BIOPIC OF A GIANT OF SOCIAL REFORM... BY GIANTS OF KANNADA FILMDOM

“Pop culture is a reflection of social change, not its cause”, said John Podhoretz, an American writer. He was only partially correct, for pop culture can produce' social change. Or rather, it has the 'potential to spread' social change, not just 'reflect' it!

"ಜಗಜ್ಯೋತಿ ಬಸವೇಶ್ವರ " (Jagajyothi Basveshwara, which translates to “Lamp-of-the-world Basaveshwara”) is a 1959 Indian Kannada biopic based on the life of Sri Basava, a twelfth century CE philosopher and social reformer from Karnataka, who tried to unite people under one God, one religion.

Thespian Honnappa Bhagavatar's portrayal of the great reformer is sublime. A giant of the silver screen, Honnappa Bhagavatar pioneered and dominated the arts and culture scene in the 1940's and 1950's as a theater artist, film actor, film producer, musician and singer.

The other Goliath of Kannada films, Dr. Rajkumar too is outstanding as King Bijjala. The supporting cast has excelled equally.

The genius of GV Iyer, who has the credit for the screenplay and script (dialogues), is more than evident in all its resplendent glory. The dialogues are so emotion-packed that they are sure to overwhelm you. So too the direction of TV Singh Thakur and the music of GK Venkatesh, both doyens of Sandalwood.

My two-bit after watching the movie: Blessed are we to have been born in this land which saw spiritual leaders like Sri Basaveshwara!

My regret, nay, grievance: They do not make movies like this one anymore. Wish producers would utilize this powerful medium of motion pictures effectively to address social issues and convey messages aimed at ushering change in society!

I rate the movie: 9 on 10!


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