Kallarali Hoovagi (Kannada: ಕಲ್ಲರಳಿ ಹೂವಾಗಿ) is a 2006 Indian Kannada historical drama romance film directed by T. S. Nagabharana, based on a novel of the same name written by B. L. Venu. Set in 1772, during the reign of Madakari Nayaka, the last ruler of Chitradurga, it features a fictitious love story between a Hindu Veerashaiva boy and a Muslim girl. The film stars Vijay Raghavendra, Umashankari, Anant Nag, Bharathi, Ambareesh, Avinash.
At the 54th National Film Awards, the film won Nargis Dutt Award for Best Feature Film on National Integration. It also won multiple awards at the 2006–07 Karnataka State Film Awards. Upon theatrical release on 22 December 2006, the film received widespread critical acclaim and also emerged as a box-office success.
The core plot of the 2015 Hindi film Bajrangi Bhaijaan was thematically same as this movie.
Contents
Plot
A young Hindu boy (belonging to a caste primarily considered vegetarian) staying in a Hindu dominated kingdom finds a mute Muslim girl belonging to Muslim dominated neighbouring enemy kingdom. He gives her shelter in his Hindu family without knowing her background. When he realizes that she is a non-vegetarian, he secretly provides her with biryani in spite of him being vegetarian. He realizes that she is Muslim while she is offering prayers but hides it from his parents. When it comes to the fore that she belongs to the enemy kingdom, he faces opposition from a senior family member. He decides to personally send her back to her hometown safely. Though he escapes the security at the borders, he gets caught in the enemy kingdom as she reaches home and is sentenced to death by hanging. However, he is pardoned after the girl regains her lost voice in the climax.
Production
The sets of Chitradurga fort was recreated at Kanteerava Studios.
Soundtrack
Hamsalekha composed the film's background score and music for its soundtrack, also writing its lyrics. The soundtrack album consists of 12 tracks.
Critical reception
R. G. Vijayasarathy of IANS wrote that "Kallarali Hoovaagi is a top line film which is a must see for all film buffs who look for quality in films. Even for the so called mass audience, it will be a good package of good entertainment values". A critic from Rediff.com wrote that "Long story short, Kallarali Hoovaagi is that modern day rarity -- a must see film for all ages, all classes, everywhere".
Awards
54th National Film Awards
Nargis Dutt Award for Best Feature Film on National Integration
2006–07 Karnataka State Film Awards
Best Editor – Basavaraj Urs
Best Art Direction – Vittal
Special Jury Award (Costume Design) – Nagini Bharana, Roshni Dinaker