| Puttanna Kanagal | |
 © Kamat's Potpourri
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| Born | December 1, 1933 Kanagal, Karnataka |
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| Died | June 5, 1985 (aged 51) Bangalore, Karnataka, India |
| Occupation | Director, Writer |
| Spouse | Lakshmi Puttana Kanagal |
Puttanna Kanagal(Kannada: ಪುಟ್ಟಣ್ಣ ಕಣಗಾಲ್) was one of the most prominent Kannada film directors of the 1960s and the 70s. Events 800 - Charlemagne judges the accusations against Pope Leo III in the Vatican Year 1933 ( MCMXXXIII) was a Common year starting on Sunday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Karnataka (ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ pronounced) is a state in the southern part of India Events 70 - Titus and his Roman Legions breach the middle wall of Jerusalem in the Siege of Jerusalem Year 1985 ( MCMLXXXV) was a Common year starting on Tuesday (link displays 1985 Gregorian calendar) Bangalore ( officially Bengaluru ( Kannada: ಬೆಂಗಳೂರು) is the capital of the Indian state of Karnataka. Karnataka (ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ pronounced) is a state in the southern part of India India, officially the Republic of India (भारत गणराज्य inc-Latn Bhārat Gaṇarājya; see also other Indian languages) is a country Kannada (kn [[wiktಕನ್ನಡ ಕನ್ನಡ]] Kannaḍa) is one of the major Dravidian languages of India, spoken predominantly in the state A film director, or filmmaker, is a person who directs the making of a Film. Although majority of his films were on offbeat or taboo subjects, he endeared both to the critics and ordinary film goers alike. He also directed a handful Malayalam and Tamil movies.
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Early days
Shubraveshti Ramaswamiah Seetharama Sharma or S. R. Puttanna Kanagal, as he was popularly known, was born in Kanagal village in Mysore district. As he hailed from a poor family, he had to endure hardships and struggled to get a decent job. He worked as a cleaner, salesman and even a teacher to earn his bread. However, his job as a publicity boy brought him closer to theatre and subsequently to cinema. His association with films began when he started working for B. R. Pantulu as an assistant director.
As a director
Puttanna's maiden directorial venture was in Malayalam movie Poocha kanni(cat eyed/hazel eyed lady ) based on the Kannada novel by Triveni Bekkina Kannu. In Kannada his first cinema was Savira Mettilu which was never released, during his life-time.
Puttanna's first break directorial venture was Bellimoda or silver-clouds. Starring Kalpana and Kalyan Kumar, this movie was a critical and commercial success. Legend has it that Puttanna scouted for a week to find the perfect location for the mellifluous song "Moodala manyeaa".
Buoyed by the success, Puttanna directed masterpieces like Gejjepooje, Sharapanjara, Nagarahavu etc. Sharapanjara ( Kannada: ಶರಪಂಜರ Cage of Arrows is a 1971 Kannada movie by Puttanna Kanagal starring Kalpana and Naagara Havu ( Kannada ನಾಗರ ಹಾವು Cast: Upendra, Jyothika Producer: Rockline Venkatesh Music
He also provided a platform for many actors and actress like Kalpana, Aarathi, Jayanthi, Padma vasanthi, Srinath, Rajinikanth, Vishnuvardhan, Ambarish, Jai jagadish, Chandra Shekhar, Gangadhar, Shivaram, Vajra Muni, Sridhar, Ramkrishna, to showcase their talents. Kalpana ( Kannada: ಕಲ್ಪನ) was a very popular Kannada cinema actor Jayanthi (born Kamala Kumari in 1950 is an Indian actress She has appeared in over 500 films including films in the Kannada, Telugu, Tamil, For the cricket player see Javagal Srinath Srinath (ಶ್ರೀನಾಥ್ real name Narayana Swamy (ನಾರಾಯಣ Rajinikanth (ರಜನೀಕಾಂತ್ रजनीकांत ரஜினிகாந்த் (born Shivaji Rao Gaekwad on December 12, 1950 Vishnuvardhan ( Kannada:ವಿಷ್ಣುವರ್ಧನ್ (born September 18, 1950) is a popular actor in the Indian state of Karnataka Malavallii Huche Gowda Ambareesh or MHAmbaresh ( Kannada: ಅಂಬರೀಶ್) (known as Rebel-Star Ambareesh and Mandya-da Gandu Chandra Shekhar Singh (चन्द्रशेखर सिंह (July 1 1927 - July 8 2007 was the 11th Prime Minister of the Republic of India For other meanings see Vishnu (disambiguation. Vishnu ( IAST viṣṇu Devanagari विष्णु (honorific In devotion to Puttanna,Vishnuvardhan says that
Puttanna has introduced most of the actors in the Kannada cinema world.
Personal life
Being one (and arguably greatest director) of the most passionate directors of the era his creativity never knew bounds. He never had problems in carving his niche linguistically nor working with any of the south Indian Cinema artist. However his personal life had a tale of apparent mysticism in it which had a shade of sorrow in it. Although married and had a full fledged family with his first wife Nagalakshmi Kanagal and their children , he and Kalpana shared a very passionate relationship which remained a misunderstanding to outer world causing disgrace at times. In fact Kalpana and Puttanna were the two majestic artists who competed with each other and it was almost heights of insanity to compare their artistic abilities . Together they brought what can be called as bridging art of Cinema and Literature - considering the fact that notably highly complex subjects of Thriveni in their completeness, were not only brought into Cinema world but were well acknowledged(in fact have remained immensely popular) by the audience . Anasuya Shankar ( Kannada:ಅನುಸೂಯ ಶಂಕರ) (1928 - 1963 popularly known as Triveni ( Kannada:ತ್ರಿವೇಣಿ), was a writer Sadly after the majestic Sharapanjara the pair never worked together. Sharapanjara ( Kannada: ಶರಪಂಜರ Cage of Arrows is a 1971 Kannada movie by Puttanna Kanagal starring Kalpana and Then he married Aarathi. Though he touched social subjects of social taboo and mysteries with rigorous attention and meticulous research, he never tried to put down his own limitations and tried living with his sorrows as he lived with his glories.
The Visualiser
The Kannada film industry in the 60s and the 70s started moving from mythological and historical subjects to socially relevant themes. This metamorphosis was reflected in the rise of bandaya sahitya or rebellious literature. The New Wave Cinema or Alternate Cinema movement spread across India, particularly in Karnataka, West Bengal and Kerala. Puttanna's movies, however, were seen as a bridge between commercial cinema and alternate cinema. While his stories, being based on popular Kannada novels revolved around strong characters and distinct themes, he added mandatory songs and emotions to distinguish from alternate cinemas.
Puttanna was also considered as a pioneer in picturising songs. In general, his movies contained 4-5 songs. Even with respect to song picturisation, Puttanna had a strong sense of colour and imagery. He would go to great lengths to select the locations and costumes for the song. The songs generally reflected the inherent mood of the film. For instance, the song from the movie Manasasarovara, Nee ne saakida gini, a poignant song, was shot amidst the dust-filled mining areas, thereby reflecting the agony of a man who has lost his true love. Similarly the song Uttara druvadim from the movie Sharapanjara was shot in the Madikeri, with innumerable oranges strewn around. Madikeri ( Kannada:ಮಡಿಕೇರಿ is a town in Karnataka state India.
He was well known for his effective use of freeze shots and negative images to heighten the introspective effect of key scenes. Although his films were accused of being too woman-centric, Puttanna personally felt that such notions were wrong.
Filmography
Kannada
- Belli moda (1966) (Silver Cloud)
- Mallammana Pavaada (1969) (Mallamma's Magic)
- Kappu Bilupu (1969) (Black and White)
- Gejje Pooje (1969) (Mock Marriage)
- Karulina Kare (1970) (The Voice of Affection), starring Rajkumar, Kalpana
- Sakshatkara (1971) (The Realisation)
- Sharapanjara (1971) (Cage of Arrows)
- Nagara Haavu (1972) (The Cobra)
- Edakallu Guddada Mele (1973) (On the Edakallu Hillock)
- Upasane (1974) (The Devotion) starring Aarathi, Seetaram. Belli moda (ಬೆಳ್ಳಿ ಮೋಡ is a 1966 Kannada movie by Puttanna Kanagal. Year 1966 ( MCMLXVI) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link will display full calendar of the 1966 Gregorian calendar. Mallammana Pavaada ( Kannada: ಮಲ್ಲಮ್ಮನ ಪವಾಡ is a Kannada language film released in 1969. Year 1969 ( MCMLXIX) was a Common year starting on Wednesday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Kappu Bilupu ( Kannada: ಕಪ್ಪು ಬಿಳುಪು which means Black and White is a 1969 Kannada movie by Puttanna Kanagal. Year 1969 ( MCMLXIX) was a Common year starting on Wednesday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Gejje Pooje (ಗೆಜ್ಜೆ ಪೂಜೆ is a 1969 Kannada movie by Puttanna Kanagal starring Kaplana, Gangadhar and Leelavathi Year 1969 ( MCMLXIX) was a Common year starting on Wednesday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Year 1970 ( MCMLXX) was a Common year starting on Thursday (link shows full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. This page relates to the Kannada actor Dr Rajkumar for other uses of the name see Raj Kumar. Kalpana is a Malayalam film actress known for her comedy roles Sakshatkara ( Kannada:ಸಾಕ್ಷಾತ್ಕಾರ The Realisation is a 1971 Kannada movie by Puttanna Kanagal starring Rajkumar Year 1971 ( MCMLXXI) was a Common year starting on Friday (link will display full calendar of the 1971 Gregorian calendar. Sharapanjara ( Kannada: ಶರಪಂಜರ Cage of Arrows is a 1971 Kannada movie by Puttanna Kanagal starring Kalpana and Year 1971 ( MCMLXXI) was a Common year starting on Friday (link will display full calendar of the 1971 Gregorian calendar. Nagarahaavu ( Kannada: ನಾಗರಹಾವು The Cobra) is a 1972 Kannada movie by Puttanna Kanagal starring Vishnuvardhan Year 1972 ( MCMLXXII) was a Leap year starting on Saturday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Edakallu Guddada Mele (ಎಡಕಲ್ಲು ಗುಡ್ಡದ ಮೇಲೆ On top of Edakallu Hill is a 1972 Kannada movie by Puttanna Kanagal Year 1973 ( MCMLXXIII) was a Common year starting on Monday (link will display full calendar of the 1973 Gregorian calendar. Year 1974 ( MCMLXXIV) was a Common year starting on Tuesday (link will display full calendar of the 1974 Gregorian calendar.
- Katha Sangama (1975) (Collection of Stories)
- Shubhamangala (1975) (Happy Ending)
- Bili Hendthi (1975) (White Wife)
- Phalithamsha (1976) (The Result)
- College Ranga (Kaaleju ranga) (1976) (The College Stage)
- Paduvaaralli Pandavaru (1978) (Pandavas of Paduvarahalli)
- Dharmasere (1979) (The Religious Bind)
- Ranganayaki (1981) (The Heroine of the Stage)
- Maanasa Sarovara (1982)
- Dharani Mandala Madhyadolage (1983) (At the Centre of Earth)
- Amrutha Ghalige (1984) (The Auspicious Moment)
- Runamukthalu (1984) (Devoid of Debt), starring Bhaarati, Sundar Krishna Urs, Ramakrishna. Katha Sangama (ಕಥಾ ಸಂಗಮ is a Kannada film is directed by Puttanna Kanagal. Year 1975 ( MCMLXXV) was a Common year starting on Wednesday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Year 1975 ( MCMLXXV) was a Common year starting on Wednesday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Year 1975 ( MCMLXXV) was a Common year starting on Wednesday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Year 1976 ( MCMLXXVI) was a Leap year starting on Thursday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. College Ranga (ಕಾಲೇಜು ರಂಗ (The College Stage is a 1976 Kannada movie by Puttanna Kanagal starring Kalyan Kumar, College Ranga (ಕಾಲೇಜು ರಂಗ (The College Stage is a 1976 Kannada movie by Puttanna Kanagal starring Kalyan Kumar, Year 1976 ( MCMLXXVI) was a Leap year starting on Thursday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Paduvaaralli Pandavaru (ಪಡುವಾರಳ್ಳಿ ಪಾಂಡವರು is a Kannada language movie directed by renown director Puttanna Kanagal. Year 1978 ( MCMLXXVIII) was a Common year starting on Sunday (link displays the 1978 Gregorian calendar) Dharmasere (ಧರ್ಮಸೆರೆ The Religious Bind is a 1979 Kannada movie by Puttanna Kanagal starring Aarathi, Srinath Year 1979 ( MCMLXXIX) was a Common year starting on Monday (link displays the 1979 Gregorian calendar) Ranganayaki ( Kannada: ರಂಗನಾಯಕಿ The Heroine of the Stage is a 1981 Kannada movie by Puttanna Kanagal starring Ambarish Year 1981 ( MCMLXXXI) was a Common year starting on Thursday (link displays the 1981 Manasa Sarovara ( Kannada: ಮಾನಸ ಸರೋವರ is a 1982 Kannada movie by Puttanna Kanagal starring Srinath, Padmavasanthi Year 1982 ( MCMLXXXII) was a Common year starting on Friday (link displays the 1982 Gregorian calendar) Dharani Mandala Madhyadolage (ಧರಣಿಮಂಡಲ ಮಧ್ಯದೊಳಗೆ At the Center of Earth is a 1983 Kannada movie by Puttanna Kanagal Year 1983 ( MCMLXXXIII) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays the 1983 Gregorian calendar) Amrutha Ghalige (ಅಮೃತ ಘಳಿಗೆ The Auspicious Moment is a 1984 Kannada movie directed by Puttanna Kanagal starring Ramakrishna Year 1984 ( MCMLXXXIV) was a Leap year starting on Sunday (link displays the 1984 Gregorian calendar) Year 1984 ( MCMLXXXIV) was a Leap year starting on Sunday (link displays the 1984 Gregorian calendar) Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa ( Bangla: রামকৃষ্ণ পরমহংস Ramkṛiṣṇo Pôromôhongśo) ( February 18, 1836 -
- Masanada Hoovu (1984)
- Saavira Mettilu (2006) (Thousand Steps)
Tamil
- Irulum oliyum
- Teacharamma Thevidia
- Sudarum sooravaliyum
Trivia
- Puttanna Kanagal was almost fanatic about discipline and was acclaimed to have taken his artists to task, when they arrived late to shooting. Masanada Hoove ( Kannada: ಮಸಣದ ಹೂವು (Graveyard flower is a 1984 Kannada movie by Puttanna Kanagal starring Jayanti Year 1984 ( MCMLXXXIV) was a Leap year starting on Sunday (link displays the 1984 Gregorian calendar) Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Kalpana, who was a must in all his movies was said to be given cold-shoulder, once she started coming late to shooting-sets. Puttanna took Aarati as his protege and she became a permanent fixture in his later movies.
- It is ironic that though Vishnuvardhan never looses an opportunity to sing praises of Puttanna Kanagal, he never again worked with Puttanna, though it is said Puttanna was keen on casting him.
- Puttanna Kanagal almost always had the same team for most of movies, VijayaBhaskar as Music Director, Vijayanaarasimha to compose lyrics and so on. Only when he directed College ranga for his mentor B R Pantulu, he accepted veteran T G Lingappa to compose music.
- Being a voracious reader of Kannada Literature, Puttanna Kanagal used Kannada Novels to make his movies, used famous Kannada poems for lyrics and almost everytime shot in locales within Karnataka. Kannada (kn [[wiktಕನ್ನಡ ಕನ್ನಡ]] Kannaḍa) is one of the major Dravidian languages of India, spoken predominantly in the state
- Puttanna Kanagal spent nearly a Lakh for one song sequence in Sharapanjara, using oranges. Sharapanjara ( Kannada: ಶರಪಂಜರ Cage of Arrows is a 1971 Kannada movie by Puttanna Kanagal starring Kalpana and His guru, B R Pantulu chided him on such lavish spending, but Puttanna was adamant on the quality and the richness in picturization. The spending paid back with the movie becoming a big hit.
See also
References
- http://www.totalkannada.com/Puttanna.asp
- http://www.dhool.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=4482&sid=ccbbd2509
- http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/fr/2005/06/03/stories/2005060303730100.htm
- Puttanna Kanagal at the Internet Movie Database
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