Putanna Kanagal: The film maker who had an insight into a woman’s mind
Milind Dharmasena
Bengaluru:Kodagina Kaveri, Nee Bedagina Vayyari…..” Kannada actor Kalpana singing with gay abandon in the movie “Sharapanjara,” or the mellufluious “Moodala Manena, Mutinna Neerina….” in Belli Moda” again by her, depicts the expectations and desires of a woman for a family life only to be cheated by the man she loves. The credit for both movies goes to the legendary film-maker S R Puttanna Kanagal.
A great story-teller, Kangal made films with plots that were considered taboo and explored the emotions of a woman. In his movie “Edakallu Guddada Mele,” the film opens with the quote ‘Kaamaaturaanam Nabhayam Nalajja’ (a lustful person will know neither shame nor fear). The movie was an adaptation of the novel “Lady Chatterley’s Love”, which explored human sexuality and needs.
Likewise, “Upasane ” and “Gejje Pooje” dealt with suppression of woman. In Upasene, actor Aarathi, who Kanagal got married to ,portrays the plight of a woman who is not allowed to pursue her career in classical music.
Gejje Pooje was about the Devadasi system and the daughter also being forced to follow her mother’s profession. It was remade into Hindi as ‘Ahista Ahista’ with Padmini Kolhapure playing the daughter’s role
On his 88th birth anniversary today, Kanagal’s movies are still a cult, his songs hummed and dialogues like late actor M H Ambareesh’s “Yak bul bul maatadakilva…” from Naagarahaavu.” are still a big hit
Kanagal died on 5, June, 1985, while shooting for “Masanada Hoovu,” which was completed later by his colleague. His personal life was tragic as the themes in his movies.When he was going through a bad patch in life it was actor Srinath who bailed him out by helping him to make the movie “Manasa Sarovar.” and helped him to bounce back.
He also provided a platform for many actors such as Kalpana, Aarathi, Leelavathi, Jayanthi, Padma Vasanthi, Srinath, Rajinikanth, Vishnuvardhan, Ambareesh, Jai Jagadish,Vajramuni, and others.
