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{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2015}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2015}}
{{Use Indian English|date=November 2015}}
{{Use Indian English|date=November 2015}}
{{Infobox film  
{{Infobox film
| name          = Veera Kesari
| image          = Veera Kesari.jpg
| image          = Veerakesari.jpg
| caption        = VCD cover
| native_name    = {{film_name|Kannada|ವೀರ ಕೇಸರಿ|translation=Brave Lion}}
| caption        =  
| director      = [[B. Vittalacharya]]
| director      = [[B. Vittalacharya]]
| producer      = Sundarlal Nahatha<br>Doondi
| producer      = Sundarlal Nahatha<br>Doondi
| writer        =  
| writer        =  
| screenplay    =
| screenplay    =  
| starring      = [[Rajkumar (actor)|Rajkumar]]<br>[[T. N. Balakrishna]]<br>[[Udaykumar]]<br>[[R. Nagendra Rao]]
| starring      = [[Dr. Rajkumar|Rajkumar]]<br>[[T. N. Balakrishna]]<br>[[Udaykumar]]<br>[[R. Nagendra Rao]]
| music          = [[Ghantasala (singer)|Ghantasala]]
| music          = [[Ghantasala (musician)|Ghantasala]]
| cinematography = Ravi
| cinematography = Ravi
| editing        = N. S. Prakasham
| editing        = N. S. Prakasham
| studio        = Rajalakshmi Productions
| studio        = Rajalakshmi Productions
| distributor    = Rajalakshmi Productions
| released      = {{Film date|1963|||df=y}}
| released      = {{Film date|1963|||df=y}}
| country        = India
| country        = India
| language      = [[Kannada language|Kannada]]
| language      = Kannada
}}
}}


'''''Veera Kesari''''' is a [[Kannada films of 1963|1963]] [[Cinema of India|Indian]] [[Kannada language|Kannada]] film, directed by [[B. Vittalacharya]] and produced by Sundarlal Nahatha and Doondi. The film stars [[Rajkumar (actor)|Rajkumar]], [[T. N. Balakrishna]], [[Udaykumar]] and [[R. Nagendra Rao]] in the lead roles. The film has musical score by [[Ghantasala (singer)|Ghantasala]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://chiloka.com/movie/veera-kesari-1963|title=Veera Kesari|access-date=2015-01-09|publisher=chiloka.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.in.com/veera-kesari/profile-391396.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150418101608/http://www.in.com/veera-kesari/profile-391396.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=2015-04-18|title=Veera Kesari|access-date=2015-01-09|publisher=in.com}}</ref> [[S. Siddalingaiah]] was the assistant director of this movie.<ref>https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/tribute-to-director-siddalingaiah-on-his-83rd-birth-anniversary-which-falls-on-december-15/article30295337.ece</ref> [[B. Vittalacharya]] shot the movie simultaneously in Telugu as ''[[Bandipotu (1963 film)|Bandipotu]]'', with [[N. T. Rama Rao]]. Critics have noted that the core theme of the plot is inspired by [[William Shakespeare]]{{'}}s  ''[[The Taming of the Shrew]]''.<ref>http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/bangalore/shakespeare-influenced-kannada-films-too/article8510212.ece</ref> This film had its climax scene in [[Eastmancolor]]. The film was a major box office success.
'''''Veera Kesari''''' ({{audio|Kn-ವೀರ ಕೇಸರಿ.ogg|pronunciation}}) is a 1963 Indian [[Kannada]]-language [[swashbuckler film]] directed by [[B. Vittalacharya]] and produced by Sundarlal Nahatha and Doondi. The film stars [[Dr. Rajkumar|Rajkumar]], [[T. N. Balakrishna]], [[Udaykumar]] and [[R. Nagendra Rao]]. The musical score was composed by [[Ghantasala (musician)|Ghantasala]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://chiloka.com/movie/veera-kesari-1963|title=Veera Kesari|access-date=2015-01-09|publisher=chiloka.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.in.com/veera-kesari/profile-391396.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150418101608/http://www.in.com/veera-kesari/profile-391396.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=2015-04-18|title=Veera Kesari|access-date=2015-01-09|publisher=in.com}}</ref> [[S. Siddalingaiah]] served as the assistant director.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/tribute-to-director-siddalingaiah-on-his-83rd-birth-anniversary-which-falls-on-december-15/article30295337.ece|title=Remembering S Siddalingaiah, destined to direct|newspaper=The Hindu|date=13 December 2019|last1=R|first1=Shilpa Sebastian}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://m.youtube.com/watch?si=HHjYn7vV83c53r-M&v=VizORMob8eY&feature=youtu.be | title=ಬಿಡುಗಡೆಗೆ ಮೊದಲೇ ಮಾರಾಟವಾದ ಕನ್ನಡದ ಮೊಟ್ಟಮೊದಲ ಸಿನಿಮಾ ಮೇಯರ್ ಮುತ್ತಣ್ಣ &#124;Dwarakish Interview&#124; Mayor Muthanna | website=[[YouTube]] | date=7 September 2022 }}</ref> [[B. Vittalacharya]] also shot the film simultaneously in Telugu as ''[[Bandipotu (1963 film)|Bandipotu]]'', starring [[N. T. Rama Rao]].


==Story==
Critics have described ''Veera Kesari'' as a "clever adaptation of the adventures of [[Robin Hood]]," <ref>{{cite web | url=https://archive.org/details/dli.bengal.10689.12015/page/n501/mode/2up?q=film | title=Sport and Pastime Vol.17 | year=1963 | publisher=S.k.gurunathan,Madras-2 }}</ref> with the romantic subplot inspired by [[William Shakespeare]]{{'}}s  ''[[The Taming of the Shrew]]''.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/bangalore/shakespeare-influenced-kannada-films-too/article8510212.ece|title=Shakespeare influenced Kannada films too|newspaper=The Hindu|date=23 April 2016|last1=Khajane|first1=Muralidhara}}</ref> The film's climax scene was shot in [[Eastmancolor]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=l0oDJVCT7q4 | title=ಅಣ್ಣಾವ್ರ ಸಿನಿಮಾ ಸಾರ್ವತ್ರಿಕತೆ.. &#124; Naadu Kanda Rajkumar Ep 109 &#124; Hariharapura Manjunath - YouTube | website=[[YouTube]] | date=16 February 2022 }}</ref> It was a major box office success. Midway through production, director  Vittalacharya, who was suffering from typhoid, asked his friend, [[M. R. Vittal]] to complete the shoot. Vittal directed a significant portion of the film, including the song "''Mellusire Savigaana''", but declined to be credited as the director.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=0eaNbnY8c_8&feature|title = ವಿಜಯನಾರಸಿಂಹರ ಈ ಹಾಡುಗಳನ್ನು ಕೇಳದಿದ್ದರೆ ಗಣೇಶ ಚತುರ್ಥಿಗೆ ಕಳೆಯೇ ಇರುವುದಿಲ್ಲ..! &#124; Cinema Swarasyagalu Ep 113|website = [[YouTube]]| date=31 January 2022 }}</ref>
SaptaSena Maharaja [[R. Nagendra Rao]] has lost his legs and administration is taken over by ShooraSimha ([[Udaykumar]]). ShooraSimha rules with an iron hand, torturing the masses and quelling rebellions. He has an affair with the palace-courtesan, but aims to marry the princess MandaaraMaala ([[Leelavathi (actress)|Leelavathi]]). Narasimha ([[Rajkumar (actor)|Rajkumar]]), whose uncle ([[K. S. Ashwath]]) has gone into hiding, is waging a rebellion against ShooraSimha. [[K. S. Ashwath]], popularly known as Musuku-veera is the hero with a face mask.


[[K. S. Ashwath]]'s elder brother, [[H. Ramachandra Shastry]] though, doesn't agree to the armed fight. things come to a pass, when Narasimha wards off [[K. S. Ashwath]]'s attempt to kidnap Mandaaramaale.
==Plot==
SaptaSena Maharaja [[R. Nagendra Rao]] has lost his legs, and administration is taken over by ShooraSimha ([[Udaykumar]]). ShooraSimha rules with an iron hand, torturing the masses and suppressing rebellions. He has an affair with a palace courtesan but aims to marry the princess, MandaaraMaala ([[Leelavathi (actress)|Leelavathi]]). Narasimha ([[Dr. Rajkumar|Rajkumar]]), whose uncle ([[K. S. Ashwath]]) is in hiding,leads a rebellion against ShooraSimha. [[K. S. Ashwath]], known as Musuku-veera plays the hero, concealing his face with a mask.


Giving into his brother's wish, [[K. S. Ashwath]] agrees to formally complain to SaptaSena Maharaja. However, ShooraSimha kills both the brothers before they get a hearing in front of SaptaSena Maharaja. Before dying, [[H. Ramachandra Shastry]] asks Narasimha to give up the ahimsa-way he had followed all his life and take up cudgels against ShooraSimha's misdeeds.
[[K. S. Ashwath]]'s elder brother, [[H. Ramachandra Shastry]], however, does not agree with the armed fight. Tensions rise when Narasimha wards off [[K. S. Ashwath]]'s attempt to kidnap Mandaaramaale. Reluctantly giving in to his brother's wish, [[K. S. Ashwath]] agrees to formally complain to SaptaSena Maharaja. However, ShooraSimha kills both brothers before they can present their case to the Maharaja. Before dying, [[H. Ramachandra Shastry]] urges Narasimha to abandon the non-violent path he had followed all his life and take up arms against ShooraSimha's tyranny.


Narasimha takes over the role of his Uncle's Musuku-veera role, kidnaps MandaaraMaale, makes her aware of the harsh conditions masses brace through.
Narasimha takes on his Uncle's role as  Musuku-veera, kidnaps MandaaraMaale, and exposes her to the harsh conditions faced by the masses. After she comes to understand the suffering of the common people, he releases her. Romance blossoms between MandaaraMaale and Narasimha, much to the displeasure of ShooraSimha.
He releases her, once she appreciates the common man's trouble. Romance blooms between MandaaraMaale and Narasimha, much to the chagrin of ShooraSimha.


SaptaSena Maharaja gets wind of ShooraSimha's misdeeds and confronts him. ShooraSimha loses his mind and imprisons SaptaSena Maharaja. The Palace-courtesan makes up a plot of Damsel in Distress, finds the hide-away of Musuku-veera, thus getting ShooraSimha to nab him by sleight. Condemned to prison, Narasimha is to be executed at the same moment as ShooraSimha's ascension to the throne.
SaptaSena Maharaja learns of ShooraSimha's misdeeds and confronts him. In a fit of rage, ShooraSimha imprisons the Maharaja. The Palace-courtesan devises a "Damsel in Distress" plot, discovers Musuku-veera's hideout, and tricks ShooraSimha into capturing him. Condemned to prison, Narasimha is sentenced to be executed at the same time as ShooraSimha's ascension to the throne.


In a final showdown, Narasimha escapes from prison, beats ShooraSimha at his own game, bringing peace to the kingdom. SaptaSena Maharaja offers the kingdom and his daughter's hand to NaraSimha. NaraSimha vows to rule the kingdom, purely to offer succour to the masses.
In a final showdown, Narasimha escapes from prison, defeats ShooraSimha at his own game, and bringing peace to the kingdom. SaptaSena Maharaja offers the throne and his daughter's hand to NaraSimha. However, Narasimha vows to rule the kingdom only to help the people.


==Cast==
==Cast==
{{cast listing|
{{cast listing|
*[[Rajkumar (actor)|Rajkumar]] as Narasimha
*[[Dr. Rajkumar|Rajkumar]] as Narasimha
*[[T. N. Balakrishna]]
*[[T. N. Balakrishna]]
*[[Udaykumar]]
*[[Udaykumar]]
Line 53: Line 49:
*[[Rathnakar (actor)|Rathnakar]]
*[[Rathnakar (actor)|Rathnakar]]
*Shivashankar
*Shivashankar
*[[Chellapilla Satyam]]
*[[Satyam (composer)|Satyam]]
*Comedian Guggu
*Comedian Guggu
}}
}}


==Soundtrack==
==Soundtrack==
The music was composed by Ghantasala.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://play.raaga.com/kannada/album/Veera-Kesari-K0001166|title=Veera Kesari Songs|access-date=2015-01-09|publisher=raaga.com}}</ref>
The music was composed by Ghantasala.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://play.raaga.com/kannada/album/Veera-Kesari-K0001166|title=Veera Kesari Songs|access-date=2015-01-09|website=[[Raaga.com]]}}</ref> The song "Mellusire Savigana" inspired a 2004 film of same name.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.deccanherald.com/deccanherald/mar212004/ent3.asp|date=21 March 2004|title=Old Kannada song in a new tune|first=Srikanth|last=Srinivasa|website=Deccan Herald|access-date=18 March 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041215205710/http://www.deccanherald.com/deccanherald/mar212004/ent3.asp|archive-date=15 December 2004}}</ref> The song was recreated by Ajaneesh Lokanath for the film ''Spooky House''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Spooky College's Mellusire remix: Reeshma Nanaiah's dance number has fans divided |url=https://www.ottplay.com/news/spooky-colleges-mellusire-remix-reeshma-nanaiahs-dance-number-has-fans-divided/d353cdc750873 |access-date=2025-03-18 |website=OTTPlay |language=en}}</ref>


{| class="wikitable" style="font-size:95%;"
{| class="wikitable" style="font-size:95%;"
! No. !! Song !! Singers !! Lyrics !! Length (m:ss)
! Song !! Singers !! Lyrics !! Length (m:ss)
|-
|-
| 1 || "Dhundu Malli" || [[P. Leela]], [[Ghantasala (singer)|Ghantasala]] || Ashwath || 03:40
| "Dhundu Malli" || [[P. Leela]], [[Ghantasala (musician)|Ghantasala]] || Ashwath || 03:40
|-
|-
| 2 || "Ellaninagage" || P. Leela, Ghantasala || Ashwath || 03:18
| "Ellaninagage" || P. Leela, Ghantasala || Ashwath || 03:18
|-
|-
| 3 || "Hareyukkide" || P. Leela || Ashwath || 03:02
| "Hareyukkide" || P. Leela || Ashwath || 03:02
|-
|-
| 4 || "Mellusiree Savigana" || Ghantasala, [[P. Susheela]] || Ku. Ra. Seetharam Shastry || 03:36
| "Mellusire Savigana" || Ghantasala, [[P. Susheela]] || Ku. Ra. Seetharam Shastry || 03:36
|-
|-
| 5 || "O Nama Bharada" || P. Susheela || Ashwath || 03:12
| "O Nama Bharada" || P. Susheela || Ashwath || 03:12
|-
|-
| 6 || "Prajara Maathanu" || Ghantasala, P. Susheela || Ashwath || 03:15
| "Prajara Maathanu" || Ghantasala, P. Susheela || Ashwath || 03:15
|-
|-
| 7 || "Ramalakshmanaranu" || Ghantasala, P. Susheela || Ashwath || 02:47
| "Ramalakshmanaranu" || Ghantasala, P. Susheela || Ashwath || 02:47
|-
|-
| 8 || "Swabhimanadha Nalle" || Ghantasala || Ku. Ra. Seetharam Shastry || 03:40
| "Swabhimanadha Nalle" || Ghantasala || Ku. Ra. Seetharam Shastry || 03:40
|}
|}


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[[Category:1963 films]]
[[Category:1963 films]]
[[Category:Indian films]]
[[Category:1963 Kannada-language films]]
[[Category:1960s Kannada-language films]]
[[Category:Films scored by Ghantasala (musician)]]
[[Category:Films scored by Ghantasala]]
[[Category:1963 multilingual films]]
[[Category:1960s multilingual films]]
[[Category:Indian multilingual films]]
[[Category:Indian multilingual films]]
[[Category:Indian historical fantasy films]]
[[Category:Indian historical fantasy films]]

Latest revision as of 04:00, 4 March 2026

Veera Kesari
VCD cover
Directed byB. Vittalacharya
Produced bySundarlal Nahatha
Doondi
StarringRajkumar
T. N. Balakrishna
Udaykumar
R. Nagendra Rao
Music byGhantasala
CinematographyRavi
Edited byN. S. Prakasham
Production
company
Rajalakshmi Productions
Release date
  • 1963 (1963)
CountryIndia
LanguageKannada

Veera Kesari (About this soundpronunciation (help·info)) is a 1963 Indian Kannada-language swashbuckler film directed by B. Vittalacharya and produced by Sundarlal Nahatha and Doondi. The film stars Rajkumar, T. N. Balakrishna, Udaykumar and R. Nagendra Rao. The musical score was composed by Ghantasala.[1][2] S. Siddalingaiah served as the assistant director.[3][4] B. Vittalacharya also shot the film simultaneously in Telugu as Bandipotu, starring N. T. Rama Rao.

Critics have described Veera Kesari as a "clever adaptation of the adventures of Robin Hood," [5] with the romantic subplot inspired by William Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew.[6] The film's climax scene was shot in Eastmancolor.[7] It was a major box office success. Midway through production, director Vittalacharya, who was suffering from typhoid, asked his friend, M. R. Vittal to complete the shoot. Vittal directed a significant portion of the film, including the song "Mellusire Savigaana", but declined to be credited as the director.[8]

Plot[edit | edit source]

SaptaSena Maharaja R. Nagendra Rao has lost his legs, and administration is taken over by ShooraSimha (Udaykumar). ShooraSimha rules with an iron hand, torturing the masses and suppressing rebellions. He has an affair with a palace courtesan but aims to marry the princess, MandaaraMaala (Leelavathi). Narasimha (Rajkumar), whose uncle (K. S. Ashwath) is in hiding,leads a rebellion against ShooraSimha. K. S. Ashwath, known as Musuku-veera plays the hero, concealing his face with a mask.

K. S. Ashwath's elder brother, H. Ramachandra Shastry, however, does not agree with the armed fight. Tensions rise when Narasimha wards off K. S. Ashwath's attempt to kidnap Mandaaramaale. Reluctantly giving in to his brother's wish, K. S. Ashwath agrees to formally complain to SaptaSena Maharaja. However, ShooraSimha kills both brothers before they can present their case to the Maharaja. Before dying, H. Ramachandra Shastry urges Narasimha to abandon the non-violent path he had followed all his life and take up arms against ShooraSimha's tyranny.

Narasimha takes on his Uncle's role as Musuku-veera, kidnaps MandaaraMaale, and exposes her to the harsh conditions faced by the masses. After she comes to understand the suffering of the common people, he releases her. Romance blossoms between MandaaraMaale and Narasimha, much to the displeasure of ShooraSimha.

SaptaSena Maharaja learns of ShooraSimha's misdeeds and confronts him. In a fit of rage, ShooraSimha imprisons the Maharaja. The Palace-courtesan devises a "Damsel in Distress" plot, discovers Musuku-veera's hideout, and tricks ShooraSimha into capturing him. Condemned to prison, Narasimha is sentenced to be executed at the same time as ShooraSimha's ascension to the throne.

In a final showdown, Narasimha escapes from prison, defeats ShooraSimha at his own game, and bringing peace to the kingdom. SaptaSena Maharaja offers the throne and his daughter's hand to NaraSimha. However, Narasimha vows to rule the kingdom only to help the people.

Cast[edit | edit source]

Soundtrack[edit | edit source]

The music was composed by Ghantasala.[9] The song "Mellusire Savigana" inspired a 2004 film of same name.[10] The song was recreated by Ajaneesh Lokanath for the film Spooky House.[11]

Song Singers Lyrics Length (m:ss)
"Dhundu Malli" P. Leela, Ghantasala Ashwath 03:40
"Ellaninagage" P. Leela, Ghantasala Ashwath 03:18
"Hareyukkide" P. Leela Ashwath 03:02
"Mellusire Savigana" Ghantasala, P. Susheela Ku. Ra. Seetharam Shastry 03:36
"O Nama Bharada" P. Susheela Ashwath 03:12
"Prajara Maathanu" Ghantasala, P. Susheela Ashwath 03:15
"Ramalakshmanaranu" Ghantasala, P. Susheela Ashwath 02:47
"Swabhimanadha Nalle" Ghantasala Ku. Ra. Seetharam Shastry 03:40

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ "Veera Kesari". chiloka.com. Retrieved 9 January 2015.
  2. ↑ "Veera Kesari". in.com. Archived from the original on 18 April 2015. Retrieved 9 January 2015.
  3. ↑ R, Shilpa Sebastian (13 December 2019). "Remembering S Siddalingaiah, destined to direct". The Hindu.
  4. ↑ "ಬಿಡುಗಡೆಗೆ ಮೊದಲೇ ಮಾರಾಟವಾದ ಕನ್ನಡದ ಮೊಟ್ಟಮೊದಲ ಸಿನಿಮಾ ಮೇಯರ್ ಮುತ್ತಣ್ಣ |Dwarakish Interview| Mayor Muthanna". YouTube. 7 September 2022.
  5. ↑ "Sport and Pastime Vol.17". S.k.gurunathan,Madras-2. 1963.
  6. ↑ Khajane, Muralidhara (23 April 2016). "Shakespeare influenced Kannada films too". The Hindu.
  7. ↑ "ಅಣ್ಣಾವ್ರ ಸಿನಿಮಾ ಸಾರ್ವತ್ರಿಕತೆ.. | Naadu Kanda Rajkumar Ep 109 | Hariharapura Manjunath - YouTube". YouTube. 16 February 2022.
  8. ↑ "ವಿಜಯನಾರಸಿಂಹರ ಈ ಹಾಡುಗಳನ್ನು ಕೇಳದಿದ್ದರೆ ಗಣೇಶ ಚತುರ್ಥಿಗೆ ಕಳೆಯೇ ಇರುವುದಿಲ್ಲ..! | Cinema Swarasyagalu Ep 113". YouTube. 31 January 2022.
  9. ↑ "Veera Kesari Songs". Raaga.com. Retrieved 9 January 2015.
  10. ↑ Srinivasa, Srikanth (21 March 2004). "Old Kannada song in a new tune". Deccan Herald. Archived from the original on 15 December 2004. Retrieved 18 March 2025.
  11. ↑ "Spooky College's Mellusire remix: Reeshma Nanaiah's dance number has fans divided". OTTPlay. Retrieved 18 March 2025.

External links[edit | edit source]

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