After scripting and directing Rama Lakshmana M. P. Shankar decided to make an action oriented film. Gaining inspiration from the Australian film Mad Max, he prepared the story of a young man fighting against a deadly gang. Director H. R. Bhargava who had become popular in his field through certain notable hits like Bhagyavantharu, Guru Shishyaru,Avala Hejje, Pedda Gedda and Tony chose to work on the script. Veteran scriptwriter and lyricist Chi. Udayashankar was approached to pen the lyrics and prepare the screenplay. Dr.Vishnuvardhan was chosen to play the protagonist. Vishnu was then popular among the youth as an angry young man through his role in Sahasa Simha. Madhavi who gained popularity in Kannada film industry through Haalu Jenu was signed as the heroine. Prabhakar, a popular villain of the 1980s with an immense fanbase among young men, was roped in to play the main antagonist while Vajramuni, another popular villain, was given a supporting role. M. P. Shankar himself had a pivotal role in the film. Shankar decided to produce the film in the banner of Bharani Chitra.
The movie received an A certificate from the Indian filmcensor board due to its violent content. The film was released on 9 March to lukewarm response from audience and critics. The lack of positive reviews affected the collections of the film. The collections further dropped due to the stiff competition it faced from Dr.Rajkumar's Kavirathna Kalidasa which had created a rampage at the box office. Despite completing a 7 week run in movie halls the film failed to recoup its budget and ended as a Box office bomb pushing producer M.P.Shankar to the edge of bankruptcy.
Home Media
The film was released in VCD and DVD format. T-Series acquired the video rights of the film.
Modern Reception
The film gained positive reviews from critics with the beginning of the new wave in Kannada cinema especially for the performance of Tiger Prabhakar. The movie has gained a cult following in Karnataka.
Re-Release
Following the re-release of Sahasa Simha Onde Guri was chosen for re-release especially due to the positive response it has garnered over time. The film was released in CinemaScope with 5.1 D.T.S sound. The film upon re-release received good response. The opening day saw theatres having large cutout posters of Vishnuvardhan with fans flooding the movie halls.
