Pioneers of Kannada Alternate Cinema and their Coastal connection

I must have watched the Movie “CBI Shankar” a hundred times as a kid. Apart from the dynamic Shankar Nag, the star cast comprised of Legendary actors of the era. Vajramuni, wow, where can we find a better villain than this Man, so powerful on screen. He is on par with Amrish Puri from the bollywood fraternity. Devraj, Sudheer and Doddanna all delivered brilliant performances through their negative roles. The story was quite different from the traditional genre of the time. And Shankar nag became a champion of alternative Kannada cinema. Although his era was short lived, he left behind a stunning professional legacy, talented directors who could act, and vice versa. All of them have a coastal Karnataka connection, interestingly.

Shankar nag was born on 9th November 1954 in Honnavar. He directed many of the movies he acted in, most of which went on to become classics. He made a name for himself in national arena when he directed the Legendary TV series Malgudi days, in 1987. His zest for life, vision for his beloved state and language was second to none. A TRUE visionary and revolutionary mind, he sadly left us too early at a ripe age of 36. How Kannada industry would have transformed if he had lived another 10 years, will remain one of the what-If debates in the Kannada industry for many years to come.

Another young man, born in Kundapura on 8th May 1951, went on to bring out social issues in a completely different and entertaining form. Kashinath, although not from film industry background, got obsessed with movies at age of 16 and went on to learn the art of Movie production by himself. His movies brought out important issues stigmatizing the society. Reflecting the societal tendencies and in a way showing a mirror of sorts that’s a tad bit embarrassing, his movies were often considered offensive & vulgar and hence treated with contempt. A self made Movie legend, Kashinath further groomed another special talent, one who would come out with an unapologetic “straight to your face” movies, addressing basic questions. The young Man was Upendra. Kashinath also introduced a gifted music director V.Manohar to the kannada industry.

Upendra was born in Kundapura on 18th September 1968. His association with Kashinath, a distant relative of his, began during his final year in college. His movies had a cult following. Questioning the basics of life, his movies were many years ahead of its time. Although he is versatile actor, his directorial ventures stand apart. Om, a cult gangster Movie was insanely awesome. Swastik, probably the only Movie where Raghavendra Rajkumar could finally act, just goes to show what an amazing director Upendra was. He went on to act and direct thought provoking movies like super, Upendra, etc. His contribution to the Kannada industry also includes the introduction of Sadhu Kokila, a gifted music director and comedian. Upendra is a great motivator, in one of the interviews he mentioned “God has given you a paper and a pen, why do you want to draw a bicycle? Go on draw an Aeroplane”. Sky is the limit, really & ambitions are mostly self manifested.

Another young man born in Udupi on 6th June 1983,  realized his true calling after engineering. Rakshit shetty is first of the Shetty Trio who made it to a household name. Starting with phenomenally refreshing “Simple Agi Ondh Love Story” giving him the well deserved break, he went on to make probably one of the best movies ever made in Kannada cinema, “Ulidavaru Kandanthe“, literally translating to “As seen by others”, with an incredibly unique story line, direction, music and amazing acting by the entire star cast. The movie introduced “Pili Nalike” (Tiger dance), Rakshit’s favorite form of folk dance, one of the most popular folk art in Dakshina Kannada, artists with body paints resembling Tiger colors and dancing to a heavenly tune of Chande (drums). The movie gained a huge cult following and won him Best director award for Filmfare south. And so started a trend of movies with coastal karnatakan genre. He went on to make many great movies like Kirik Party and 777 Charlie. Speaking of the coastal Karnataka themed movies, we now have Rishabh Shetty and Raj B Shetty delivering even grander movies. The Shetty trio have well and truly unleashed the coastal prowess on the big screens of Kannada movie industry, taking it to whole new heights.

While wikipedia suggests Raj B Shetty was born in Bhadravathi on 5th July 1987, other websites mention he was born in Mangalore on 5th July 1990. He starred as “Janardhana”, the quintessential Kannada Professor, in his first movie “Ondhu Motteya Kathe” literally meaning “Story of an Egg”. He wrote and directed the movie, and it was a phenomenal success. The film won Filmfare Award for best film- Kannada, it was later remade in Malayalam and Hindi. His growth trajectory was now set and Raj has never looked back ever since. His next claim to fame movie was the 2021 gangster themed “Garuda Gamana Vrishabha Vahana“, literally meaning “One who has the focus of Garuda (Vehicle of Lord Vishnu), One who mounts Vrishaba (Vehicle of Lord Shiva)”. Another epic movie, with a different way of story telling – A much needed break from the typical Kannada gangster movies, with people wielding the Macchu and Longu (sickles). One can watch this movie just for the love of Raj’s acting/directing skills, what a talent. The epic dramatization of the song “Sojugada Soojumallige“, where Raj B Shetty is seen doing “Pili Nalke” (Tiger dance) with high energy music and wonderful singing, is sure to give goosebumps to anyone. The scene resembles Shiva completely engrossed in his fiery trance, with few onlookers helplessly watching, few completely mesmerized, a whole new concept of “Shiva Taandav” – that’s brilliant!

Another fantastic talent, Rishabh Shetty was born on 7th July 1983 in Kundapur. He garnered attention when he played a key role in Rakshit Shetty’s “Ulidavaru Kandanthe“. Although his first movie as director “Ricky” didn’t fare so well, his next movie as director “Kirik party“, depicting hostel and college life, was a great hit. His next venture “Sarkari Hi.Pra.Shaale” turned out to be a classic, depicting struggles of Kannada speaking population in Kasargod. It also brilliantly showcased the coastal culture, with good focus on Yakshagaana (Apparently Rishabh used to play Yakshagana in his school/college years, roots were indeed strong). And now, he is the talk of the town with the unbelievably good movie “Kantara“. This movie has risen him to the ranks of a Superstar. Honestly speaking, I always believed he was a much better director than an actor (like Upendra), but he completely blew me out with his insane acting in Kantara. Amazing direction, again promoting the coastal richness, culture and its ancient heritage, talented pool of home grown actors, great story with plenty of humor and drama, its a classic. No wonder its been well appreciated all over the world, not only in Karnataka. People want to get a sense of getting back to the roots & nature, and this movie very well drives people “home”. We are all looking forward to his next venture, probably Kantara has set a high bar, a really high bar, only time will tell if he can leap above and beyond that.

As we gear up towards the 66th Kannada Rajyotsava, it makes me feel so proud to be part of the coastal tribe, owing to the contributions made by fellow tribesmen towards the eventual glory of our beloved state, language and the rich culture. Its truly a golden era for Kannada Cinema. Happy Kannada Rajyotsava, everyone!