The Legendary Collaboration Between Dwarakish and Vishnuvardhan in Kannada Cinema
In the realm of Kannada cinema, the partnership between actor-producer Dwarakish and superstar Vishnuvardhan stood out as a beacon of success from 1970 to 1980. Their collaboration bore fruit in the form of some of the most significant hits in the industry, including movies like Kalla Kulla (1975), Kittu Puttu (1977), Singaporenalli Raja Kulla (1978), Guru Shishyaru (1981), and Prachanda Kulla (1984). Historian and author K. Puttaswamy lauds their work, emphasizing Dwarakish’s pivotal role in these successful ventures.
The Era of Hit Songs and Household Acclaim
Harish Mallya, a consulting curator for the Bengaluru International Film Festival, reminisces about Dwarakish’s prominence in the 80s, attributing it to his unique blend of humor, expression, and energy that captivated audiences. The duo’s films were not just cinematic experiences but also musical delights, with chart-toppers like Aaadu Aata Aaadu sung by Kishore Kumar, Nenne Nennege, and Doddavaralla Jaanaralla. Notably, Guru Shishyaru even found its way into school screenings, solidifying their popularity.
Reviving the Magic: The Success Story of Apthamitra
In a remarkable comeback narrative, the 2004 film Apthamitra marked the reunion of Dwarakish and Vishnuvardhan after an 11-year hiatus. This cinematic masterpiece not only reignited faith in Kannada cinema but also resonated with audiences, running successfully for over a year. According to Mallya, Apthamitra heralded a new chapter in the industry, especially for those who had felt disenchanted post the Shankar Nag era.
The Industry’s Loss: Fallout and Legal Battles
Prior to their reunion, the rift between Dwarakish and Vishnuvardhan resulted in a significant loss for the industry. Dwarakish’s ventures with newcomers like Vinod Raj in Dance Raja Dance, Shruti in Shruthi, and Shashikumar in Muddina Maava faced limited success, as noted by senior film writer S. Shyam Prasad. Even after the success of Apthamitra, the once formidable friendship between Dwarakish and Vishnuvardhan failed to rekindle, leading to legal complications such as the dispute over the title of Dwarakish’s film Vishnuvardhana featuring Sudeep.
Photo Credits: Condolence Meeting | State Film Awards 2006-07 Ceremony