The top 10 Kannada-language films of all time
Kannada films have been produced in India since 1913, when the first silent movie was made. The Kannada film industry is based in Bengaluru and has often been at the forefront of new filmmaking techniques, from the advent of talkies to colour films, from digital cinematography to 3D films and more. With such an amazing history behind it, here are ten classic films that you need to watch if you’re a fan of Kannada cinema (and if you’re not, what’s stopping you?)!
1) Rangashankara
It is a 1988 Indian film by Girish Kasaravalli. In 1989, it was India’s submission to the 62nd Academy Awards for Best Foreign Language Film, but was not accepted as a nominee. This work is considered as one of Kasaravalli’s best works and has been included in his list of most important movies.[2] It has won six national awards at 35th National Film Awards for 1988.
2) Bheema theeradalli
This is one of Rajkumar’s most popular movies, released in 1967. It has Raghavaiah and Rajashankar playing brothers pitted against each other, much like Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. The movie went on to win four state awards for its screenplay, cinematography, direction and music. If you haven’t watched it yet (or at least listened to some of its classic songs), you really should.
3) Anupama
This movie is about a young girl named Anupama, who lives in a village with her grandmother. She meets and falls in love with Naveen, a man from a nearby town. When he asks for her hand in marriage, she turns him down because she doesn’t think he’s educated or career-minded enough to give her a good life.
4) Thithi
Arguably one of director Raam Reddy’s most acclaimed efforts, Thithi is a bittersweet story that follows three generations of a family (inhabiting three different households) and their transition from rural life to urbanization. The film, at once pensive and amusing, is sure to capture your heart in a way no other film has.
5) Apthamitra
The 1983 action film, Apthamitra, directed by Rajendra Singh Babu, is a cult classic. Inspired by The Magnificent Seven, Apthamitra features an elite band of warriors who are on a mission to protect villagers from a gang of bandits. The music composed by G. K. Venkatesh is still considered one of his best works.
6) Taxiwaala
Taxiwaala is a 2016 Indian Kannada language film written and directed by Srujan Lokesh. The film stars Raghava Lawrence in a lead role, along with Haripriya in her first ever full-fledged role and Achyuth Kumar. Taxiwala is produced under Lahari movies. The film released on March 4, 2016.
7) Ugramm
Ugramm was released in 2013 and is a remake of director B. Lenin’s 2006 Telugu movie, Aadavari Matalaku Ardhalu Verule, starring Nithiin, Shriya Reddy and Navdeep. The film won positive reviews from critics but failed to impress at box office.
8) Dweepa
Released in 1988, Dweepas screenplay was written by acclaimed playwright Chi. Udayashankar and directed by Girish Karnad. It starred Dr Rajkumar and Shankar Nag in pivotal roles, while Girish Karnad played an important role as well. The film followed an ex-convict who arrives at a small island village and gradually becomes one of its most celebrated residents.
9) Aralida Hoovugalu
Aaralida Hoovugalu is a 1992 Indian Kannada film directed by S. Mahendar. The film stars Vishnuvardhan, Malashri, V. Ravichandran and Sudharani in lead roles. The film had musical score by Hamsalekha. The movie was a blockbuster hit of its times
10) Godhi Banna Sadharana Mykattu
This 2015 movie was a box office hit. It is written and directed by Prashanth Neel, and it stars V. Ravichandran and Radhika Pandit in lead roles. The movie was produced by Hombale Films Pvt Ltd, which is run by Ravichandran himself.
