Even after 45 years of its release, the Vishnuvardhan starrer Nagarahavu still seems to be a hot favourite among film buffs. The film was re-released recently in 160 screens across Karnataka and has been declared a hit within a week.
Nagarahavu opened to packed houses on July 20 and is doing well as expected. Prior to its re-release, it was digitally restored by the producer N Veerasamy’s sons, V Ravichandran and V Balaji, and it seems to have paid off.
The original version was released in 1973 to good response. The film, directed by veteran director Puttanna Kanagal, also marked the entry of actor Ambareesh into the film industry. Nagarahavu is based on three novels – Nagarahavu, Ondu Gandu Eradu Hennu and Sarpa Mathsara – written by TR Subba Rao. The screenplay was penned by the director himself.
Though Vishnuvardhan made his debut as an actor with Vamshavruksha before Nagarahavu made it to the theatres, it was the latter that put him on the road to stardom. Also, he was credited as Sampath Kumar in Vamshavruksha and appeared with the new screen name Vishnuvardhan only for Nagarahavu.
The film also featured Aarathi, KS Ashwath and Leelavathi in the star cast.
The plan to re-release Nagarahavu was conceived after the massive success of the re-release of Dr Rajkumar’s hit movie Kasturi Nivasa, say sources. The re-release of Nagarahavu was not an easy job as its makers wanted to make it technically brilliant before its re-release in theatres. Vijay Bhaskar had composed music for this film while Chittibabu had cranked the camera and P Bhakthavathsalam had edited it. The film was produced by N Veeraswamy under the banner Sri Eshwari Productions.
According to reports from the trade, there is good patronage not only in single screens but in the multiplexes as well. The number of shows in multiplexes has been increased to meet the demand, add sources.
With the re-release in Karnataka being a major success, the filmmakers are planning to release the film in other states and abroad as well. The details of this will be made officially very soon, we hear.
(Content provided by Digital Native)