Sanaadi Appanna

Last updated

Sanaadi Appanna
Sanaadi Appanna poster.jpg
Poster
Directed by Vijay
Written by Krishnamoorthy Puranik
Screenplay by Chi. Udaya Shankar
Based onKuniyitu Hejje Naliyithu Gejje
by Krishnamoorthy Puranik
Produced bySaraswathi Srinivas
V. S. Murali
Starring
CinematographyR. Chittibabu
Edited byP. Bhaktavatsalam
Music by G. K. Venkatesh
Distributed byAnandalakshmi Enterprises
Release date
  • August 1977 (1977-08)
Running time
170 minutes
CountryIndia
LanguageKannada

Sanaadi Appanna is a 1977 Indian Kannada-language musical film directed by Vijay based on the novel Kuniyitu Hejje Naliyithu Gejje by Krishnamoorthy Puranik which was loosely based on the life of Bagalkote shehnai player Appanna (1876-1945). [1] [2] The film starred Rajkumar in title role with Jaya Prada in the lead role along with Ashok, Balakrishna, R. Sampath, Thoogudeepa Srinivas, Papamma and Baby Madhavi in supporting roles. Puneeth Rajkumar made a brief appearance in one of the songs of this film. [3]

Contents

The film is considered a landmark in Kannada cinema. [4] It is notable for the fact that Bismillah Khan played the actual shehnai for Rajkumar's character in this movie. [5] The film was remade in Telugu as Sannayi Appanna (1980) starring Sobhan Babu. It saw a theatrical run of 50 weeks.

Cast

Production

Sanaadi translates to shehnai in the Kannada language. The films deals with the life of a rural shehnai artiste Appannna (played by Rajkumar). In early 1977, Bismillah Khan flew from Varanasi with his ten-member troupe to Prasad Studios in Madras (now Chennai) and spent nine days working on the film. [4] [6]

Soundtrack

Sanaadi Appanna
Soundtrack album by
Released1977
Genre Feature film soundtrack
Length35:18
Label Saregama

The background score for the film and soundtrack were composed by G. K. Venkatesh. The soundtrack album consists of seven tracks, which includes a Shehnai solo played by Bismillah Khan. [7]

Track list
No.TitleLyricsArtist(s)Length
1."Naane Thaayi Naane Thande" Chi. Udaya Shankar P. B. Sreenivas 6:05
2."Shehanoi Music Bit"  Bismillah Khan 3:03
3."Raaga Anuraaga"Chi. Udaya Shankar Rajkumar, S. Janaki 4:23
4."Ninagaagi Ododi Bande"Chi. Udaya ShankarRajkumar5:08
5."Shennai With Dialogues Raga Marwe" Bismillah Khan4:42
6."Karedaru Kelade"Chi. Udaya Shankar S. Janaki 6:58
7."Shennai With Diloguos Raga Sindhubhaira" Bismillah Khan4:59
Total length:35:18

Release, reception and legacy

A Dr. Rajkumar statue which features him as Appanna from the film Dr.Rajkumar Sanaadi Appanna.jpg
A Dr. Rajkumar statue which features him as Appanna from the film

The film made its theatrical release in August 1977. It completed a 100-day run in many centers across Karnataka. In the last week of November 1977, during the centenary day celebration at the Urvashi Theatre in Bangalore, Rajkumar paid tribute to Bismillah Khan saying, "I just acted in the role but Ustad Bismillah Khan is the real soul of the film. He gave life to the character I played in the film." [6]

It has been reported that to master the shehnai-wielding technique, Dr. Rajkumar cancelled all his shooting schedules for a month. The elan with which he handles the instrument in the film is commendable. At no point does he ever resort to exaggerated gestures — quite a contrast to Sivaji Ganeshan, who plays the nadaswaram player in Thillana Mohanambal . By the end of it, Khansaheb and Rajkumar had become close friends. When the film completed its 50-week run, Khansaheb came for the celebrations here. "You have handled the shehnai to such perfection that it seemed as if you were really playing it!" the maestro complimented Rajkumar. [8]

Awards

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bismillah Khan</span> Indian musician (1916–2006)

Ustad Bismillah Khan, often referred to by the title Ustad, was an Indian musician credited with popularizing the shehnai, a reeded woodwind instrument. He played it with such expressive virtuosity that he became a leading Hindustani classical music artist. His name was indelibly linked with the woodwind instrument. While the shehnai had importance as a folk instrument played primarily by musicians schooled in traditional ceremonies, Khan is credited with elevating its status and bringing it to the concert stage.

| office = Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha | term_start = 13 May 2004 | term_end = 16 May 2014 | predecessor = Noor Bano | successor = Naipal Singh | constituency = Rampur | office1 = Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha | term_start1 = 10 April 1996 | term_end1 = 9 April 2002 | predecessor1 = R. K. Dhawan | successor1 = Nandi Yellaiah | constituency1 = Andhra Pradesh | otherparty = Telugu Desam Party
Samajwadi Party (2004–2010)
Rashtriya Lok Dal (2014–2019) | party = Bharatiya Janata Party (2019–Present) | occupation = Actress, politician | children = 1(Adopted) | year = 1970s }jaya prada height 5 feet 5 inches 1 65 meter }

<span class="mw-page-title-main">G. K. Venkatesh</span> Indian music composer

Gurusala Krishnadas Venkatesh was an Indian film score composer who primarily worked in Kannada cinema during the 1960s, 1970s and until the late-1980s. He also composed music for Telugu, Malayalam and Tamil films. He produced numerous master pieces of Kannada film music and also brought in Western background score into Kannada films and scored music for all Bond movies of Rajkumar in the 1960s to 1970s.

<i>Bhagyavantha</i> 1981 Indian film

Bhagyavantha is a 1981 Indian Kannada-language drama film directed and written by B. S. Ranga. The film featured Master Lohit, Aarathi and Jai Jagadish in pivotal roles. Veteran actor Rajkumar and Thoogudeepa Srinivas made brief appearances in the film.

<i>Gandhada Gudi</i> 1973 film directed by Vijay

Gandhada Gudi is a 1973 Indian Kannada-language action drama film directed by Vijay and produced by M. P. Shankar. Rajkumar in his 150th film portrays an honest forest officer Kumar while Vishnuvardhan plays the antagonist, Anand, though his character is redeemed at the end of the film. Kalpana, M. P. Shankar, Narasimharaju and Balakrishna performed other important roles.

B. Vijaya Reddy, better known as Vijay Reddy or Vijay, was an Indian film director who worked primarily in Kannada films, besides few Hindi, Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam films. He had directed over 50 films and also produced a few. His debut directorial venture was Rangamahal Rahasya (1970). He was known for his collaborations with leading Kannada actor Rajkumar for movies like Gandhada Gudi (1973), Mayura (1975), Naa Ninna Mareyalare (1976) and Sanaadi Appanna (1977) which are considered among the classic movies of Kannada cinema.

<i>Doorada Betta</i> 1973 Indian film directed by Siddalingaiah

Doorada Betta is a 1973 Kannada-language film directed by Siddalingaiah. The film starred Rajkumar and Bharathi Vishnuvardhan. It had Balakrishna, K. S. Ashwath and Sampath playing supporting roles. The film, along with Mooruvare Vajragalu (1973), was Rajkumar's last movie in black-and-white. However, this movie had a few sequences shot in colour. This was also the last film where Rajkumar and Bharathi were seen together. This was also Rajkumar's last collaboration with Siddalingaiah. The film is seen as a landmark in the career of Siddalingaiah. The movie saw a theatrical run of 25 weeks.

<i>Auto Raja</i> (1980 film) 1980 Indian film

Auto Raja is a 1980 Indian Kannada-language romance film directed by Vijay, based on a screenplay by M. D. Sundar. The film was produced by Parvathamma Rajkumar's sister husband C. Jayaram under the banner of Sapthaswara Movie Makers. The film stars Shankar Nag and Gayathri in lead roles, while Dwarakeesh, Balakrishna and Leelavathi appear in other supporting roles. The film features original songs composed by the music duo Rajan–Nagendra. The cinematography of the film was handled by S. V. Srikanth. It is considered as one of the best commercial films in Kannada cinema and received cult status. The film was significant in heightening the stardom of Shankar Nag. The film was remade in 1981 in Telugu as Taxi Driver starring Krishnam Raju and in 1982 in Tamil with the same name starring Vijayakanth.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Thoogudeepa Srinivas</span> Indian actor

Mysore Srinivas, known by his stage name Thoogudeepa Srinivas was an Indian actor who appeared in Kannada films and is remembered for his portrayal of negative-shaded characters. He is the father of actor, Darshan and film director Dinakar.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">S. Ballesh</span> Indian shehnai player

Pandit S. Ballesh Bhajantri is a popular Indian classical Hindustani shehnai player. He is a disciple of shehnai player Ustad Bismillah Khan, he is benares gharana shehnai player and a patiala gharana hindustani vocalist, ghazal singer, Indian playback singer and musician, Ballesh is credited with popularizing the shehnai, a reeded woodwind instrument. He is also a Prasar Bharati's All India Radio (AIR) and Doordarshan artist.

<i>Bhagyavantharu</i> 1977 Indian film

Bhagyavantharu is a 1977 Indian Kannada-language drama film directed by H. R. Bhargava, making his debut. The film features Rajkumar and B. Saroja Devi in lead roles supported by an ensemble cast including Ashok, Balakrishna, Dwarakish and Ramakrishna. The film was produced by Dwarakish. The dialogues and lyrics were written by Chi. Udaya Shankar. The film's original score and soundtrack were composed by Rajan–Nagendra. Puneeth Rajkumar made a brief appearance in one of the songs of this film. The movie is a remake of 1974 Tamil movie Dheerga Sumangali.

<i>Bhagyada Lakshmi Baramma</i> 1986 Kannada film by Singeetam Srinivasa Rao

Bhagyada Lakshmi Baramma is a 1986 Indian Kannada-language comedy film. The title of the film was borrowed from a devaranama written by 12th century Haridasa Purandara Dasa. This film was written and directed Singeetham Srinivasa Rao who also composed and scored the film's soundtrack. The film stars Rajkumar, Madhavi and K. S. Ashwath in the pivotal roles.

Olavu Geluvu is a 1977 Indian Kannada-language film, directed by H. R. Bhargava and produced by S. A. Srinivas. The film stars Rajkumar, Lakshmi, Balakrishna and Sampath. The film has musical score by G. K. Venkatesh.

<i>Kaamana Billu</i> 1983 Indian film

Kaamana Billu (transl. Rainbow) is a 1983 Indian Kannada language film directed by Chi. Dattaraj. It stars Rajkumar, Anant Nag and Saritha. The film is based on the novel Mrigathrushna by Ashwini. This climax of the movie inspired a similar sequence in the 1999 Hindi movie Mann and its Telugu remake Ravoyi Chandamama.

<i>Premada Kanike</i> 1976 film by V. Somashekhar

Premada Kanike is a 1976 Indian Kannada-language romantic thriller film directed by V. Somashekhar and written by the duo Salim–Javed. It was produced by Jayadevi under the banner of Jayadevi films. The film starred Rajkumar, Aarathi and Jayamala in lead roles with Vajramuni and Rajashankar in supporting roles. The plot follows a teacher hired by rich man to home-school his daughter. En route, she witnesses a murder and discovers that the murderer is the father of her student.

<i>Shankar Guru</i> (1978 film) 1978 film by V. Somashekhar

Shankar Guru is a 1978 Indian Kannada-language action thriller film directed by V. Somashekhar, written by Chi. Udayashankar and produced by Parvathamma Rajkumar under the banner of Dakshayini Combines. It stars Rajkumar in the lead role alongside Jayamala, Padmapriya, Kanchana, Balakrishna, Vajramuni, Thoogudeepa Srinivas and Uma Shivakumar in supporting roles. Rajkumar appears in a triple role in the film — as a father and his two sons separated in childhood.

<i>Huliya Haalina Mevu</i> 1979 Indian film

Huliya Haalina Mevu is a 1979 Indian Kannada-language epic historical drama film directed by Vijay, based on a novel of the same name by Bharathisutha starring Rajkumar as Chengumani, the commander-in-chief of the 18th-century Kingdom of Coorg. Jayachitra and Jayapradha feature in pivotal roles. The movie was dubbed in Telugu as Prachanda Bheri. This was also Rajkumar's first cinemascope movie.

<i>Sri Krishna Rukmini Satyabhama</i> 1971 Kannada mythological film by K. S. L. Swamy

Sri Krishna Rukmini Satyabhama is a 1971 Kannada-language Hindu mythological film written and directed by K. S. L. Swamy. The film stars Rajkumar, B. Saroja Devi, Aarathi and Bharathi. The film was released under Raghunandan Movies banner and the music was composed by R. Sudarsanam.

<i>Havina Hede</i> 1981 Indian film

Havina Hede is a 1981 Indian Kannada-language action film directed by V. Somashekhar and produced by Parvathamma Rajkumar. The film featured Rajkumar and Sulakshana playing the pivotal roles. The film was written by M. D. Sundar and had lyrics and dialogues written by Chi. Udaya Shankar.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Puneeth Rajkumar filmography</span> Kannadiga star

Puneeth Rajkumar was an Indian actor known for his work in Kannada films. As a six-month-old infant, he made a cameo appearance in V. Somashekar's Premada Kanike (1976) and followed it with Sanaadi Appanna (1977) when he was a year old. Most of his earlier films had his father Rajkumar playing his reel father as well. Films like Thayige Thakka Maga, Vasantha Geetha and Bhagyavantha followed up which also showcased his singing skills. For the N. Lakshminarayan film Bettada Hoovu he was awarded the National Film Award for Best Child Artist. He ended his childhood appearances with the action film Parashuram.

References

  1. "ರಾಜ್‌ ಹಬ್ಬ: ವರನಟನ ಕಾದಂಬರಿ ಚಿತ್ರಗಳ ಕನ್ನಡಿ". Udayavani (in Kannada). Archived from the original on 5 May 2019. Retrieved 27 May 2021.
  2. "'Teachers, do not denigrate profession by begging for awards'". Deccan Herald. 8 September 2007. Archived from the original on 8 April 2014. Retrieved 8 April 2014.
  3. "Puneeth Rajkumar". chitratara.com. Archived from the original on 17 July 2007.
  4. 1 2 "When his divine sanadi came our way". The Hindu . 14 July 2003. Archived from the original on 1 September 2003. Retrieved 8 April 2014.
  5. Govind, Ranjani (20 September 2015). "A maestro and his love for 'Benglor topi'". The Hindu. ISSN   0971-751X. Archived from the original on 26 January 2021. Retrieved 27 May 2021.
  6. 1 2 "When Ustad Bismillah Khan inspired Dr Raj Kumar". Rediff.com. 21 August 2006. Archived from the original on 20 October 2013. Retrieved 8 April 2014.
  7. "Sanaadi Appanna music". iTunes. Archived from the original on 8 September 2014. Retrieved 21 August 2014.
  8. "When his divine sanadi came our way". The Hindu . 14 July 2003. Archived from the original on 18 May 2005.