Kallarali Hoovaagi is a rarity -- a film of exceptional quality and outstanding production values; kudos, then, to Madhu Bangarappa, owner of  Akash audio company, who produced the film and to Nagabharana, who directed it.

The film ranks high in every respect: the storyline is engaging, the performances brilliant, the dialogues, lyrics, songs and even background score are inch perfect. Much credit is due to Nagabharana for putting together a team of superb craftsmen: Hamsalekha for the lyrics; Venu with the cinematography; Basavaraja Urs as editor and Nagini Bharana in charge of the vital costumes department.

The poor response to Gandugali Kumara Rama, a historical film featuring Shivaraj Kumar that was released in August this year, had clearly diminished the hopes built around Kallarali Hoovaagi. These low expectations, ironically, helped the film in the sense that the audience, that went to the theatres without any great hopes, came out feeling elated, and proud of the heritage  and culture of the Chitradurga empire against which historical backdrop it is set.  

Nagabharana selected the very risky subject of a Hindu warrior who accidentally falls in love with a Muslim girl, especially one from an enemy province. It is the sort of subject that could have stirred up communal rancor; the director however avoids that trap thanks to his deft handling. Also, he is careful to avoid making the film controversial purely to generate buzz, but remains true to the story, which he tells at a very fast pace.

The film is set in the seventeenth century, and revolves around Jaidev, a warrior who owes allegiance to the Madakarninayaka kingdom. In the heat of battle, he rescues a wounded girl without knowing her identity, and brings her to his home for treatment.

It is only then that he learns her identity; from that point on, Jaidev and his family have to maintain the strictest secrecy, to ensure that they are not indicted for treachery. What adds an edge is that the girl's father, Qutbuddin, was earlier killed for treason; her vengeful brothers want to use their sister as a spy.

Jaidev and family change the girl's name from Noorjehan to Rathna; the lead pair fall in love even as Hyder Ali, who rules over Mysore, begins a war against Chitradurga chieftan Madakarinayaka.

Jaidev fights for the Madakarinayaka cause; Noorjehan attempts to dissuade her brothers from their vengeful course, but in the end, tragedy envelops the lead pair.

Vijaya Raghavendra has done a remarkable job in the role of the warrior; it is easily the best performance of his career thus far. Umashankari turns in an emotion-packed performance in a film that is billed her swansong; the lead pair is well supported by veterans like Ambareesh, Anant Nag, Bharathi Vishnuvardhan and Devaraj.

Long story short, Kallarali Hoovaagi is that modern day rarity -- a must see film for all ages, all classes, everywhere.

Rediff Rating: