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.