Ondanondu Kaladalli

Stumbled upon this movie and watched it out of curiosity. I can't read or understand Kannada so wasn't sure who all were involved. I was completely taken by surprise how well it's made,only to probe further and saw names of stalwarts like Bhaskar Chandavarkar,Karnad and Nag. No wonder,it's an epic. Music is probably the most underrated aspect of the movie. For me this is showshanks redemptions of Indian cinema. The characters,the flow of the story and offcourse the effects created by the music just fit perfectly. Use of kalaripayutte was never made so effective in any Indian movie I have seen so far. It feels so realistic,a drama just unfolding in front of you in some distant past.

From renowned Jnanpith award winner and playwrite Girish Karnad comes this fantastic piece of cinema, released around the same time as SHOLAY(perhaps six months later) and surely deserving much better national recognition than it ultimately got.

In paying clear tribute to Akira Kurosawa and his SEVEN SAMURAI, this movie is the story of a couple of mercenaries that are pitted against each other in the politics of old and feudal Karnataka. Sumptuously shot in the forests of Dandeli by AK Bir, this Shankar Nag debut won him the National Award for best actor. I wouldn't go as far as to say that his acting was great, but the obvious energy he brings to his role is very evident. He went on to become an 'action' hero in Kannada films and director of some repute as well(MALGUDI DAYS in Hindi for National TV and MINCHINAOTA(A Lightning's Run) & ACCIDENT both in Kannada), until his own untimely death at the young age of 35.

Not to digress, but this movie was arguably the first one to introduce the use of Kalarippayattu, the Kerala form of martial arts into filmdom. The stunts are breathtaking and the movie worth seeing solely for those.

Karnad is a very intelligent craftsman. He does not really have too much time or head for bringing in comic relief into his movies. All the lighter moments are perhaps only in keeping with the characters' natural development within the scope of the story. Another actor that impresses is Sunder Krishna Urs as the senior mercenary and older warhorse.

Apparently a VCD of this movie is now available in its native state of Karnataka (unsure if it is available worldwide). But this one is for collectors and lovers of intelligent cinema and well told tales!

A riveting story set in mediveal Karnataka. The first thing that stands out in this film is it's cinematography. The camera movement and angles are exceptional, the making and setting of this story is highly reminiscent of the Kurosawa samurai movies yet it remains grounded and truthful to it's surroundings. It's almost an ode to Kurosawa. The performances are top notch. The music is quite remarkable, it sets the mood but isn't overbearing. The haunting tunes and the two beautiful melodies are perfectly in sync with the rest of the film. The screenplay is quite engaging from the beginning and the writing makes sure each character reach their logical end. The art and locations are spectacular. Use of authentic kalari for the stunt sequences make them look fresh and stylish even after all these years. A must watch for any film buff.

Perfect movie without overacting scenes, without unrealistic elements, such natural acting, great cinematography and good story

A haunting movie that reverberated deep in my psyche. I saw this movie as young boy. And still can here the sound of jungle and its lush settings. The songs in the movie were 'minimalist" as are the costumes. These and many other cameos in the film enrich the rural/tropical village/jungle background so clearly. I remember the simple food that the two children bring the Shankar Nag in a leaf, which clearly adds to the subtle aura of a dated period setting in the film.

Many years later (1990), I happened to go trekking in Dandeli. The rural background has not changed much among the thatched huts in the area. They offer jaggary ( a mound of brown sugar) and water to all passers by, and brought back memories of the film. The action sequences in Kalari (martial art) are choreographed so realistically and occasioned by fears/insecurities so well that I consider it an equal to Kurasawa's Yojimbo, which I believe Karnad aimed for.

A must see.

If you are really hooked to this one, you should see Boorman's Emerald Forrest. Has the same mystical and ethereal feel.