Sandalwood is experiencing a renewed interest in films that draw from mythology and history. The trend has been picking from 2012. That year, Darshan played Sangolli Rayanna, a prominent Kannada warrior in the film Kranti Veera Sangolli Rayana. The actor was not only lauded for his effort but the film, too, went on to create box office history with overall collections.
Prem will soon be seen in one of the most coveted roles Kannada filmdom in Chandra. The actor will be seen dressed in royal costumes, riding horses, caught in sword fights and displaying Kalaripaytu. He calls it his most fulfilling role to-date.
The latest to join the bandwagon is Ramesh Aravind who will essay Basavanna, the social reformer and statesman, in the Kannada film Mahasharana Haralayya. Actor and dancer Sridhar will play Haralayya. The film is being directed by Purushottam, who has Bhaktha Shankara, Devi Bagamma and Jagadguru Renukacharya to his credit.
Research necessary
Ramesh, who is currently in Rani Bellur, where shooting for the film started on Tuesday, says, “This is the first time I am part of a historical film. Believe me, it is not something that we can just give shots for without thought. Such characters need, at least, some amount of study. I happened to research Basavanna three years ago when I attended a cultural festival themed on him. I had briefly studied his Vachanas and read books written by Girish Karnad and P Lankesh on him. My findings left me deeply impressed about a man whom we have read about in school text books. Basavanna was a man of conviction and so phenomenally multidimensional - he was finance minister for the state, a man of literature and a social reformer. For me, the role is extremely interesting to play.”
Director Indrajit Lankesh, who loves cinema inspired by history and mythology, says, “Directing a mythological film or historical one like Basavanna is taking on a real challenge because he has been much idolised. But, from what I can make of the cast, the director and the producer of the film, I don’t think this film is all that much about Basavanna as much it is about using the leader’s name to gain box office mileage. To attempt a film on Basavanna is a daunting task. The man was an inspiration and a spiritual leader, one that many people had personally have come across and so they have memories to refer to.”
Timeless appeal
Indrajit believes that historical figures are even more important than they were earlier. He says, “Their cultural significance is heightened for the young generation today. Tell me, how many youngsters would have read Ramayana and Mahabharatha? And how many of them would have seen it on television? The numbers would be greater for the latter, and this is the impact and magic of visual media.”
Indrajit believes that mythological or historical films have a timeless appeal. “It’s only that filmmaker's choices in topics keeps changing. For example Darshan as Sangolli Rayanna was able to attract the family audience, which he could not do in his previous films.” Ramesh feels that historical films are always enlightening and hence draw in audiences. “These films document our cultural history,” he says.
True to detail
Producing a mythological or historical film is an altogether different ball-game. From costumes, to the make-up and sets, everything has to be researched and especially catered for. “For Basavanna, we drew from paintings and calendars. The director and I thought it’s best not to disturb the image. Everything, including his physical appearance has been considered in detail,” says Ramesh.
All-time favourite
Rajkumar has been an all-time favourite for his roles that came from history or mythology. Hari Bhakta, Mantralya Mahime, Bhakta Kanaka Dasa, Satya Harishchandra, Bhakta Kumbara and Bhakta Prahallada are still memorable.
The success of Rajkumar in films like Sri Krishnadevaraya and Mayura remain unparalled and has become a benchmark for this genre films.
His dual role as Arjuna and Babruvahana in Babruvahana still elicits gushes from viewers.
Says Ramesh, “We have seen Rajkumar, NT Ram Rao and Shivaji Ganeshan become demi-gods by portraying mythological roles. They all had a background in theatre and such roles seemed effortless to them. Now though, we don’t see such films. I guess that’s why there was such a rush among few actors to play Sangolli Rayanna.”
For Indrajit, Rajkumar in his mythological and historical avatars is unsurpassable. He says, “Though many actors were industry leaders in playing mythological roles, nobody can do the kind of roles Rajkumar could. His dialogue delivery and strong hold over the Kannada language, along with towering performances brought the characters to life. I don’t see anybody else taking his place today and or tomorrow.”
