Sri Manjunatha (film)


Sri Manjunatha is a 2001 Indian Kannada hagiographical supernatural film written and directed by K. Raghavendra Rao and produced by Nara Jaya Sridevi. The film starred Megastar Chiranjeevi, Meena, Arjun Sarja and Soundarya in the lead roles, while Ambareesh, Sumalatha, Dwarakish and Mimicry Dayanand play other supporting roles. Upon release, the film received positive reviews. The film is based on the life of the Shaiva devotee, Bhakta Manjunatha of the Kotilingeshwara Temple.
The film was released on 22 June 2001 worldwide, while the dubbed Tamil version was released in Tamil Nadu in August 2001. The Kannada version was screened in the International Film Festival of India.

Background

Manjunatha is an aspect of Shiva. Manju means 'snow' and Natha means 'lord.' Since Sri Shiva resides on Sri Kailashagiri, and hence ruler of the Himalaya Mountains, as he is the lord of that loka, he is called Manjunatha.
Manjunatha is one of the most common names in Karnataka state for males and Manjula for females. Both are commonly called by the nickname name "Manju." This is mostly because of Sri Dharmasthala Manjunatha Swamy located in Sri Kshethra Dharmasthala.

Plot

Manjunatha is an atheist, but a good person helping others in need and fighting evil and so even though Manjunatha hates his namesake Lord Manjunatha, the latter loves his would be devotee. Being an atheist, Manjunatha always scolds Lord Shiva which is watched by his Maha Vahanam Shri Nandi and Bhrungi. Manjunatha meets Katyayini a to-become devadasi and marries her. Soon they beget a son, Siddhartha, who like his mother is a staunch devotee of Lord Manjunatha.
After marriage Manjunatha realizes the existence of the Supreme and slowly transforms himself into a great devotee of Lord Manjunatha and with his devotion, wins the hearts of everybody including the local King, Ambikeswara Maharaju who invites him to his court where he felicitates Manjunatha much to Manjunatha's dislike where the king realises that Manjunatha is going to die.
In the meantime Manjunatha starts a Koti Lingam Puja. Manjunatha is also troubled by his enemies and is aided by Lord Manjunatha who comes in various disguises to save his devotee and help him and his wife attain salvation.

Cast

;Telugu version
  1. "Aanandha Paramaanandha" -
  2. "Aakashave Aakara " -
  3. "Brahma Murari"-
  4. "Ee Paadhe Puje"-
  5. "Hey Bindige"- Hamsalekha
  6. "Mangala Slokekalu"-
  7. "Yaavon Kanda Ninna" - Hamsalekha
  8. "Obbane Obbane Manjunathanobbane"-
  9. "Obbane Obbane Bit"-
  10. "Jogappa Jangamma"- Hamsalekha
  11. "Ohm Aksharaya Namaha"-
  12. "Om Mahaprana Deepam"- Veda Vyas
  13. "Sri Manjunatha Theme Music"-