nag as a comedy king and paved the way for more such capers such as Gowri Ganesha, Ganesha Subramanya etc. The characters played by Ananth Nag, Mukhyamantri Chandru and Vinaya Prasad remain etched in cinegoer’s memories.
64. Jeevana Chaitra (1992) – The first half of 90s decade was possibly the worst period of Kannada Cinema with crude music, senseless remakes, vulgar dialogues and over the top performances ruling the roost. Jeevana Chaitra was a welcome break and it was good to see Dr.Raj after a 3 year hiatus. ‘Naadamaya’ still remains the highlight of the film and one of the most beautifully rendered classical song in Kannada Cinema.
65. Om (1995) - Milestone films in the 90s decade were so few and far in between. Upendra’s directorial venture was a hard hitting underworld story that was first of its kind in Kannada. Shivrajkumar perhaps never had such a meaningful film to act in since his debut 10 years before.
66. Beladingala Baale (1995) – Sunil Kumar Desai wowed us all with a totally different kind of film. Not a typical thriller or suspense movie but kept us on the edge till the very end. Personally speaking the film could have ended on a positive note but then maybe what makes the movie different is perhaps its ending.
67. America America (1996) – While the other film industries were jetsetting ahead, Kannada cinema was stuck in a black cauldron until Nagathihalli Chandrashekar and America America happened. This was the first Kannada film shot in the land of dollar dreams. The film depicted the best and worst of both worlds and gave the Kannadigas a taste of what America was all about.
68. A (1998) – Perosnally I do not have any opinion of this film since I have not watched it but know for sure that this Upendra starrer was hailed as a path breaking film for various reasons and deserves to be in my list.
69. Shabdavedi (2000) – The last movie of the legendary hero of Kannada cinema. Isn’that reason enough for this film to make it to the milestone films’ list? Storywise it had nothing new to offer but then it will still be hailed as a landmark film since an era in Kannada cinema came to an end with this film and clearly divided the periods into Rajkumar era and Post Rajkumar era.
70. Dweepa (2002) – Girish Kasaravalli did it again with his Dweepa. This movie won awards in all the various international film festivals. The unfortunate part is that it was never given a proper theatrical release.
71. Apthamitra (2004) – This movie restored the fortunes of a gloomy Kannada film industry. A superduper hit after many years was welcomed by all. The film in itself though a remake was moulded well for the audiences’ taste by Dwarkish. This movie will also go down in history as the comeback film of Dwarkish the director and the return of the famous Kalla-Kulla pair.
72. Cyanide (2006) – The first film in India to capture the story of the assasination of Rajiv Gandhi. It was a sensitive film that remains a milestone mainly for its subject. Personally, the film in itself could have been more deftly shot.
73. Mungaru Male (2006) – The biggest Kannada hit in the Multiplex era. Created a record of sorts when it went on to become the longest running film in a multiplex in any language. Ganesh with his dialogue delivery and Mano Murthy’s music created a new trend. Sonu Nigam became a household name across Karnataka with his ‘Anisutide’
74. C/O Footpath (2007) – The film established a Guinness Record being the first film to be ever directed by a 10 year old. Child prodigy Kishen also wrote and acted in this film about street children. Although the film did not measure up at the box office – this was definitely a milestone in filmmaking.
75. Aa Dinagalu (2008) – A realistic story of the Bangalore underworld phase of the late 80s. Ilayaraja returned to Kannada films after decades. The movie also stands out for its brilliant performances especially from newcomer Chetan.
If you have any suggestions of movies that need to make it to this list – pls feel free to write back with your reasons.
- Kartik Krishnaswamy
