Top ten Kannada films to have been remade

From Lucia, Googly, Charminar, Govindayanamaha, Bachchan, Gombegala Love, Mynaa, Victory to Loosegalu… many a recently released Kannada films have garnered the interest of other film industries.  Our blockbusters like Om, Jogi, Mungaru Male, Appu and Abhi have also been remade. But this trend of remaking Kannada movies is not a new one.  In fact there was a time when everyone looked towards our films for inspiration. We present you with few such old films that charmed one and all, language no bar…  

Naagarahaavu: This is a film that changed the careers of Vishnuvardhan and Ambareesh, the two actors who went on to contribute immensely to the success of the Kannada film industry. The film, based on a Kannada novel, was among the first few to reach the 100 day mark. It was about a student-teacher relationship. In fact, even to this day actor Ashwath’s ‘Chamaya Meshtru’ is among the most remembered acts. Amabreesh, who had just one dialogue in the film also got noticed post this film. This Puttana Kanagal directorial was remade as Zehreela Insaan in Hindi. Kanagal himself directed it. The film was made in Telugu and Tamil as well. 

Mallammana Pavaada: This landmark film too was directed by Puttana Kanagal. It was based on a novel by the same name.  The story was that of a woman, who saves her husband from the clutches of his evil step mother.  Saroja Devi, Rajkumar and Vajramuni essayed the lead characters.  Years later, another Kannada film titled Annayya starring Ravichandra and Madhu was made based on the same theme. Hema Mailin-Jetendra starrer Jyothi was also based on this film. Another Hindi film Beta was also inspired from this flick. Madhuri Dixit, Anil Kapoor and Aruna Irani were a part of this film. Tamil film Enga Chinna Rasa and Telugu flick Abaigaaru were also remakes of Mallammana Pavaada.

Antha: Actor Ambareesh  came out with an award winning performance in this S V Rajendra Singh’s directorial. The film was trend setting and revolved around the nature of our law enforcing system.  Kuthe, Kanwar Lal bolo…a dialogue that Ambareesh mouthed in the film, continues to remain etched in our memories. The film had run into censor problems due to the violent scenes. It was later remade in Hindi as Meri Awaz Suno. Singh directed the Hindi version too. The Jeetendra starrer was also a top grosser.

Parasangada Gendethimma: This comedy was directed by Maruti Sivram. The film starring Lokesh revolved around the marriage of a village boy and a city girl. It showed the impact of civilization on local value systems. It was based on a novel and the writer, Alanahalli Krishna, himself wrote the screenplay for this film. It went on to win several awards including those for music, story and best actor. The film was remade in Tamil as Rosapoo Ravikaikari. It even earned our famous cinematographer RNK Prasad an award from the Tamil Nadu government for his excellent camera work.  

Ramapurada Ravana: The film starred Ananth Nag in the lead along with Aarti ,Geetha, C R Simha and Toogudeepa Srinivas. In the film, a common man is shown taking on an influential man. It is said that it  was during this film that Aarti refused to shoot a scene in which actor Tugudeep Srinivas was supposed to put kumkum on her forehead as he was essaying the role of a villain. The film was remade in Tamil and Prabhu was the hero.  

Anuraaga Aralitu: The film is about a humble factory worker, who due to unforeseen circumstances is forced to marry his boss’s daughter. Rajkumar, Madhavi, Geetha and Pandari Bai essayed the lead roles.  Apart from the refreshing story line and powerful cast, it was Upendra Kumar’s music that made the film famous. It may also be recalled that Gharana Mogudu, the Telugu remake of the film, was what gave Chiranjeevi, his big break.  Ladla, the Hindi remake of the film was also a success. It saw Anil Kapoor and Sridevi portray the lead roles. 

Tapppida Taala: The film directed by K Balachander was made simultaneously in kannada and Tamil. Rajnikanth and Sarita were the lead actors. The film told the story of a local rowdy. It examined how our  past actions catch up with us. Actor Kamal Hassan had made a guest appearance. It was actress Sarita’s first film. It also was the first time that Rajni and Balchandar came together. Kannada actor Pramila Joshai was also a part of the cast. 

Kasturi Nivasa: Say generosity and Rajkumar’s role in Kasturi Nivasa is what comes to the minds of film buffs. The song aadisu nodu bilisi nodu…from the film is also evergreen just like the film’s subject. This flick directed by Dorai-Bhagvan is undoubtedly one of Kannada industry’s landmark films. Jayanthi, Arti and Ashwath were also a part of the cast. The film was remade in Hindi as Shaandar. Sanjeev Kumar, who played the lead, had apparently stated that though he was playing Raj’s role in the remake, it would be impossible for him or any other actor to match up to the Kannada actor’s performance.  The film was remade in Tamil as Avananthan Manidan. Sivaji Ganesan was the hero.

Shankar Guru: This Rajkumar –Jayamala film was very well received in Kannada. The Love me or hate me …song that can never go out of fashion is from this film. A man who gets separated from his family after being framed in a criminal case was the main protagonist of the film. Just like in Kannada, the film was a super hit in Hindi and Tamil. While Amitabh Bachchan was the hero in Mahaan, the Hindi version, Sivaji Ganesan was the lead in Thrisoolam, the Tamil remake. The film was one of its kinds also because the hero was seen in a triple role.  Bhookailsam and Bangarada Panjara are the other Raj films that were remade. 

Nagamandala and Chigurida Kanasu, which are among the most critically acclaimed Kannada films have been the source of inspiration for two of Bollywood badsha Sharukh Khan’s films. While Paheli directed by Amol Palekar is based on Nagabharana’s Nagamandala, SRK’s Swadesh is on the lines of Shivarajkumar starrer Chigurida Kanasu. The story of Nagamandala has a folklore feel to it. It revolves around the married life of a young couple. Chigurida Kanasu on the other hand tells the story of a young lad who goes in search of his roots. This film is also a Nagabharana directorial.