Here are some must-watch iconic films of Dr Rajkumar (2024)

Born on April 24, 1929, Dr Rajkumar is considered one of the greatest actors of his time. Fondly known as ‘Nata Sarvabhouma’, meaning ‘emperor of acting’, the iconic actor’s films have left a deep impact on movie buffs. There’s really no character that he hasn’t played.

From a fisherman, king, detective, thief, farmer to a mayor, he has essayed every role perfectly.

On the occasion of Dr Rajkumar’s birthday on April 24, Metrolife put together some of his best works that one can watch over the weekend.

Bedara Kannnappa (1954):

This was not only Rajkumar’s first movie as an actor but it was also the first Kannada film to win a National award. The movie was an adaptation of a play produced by Gubbi Veeranna Nataka Company in which Rajkumar was trained as a dramatist before entering the silver screen. It is about a hunter who proves his devotion to Lord Shiva by sacrificing his own eyes.

Operation Diamond Racket (1978):

The final movie out of the four in the CID 999 franchise which was based on James Bond; the previous ones being ‘Jedara Bale’, ‘Goa Dalli CID 999’, and ‘Operation Jackpot Nalli CID 999’. Produced and directed by B Dorai Raj and SK Bhagavan, the actor is seen portraying the role of an undercover agent. ‘If you come today’ from the movie is the only song in a Kannada movie that has only English lyrics.

Bangarada Manushya (1972)
This social drama mega-hit film starring Rajkumar and Bharati in lead roles ran in the theatre for two continuous years. The film was based on TK Rama Rao’s novel. It is considered inspirational which highlights the importance of handwork and sacrifice. So phenomenal was the protagonists’ acting that his performance was included in the Forbes 2013 list of ’25 Greatest Acting Performances of Indian Cinema’.

Kasturi Nivasa (1971)
One of the only two movies in which the actors’ character dies in the climax. Another movie directed by Dorai-Bhagawan duo has Rajkumar playing the role of a widower who is a matchbox factory owner. The film portrays the nuances of leading righteous yet lonely life. His downfall is also depicted in the film. It is considered as a milestone film in Rajkumar’s career as well as in the Kannada film industry.

Babruvahana (1977)
This mythological film saw Rajkumar playing the dual role of both Arjuna and his son, Babruvahana. It was based on Veda Vyasa’s epic Mahabharatha. The legendary actor is a treat to watch in the film as many consider him to be the only one in the history of Indian cinema to portray such roles with finesse and complete authority.

Kaviratna Kalidasa (1983)
A historical drama film is based on the life of Kalidasa, the famous 4th century classical writer. Jaya Pradha played the female-lead alongside Rajkumar. The actor is seen essaying a role of an illiterate shepard who is deceived by the kingdom’s evil chief minister to marry the princess to take revenge on the king. In the later part of the film, he is blessed with knowledge by the goddess Durga to become a famous poet.

Gandada Gudi (1973)
It is a movie that showcases the rich bio-diversity of Karnataka and has the actor playing the role of an honest forest officer. Directed by Vijay and produced by MP Shankar, it also stars Dr Vishnuvardhan playing a negative role. Rajkumar is seen protecting the natural resources in Nagarhole National forest from the poachers and unearthing their illegal sandalwood trade.

Sampathige Savaal (1974)
In another movie with the hero-villain combination of Rajkumar and Vajramuni, he is seen portraying the role of a poor man working for the latter who is a landlord. The film is based on the play written by BP Dhuttharagi; which was also the debut film of well-known actress Manjula.

Sathya Harischandra (1965)
In yet another film based on mythology, Rajkumar plays the role of King Harischandra, who is famously known for upholding truth and justice. The film was directed by Hunsur Krishnamurthy and produced by KV Reddy and has Pandari Bai essaying the role of the king’s wife. This movie was awarded the president’s silver medal for the ‘Best Feature Film’ in Kannada at the 13th National Film Awards.

Chalisuva Modagalu (1982)
Essaying the role of a lawyer in this movie, Rajkumar is seen defending his former lover, Sheela, played by Saritha, who is accused of murdering her husband. His wife, Leela, played by Ambika, is the public prosecutor and plays his opponent in the court of law. The turn of events due to the rift between the married couple forms the rest of the plot.

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24 April 2020, 14:16

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Here are some must-watch iconic films of Dr Rajkumar (2024)

FAQs

Here are some must-watch iconic films of Dr Rajkumar? ›

He was the first actor to play the lead role in 100 as well as 200 Kannada movies. His 1986 movie Anuraga Aralithu was the first Indian movie to be remade in seven other languages. He has the distinction of having played the highest number of devotional, mythological and historical characters (combined).

What are some points about Dr Rajkumar? ›

He was the first actor to play the lead role in 100 as well as 200 Kannada movies. His 1986 movie Anuraga Aralithu was the first Indian movie to be remade in seven other languages. He has the distinction of having played the highest number of devotional, mythological and historical characters (combined).

How many movies are there of Dr. Rajkumar? ›

After taking a small break from acting, he returned in 1994, earning his 13th Karnataka State Film Award for the romantic drama Odahuttidavaru. Rajkumar has acted in over 220 films throughout his career, retiring with the movie Shabdavedhi in 2000.

Which is the 150th movie of Rajkumar? ›

From the commercial point-of-view, 'Gandhada Gudi' was the show-stealer. It was Rajkumar's 150th film and his first (and unfortunately last) with his new-found rival Vishnuvardhan.

Which was the last film of Rajkumar? ›

His last film was Shabdavedi (2000). After this movie he declared that he was about to act in another film, "Bhakta Ambareesha", but he suffered a mild heart attack, and decided to retire from acting altogether.

Why Rajkumar is so famous? ›

It is unlikely that another film actor in the country has matched the variety of roles Rajkumar played. Appearing in 220 films across five decades, he has done lead roles in historical, mythological, devotional, romance, action and espionage thrillers, and family melodrama, among other film genres.

What are the interesting facts about Rajkumar? ›

Dr. Rajkumar has sung the only English song in the history of Kannada movies in Dorairaj Bhagawan's 1978 Kannada film Operation Diamond Rocket. In his film career, Rajkumar received eleven Karnataka State Film Awards, ten South Filmfare Awards, one National Film Award. He received the NTR National Award in 2002.

Who is the God of Kannada industry? ›

Who is the god of the Kannada film industry? The God of Kannada film industry was Rajkumar for a long time but it is not he at present, now the other person is none other than his own son who had won National Award in his childhood itself for the film 'Bettada Hoovu'.

Who is the superstar of Karnataka? ›

A superstar in the Kannada film industry is usually considered to be Puneeth Rajkumar.

Who was kidnapped in Karnataka superstar 2001? ›

Kannada film actor Rajkumar was abducted by Veerappan on July 30, 2000, during the course of an armed attack on a farmhouse belonging to the actor in Gajanur, Karnataka, India. Rajkumar was released by Veerappan on November 15, 2000, after spending 108 days in his custody.

Which is the first movie of Bollywood Rajkumar? ›

Kumar debuted as an actor in 1952 with the movie Rangili (1952). He appeared in the 1957 Oscar-nominated film Mother India (1957) before going on to star in more than 70 Hindi movies throughout a four-decade career.

Which is the first song sung by Dr. Rajkumar? ›

He debuted as a child actor in the 1942 Kannada film Bhakta Prahlada. His first role as an adult came in Sri Srinivasa Kalyana (1952) and as a lead, two years later, in Bedara Kannappa, which gave him stardom. He debuted as a singer with the track Om Namaha Shivaya from the 1956 film Ohileshwara.

Which is Rajkumar 25th movie? ›

Raghavendra Rajkumar's 25th film 'Aadisidaatha' is a thriller.

Is R Rajkumar hit or flop? ›

R... Rajkumar was released on 6 December 2013 to mixed-to-negative reviews from critics, but became a commercial success with a worldwide gross of over ₹100 crore (US$13 million) at the box office.

Who is the actress in Rajkumar? ›

The filming of Shakib Khan's new movie "Rajkumar" is scheduled to commence the day after tomorrow (December 12). American actress Courtney Coffey, who will co-star opposite him, is thus currently in Dhaka for the film's shooting schedule.

Who is Rajkumar in Karnataka? ›

Born - Apr 23, 1928 Gajanur, Karnataka, India

Singanalluru Puttaswamayya Muthuraju, popularly known by his stage name Rajkumar, was an Indian actor and singer in the Kannada cinema.

What are the achievements of Rajkumar Academy? ›

Rajkumar Academy takes pride and feels gratitude in celebrating success of our 500+ aspirants in various government examinations of which 220+ are currently serving in top bureaucratic positions in National and state level agencies and also ensuring higher exam participation percentage from Karnataka.

Why is Rajkumar Rao famous? ›

Rajkummar Rao (born Raj Kumar Yadav; 31 August 1984) is an Indian actor known for his work in Hindi films. He has appeared in more than 30 films since 2010, and is the recipient of several accolades including a National Film Award, four Filmfare Awards and an Asia Pacific Screen Award.

Who is the god of Kannada industry? ›

Who is the god of the Kannada film industry? The God of Kannada film industry was Rajkumar for a long time but it is not he at present, now the other person is none other than his own son who had won National Award in his childhood itself for the film 'Bettada Hoovu'.

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