History of kannada cinema

Kannada cinema, also known as Kanada cinema, refers to the film industry in the Kannada language, predominantly based in the state of Karnataka, India. Kannada cinema has a rich history that dates back to the 1930s and has contributed significantly to the cultural and artistic landscape of the region. Here is the history of kannada cinema

Years (1930s-1940s)

 (Sathi sulochana

directed by y. V rao) 

Kannada cinema began in the 1934s with the release of the first Kannada talkie film, "Sati Sulochana," directed by Y.V. Rao. This marked the transition from silent films to the sound era in Kannada cinema. The industry saw the emergence of talented filmmakers and actors, including B. Nagi Reddy, H.L.N. Simha, and T.P. Kailasam.1931 saw the emergence of talking pictures in the regional languages of South India with the release of Kalidas. In 1934, the first talky in Kannada,Sati Sulochana, was followed by Bhakta Dhruva. Both Sati Sulochana and Bhakta Dhruva were major successes. But prospective filmmakers in Karnataka were handicapped by the lack of studios and technical crews. Sati Sulochana was shot in Kolhapur at the Chatrapathi studio; most filming, sound recording, and post-production was done in Madras (now Chennai). It was difficult, as well, to find financial backing for new film projects in the region; thus, very few movies in Kanawha were released during the early years of Indian sound cinema.

(1940 To 1950)

Gubbi Veeranna could be considered the doyen of Kannada Cinema during the mid to late forties. He brought his talent as an actor from the theatrical stage to Kannada Cinema through his Gubbi Veeranna Theater. Subsequently, Gubbi Karnataka Productions of which he was a shareholder produced famous movies such as Bhaktha Kumbara, Gunasagari, Hemareddi Mallamma, Adarsha Sati,and Sadarame during the mid forties all the way up to late fifties.The 1950s will be remembered as the decade that introduced the doyen of Kannada cinema

(24 April 1929-12 April 2006)

Dr.Rajkumar. Rajkumar, originally known as Mutturaju was a theater artist, discovered by HLN Simha. HLN offered him a lead role in the mythological movie, Bedara Kanawha. The movie proved to be a blockbuster. It also launched the careers of comedian Narasimharaju and director G.V. Iyer. Even after the success of Bedara Kanawha, Kannada film industry remained stagnant. Lack of financiers, technicians and studios proved to be a hindrance to film making. Rajkumar, along with Narasimharaju and G.V. Iyer decided to form a partnership and produce movies. The partnership lasted for only a couple of movies. Ranadhira Kanteerava was one such successful joint venture. The majority of the films during this decade were Even after the success of Bedara Kanawha, Kannada film industry remained stagnant. Lack of financiers, technicians and studios proved to be a hindrance to film making.The majority of the films during this decade were either mythological or historical in nature.

1970s And 80s The golden Age

The 1970s and the ‘80s is heralded as the Golden Age of Kannada cinema. It was also the period that witnesses the birth of alternate cinema or parallel cinema. Kannada cinema spearheaded the parallel cinema movement in India along with Bengali and Malayalam cinemas. B V Karanth’s Chomana Dudi- an evocative film on caste distinctions

Girish Karnad’s Kaadu and

 Girish Kasaravalli’s Ghatashraddha spearheaded the Kannada parallel cinema. Vamshavruksha, Prema Karanth’s Phaniyamma, Kadu Kudure, Hamsageethe, Accident, Akramana, Mooru Dhaarigalu, Tabarana Kathe, Bannadha Vesha, were some of the important movies of this decade.

 Girish Kasaravalli, a gold medalist from the Pune’s FTII, first film Ghatashraddha in 1977, won him the National award for best film. He has won the National award for best film four times including for his film Dweepa. His award winning films include Akramana (1979), Mooru Dhaarigalu(1981), Tabarana Kathe (1987), Bannadha Vesha (1989), Mane(1989), Kraurya (1996), Taayi Saaheba (1998) and Dweepa(2002).dec Girish Karnad’s Kaadu (1973), Ondanondu Kaladalli(1978), M.S. Sathyu’s Kanneshwara Rama (1977), Chithegu Chinthe (1978), Pattabhi Rama Reddy’s Samskara (1970) were some the important movies of this decade. 

This deca also witness the rise of Puttanna Kanagal, who is widely acknowledged as the greatest director in Kannada film history. His movies like Bellimoda, Gejje Pooje, Sharapanjara, Sakshatkara, Nagara Havu bought new style of film making which acted as a bridge between commercial and parallel cinema. In a bid to popularise film making, the Government of Karnataka in the 1980s granted a 50 percent tax exemption to Kannada films completely made in Karnataka and it increased the subsidy amount to Kannada films. The rise of Rajkumar gave a path to Kannada film industry to make more historical movies which attracted people towards theater that time, 

Bedara Kannappa was the first Kannada movie which completed 100 days and it also got appreciation letter from central government. Later rajkumar also did some movies like Naandi, Chandavalli Thotadalli, Kan Theradu Nodu which gained popularity and critical acclaim for social themes. Dr. Rajkumar and other co artists worked hard to establish a movie studio in Bangalore, finally Balakrishan succeeded by opening Abhiman studio in Bangalore. 

Commercial Success and Popularization (1990s-Present)

The 1990s saw the rise of commercial cinema in Kannada, with filmmakers focusing on entertainment-oriented films that appealed to a wider audience. Popular actors like Shivarajkumar, Puneeth Rajkumar, and Upendra gained immense popularity during this time. Kannada cinema also witnessed the influence of other film industries, with remakes and dubbing becoming common.In recent years, Kannada cinema has continued to evolve with a diverse range of films catering to different genres and audiences. Filmmakers like Rishab Shetty, Pawan Kumar, and Rakshit Shetty have gained recognition for their innovative storytelling. Actors like Yash, Rishab shetty,Darshan, and Sudeep have also achieved pan-Indian fame with successful films like "K.G.F: Chapter 1 and chapter 2 also "The Villain." Film like kantara become very successful across the world And earn huge Respect to Kannada cinema.