Nagarahavu is in news for resurrecting a legend of Kannada cinema using computer graphics and letting loose a massive branding exercise. The film, directed by Kodi Ramakrishna, brought Vishnuvardhan 'back to life' using digital technology. But what is making Gandhi Nagar excited is that any movie that tips its hat to the star makes big money at the box office.
While Sudeep's two films had the titles Vishnuvardhana and Kotigobba 2, it also illustrates that the legend's film Nagarahavu and the character sketched by director Puttana Kanagal has remained immortal in Sandalwood. In Mr and Mrs Ramachari, directed by Santhosh Ananddram, Yash is seen as an angry young man. Named Ramachari, the hero also inked a tattoo of Vishnuvardhan. All three movies were hugely successful and raked in the moolah.
Another film that has shades of Nagarahavu is Shivarajkumar's upcoming film Srikanta. The teaser shows Shivarajkumar's interesting entry, with a display of Vishnuvardhan's signature style, in the song Haavina Dvesha Hanneradu Varusha.
Director Santhosh Ananddram, who was inspired by Vishnuvardhan's character in Nagarahavu, says, "The hero in the film is a communist and a rebel and most of us are inspired by his character in life. Nagaharavu has a unique branding which will work the emotions of the legend’s fans."
A die-hard Vishnuvardhan fan says, “He was a hero who made us dream and we were sitting by the stands and applauding him. Now, with his latest film which revives his memories, it is time to applaud this towering personality which touched so many lives across Karnataka.”
This week we see the release of Nagaharavu and the makers of Diganth and Ramya-starrer will also feature Darshan in a special song, a tribute to Vishnuvardhan.