Ganesh and Yogaraj Bhat pen a heartfelt note for 'Mungaru Male'

If one were to look back and trace down the cusp of change in modern Kannada cinema, they would perhaps encounter 'Mungaru Male' at the top of the list. This is particularly true because when the industry was going through a lull that lasted more than a decade, 'Mungaru Male' came about as a welcome change and triggered a sense of creativity back into its veins.
And so came forth another landmark collaboration that, in spite of being active for only two films, has permanently etched itself on the minds of many people across the world.Of course, we speak of Yogaraj Bhat and Ganesh here, and with the two having set forth on a journey almost together, 'Mungaru Male' is a film that is as important to them as it is to the entire Kannada Film Industry.

Today, on the 29th of December, 2020, 'Mungaru Male' turns 14 years old, and needlessly to say, the internet is bustling with constant reminders and throwbacks related to the film. Among the thousands of posts and tweets that are currently swarming the online space, one that really stands is a hand-written note penned by the film's leading man Ganesh and its director Yogaraj Bhat. In the heartfelt piece, both of them acknowledge the significance of the film and the role it has played in shaping not just their careers but their lives altogether. In a way, the small note quickly transcends to being a love letter to the film.

Interestingly, the "letter" carries the same charm that one usually gets to experience in their collaborations. It withholds Yogaraj Bhat's classic wit and absurdity while also boasting of Ganesh's ease and nonchalance. Referring to the occasion as their own birthday in a way, the two hold the film responsible for helping them learn the craft, teaching them the ways of life and love, and in the same spirit, bow to the film with all their humility. As a parting note to their ode to the film, the two almost shout out "Jai Mungaru Male", "Jai Janathe", and "Jai Jeevana" like slogans.

Post 'Mungaru Male', Yogaraj Bhat and Ganesh came together sporadically and although 'Gaalipata', their next film together, was very successful and still holds its own, the two chose to work again with each other almost nine years later with 'Mugulu Nage'. However, more interestingly, they will be back with the sequel to 'Gaalipata' in 2021 and fans are brimming with joy ever since the announcement. Here's hoping that the two get to explore more projects together and rekindle the same excitement in the audience that 'Mungaru Male' managed to do 14 years ago.