Belli Moda


Belli Moda is a 1967 Kannada-language film directed by Puttanna Kanagal. It was based on the novel of same name by Triveni.

Plot

The movie examines the tumults in the lives of the people residing in the Belli Moda estate. Indira is the heiress of her father's estate, named Belli Moda. A young man, Mohan, is engaged to her and is desirous of owning the Belli Moda, and leaves to US for studies. Mohan returns from the US, only to discover that his fiancée's mother has died in labor, leaving behind a son - the new inheritor of Belli Moda. This shatters Mohan's dreams of the estate and he bitterly refuses to marry Indira. One day, Mohan falls from the mountain and is severely injured in that accident. He is nursed by Indira, and then, Mohan falls truly in love with her and proposes her marriage. However, this time, Indira refuses to marry him and breaks his heart, for he only cared about her wealth.

Cast

Bellimoda gave Puttanna the first break in his directorial venture. Kalyan Kumar, known for his sophisticated portrayal of roles, plays the antihero. Actress Kalpana is excellent as the protagonist. She later came to be known as 'Minugu Thare' owing to a reference in the title song of this movie. Her residence in Bangalore was also called 'Belli Moda', as a tribute to the movie and her well-established identity owing to the same. Actors Ashwath and Pandari Bai provide great supporting performances. Music is excellent with some great songs which are etched into everybody's memory forever. This film screened at IFFI 1992 Kannada cinema Retrospect.

Award

Karnataka State Film Awards 1967-68