Putanna's classics. Review on Jogi Movie

In this review, I am listing some of the very best movies directed by the greatest Kannada director of all times, Puttanna Kanagaal. Even today, people talk about his movie, discuss the contents and analyse. Puttanna's movies had a very tight script with strong feminist thoughts and good music.

The films listed below are not in chronological order. However, any addition to the list is most welcome.

1) Gejjepooje: One of Puttanna's b/w movies, this one dealt with the burning issue of devadasis or temple dancers who were exploited by landlords and priests. Kalpana plays the role of a devadasi's daughter who wants to get out of the morass and lead a normal life. Her trial and tribulations, the scorn she has to endure from the society are some of the highlights of the film.

2) Nagarahavu: This movie launched Vishnuvardhan from an obscure actor to a famous one. Infact, he still regrets that he never got another movie like ''Nagarahavu.'' It narrates the story of Ramachari, a college student who believes in breaking rules and regulations. Nobody likes him in the college, but Ramachari hardly bothers about it. Incidentally he fells in love with his classmate Margaret and both decide to get married, but are prevented from doing so. Ultimately Ramachari and Margaret commit suicideby jumping from the hillock. This film is also launched another actor, Ambarish, though his role was a cameo.

3) Edakallu guddada mele: Long before Bollywood focussed on the concept of extramarital relationship, Puttanna conceived this movie. Based on the novel by the same name, this movie starred Jayanthi, Chandrashekar and Aarthi. The plot revolves around Jayanthi who is trapped in an unhappy marriage with her aging husband and finds solace in Chandrashekar. This movie is noted for the song ''Viraha Nooru tharaha.''

4) Ranganayaki: Puttanna tried his hand in exploring the complex psychological concept of ''Oedipus Complex'' thorugh this movie. Starring Aarathi, Ashok and Ramakrishna, this movie revolves around a rich man, played by Ashok who falls in love with a theatre artist, played by Aarathi . They eventually get married and Aarathi begets a child. By then she expresses her desire to return to theatre which is opposed by Ashok. Finally Ashok and Aarathi are divorced and Ashok gets the possession of the child. Aarathi meanwhile tries her hand in cinema and becomes successful. In the meantime, a young man, Ramakrishna, falls in love with Aarathi and she reciprocates her love. Upon discovering that Ramakrishna is her son, she commits suicide.

5) Sharapanjara: This movie is remembered by many for superb perfomance by leading actress Kalpana. Kalpana enacts the role of a housewife who is brutally raped and becomes insane. She is eventually admitted to the mental asylum where she recovers rapidly. Upon returning home she is taunted by her in-laws and neighbours for being in a mental hospital. Stung by the criticism and the double standards of the society, Kalpana ultimately loses her mental balance. This movie also remembered for teh melodious number, ''Hadinalku varsha.''

Because of lack of space, I couldn't mention movies like ''Hannele Chiguridaga'', ''Amruthagalige'', ''Manasasarovara'' etc.