Kokila, a not-so-familiar movie
Recently, Madan (cartoonist-cum-writer who is also a film critic) threw some light on Kokila, an old Kannada movie featuring Kamal and Shobha. Madan, as we know, is part of Kamal’s circle of friends. Back to the movie, it happens to be the directorial debut of Balu Mahendra, with whom Kamal later colloborated in many movies including the famous Moondram Pirai (Sadma). Madan categorises the movie as a must-watch. Let me add a couple of tidbits:
- Years after Kokila, Kamal worked in a movie co-starring Sridevi and Deepa. Reminiscing his earlier work with Balu Mahendra, it was titled Meendum Kokila (Back to Kokila). Of course, the title suited the story too.
- Kokila was also the debut of another star who made a name for himself in the Tamil movies of the 80s. He is Mohan — yes, the “man with the mike”! In Kannada moviedom, he is still referred to as “Kokila Mohan”!
Have any of you watched the movie? We would love to hear from you in the Comments section.
[Updated 20 Mar 2008: Meendum Kokila did not involve Balu Mahendra]
March 17th, 2008 at 4:10 am
I’ve not watched the movie yet. But I’ve heard a lot about that movie. Some time back, a Kannada director was giving an interview to a TV channel in which he mentioned this movie as one of his all-time favorites. I’d love to see the movie, but the problem is, I don’t understand a word of Kannada.
March 17th, 2008 at 5:33 am
Ihis is info RANDRAMBLE !
Thanks for cartoonist MADHAN for mentioning it.
” Youngsters of today should be given an opportunity to see Kokila. ”
Lets start to search the DVD of the movie.
March 20th, 2008 at 2:26 am
Meendum Kokila is no where related to balu mahendra. It is TN Ranarajan’s movie.
March 20th, 2008 at 3:13 am
Thanx, Subbu. You are right. The title is a take on Kokila, but Balu Mahendra wasn’t involved. Post corrected. And of course, you meant GN Rangarajan.
March 23rd, 2008 at 6:56 am
Yes. I mixed that initials,from one of Kamal’s long-term associates(TNS).
June 28th, 2008 at 12:15 pm
Kokila is a wonderful movie to be watched by all kamal fans irrespective of their language. The amazingly talented kamalsir in this film has done a wonderful job. The queen of simplicity shobha has also equally done a good job. The highlight of the movie is “ISAI KUYIL SMT. S.JANAKI” who has sung the song
sunje thangali mai sonkalu…….
nenapinda naa nondu baadalu…..
nenapugalu kenakuthive……….
naa heegeko ekaangiyaade
( when the evening breeze touches my body with a feather touch, i wither due to the old memories, the memories are distracting hence have become alone with the agony of divulsion.)
The music director of the movie being Salil Chowdary
I love S.janaki as well as Kamalhassan
June 28th, 2008 at 12:18 pm
I love kamal
July 27th, 2008 at 11:47 am
I saw the movie today afternoon, it was a very good movie. The Performance of Kamal is awesome. The performances of RojaRamani(I have not seen her in any other movie), Shobha and Mohan are also very good. A must see movie. I don’t understand Kannada, but still the movie touches my heart. The BGM by Salil Choudry suits the film, silent on most of the occassions. This is one of Balu Mahendra’s Best movies.
November 16th, 2008 at 2:08 pm
I am glad to note that there is such a good talk about my movie “KOKILA” Kannada Stg:Kamal sir I here by introduce my self as the world copy rights holder of this film in all dimentions,if any one need to know more about my film please mail me @ gnfilm @ gmail.com.Thanks.
February 23rd, 2009 at 5:09 pm
Hi all
I am a very big fan of kamal- and i have been wanting to watch this movie ever since i heard about kamal’s performance.. but b
but i dont know where to get the dvd of this movie and i also dont understand kannanda - can anyone pls help me where i
will get a dvd with english translation alongside.. i would love to watch this movie any time..