I was surprised that IMDb does not contain any reviews for " Benkiya Bale " an absolute classic, one of the major landmarks in Kannada Cinema. So I decided to be the first one to review this Movie. Benkiya Bale, based on a Novel by TARASU, is a fantastic Movie with a touching narration. The narration will have you in tears , especially in the climax, where both the Hero & Heroine die. A gripping Movie, a Family drama, so rare these days. And it was a Block buster , having a Silver Jubilee run. The Music was a chart buster as well, with all the songs becoming popular, especially the memorable , evergreen song " Bisilaadharenu Maleyaadharenu " sung once by the legendary SPB & once by another legend, S Janaki. Coming to performances, the lead pair, Anant Nag & Lakshmi were absolutely mind blowing. Another Super Hit film of this super hit pair. With a brilliantly underplayed performance, Anant Nag proves he is one of the greatest actors Indian Cinema has seen. His acting is so spontaneous & natural. He would have got more recognition if he had been in Bollywood. Lakshmi is at her best as well, & she infuses life into the role of the girl next door. Ashwath, Balakrishna & Vajramuni provide good support, but amongst the supporting cast, the one who steals the show is Toogudeepa Srinivas, with a fine performance as the good Samaritan who helps the helpless young couple . A real master piece from the veteran director duo, Dorai-Bhagawan. If you have not seen it, see it today.
