THE PINNACLE OF THE CHALUKYAN EMPIRE

Many have extolled the economic progress, cultural refinements, scientific achievements and spiritual advances of ancient and medieval India. Historians concur that the glorious past was on an upswing during the rule of the Chalukyas in South India.

Pulakeshi II, who lived in the 7^th Century CE, was the greatest monarch of the Badami Chalukya dynasty. He expanded the empire to encompass most parts of the Deccan in peninsular India during his reign. He lost his empire eventually to the Pallava sovereign, Narasimhavarman I.

After ascending the throne, Pulakeshi II suppressed internal revolts and rebellions. He waged wars and defeated neighboring potentates and annexed their kingdoms― most notable of his victories were against the Gangas of Talakadu; the Kadambas of Banavasi; and, the Mauryas of Konkana. The decimation of the Pallava emperor, Mahendravarman I in battle aside, Pulakeshi subjugated the rulers of Kalinga and Dakshina Kosala.  His conquest of Emperor Harshavardhana is reckoned to be great military achievement too.

“ಇಮ್ಮಡಿ ಪುಲಿಕೇಶಿ” (‘Immadi Pulikeshi’) is a 1967 Kannada feature film that depicts the life of the great King, a phenomenal military strategist and able administrator. He was a perfect aesthete and patron of fine arts too. This biopic is reported to have provided inspiration, in part, for the core plot of the multilingual blockbuster ‘Baahubali: The Beginning’.  

The historical drama, which makes generous use of artistic license for dramatization, was a commercial success. The flick is director NC Rajan’s crowning achievement. The cinematic liberties taken were not excessive though; so, the movie found favour with critics too.

GV Iyer’s script and dialogues are sure to enthrall audiences. He has woven Shakespearean, nay, Machiavellian sub-plots of intrigue and conspiracy into the longish screenplay. The music of genius GK Venkatesh (who is also the producer) has its underpinnings in Carnatic classicism. Some of the tracks set to lyrical compositions of the legendary G. V. Iyer are veritable masterworks.

Elaborately configured sets and authentically designed costumes enhance the artistic appeal of the camerawork, which otherwise is plain and simple. Editing is slack, which shows in the movie’s slow, sluggish pace. But then, the film is to be enjoyed at leisure…like a fine wine!

Doyen Dr. Rajkumar, as Pulakeshi II, has essayed a splendid performance with soul added to the role in no mean measure. He is the pinnacle of poise; the sultan of swagger in his portrayal of the great emperor. As Vishnuvardhana, Udaykumar, a fine actor, has ably supplemented Rajkumar’s rendition. KS Ashwath, another thespian who could emote in front of a camera with consummate ease, has portrayed Harshavardhana’s character with a flourish too.

The female leads, Jayanthi and Kalpana have put in refined renditions. Balakrishna, Narasimharaju, Sudarshan, Shakti Prasad, Sundar Raj, MN Lakshmi Devi and others, all veteran actors in Kannada films, are in the supporting cast.

I rate this biopic, an evergreen classic: 8.0 on 10!