Anticipation around re-release of the yesteryear classic Naagarahavu is growing as the film is set to re-release in 150 theatres this week. "A 45-year-old film is loved even today, and we are getting astounding response from audiences and celebrities, who are waiting to watch the film on Cinemascope 7.1," says Balaji, who along with his elder brother, V Ravichandran, took the initiative to release the classic under Sri Eshwari Productrions, with KRGstudios handling distribution.
The film, directed by veteran director Puttana Kanagal, starred Vishnuvardhan, Ambareesh, Aarathi, KS Ashwath and Leelavathi, among other. Balaji adds, "I was not even born when this film was released, but I still love every bit of it. That's why I wanted to re-release the film for today's audience. I watched the film in the 80s on a VHS (video cassette) restored by my father, and I remember seeing it three times the same day. I'm mesmerised each time I watch the film ," he says.
Lesser known facts about Naagarahau
n The team took 73 days to shoot Naagarahavu. The entire unit comprised approximately 40 members, including artistes, who had to climb up and down Chitradurga Fort on all days with heavy equipment.
n The film featured the first slow-motion song in the industry, and even in India - Baare Baare.
n Vishnuvardhan became a overnight superstar, which was declared just after the film released, after the morning show. He was called 'angry young man' even before Amitabh Bachchan.
n Since Chitradurga is a heritage site, the makers had to take permission from the Central Government and get a signature from the then Prime Minister. They waited 48 days to get permission before shooting started. A very close friend of Veeraswamy, Gangappa, temporarily camped in Delhi to seek approval.
n Evergreen song Kannada Nadina Veera Ramaniya based on Onakke Obbavaa and starring actress Jayanthi, was shot in a span of six days.