Glorious body of work

Kempararaja Urs and B.S. Ranga played a pivotal role in the growth of the Kannada film industry. Their centenary year is marked by the screening of the duos’ films at BIFFes

February 08, 2017 04:39 pm | Updated 04:39 pm IST

T hough Kempararaja Urs worked in Kannada, Tamil and Telugu films, few are aware of his contribution. He directed four and acted in 11 films. Urs shot films in Kannada and Tamil and Kannada and Telugu simultaneously. While technology was taking baby-steps in the industry, he used trick shots and mesmerised audience. His Raja Vikrama created a record completing 25 weeks in a single theatre.

Considering his royal lineage, Urs could have lived a comfortable luxurious life. But his rebellious attitude and love for celluloid saw him march to a different drum. In his autobiography, Aravattu Varshagalu , Urs offers a slice of his life. There is also Kemparaja Urs by B.M. Haneef, which offers insights into his adventurous life.

Like many stalwarts of Kannada film industry, Urs is a product of amateur theatre. He made an impact with his acting in films such as Jeevana Nataka, Mahananda, Krishna Leele, Bhakta Ramadasa, Shiva Parvathy, Raja Vikrama, Sri Krishna, Nala Damayanti, Jaladurga and Alagarmalai Kallan. He acted opposite famous actresses such as Jayamma, Shanta Heblikar, M.V. Rajamma, Bhanumathi, Krishnakumari and others.

Urs also played an important role in the growth of Kannada film industry as the Chairman, Karnataka Film Development Board (KFDB). However there were controversies as well and politicians including, Ramakrishna Hegde and H.D. Deve Gowda criticised him for some of his decisions.

Born on February 5, 1917, the second son of Devaraja Urs and Deveerammanni and brother of former Karnataka Chief Minister, D. Devaraja Urs, Kemparaja got a taste for theatre and fine arts during his college days. He married his classmate T.N. Lalitha while in intermediate, much to the chagrin of his family and lost his scholarship.

Inspired by Mahatma Gandhi, Urs participated in the freedom struggle and was arrested for treason. He went to Bombay in search of stardom, but failed. On his return to Mysuru, he met Gubbi Veeranna, doyen of Kannada theatre and cinema. He acted in Jeevana Nataka (1942) produced by Veeranna and directed by Wahab Kashmiri. His co-stars were B. Jayamma and Shanta Hublikar. Urs was paid Rs. 1,000 for his role as Mohan. He then went to Mumbai to try his luck for a second time and was ridiculed for wearing khadi.

His role of Kamsa in Krishna Leela (1947) was talk of the town. He acted in a small role in Mahananda and was part of films including Bhakta Ramadasa (1948), Shiva Parvathi (1950), Raja Vikrama (1951), Sri Krishna (1953) and Jaladurga (1957).

Nala Damayanti (1957), which he produced, directed and acted in was a land mark. While making the film, he had a showdown with Bhanumathi. Piqued by her late arrival, Urs who was also the producer threatened her with legal action. The film was completed thanks to the intervention of Bhanumathi’s secretary, Venkatakrishna. Though the film did well, Urs suffered a loss and was forced to part with the distribution rights. To make good the loss, he produced Azhagarmalai Kannan . He took a loan to complete the film, when production was stopped due to paucity of funds. Again though film did well and the distributor got his money back, Urs incurred losses. After 20 years in the film industry, a disappointed Urs bid adieu to films.

Veteran film producer, director and cinematographer B.S. Ranga’s life was as exciting as Urs’. He is credited with many firsts including being the first person to open a black-and-white film processing laboratory in Karnataka and the first person to make a colour movie in Kannada. He is also the first person to open a colour laboratory and create sophisticated animation facility. Ranga made several films in all south Indian languages. Ranga produced and directed Amarashilpi Jakkanna (1964), which will be screened during the Bengaluru International Film Festival. The film is about a sculptor who lived in the 12th century Hoysala Empire.

Bindiganavile Srinivasa Iyengar Ranga was born in Magadi village on November 11, 1917. His association with theatre personalities during his childhood pointed him to cinema, especially cinematography. This self-trained photographer got the Honorary Fellowship of Royal Photographic society at the age of 17 and later moved to Bombay and apprenticed under director and cinematographer, Krishna Gopal, whose films include Achhut and Holi . Ranga began his career as a cinematographer at Gemini Studios.

Starting from the 40s, he continued to work in films as cinematographer, director, producer, laboratory owner, studio owner, exhibitor and script writer till his death in 2010. His production house, Vikram Production, made landmark films in the 70s. His first film was Maa Gopi (Telugu) in 1947. Ranga directed and produced 87 films in three South Indian languages. Ranga had worked for more than 100 films in Kannada, Hindi, Tamil and Telugu in various capacities.

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