Feb 02 2025 to Feb 02 2025 11 a.m.

Where

Bangalore International Centre

7 4th Main Rd, Stage 2, Domlur 560071

Event Description

Kannada with (English Subtitles) | 1977 |118 minutes

Through the untamed wilderness of Karnataka, an ordinary villager transforms into a defiant outlaw, having dared to confront British colonial oppression. He leads his band of rebels in their fight for justice and their people’s freedom.

This month’s film featured in our informal film club is ಕನ್ನೇಶ್ವರ ರಾಮ | Kanneshwara Rama (1977)

Based on S. K. Nadig’s novel “Kannayya Rama,” the 1977 Kannada political film “Kanneshwara Rama” was directed by M. S. Sathyu as his second feature after “Garm Hava.” The film premiered at the International Film Festival of India and achieved both critical and commercial success during its 1989 theatrical release, completing a 100-day run. The film features an ensemble cast including Anant Nag, Shabana Azmi (in her Kannada debut), and Amol Palekar.

Set in 1920s India, the story follows Kanneshwara Rama, a defiant peasant who becomes a legendary outlaw after confronting local injustice. After a prison stint where he encounters Gandhi’s followers, he joins and eventually leads a group of bandits, becoming a Robin Hood-like figure who aids the poor and challenges feudal authority. His journey is complicated by his relationship with Malli, a former bandit’s mistress, and his growing ambition to establish his own principality.

The film, which was later screened at the 2017 Bengaluru International Film Festival, explores themes of rebellion, justice, and loyalty against the backdrop of India’s independence movement. Through Rama’s transformation from peasant to folk hero, it examines the complex relationship between individual leadership and collective causes.

Direction & Production

    Director: M. S. Sathyu
    Production Company: Sharadha Movie Productions
    Producers: Moola Brothers

Writing

    Based on the novel by: S. K. Nadig
    Screenplay: S. K. Nadig

Cast

    Anant Nag as Kanneshwara Rama
    Shabana Azmi as Malli
    Amol Palekar as Dacoit Chenneera
    B. V. Karanth as Junja
    Shimoga Venkatesh as Narayanappa
    C. R. Simha as Police officer at Jail
    Tom Alter as British Police officer
        Voice dubbed by C.R. Simha

Technical

    Cinematography: Ishan Arya, Ashok Gunjal
    Editing: S. Chakravarthy
    Music: B. V. Karanth
    Lyrics: N. Kulkarni

About B•Cinematic

Calling all cinephiles! BIC is thrilled to present B•Cinematic, an initiative dedicated to celebrating the most essential, impactful, and artistically significant cinematic works from across the state and the country.

At B•Cinematic, our mission is to curate and share those remarkable films that is a must-watch (or re-watch) experience for every passionate cinema lover. From groundbreaking classics to under-appreciated gems, our carefully curated selection will take you on an unparalleled (pun not intended) cinematic journey through the ages.

Through curated screenings, insightful discussions, and engaging analyses from distinguished cinematic voices, we aim to not only watch these films together but to truly appreciate their craftsmanship, cultural impact, and intellectual depth. Our vibrant community of film aficionados will collectively rediscover Indian cinema’s most stunning and enduring masterpieces.

So join us on this quest to experience the films that have defined and redefined the art form. Don’t miss out on crossing these essential works off your bucket list. Because to truly live, you must first watch the films that make life worth living.