| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| rammi09 |
Posted - 01/08/2005 : 11:01:33 PM
I have started this topic as requested by some of the members.I had recently written a review about the B R Panthulu classic 'SRI KRISHNADEVARAYA' in a different thread. I am posting the same again on this thread.It will be nice if people can actively contribute. My plan is to review some of Panthulu's classics to begin with.
Today’s movie for discussion is B R Panthulu’s magnum opus
SRI KRISHNADEVARAYA. Released in 1970 this film was produced by Padmini Pictures and was in Eastman colour. Panthulu directed the movie, music was by T G Lingappa and screenplay/ lyrics by Kanagal Prabhakara Shastry. The starcast included Dr Raj Kumar as Krishnadevaraya, Bharathi (as Chinnadevi) and Jayanthi (as Tirumaladevi) (both his wives), Panthulu played the role of Thimmarasa and M V Rajamma, his wife and Narasimharaju as Tenali Ramakrishna. Apart from the lead players the film had a huge star cast and some of them included- Dinesh, Mynavathi, R Nagendra Rao, R N Sudarshan, Ashwath, Chindodi Leela, Shani Mahadevappa, Hanumanthachar etc.
Needless to say the story was about the life and times of the most popular 16 th century ruler of Vijayanagara empire. The story begins with Krishnadevaraya’s childhood (being brought up by minister Thimmarasa) and takes us through his adolescence, love for the courtesan Chinnadevi, family feud to ascend the throne of Vijayanagara empire, Krishnadevaraya’s coronation, marriage to Tirumaladevi and his conquest. The film depicts the glory of Vijayanagara empire during his time not only in terms of expansion of the kingdom but also Krishnadevaraya’s interest in literature (he himself wrote Amyuktha Malyudu in telugu and Jambavathi kalyana in kannada), welfare of his subjects and his close association with Tenali Ramakrishna. Krishnadeveraya’s unrequited love and devotion for Appaji (Thimmarasa) and the strong empire he builds under Appaji’s guidance are shown in great detail. The film ends with a series of misfortunes affecting the king including the untimely death of his only son (which changes him completely), the death sentence to Appaji’s sons and Thimmarasa turning blind. Krishnadevaraya’s life sadly ends after Appaji’s death and this brings an end to the glory of the Vijayanagara empire.
Sri Krishnadevaraya was richly made and was one of the expensive films of those days. The Vijayanagara glory was recreated in the beautiful locales of Jaipur in Rajasthan (which is what some people scorned about!). Though it cannot be taken on the face-value from a historical perspective (one of the allegations- too much of kannadization) nevertheless it was a winner in all departments- direction, music, lyrics and acting. Panthulu’s fantastic direction was the film’s highlight. Though the narration was lengthy it never failed to keep the viewers interest. Dialogues by Kanagal Prabhakara Shastry were fantastic and even to this day are unsurpassed. T G Lingappa’s music was great. The many songs from the movie are immensely popular even today- Sharanu Virupaksha, Tirupathi Girivasa, Sree Chamundeshwari, Krishnana hesare lokapriya, Bahu janmada poojaphala, Chennarasi cheluvarasi and Khana peena moju udana (the only complete Hindi song in a kannada film so far). Full marks to the makeup artistes and costume-designers (sorry don’t know their names)- all the characters in the film were done so well.Raj Kumar’s look in the film was fantastic. Both Bharathi and Jayanthi looked beautiful and were their best.
All the artistes in the film came up with fantastic performances. First and the foremost was none other than our dear Raj Kumar. He was fantastic. I can’t find enough words to describe his performance. He was extremely good. There are many scenes which are my personnal favourite- Appaji slaps Krishna and teaches him the responsibility of a king, the various court scenes, the war scenes (picturised so well given the poor techniques of film making in those days), the last scene when appaji is blinded. Raj was superb in all of these scenes and many more. The other powerful performance in the film was by Panthulu himself as Thimmarasa. Panthulu’s fantastic potrayal of the empire’s most famous minister gets full marks.His dialogue delivery is particularly worth mentioning. The “shudha- kannada” used in the film sadly cannot be found in most of todays films. Certainly, many of today’s actors need to take a lesson on pronouncing/ talking proper kannada by looking at Raj Kumar and Panthulu’s diction in this film. Bharathi, Jayanthi, Rajamma and Narasimharaju (he was excellent in the comedy scenes) gave good performances.
Krishnadevaraya as expected got many awards. However controversy erupted when the state award for best actor was given to Panthulu instead of Raj Kumar. Panthulu refused to accept the award and said Raj Kumar deserved it. How many people like Panthulu do we see in the present day world (especially where there is a fight to buy awards!)? Probably none! For reasons not known, after Krishnadevaraya, Padmini pictures never got Raj Kumar’s call sheet again for their future movies. Sadly the fantastic Panthulu-Raj association ended with this film. Bharathi got the best actress state award.T G Lingappa got the best music director award. Panthulu and Kanagal Prabhakara Sastry had serious differences especially with the song Sri Chamundeswari- the way Chamundeswari was pronounced. Jayanthi was full- term pregnant (with son Krishna Kumar- Anu Prabhakar’s husband) whilst shooting for the film and had to take extra care so that the pregnancy was not overtly visible.
Krishnadevaraya was a huge commercial success. It was one of Raj’s silver-jubilee hits. So popular was the film that when it released again many years later it had a second successful run. Sri Krishnadeveraya was a milestone in the history of kannada cinema and will forever remain as one of the best historical movies ever made in Indian cinema. For those of you who have missed it, please see the film today. In fact this film is not just for seeing but should be the one you may want to own a copy.
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| 30 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| sudu_brs |
Posted - 16/10/2005 : 12:21:41 AM
quote:
[i]Originally posted by rammi09[/i]
[br]Thank you guys.Nice to know you all liked the review.Do watch the movie when you get a chance.Spread the good word about old kannada movies.
My next article will be a synopsis of all the remaining Panthulu movies.
===============
Where r u now Sir? We r missing ur reviews..
Come soon.. 
Uppige Jai |
| rammi09 |
Posted - 24/08/2005 : 10:29:07 PM
Certainly Govinda. |
| Govinda |
Posted - 24/08/2005 : 3:36:46 PM
rammi, pls send a mail to govinda1100@gmail.com and keep in touch
pls
_____________________________________________________________________________
Live report of JOGI
by GOKUL and GOVINDA |
| Vin_Petrol |
Posted - 23/08/2005 : 11:43:24 PM
RAMMI man your simply superb your the best one in Viggy i guess super work keet it up hats off for ya man we requier more like this no words for you man good job gr8 going
Kannada kintha devaru nan gilla. Thayee Bhuvaneshwari mel anne KANNADA KE E JEEVA |
| shekar_scs |
Posted - 23/08/2005 : 5:06:53 PM
Unfortunately it was in 2nd page and I bought it back to 1st page and it deserves it 
_______________________________________________
Kechedeya Kannadiga
Stay Hungry. Stay Foolish.
Karunada thaayi sada chinmayi,
EE punya bhoomi namma devalaya.
|
| shekar_scs |
Posted - 17/08/2005 : 10:39:52 AM
quote:
[i]Originally posted by Santanu[/i]
[br]quote:
[i]Originally posted by rammi09[/i]
[br]Spread the good word about old kannada movies.
My next article will be a synopsis of all the remaining Panthulu movies.
I requsted admin many times to make this topic atleast sticky one ... aadre no response from admin...
Kannada old classic movies bagge olle word spread maadlikke ... admin can do one more thing .... He can create one link in Viggy homepage as "Classic of kannada cinema" & put rammi sir reviews there(if u wish rammi sir).... So that whoever guests enetr viggy can read that(both in english & kannada)...
neevu yen heltheera Admin .... Plz respond
"Support good TALENTS & stay UNITED... the only WAY to improve KANNADA INDUSTRY"
Yeppp this should be sticky one and it has to be linked from home page Admin/Moderator please do something on this before members loose interest on this thread toooooo....
_______________________________________________
Kechedeya Kannadiga
Stay Hungry. Stay Foolish.
Karunada thaayi sada chinmayi,
EE punya bhoomi namma devalaya.
|
| Santanu |
Posted - 17/08/2005 : 10:01:29 AM
quote:
[i]Originally posted by rammi09[/i]
[br]Spread the good word about old kannada movies.
My next article will be a synopsis of all the remaining Panthulu movies.
I requsted admin many times to make this topic atleast sticky one ... aadre no response from admin...
Kannada old classic movies bagge olle word spread maadlikke ... admin can do one more thing .... He can create one link in Viggy homepage as "Classic of kannada cinema" & put rammi sir reviews there(if u wish rammi sir).... So that whoever guests enetr viggy can read that(both in english & kannada)...
neevu yen heltheera Admin .... Plz respond
"Support good TALENTS & stay UNITED... the only WAY to improve KANNADA INDUSTRY" |
| rammi09 |
Posted - 16/08/2005 : 11:25:50 PM
Thank you guys.Nice to know you all liked the review.Do watch the movie when you get a chance.Spread the good word about old kannada movies.
My next article will be a synopsis of all the remaining Panthulu movies. |
| rajendra |
Posted - 16/08/2005 : 11:42:21 AM
simply fantastic
Which is the next movie man
I am waiting
S Rajendra
Mumbai
JAI KANNADA |
| Santanu |
Posted - 16/08/2005 : 10:47:15 AM
quote:
[i]Originally posted by sudu_brs[/i]
[br]vow.. super aagiDe moVie.. VCD/DVD siguththaaa??
Uppige Jai
I think i have seen KC VCD in some store....
"Support good TALENTS & stay UNITED... the only WAY to improve KANNADA INDUSTRY" |
| Santanu |
Posted - 16/08/2005 : 10:12:40 AM
Rammi sirrrr ...
No words to comment..
Once again super review..... Review jothe neevu kodo extra info nijaavgloo super(presidnets award, padmashree etc etc)..
which is the next movie..???????
"Support good TALENTS & stay UNITED... the only WAY to improve KANNADA INDUSTRY" |
| Govinda |
Posted - 15/08/2005 : 10:01:02 AM
rammi09..... as usual your quality writing has come out well..... very nice article. keep ur good work going.
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Shri Venkataramana Govindaaaaa Go.....vinda
MUSIC and LOVE cross any border.
Support Miss California, Amrutha Dhaare, Autograph Please, 7'o Clock |
| sudu_brs |
Posted - 15/08/2005 : 04:52:51 AM
vow.. super aagiDe moVie.. VCD/DVD siguththaaa??
Uppige Jai |
| Chicago Chickanna |
Posted - 15/08/2005 : 03:25:29 AM
Rammi : Terrific work ! I have not seen either film but have heard a lot about them form Grandparents. Keep up the good work and do not be bothered about response levels. Response if no indicator of importance or quality. |
| vkannadiga |
Posted - 15/08/2005 : 01:54:28 AM
Superb report by rammi, as always .. thaanks maga... ur superb sir...
Cheers,
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Dr.Raj is Great (Janarinda Naanu Mele Bande, Janaranne Nanna Devarende, Janariddare Nanna Benna Hinde Horadalu Naavu, Annavru Endu Mundhe, Ee Devaru Madidha Agne Naavu Meertuvuduntenu, Ee Mannali Huttidha Runava Naavu Mareyuvuduntenu .. Che Che Aagadu Aagadu)
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Nenne Nennege, Naale Enu Yaarige Gothu, Ee Dhina Nammadu(Kannadiga's), Happyagirabeku...Good bye poor movies, Welcome Fresh movies..Be proud to be a Kannadiga....Be Kannadiga to be proud ...its a great feeling to be Kannadiga
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Support Good Kannada Movies (Specially in PVR,Garuda Mall, Inovative Multipex)
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| rammi09 |
Posted - 15/08/2005 : 01:52:29 AM
B R Panthulu directed KITTUR CHENNAMMA under his Padmini pictures banner. The film made in black and white and was released in 1961. It starred B Sarojadevi, Dr Raj Kumar, M V Rajamma, Rajashankar, Leelavathi, Balakrishna, Narasimharaju, Ashwath etc. Music was by T G Lingappa and lyrics by G V Iyer.
The story was about the life and times of the Rani of Kittur- Chennamma, her struggle against the British rule in India. The film starts with the daring escape of Mallasarja the Desai of Kittur (Raj Kumar) from Tippu Sultan’s prison. One day whilst hunting he meets Chennamma (Sarojadevi) the daughter of a local chieftain and is very impressed by her beauty, valor and marries her. Mallasarja’s first wife Rudramma (M V Rajamma) openly welcomes Chennamma into the Desai household. Chennamma trains Rudramma’s only son and heir to the kittur throne (Rajashankar) to be a brave and valiant warrior. The untimely death of Mallasarja due to poor health whilst he is captive (by deceit) under his enemies angers Rajashankar. He decides to sign a treaty with the British seeking their help to avenge his father’s death inspite of opposition from his guardian Chennamma.
Ill- health bogs the young king and he dies prematurely leaving his only son- a small boy as the only heir to the Kittur throne. Chennamma stands as the guardian to the new king and rules the state with an iron hand. The British do not recognize the new king according to their Doctrine of Lapse (History students correct me if I am wrong) and decide to annexe Kittur. Chennamma fights a fierce battle against General Thackery and wins the initial rounds of the battle. However her own cheiftans betray her and mix mud with cow dung to her ammunitions resulting in the defeat and fall of kittur. Chennamma is captured and remains a prisoner with the British till her death at Bailuhongala fort.
Though the film was made in black and white it was brilliantly done with utmost care given to even minor details. Panthulu’s direction was great. The war scenes were spectacular given the fact that the film was made in the late 50’s when technology was at its poorest in the kannada industry. Every character was very well sketched. Panthulu never faltered in his narration and kept the viewer’s interest in this rather lengthy film.
G V Iyer’s lyrics were fantastic. T G Lingappa scored an excellent music. The songs from the film are famous even today and include- Nayanadalli dore iralu, Thanukaragadavaralli pushpava, Alakke hoovilla, Tayideviyanu kanne hambalisi etc. Especially worth mentioning is Akkamahadevi’s Thanukaragadavaralli pushpava nolleyayya neenu sung fantastically by P Susheela and Tayideviyanu kane hambalisi by the famous singer of those times- P Kalinga Rao.
Undoubtedly the film’s highlight was a sterling performance by Sarojadevi as Rani Chennamma, which is remembered even to this day. Sarojadevi gave a brilliant potrayal of the queen of Kittur going through different phases- as a young girl, the devout wife, the caring foster mother, the queen and the valiant warrior who stands up single- handedly against the might of the British empire. Her diction of lengthy dialogues was fantastic (present day actresses who struggle to say a few words in kannada, are you listening?). The most memorable sequence is however when General Thackerey comes to Chennamma to ask for “kappa kanike”. Sarojadevi’s performance in this scene and her dialogues are popular even today- “Nimageke kodabeku kappa? Neevenu nammavarondige uthira, bithira, nati nettira, danidavarige ammali kayisi kottira……”.
Raj Kumar though did a small role gave an impressive performance. All others in the film including Rajamma, Rajashankar, Balakrishna, Narasimha Raju, Ramadevi, Dikki Madahava Rao etc gave good support.
Kittur Chennamma was a huge commercial success and brought a lot of accolades for Panthulu and Saroja Devi. It won the national award- President’s medal. One person who was particularly very impressed with the film and Saroja Devi’s performance was
Dr. S Radhakrishnan, the former vice- president of India. Sarojadevi at a very early stage in her career got the Padmashree.
Kittur Chennamma remains as one of the best historical movies to have come on Indian screen but unfortunately most people from today’s generation are unaware about the film. Certainly for those who think that there is not much in kannada films, they should see this film to know how well the film was made even in the 50’s era when the kannada film industry had just started to stand upto the competition from its neighbouring states. A classic worth buying for a collectors library.
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| rammi09 |
Posted - 10/08/2005 : 8:55:18 PM
VCD release agide Govinda.Certainly we will be in touch. |
| Santanu |
Posted - 10/08/2005 : 4:53:00 PM
Govinda ...
idaraaaa VCD release aagide kanoooo..
"Support good TALENTS & stay UNITED... the only WAY to improve KANNADA INDUSTRY" |
| Govinda |
Posted - 10/08/2005 : 2:50:03 PM
RAMMI..... suuuuuper review by you man.... nimma wordings nODi bechchi bidde... you told that krishnadEvaraya wrote books was a very good info....
Keep it up.... i have seen parts of this movie.... but i was too young to understand this movie... i'll try to get a copy of this movie... can we get a original VCD?
can u pls mail me... i wanna keep in touch with you....
_____________________________________________________________________________
Shri Venkataramana Govindaaaaa Go.....vinda
MUSIC and LOVE cross any border.
Support Miss California, Amrutha Dhaare, Autograph Please, 7'o Clock |
| Santanu |
Posted - 10/08/2005 : 11:23:22 AM
One more fine example(saroja devi) of Malataayi dhorane from National award commity......
"Support good TALENTS & stay UNITED... the only WAY to improve KANNADA INDUSTRY" |
| shekar_scs |
Posted - 10/08/2005 : 10:46:26 AM
Kappa.. Yaarige kodabeku Kappa.... superb acting by B.Saroja Devi
_______________________________________________
Kechedeya Kannadiga
Stay Hungry. Stay Foolish.
Karunada thaayi sada chinmayi,
EE punya bhoomi namma devalaya.
|
| rajendra |
Posted - 10/08/2005 : 10:10:05 AM
Rammi gurugaLe atyuttamavada vimarshe. I can not explain your writing the way you have reviewed the movie. I only wish your review will motivate present genaration producers and directors to make good movies instead of making remix and remake movies.
S Rajendra
Mumbai
JAI KANNADA |
| Gokul.S |
Posted - 10/08/2005 : 09:54:42 AM
Oh man Rammi waiting eagarly for this good movie review... I had seen this movie in DD long time back... Now i'm sure from ure review it'll be refreshed completely... |
| Santanu |
Posted - 10/08/2005 : 09:44:07 AM
ohhhh Kittur Chennamma film kooda Panthulu avaraddaaa ... Gottiralillaa
I have seen this movie.... Good movie
Waiting for ur review....
"Support good TALENTS & stay UNITED... the only WAY to improve KANNADA INDUSTRY" |
| rammi09 |
Posted - 10/08/2005 : 12:39:49 AM
Thank you guys.It certainly feels worth the effort when I read all the nice comments from you.Of course any criticism is welcome so that we can make this forum more active (as long as the criticism is constructive).
Swarnakamal and Presidents gold are equivalent except that they were called by different names in those days.I am not sure whether they were in seperate regional categories or whether it was a national level competition.
My next review will be on another Panthulu classic 'Kittur Chennamma'. |
| Veebee |
Posted - 09/08/2005 : 7:19:08 PM
Super Review Rammi sir. You are the TOP review writer in Viggy forum.
Which will be your next film review? Waiting eagerly...
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* Musical HIT of 2005, Uppi's 'NEWS' is releasing on 4th Aug. DONT MISS IT!!!!
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| shekar_scs |
Posted - 09/08/2005 : 4:50:12 PM
quote:
[i]Originally posted by shiva[/i]
[br]Super review Rammi, hats off to you. I have already watched this movie wheni was child, now i want to see these films once again reasding these reviews.
One doubt I have you have written "School Master’ was a huge commercial success and bagged the President’s gold medal." Is gold medal different from Swarna Kamal given these days for best films?
Shiva
nope i gues both are same
_______________________________________________
Kechedeya Kannadiga
Stay Hungry. Stay Foolish.
Karunada thaayi sada chinmayi,
EE punya bhoomi namma devalaya.
|
| shiva |
Posted - 09/08/2005 : 4:02:03 PM
Super review Rammi, hats off to you. I have already watched this movie wheni was child, now i want to see these films once again reasding these reviews.
One doubt I have you have written "School Master’ was a huge commercial success and bagged the President’s gold medal." Is gold medal different from Swarna Kamal given these days for best films?
Shiva |
| Nagesh |
Posted - 09/08/2005 : 12:33:15 PM
I have seen this school master movie on doordarshan in my chilhood days
It is really a master piece |
| Santanu |
Posted - 08/08/2005 : 11:23:12 AM
Once again ... Jhakaaas review sirrr
After reading ur review i want to buy VCD of this classic(i was waiting for DVD to release ... But naamvruu adanna relase maadolla ansuthe..waste fellows).... & i am sure neevu classic of kannada cinema topic end maadodrolage ... i will be having more kannada vcd's (now i have only kannada 5 vcds'& 1 DVD)....
"Support good TALENTS & stay UNITED... the only WAY to improve KANNADA INDUSTRY" |
