Puttanna was one of the greatest film director who put kannada film industry in the world map. He has created a niche for himself by producing films which are incomparable and appreciated by one and all. Whether it is the way he has picturised the songs, identifying locations, casting to the T and above all picturisation of movies based on novels, he has created a unique place for himself in the kannada film industry. It was Puttanna who created awareness amongst the kannada film growers to take cognizance of the Film Director more than the Stars. Born in a small village called Kanagal in 1933 Puttanna rose to colossal heights in kannada Movieland and his death on 5th june 1985 created a void in the kannada film industry which can never be filled.
He started his Direction with the film BELLIMODA (Silver Cloud) in 1966 based on the novel of same name by Smt.Triveni. The film in Black and White tells the human greed. It is the story of Indira played by Minugutaare Kalpana. Mohan who had got engaged to Indiara breaks his engagement after knowing that his mother in law has given birth a boy who will be sole heir of the Bellimoda estate thus spoiling his chances of becoming the owner of the estate. The songs Moodala maneya muttina neerina, Muddina giniye baaro etc., lingers on our tongues even today.
KAPPU BILUPU (Black and White) is one more film based on the novel by Smt. Aryambha Pattabhi which show cases the capabilities of Puttanna the Director and Kalpana the artiste. It deals with the psychological aspect of human emotions between two sisters. A real gem for all time.
GEJJE POOJE which is also in black and white was based on the novel by Smt. Vani, it depicted the turbulations undergone by a lady who was forced to prostitutions because she was born in the family of Devadasi. The troubles she takes to avoid her daughter being a devadasi, the sufferings of the daughter who has to sacrifice her love for the benefit of family name. The film is noteworthy for its songs as well superlative acting by Leelavathi and Kalpana again.
SHARAPANJARA is one more female oriented movie based on the novel by Smt. Triveni. It depicts the changing human attitude, how people become static to emotions and sufferings of others. Again it is Kalpana who steals the limelight, though some people call her acting as too theatrical, she has created a magic in the role of Kaveri. The songs especially UTTARA DHRUVADIM DAKSHIN DHRUVAKU.., and BILIGIRI RANGAIAH show us the intensity with which puttanna had involved himself in music.
NAGARAHAVU is one more milestone in the Puttanna saga it was based on 3 novels by Sri.TA.RA.SU. The film had VISHNUVARDHAN making his debut. It is believed by many that VISHNU has no come to this level again. The depiction of relationship between Ramachari and his Teacher is something which cannot be explained by this innate pen. It is the importance given to small characters like AMASE SUBBU, which has resulted the success of this film. Again the songs lingers on and on. The film is remade in HINDI as ZEHREELA INSAAN with Rishi Kapoor in the lead but the magic of the original could not bet repeated. One of the songs from the movie OH HANSINI MERI HANSINI by Kishore is heard even today.
EDAKALLU GUDDADA MELE is another novel based film. It is based on a prize winning novel of the same name by Sri. Bharathisutha. Set in the eyecatching locales of Coorg in Karnataka the film deals with extra marital relationship in a sublime manner. It is the story of middle aged woman whose husband, a war veteran, becomes impotent due to an injury. Her loneliness is exploited by a young man who later tries to marry her sister. This is the only film where Puttanna has dealt with such a adult subject. The way he has depicted the affair between the lady and young man through symbolic representations, though clearly giving the idea of what is going on, never antagonize the viewers. The song VIRAHA NOORU NOORU TARAHA has been picturised in such a way that it haunts us always.
Following is the list of movies which were directed by Puttanna Kanagal
Masanada Hoovu 2. Amruta Galige 3. Runamuktalu
Dharani Mandala Madhyadolage 5. Maanasa Sarovara
Ranganaayaki 7. Dharmasere 8. Paduvaarahalli Paandavaru
Kaaleju Ranga 10. Phalitaamsha 11. Bilihendti 12. Kathaasangama
ShubhamangaLa 14. Upaasane 15. Edakallu Duddadha Mele
Naagarahaavu 17. Saakshathkaara 18. Sharapanjara 19. Karulinakudi
Gejjepuje 21. Kappubilupu 22. Mallammana Pavaada 23) Bellimoda
The Film MASANADA HOOVU was started by Puttanna but was completed by Director RAVI as the ace Director breathed his last before completion of the movie.
Though Puttanna is not amongst us today he lives through his movies and can never be equalled