Sandalwood movies that kindled patriotism

Bengaluru: Movies have kindled patriotism in their own ways. There have been innumerable movies that are based on freedom struggle and patriotism. Sandalwood too has produced quite a number of movies on patriotism, noted among them were 'Kittur Rani Chennamma' (1962) directed by BR Panthulu. Veteran actor B Sarojadevi's portrayal of freedom fighter Kittur Rani Chennamma had gone on to celebrate 100 days. The movie had won many awards too. As we celebrate 71 Independence Day, here's a peek into Kannada movies based on patriotism.

B Sarojadevi in 'Kittur Rani Chennamma'

'Maadi Madidavaru'

Based on a novel by the same name, 'Maadu Madidavaru' (1974) had depicted the freedom struggle vividly. Basavaraj Kattimani was its author. Directed by KM Shankarappa, the movie had Shivanand, Manu and Girija Lokesh. Even 'Sarvamangala' too was made on the similar theme. The movie had Dr Rajkumar, Kalpana and Ashwath as central characters. This movie too was based on a novel by Chaduranga and not many know that Chaduranga had directed the move.

Darshan in 'Krantiveera Sangolli Rayanna'

'Sangolli Rayanna'

The 'Sangolli Rayanna' movie had actors who were mostly from theatre background. The movie was released in 1967 under the direction of Ananth Hiregoudar. Not many know that Latha Mangeshkar had rendered her voice to 'Bellane Belagayithu...' song in the movie. Around the same time, another movie made by theatre artistes, 'Sindhura Lakshmana' too was released. Recently, Darshan's 'Krantiveera Sangolli Rayanna' that was released in 2012 ran housefull for many days.

'Muthina haara'

'Muthina haara' directed by SV Rajendra Singh Babu in 1990 holds a special place in Kannada moviegoers, for its detailed picturisation of war scenes. Besides, the performances by Vishnuvardhan, Suhasini and Ashwath was like the icing on the cake. Even, 'Mysore Mallige' directed by TS Nagabharana was another important movie in this segment. The movie had a love theme in the premise of freedom struggle. The movie bagged many awards.

Shivarajkumar in 'Sarvabhouma'

'Veerappa Naika'

The movie directed by S Narayan brought Gandhism and the travails of naxalism on the screen. 'Sahasasimha' Vishnuvardhan who played the protaganist had set a benchmark with his acting. Later, came the movies Shivarajkumar's 'Sarvabhouma' and CP Yogeeshwar's 'Sainika that depicted a soldier's life. Other movies on patrirotism were 'Jai Hind', 'AK 47', 'Vande Mataram' and 'Independence Day'.

There are rumours that a movie is being made on the first woman freedom fighter Rani Abbakka, who fought against Portuguese.