H2O (2002 film)

Last updated

H2O
H2O (2002 film).jpg
DVD cover
Directed byN. Lokanath
Rajaram
Written by Upendra
Produced byP. Dhanraj
StarringUpendra
Prabhudeva
Priyanka Upendra
Cinematography H. C. Venugopal
Edited byT. Shashikumar
Music by Sadhu Kokila
Production
company
Dhanaraj Films
Release date
  • 29 March 2002 (2002-03-29)
Running time
134.30 minutes
CountryIndia
LanguagesKannada
Tamil [1]
Budget₹8 crore [2]

H2O is a 2002 Indian Kannada-Tamil bilingual film directed by debutants N. Lokanath and Rajaram. The film's script was written by Upendra who stars in the lead role with Prabhu Deva, Priyanka Trivedi along with Babu Mohan, Sadhu Kokila and Bank Janardhan portraying supporting roles. The film was dubbed in Tamil as H2O Kaveri and was produced by Dhanraj under Dhanraj Films. [3]

Contents

The film's plot revolves around the fight between two villages, as the Kaveri water issue became controversial upon its release and did well at box office. The film's cinematography and editing were handled by H. C. Venugopal and T. Shashikumar respectively. The film was dubbed in Telugu under the same name and it was dubbed into Hindi as Dil Ki Dhadkan. The core concept of using the dispute between two states as a metaphorical reference in the story went on to inspire a similar attempt in the 2016 Marathi movie Marathi Tigers.

Plot

Cast

Production

The film's script was initially written in for Dr. Rajkumar and Rajinikanth, [4] who both refused to do the film due to the sensitive nature of the film. [5] The film was launched on 8 December 2000 on Bangalore Palace grounds. [6] N. S. Shankar who earlier directed Ulta Palta (1997) was originally chosen as director but he walked out of story discussion, he was replaced by debutants Loknath and Rajaram who assisted Upendra. [7]

A song was shot at Sam Sund Dunes, Kuldhara village, Pag Bawri and Gadisar Lake at Jaisalmer while rest of the song including war sequences were shot at Mohan Garh Fort, Pokhran fort at the same place. 200 horses from Mumbai were brought specifically for this sequence. [8] According to film's producer Dhanraj, "exactly 1.80 lakh feet of film is cranked for the 18000 feet. Nearly 36 hours of film has been stored for 2 and half hours". [9] For a song which was shot at Ooty, colorful flowers were spread around the hills with 20 dancers. It was shot for 18 days using ARRI 435 ES camera. The song also featured "14 feet rotating globe underneath a motor and covered the motor with small size globes" in which Upendra danced on. [10] Ganga and Yamuna, siamese twins from Calcutta were brought to act in the film. [11]

Soundtrack

Sadhu Kokila composed the music for the film. The lyrics were written by Upendra. The soundtrack album was released on 27 May 2001 at Kanteerava Studios, Bangalore. [12] [13]

#TitleSingersLength
1"Hoove Hoove" Kavita Krishnamurthy 5:50
2"Bida Beda Bida Beda" Hariharan, Upendra 5:06
3"Kandavideko Mamsavideko" Shankar Mahadevan 5:53
4"I Wanna See My Darling" Rajesh Krishnan, Pratima Rao5:22
5"OK OK OK" Gurukiran 5:49
6"Dil Ilde Love"Upendra5:43

Reception

H2O was Upendra's return to the big screen after a hiatus of 2 years. Upon its audio release, a record number of audio cassettes and CDs were sold. The film created a new record and went on to do a business of more than ₹1 crore through audio sales. Soundtrack numbers like "I Wanna See My Darling", "Hoove Hoove", "Naa Ninna Bidalare", "Bida Byada", and "Dil Ilde" went on to top the charts. [14]

Themes

H2o is a triangular love story between a Kannadiga and a Tamilian vying for the love of a girl called "Kaveri", it is actually a metaphorical reference for the river Cauvery dispute between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Upendra noted that he compared the issue to Siamese twins "tried to communicate that harmonious living is the only suitable solution to the Cauvery dispute, rather than fighting over it." [5] The river Kaveri which is a subject matter of dispute between two states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu being used as a metaphorical reference in the movie by naming the heroine as "Kaveri" and making the two lead heroes belonging to these two states went on to inspire the 2016 Marathi movie Marathi Tigers which was a triangular love story between two lead heroes belonging to Maharashtra and Karnataka vying for the love of a girl called "Seema" (literally meaning border) – thereby referring to the border dispute between these two states. [15] [16]

Release

Marketing

A 100 feet huge cutout was kept at Kapali Theatre, Bangalore. [17]

Controversy

The film became controversial due to its content as the activists from Karnataka and Tamil Nadu demanded the film to be banned. Upendra was forced to compromise by dubbing Tamil dialogues in the film into Kannada and vice versa, to appease linguistics sentiments on both sides. Scenes containing flags of political parties were deleted, before its re-release. [5]

Critical reception

The film received positive reviews upon release. Critics applauded the way Upendra had managed to narrate a sensitive matter like the Kaveri River water dispute in a commercial way. [18] [19] Sify wrote "On the whole Upendra and Co. have dished out a decent entertainer with a clear message that politicians are responsible for all troubles in our society". [18] Indiainfo wrote "Though it is based on 'Cauvery water issue' where the two villages are the two states and represented by the two heroes. Cauvery is the core issue between them. Infact the subject is good but the treatment is superficial". [19]

Box-office performance

H2O completed 50 days of run in 28 theatres across Karnataka and also went on to complete 75 days of run in Bangalore, despite controversies and release in excessive number of theatres playing spoilsport. H2O was a 'Semi Hit' at the box office. [20] [21] Although a commercial success, [22] [21] it turned out to be the least running film of Upendra till then in terms of long run by completing only 75 days of run. This was very less compared to his previous films like A (1998), Upendra (1999), Preethse (2000), all of which had completed more than 175 days of run. Unlike other Upendra films of that time, H2O could not get a long run at the box office mainly due to negative controversies and temporary ban on the film.

However, irrespective of its under-performance, the distributors and exhibitors made huge business from H2O. [23] Even though the distributors of H2O earned huge profits and the film's collections were on par with other hit films of that time, [24] [25] it was termed as a flop by the media because of the film not reaching expectations. Producer Dhanraj went on a strike against Upendra demanding free call-sheet from him, stating that he had suffered huge losses from the movie. [26]

However, H2O continues to remain in the 'Hit' status among some section of the media and box office analysts. [24] Rajaram, one of the directors of the film, mentioned in an interview that "H2O had a successful run at the box office, although the product couldn't reach the mass properly baked, for so many other reasons". [20] In an interview with TV9 in 2011, Upendra denied that H2O was a failure. According to Upendra, the film got extra ordinary openings and collections at the box office, but could not get a long run beyond 75 days due to excessive release, mass distribution and controversies playing spoilsport. Upendra explained that a major chunk of H2O's profits went to the distributors and exhibitors instead of the producer due to mass distribution and flawed marketing by the producer. [27]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kaveri</span> River in southern India

The Kaveri is one of the major Indian rivers flowing through the states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. The Kaveri River rises at Talakaveri in the Brahmagiri range in the Western Ghats, Kodagu district of the state of Karnataka, at an elevation of 1,341 m above mean sea level and flows for about 800 km before its outfall into the Bay of Bengal. It reaches the sea in Poompuhar, in Mayiladuthurai district. It is the third largest river – after Godavari and Krishna – in southern India, and the largest in the state of Tamil Nadu, which, on its course, bisects the state into north and south. In ancient Tamil literature, the river was also called Ponni.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Upendra (actor)</span> Indian Actor, filmmaker, and politician

Upendra is an Indian actor, filmmaker, producer, screenwriter and politician who worked primarily in Kannada films. He has also worked in a few Telugu films. Upendra was known for his thematic representation of Indian politics and society in his films. In 2017, He joined the political party Karnataka Pragnyavanta Janata Paksha, before quitting the party in 2018 due to internal differences and formed another party named Uttama Prajaakeeya Party (UPP), which was based on the principles of Prajakiya. He received an Honorary Doctorate from Angkor University in 2015.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kaveri River water dispute</span> Water conflict in India

The sharing of waters of the Kaveri River has been the source of a serious conflict between the two Indian states of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. The genesis of this conflict rests in two agreements in 1892 and 1924 between the Madras Presidency and Kingdom of Mysore. The 802 kilometres (498 mi) Kaveri river has 44,000 km2 basin area in Tamil Nadu and 32,000 km2 basin area in Karnataka. The annual inflow from Karnataka is 425 TMCft (12 km3) whereas that from Tamil Nadu is 252 TMCft (7.1 km3).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gurukiran</span> Indian music composer, singer

Gurukiran Shetty, known mononymously as Gurukiran, is an Indian music director of the Kannada film industry in India. He started his career as a music director of the Kannada movie A, directed and acted by Upendra. His music for his next movie Upendra further consolidated his position in Kannada movie industry. He is a native of Mangalore and hails from Bunt Family. His mother tongue is Tulu. He has also acted in several movies in supporting character roles and also sung several songs and also composed in Tamil, Telugu and Tulu movies.

Sahaya Sheelan Shadrach known by his screen name Sadhu Kokila, is an Indian musician, actor, comedian, film director and producer, and an occasional screenwriter and lyricist who works in Kannada cinema. He began his career as a composer before taking to acting in films, appearing mostly in comic roles. He has also directed ten Kannada films, the most notable one being Raktha Kanneeru (2003).

<i>Buddhivantha</i> 2008 Indian film

Buddhivantha is a 2008 Indian Kannada-language film directed by Ramnath Rigvedhi. starring Upendra in the lead role, while Pooja Gandhi, Brinda Parekh, Saloni Aswani, Natanya Singh, and Suman Ranganathan play the female leads. The film is a remake of the 2007 Tamil film Naan Avanillai, which was itself was a remake of 1974 Tamil movie Naan Avanillai which in turn was based on the 1962 Marathi play To Mee Navhech written by Pralhad K. Atre. The music was composed by Vijay Antony.

Shaapa is 2001 Indian Kannada-language romantic drama film directed by Ashok Patil starring B. C. Patil, Ramesh Aravind and Anu Prabhakar with K. S. Ashwath and Avinash in supporting roles. The film is about a man who is unable to come to terms with the marriage of his childhood sweetheart. Despite releasing to positive reviews, the film was a box office failure.

<i>Hollywood</i> (2002 film) 2002 Indian film

Hollywood is a 2002 Indian Kannada science fiction film written by Upendra and directed by Dinesh Babu. It stars Upendra in a triple role as Surendra, Upendra and US 47 along with the Australian actress Felicity Mason as Manisha and Anant Nag. The film was shot entirely in Gold Coast, Australia with few supporting actors and a monkey named Lakshmi, voiced by Ramesh Bhat. The film was also dubbed into Telugu in 2003, retaining the same title.

<i>Super</i> (2010 Indian film) 2010 Indian film

Super is a 2010 Indian Kannada-language political drama film written and directed by Upendra. The film was released on 3 December 2010 in its Kannada version, and on 11 March 2011 in its Telugu version, which had a few scenes reshot with Ali and Sadhu Kokila switching roles. This utopian film had a concept of a contrasting futuristic India set in the year 2030, and the contemporary image of India.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hariprriya</span> Indian actress

Shruthi Chandrasena, known professionally as Hariprriya, is an Indian actress and model who chiefly works in Kannada films, in addition to a few Telugu and Tamil films.

<i>Sparsha</i> (film) 2000 Indian film

Sparsha is a 2000 Indian Kannada-language romance film written and directed by Sunil Kumar Desai. It stars Sudeep, Rekha and Sudha Rani. Naveen Mayur, Sihi Kahi Chandru, Kashi, Umashree and Vanishree feature in supporting roles.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rockline Venkatesh</span> Indian actor and film producer

Thirupathi Narasimhalunaidu Venkatesh, better known by his stage name Rockline Venkatesh, is an Indian actor and producer known for his works in Kannada, Tamil and Hindi cinemas. He is the founder and owner of the production and distribution company, Rockline Entertainments which has directed over five films as of 2012. In 2015 he co-produced Bajrangi Bhaijaan which earned the National Film Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment at the 63rd National Film Awards.

<i>Daasa</i> 2003 Indian film

Daasa is a 2003 Kannada-language action drama film directed and written by P. N. Sathya. The film stars Darshan and Amrutha whilst Sathyajtih and Avinash play other pivotal roles.

Ramakrishna is a 2004 Indian Kannada language romantic comedy film directed by Om Sai Prakash and produced by K. Bala Mutthaiah. The film stars V. Ravichandran, Jaggesh, Laila and Kaveri in the leading roles.

<i>Mungaru Male 2</i> 2016 film by Shashank

Mungaru Male 2 is a 2016 Indian Kannada romantic drama film co-written and directed by Shashank. It stars Ganesh, Neha Shetty and Ravichandran with Shilpa Manjunath, Aindrita Ray, P. Ravi Shankar and Sadhu Kokila in supporting roles. Although not a sequel, the film's title came as the second installment to the film Mungaru Male (2006). The film found its theatrical release worldwide on 9 September 2016, while in Karnataka, the release was pushed to 10 September 2016 because of the Cauvery water dispute. It was a commercial success at the box office by collecting over ₹20 crore in its lifetime theatrical run.

Swalpa Adjust Madkolli is a 2000 Indian Kannada-language comedy drama film directed by Kodlu Ramakrishna. The film features Ananth Nag, Ramkumar, Suhasini, Gurukiran and Shruti in the lead roles. The film had the musical score by Sadhu Kokila. The film is a remake of 1967 Tamil film Bama Vijayam. The film was a box office failure.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2018 Tamil Nadu protests for Kaveri water sharing</span> Dispute on Cauvery river water sharing

The 2018 Kaveri River water sharing protests are a series of ongoing protests on the issue of water sharing problems from the River Kaveri between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka which are two states in India. The Kaveri water dispute has been a major controversial issue between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka over the years and the issue has been raised further with protests have been conducted across the state of Tamil Nadu by several groups including from the large pile of actors and directors who have temporarily stopped working on their projects, films over the Karnataka's sharing the Kaveri water to Tamil Nadu. The delay in establishing a Cauvery Management Board in order to share equal river share award has sparked off protests in Tamil Nadu against the Karnataka state government.

<i>Mane Magalu</i> 2003 Indian film

Mane Magalu is a 2003 Indian Kannada-language family drama film written and directed by Om Sai Prakash. It features Radhika and Vishal Hegde. The music for the film is by Vandemataram Srinivas in his Kannada debut. The film is a remake of Prakash's Maa Inti Adapaduchu (1996), which itself is based on a Marathi film. The film was released on 1 August 2003 along with Preethi Prema Pranaya.

References

  1. ↑ Riti, M. D. (4 January 2001). "Prabhu Deva in a unique tap dance!". Rediff. Archived from the original on 16 May 2013. Retrieved 29 April 2016.
  2. ↑ "Bridge over troubled waters". Rediff.com. 14 March 2002. Archived from the original on 22 November 2021. Retrieved 22 November 2021.
  3. ↑ "Kaveri". chennaionline.com. Archived from the original on 11 March 2005. Retrieved 27 April 2022.
  4. ↑ https://m.youtube.com/watch?si=9jNcKrt-hqMoW8SG&v=v95B8mUUVuo&feature=youtu.be
  5. 1 2 3 Khajane, Muralidhara (3 October 2012). "Tale of love and water". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 11 September 2023. Retrieved 11 January 2020.
  6. ↑ "UPENDRA AND PRABHUDEVA STARRER LAUNCHED". Chitraloka. Archived from the original on 2 August 2001. Retrieved 17 October 2023.
  7. ↑ "IT IS RAZZLE DAZZLE NIGHT ON DECEMBER 8 AT 8 PM". Chitraloka. Archived from the original on 2 August 2001. Retrieved 17 October 2023.
  8. ↑ "DHANARAJ'S UNTITLED `UPPI' FILM DIRECTOR'S EXPERIENCE". Chitraloka. Archived from the original on 2 November 2001. Retrieved 16 October 2023.
  9. ↑ "I Spent money like a water". Chitraloka. 5 October 2001. Archived from the original on 8 December 2001. Retrieved 16 October 2023.
  10. ↑ "RISKY SHOTS AND DARING STUNTS". Chitraloka. Archived from the original on 2 August 2001. Retrieved 17 October 2023.
  11. ↑ "Indiainfo: Kannada: Interview: Rajaram". India Info. Archived from the original on 4 August 2002. Retrieved 18 November 2023.
  12. ↑ "H2O audio release". Screen . Archived from the original on 11 July 2001. Retrieved 22 September 2020.
  13. ↑ "H2O AUDIO RELEASED". Chitraloka. Archived from the original on 9 June 2001. Retrieved 20 October 2023.
  14. ↑ "Witty words for Upendra-Prabhudeva starrer". The Music Magazine . ourkarnataka.com. Archived from the original on 2 November 2012. Retrieved 2 November 2012.
  15. ↑ "Film Review: Marathi Tigers". 5 February 2016.
  16. ↑ "Marathi Tigers Movie Review Zee Talkies latest Movie Reviews online at ZeeTalkies.com". zeetalkies.com. Archived from the original on 7 February 2016. Retrieved 11 January 2020.
  17. ↑ "H2O HYPE AND HOOPLA". Chitraloka. Archived from the original on 2 August 2001. Retrieved 17 October 2023.
  18. 1 2 "H2O". sify movies. Archived from the original on 21 January 2005. Retrieved 2 November 2012.
  19. 1 2 "Indiainfo: Kannada: Movie Review – H2O". indiainfo.com. Archived from the original on 9 June 2002.
  20. 1 2 "H2O Director Rajaram Interview". Archived from the original on 21 October 2014. Retrieved 21 October 2014.
  21. 1 2 "P Vasu Interview". Archived from the original on 14 July 2015. Retrieved 21 October 2014.
  22. ↑ Lakshminarayana, Shruti Indira (7 July 2011). "Two Kannada films will fight it out this weekend". Rediff.com. Archived from the original on 20 December 2016. Retrieved 2 November 2012.
  23. ↑ "Behind the curtains". The Hindu . 2 September 2004. Archived from the original on 12 November 2004. Retrieved 2 November 2012.
  24. 1 2 "H2O – Kannada film discussion". Archived from the original on 24 September 2015. Retrieved 1 May 2013.
  25. ↑ "Title unknown". dhoperchop.com. Archived from the original on 17 June 2010. Retrieved 2 November 2012.
  26. ↑ "H2O travails continue for Dhanraj". The Hindu . 28 May 2002. Archived from the original on 5 July 2004. Retrieved 2 November 2012.
  27. ↑ Upendra explains that H2O was a decent hit. Archived from the original on 14 April 2023. Retrieved 2 November 2012– via YouTube.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.