Mungaru Male
Encyclopedia
Mungaru Male is a 2006 Kannada language
movie directed by Yograj Bhat
and produced by E Krishnappa. The film stars Ganesh, Pooja Gandhi
, and Anant Nag
in lead roles. The film was a success, exceeding expectations.The film is believed to have shaped and strengthened the careers of Ganesh, Yograj Bhat
and Jayant Kaikini
.
This movie was the first in India for any language to be screened for continuously one year in a multiplex. It was remade in Telugu
as Vaana
and in Bengali
as Premer Kahini
in 2008. A Hindi language version is underway.
Sanjeev, were not commercial successes at the box office. Bhat was disappointed, and he began working on the script of Mungaru Male. He had narrated the script to Puneet Rajkumar who rejected it. Ganesh
, whose first film to be released, Chellata, was a moderate success, was involved in the script making stage and was curious to act in the movie. He liked the script and introduced Yograj Bhat to producer E. Krishnappa who was Ganesh's acquaintance. Krishnappa agreed to finance the film, since he knew Ganesh. Since Yograj Bhat was unable to cast well-known Kannada actresses, he signed on a relatively unknown actress, Pooja Gandhi
, for the lead female role in the film.
), on a visit to Eva Mall (a famous Mall in Bangalore) amidst a heavy wind, spots a pretty girl, Nandini (Pooja Gandhi
). While staring at her, he inadvertently falls into a manhole. Nandini rescues him from the pit, but in the process loses her heart-shaped watch she had just bought.
While accompanying his mother to Madikeri, Preetam confronts a man named Jaanu (Neenaasam Ashwath). Jaanu, who has been following Nandini, beats up Preetam thinking that he is in love with Nandini. Preetam, unaware that Jaanu has vowed not to allow any one near Nandini, trashes Jaanu and his gang in return.
In Madikeri, Preetam meets Nandini unexpectedly. He identifies himself and expresses his love towards her and offers to tie the watch as an indication for their marriage. Nandini, who is already engaged rejects his request. Still, Preetam vows to marry Nandini if she meets him again. In the meantime, Preetam discovers that his host in Madikeri, Col. Subbayya (Anant Nag
) is Nandini's father, who is pretty much deaf, and Nandini's marriage is a just a week away. Dejected, Preetam throws Nandini's heart-shaped watch away. But Nandini calls him over the phone and taunts him to return. Delighted, Preetam goes in search of her watch and brings it back. While searching it, he spots a rabbit, which he calls Devadas, and brings it along with him.
Since Nandini's friends are due to arrive from Mumbai for the marriage, Preetam takes Nandini to the railway station. The train from Mumbai is delayed by five hours, so Nandini and Preetam decide to visit a nearby hill-temple. While returning from the temple, Preetam and Nandini are caught in rain. An old couple offers Preetam and Nandini to take shelter inside their hut. Preetam, still in two minds about expressing his love to Nandini, grabs a couple of toddy bottles, goes out in rain and starts drinking. However, when Nandini walks towards him, offering an umbrella, he is under a state of intoxication and tells Nandini that he'd better stay away from Nandini to remain a decent boy, rather than to propose to or elope away with her.
Nandini is now in love with Preetam and is in a dilemma as her wedding is due in a few days. Nandini requests him to take her to the top of a waterfall and expresses her love towards Preetam, standing at the edge of the waterfall.
Preetam, intent on marrying Nandini, takes her father, Subbayya for a morning jog to discuss his marriage with Nandini. But Subbayya a heart patient, tells Preetham that he's expected to die anytime and his only aim in life is to get Nandini married off to Gautam (Diganth
). On the night before the marriage, Preetam drives away from the house without taking Devadas. He then starts drinking the whole night in a road-side bar. He finds Gautam, asking the bar-owner for directions to Subbayya's home. When Jaanu tries to kill Gautam, Preetam saves Gautam and convinces Jaanu that only Gautam is the best person to marry Nandini.
Next day, he drops Gautam to the marriage house, just in time for the marriage. He then declines to attend Gautam's marriage. Gautam asks for the heart-shaped watch as a remembrance but Preetham does not agree to give it. Preetam then leaves. Meanwhile, on the wedding day everyone is searching for Preetam, but he is nowhere to be found. His mother is the only one who know the truth about his love, and is worried of his whereabouts, but does not show her worry.
Resignedly, Preetam watches the arch proclaiming "Gautham weds Nandini". As he is leaving, he spots Devadas and takes it with him. He drives towards Bangalore, all the while expressing his disappointment to Devadas, but later he comes to know that Devadas is dead.
, and Gadag. Krishna, the camera man was a part-time photographer prior to the film. His camera work was widely praised and is considered a highlight of the film.
The making of Mungaaru Male was documented in the Kannada weekly magazine Sudha by Yogaraj Bhat.
. The lyrics were penned by Jayanth Kaikini. "Anisutide Yako Indu", sung by Sonu Nigam
, is arguably the most popular song from the movie. It is believed that the final stages of this song was composed and written by coordinating through SMS
text messages communicated between Mano Murthy and Jayanth Kaikini. Mano Murthy resides in California
, USA, whereas Jayanth Kaikini resides in Bangalore
. While the crew was busy shooting in Byakrolli, near Sakaleshapur, Kaikini was touring North Karnataka. The director, Yogaraj Bhat, requested improvisation of the lyrics, leading to the SMS text messages being sent back and forth, between the lyricist and the music director.
, was overshadowed by Mungaru Male. Mungaru Male completed 100 days in all 37 centres in Karnataka. The film has also been released with 150 prints in Karnataka. The film ran to packed houses on weekdays in PVR Multiplex and became one of the few films in the world to have completed one year in a multiplex. Mungaaru Male was being screened at full houses, one year after its release, in more than 26 centres. It grossed over 75 crores, which was an all-time record for a Kannada film at that time.
The film was also released in Andhra Pradesh
, Mumbai
, USA, Australia
and Canada
. The success of the film and the enormous cash surplus generated by the movie caught attention of income tax authorities and it was reported that the IT Department raided the producers' offices.
s for both the Tamil-language and the Telugu-language versions. The Telugu-language version was released in 2008 as Vaana
, meaning rain
. it was remade in begali language as "Premer Kahini". Boney Kapoor is planning to remake the film in Hindi starring either Imran Khan or Ranbir Kapoor.
(seven awards in total from the Government of Karnataka). Additionally, it also won 3 Filmfare awards
for best music, awarded to Mano Murthy, and best direction & best film awarded to Yograj Bhat. However, it did not win a single national award from the Government of India
.
Kannada language
Kannada or , is a language spoken in India predominantly in the state of Karnataka. Kannada, whose native speakers are called Kannadigas and number roughly 50 million, is one of the 30 most spoken languages in the world...
movie directed by Yograj Bhat
Yograj Bhat
Yograj Bhat is a prominent Kannada film director, producer, screenwriter and a lyricist. He is most predominantly known for the 2006 film Mungaru Male, which he co-wrote with Preetam Gubbi. He was also the director of the film and was one of the lyricists in the film...
and produced by E Krishnappa. The film stars Ganesh, Pooja Gandhi
Pooja Gandhi
Pooja Gandhi , also known as Sanjana Gandhi, is an Indian actress predominantly working in the Kannada film industry.She went on to appear in commercially successful films like mungaru male, taj mahal, buddhivanta, thus establishing herself as a leading contemporary actress of kannada cinema.-Early...
, and Anant Nag
Anant Nag
Anant Nagarkatte popularly known as Anant Nag is an actor and politician from Karnataka, India. He is considered to be one of the all time greatest actors in the Kannada film industry with a vast number of commercially successful movies. As a result, he is popularly known as an actor with...
in lead roles. The film was a success, exceeding expectations.The film is believed to have shaped and strengthened the careers of Ganesh, Yograj Bhat
Yograj Bhat
Yograj Bhat is a prominent Kannada film director, producer, screenwriter and a lyricist. He is most predominantly known for the 2006 film Mungaru Male, which he co-wrote with Preetam Gubbi. He was also the director of the film and was one of the lyricists in the film...
and Jayant Kaikini
Jayant Kaikini
Jayant Kaikini is a poet, short stories author and movie songs scriptwriter in Kannada.-Early life:Jayant Kaikini was born in Gokarna. His father, Gourish Kaikini, a schoolteacher, was a Kannada littérateur and mother Shanta, a social worker...
.
This movie was the first in India for any language to be screened for continuously one year in a multiplex. It was remade in Telugu
Telugu language
Telugu is a Central Dravidian language primarily spoken in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India, where it is an official language. It is also spoken in the neighbouring states of Chattisgarh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Orissa and Tamil Nadu...
as Vaana
Vaana (film)
Vaana is a 2008 Telugu film starring Vinay Rai and Meera Chopra in the lead roles, while Suman plays a supporting role. M.S. Raju produces and directs this film while debutant, Kamalakar composed music for the project. It is a remake of Kannada language film, Mungaru Male.-Plot:Abhiram is a...
and in Bengali
Bengali language
Bengali or Bangla is an eastern Indo-Aryan language. It is native to the region of eastern South Asia known as Bengal, which comprises present day Bangladesh, the Indian state of West Bengal, and parts of the Indian states of Tripura and Assam. It is written with the Bengali script...
as Premer Kahini
Premer Kahini
-Critical reception:The DDLJ sameness doesn’t end there. The lovebirds romance on the terrace, night after night, like Raj and Simran did. They sing and dance in the rain, around trees and on mountains sporting trendy jackets and chiffon saris.Dev is a show stealer from the start. He woos Koel —...
in 2008. A Hindi language version is underway.
Background and development
Director Yograj Bhat had earlier dabbled in advertising and corporate films and they were critically acclaimed. His previous ventures, Mani, starring Mayur and Radhika, and Ranga S.S.L.C., starring SudeepSudeep
Sudeep is an Indian actor, director, producer and singer from Shimoga, Karnataka, known in the Kannada film industry and Bollywood. He is also founder owner of his production company Kiccha Creations.Hence he is also famously known as 'Kiccha' Sudeep....
Sanjeev, were not commercial successes at the box office. Bhat was disappointed, and he began working on the script of Mungaru Male. He had narrated the script to Puneet Rajkumar who rejected it. Ganesh
Ganesh (actor)
Ganesh is a Kannada language film actor from India. He shot to popularity with the 2006 blockbuster film Mungaru Male, which became one of the biggest hits in Kannada cinema.- Television career :...
, whose first film to be released, Chellata, was a moderate success, was involved in the script making stage and was curious to act in the movie. He liked the script and introduced Yograj Bhat to producer E. Krishnappa who was Ganesh's acquaintance. Krishnappa agreed to finance the film, since he knew Ganesh. Since Yograj Bhat was unable to cast well-known Kannada actresses, he signed on a relatively unknown actress, Pooja Gandhi
Pooja Gandhi
Pooja Gandhi , also known as Sanjana Gandhi, is an Indian actress predominantly working in the Kannada film industry.She went on to appear in commercially successful films like mungaru male, taj mahal, buddhivanta, thus establishing herself as a leading contemporary actress of kannada cinema.-Early...
, for the lead female role in the film.
Plot
The protagonist Preetam (GaneshGanesh (actor)
Ganesh is a Kannada language film actor from India. He shot to popularity with the 2006 blockbuster film Mungaru Male, which became one of the biggest hits in Kannada cinema.- Television career :...
), on a visit to Eva Mall (a famous Mall in Bangalore) amidst a heavy wind, spots a pretty girl, Nandini (Pooja Gandhi
Pooja Gandhi
Pooja Gandhi , also known as Sanjana Gandhi, is an Indian actress predominantly working in the Kannada film industry.She went on to appear in commercially successful films like mungaru male, taj mahal, buddhivanta, thus establishing herself as a leading contemporary actress of kannada cinema.-Early...
). While staring at her, he inadvertently falls into a manhole. Nandini rescues him from the pit, but in the process loses her heart-shaped watch she had just bought.
While accompanying his mother to Madikeri, Preetam confronts a man named Jaanu (Neenaasam Ashwath). Jaanu, who has been following Nandini, beats up Preetam thinking that he is in love with Nandini. Preetam, unaware that Jaanu has vowed not to allow any one near Nandini, trashes Jaanu and his gang in return.
In Madikeri, Preetam meets Nandini unexpectedly. He identifies himself and expresses his love towards her and offers to tie the watch as an indication for their marriage. Nandini, who is already engaged rejects his request. Still, Preetam vows to marry Nandini if she meets him again. In the meantime, Preetam discovers that his host in Madikeri, Col. Subbayya (Anant Nag
Anant Nag
Anant Nagarkatte popularly known as Anant Nag is an actor and politician from Karnataka, India. He is considered to be one of the all time greatest actors in the Kannada film industry with a vast number of commercially successful movies. As a result, he is popularly known as an actor with...
) is Nandini's father, who is pretty much deaf, and Nandini's marriage is a just a week away. Dejected, Preetam throws Nandini's heart-shaped watch away. But Nandini calls him over the phone and taunts him to return. Delighted, Preetam goes in search of her watch and brings it back. While searching it, he spots a rabbit, which he calls Devadas, and brings it along with him.
Since Nandini's friends are due to arrive from Mumbai for the marriage, Preetam takes Nandini to the railway station. The train from Mumbai is delayed by five hours, so Nandini and Preetam decide to visit a nearby hill-temple. While returning from the temple, Preetam and Nandini are caught in rain. An old couple offers Preetam and Nandini to take shelter inside their hut. Preetam, still in two minds about expressing his love to Nandini, grabs a couple of toddy bottles, goes out in rain and starts drinking. However, when Nandini walks towards him, offering an umbrella, he is under a state of intoxication and tells Nandini that he'd better stay away from Nandini to remain a decent boy, rather than to propose to or elope away with her.
Nandini is now in love with Preetam and is in a dilemma as her wedding is due in a few days. Nandini requests him to take her to the top of a waterfall and expresses her love towards Preetam, standing at the edge of the waterfall.
Preetam, intent on marrying Nandini, takes her father, Subbayya for a morning jog to discuss his marriage with Nandini. But Subbayya a heart patient, tells Preetham that he's expected to die anytime and his only aim in life is to get Nandini married off to Gautam (Diganth
Diganth
Diganth Manchale, known as Diganth , is an Indian actor and former model, He is mainly active in Kannada cinema.-Early life:He was born in Sagara, Karnataka. Diganth completed his schooling in Seva Bharathi and Pre-University in Tunga Mahavidyalaya, Thirthahalli where his father, Mr. Krishnamurthy,...
). On the night before the marriage, Preetam drives away from the house without taking Devadas. He then starts drinking the whole night in a road-side bar. He finds Gautam, asking the bar-owner for directions to Subbayya's home. When Jaanu tries to kill Gautam, Preetam saves Gautam and convinces Jaanu that only Gautam is the best person to marry Nandini.
Next day, he drops Gautam to the marriage house, just in time for the marriage. He then declines to attend Gautam's marriage. Gautam asks for the heart-shaped watch as a remembrance but Preetham does not agree to give it. Preetam then leaves. Meanwhile, on the wedding day everyone is searching for Preetam, but he is nowhere to be found. His mother is the only one who know the truth about his love, and is worried of his whereabouts, but does not show her worry.
Resignedly, Preetam watches the arch proclaiming "Gautham weds Nandini". As he is leaving, he spots Devadas and takes it with him. He drives towards Bangalore, all the while expressing his disappointment to Devadas, but later he comes to know that Devadas is dead.
Cast
- GaneshGanesh (actor)Ganesh is a Kannada language film actor from India. He shot to popularity with the 2006 blockbuster film Mungaru Male, which became one of the biggest hits in Kannada cinema.- Television career :...
as Preetam - Pooja GandhiPooja GandhiPooja Gandhi , also known as Sanjana Gandhi, is an Indian actress predominantly working in the Kannada film industry.She went on to appear in commercially successful films like mungaru male, taj mahal, buddhivanta, thus establishing herself as a leading contemporary actress of kannada cinema.-Early...
as Nandini - Ananth Nag as Colonel Subbayya (Nandini's father)
- Sudha Belwadi as Kamala (Preetam's mother)
- Padmaja Rao as Bablee (Nandini's mother)
- Neenasam Ashwath as Jolly
- DiganthDiganthDiganth Manchale, known as Diganth , is an Indian actor and former model, He is mainly active in Kannada cinema.-Early life:He was born in Sagara, Karnataka. Diganth completed his schooling in Seva Bharathi and Pre-University in Tunga Mahavidyalaya, Thirthahalli where his father, Mr. Krishnamurthy,...
as Gautam (Nandini's fiancé)
Crew
- Director: Yograj Bhat
- Producer: E. Krishnappa
- Cinematography: Krishna
- Editing: Deepu S. Kumar
- Story: Preetham Gubbi
- Dialogues: Yograj Bhat/Preetham Gubbi
- Lyrics: Jayanth Kaikini, Yograj Bhat, Kaviraj, Shiva
- Choreography: Harsha, Raghu
- Art: Ismail
- Music: Mano MurthyMano MurthyMano Murthy is a leading musician and composer in the Kannada Film Industry. Although his compositions in his earlier films were also successful, he shot to fame with Mungaru Male, one of the biggest hits in Kannada industry. Before moving onto becoming a composer, he was an entrepreneur, having...
- Singers: Sonu NigamSonu NigamSonu Nigam is an Indian playback singer whose songs have been featured in numerous Hindi movies, as well as films in Assamese, Punjabi, Bengali, Marathi and Kannada language. He has also released numerous Indi-pop albums and acted in a few Hindi feature films...
, Udit NarayanUdit Narayan-Career:King of melody, Udit Narayan Jha was born on 1 December, 1955 in a village called Bhardaha in the Saptari district , Nepal. His father was Hare Krishna Jha and his mother was Bhuwaneshwari Devi.Narayan studied at P.B...
, Hemanth Kumar, Kunal GanjawalaKunal GanjawalaKunal Ganjawala is popularly known as Bollywood playback singer. But he also did a very well contribution to Kanada film industry as well. Kunal began his career by singing jingles. He came to limelight with the song 'Bheege Honth Tere' form film Murder in 2004. It was his first biggest hit...
, Shreya GhosalShreya GhosalShreya Ghoshal is an Indian singer. Best known as a playback singer in Hindi films, she has also performed in other Indian languages including Bengali, Assamese, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Tamil and Telugu....
, Priya Hemesh, Stephen & Sunidhi ChauhanSunidhi ChauhanSunidhi Chauhan is an Indian playback singer, best known for her Hindi film songs in Bollywood. She has also recorded songs for Marathi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Bengali, Assamese and Gujarati films and is credited with over 2000 songs....
.
Production
Up to 80% of the scenes in the film were shot in the rain. Shooting locations included Madikeri, Sakaleshpura, Jog FallsJog Falls
Jog Falls , created by the Sharavathi River falling from a height of is the second-highest plunge waterfall in India Located in Sagara, Karnataka Shimoga District of Karnataka state, these segmented falls are a major tourist attraction...
, and Gadag. Krishna, the camera man was a part-time photographer prior to the film. His camera work was widely praised and is considered a highlight of the film.
The making of Mungaaru Male was documented in the Kannada weekly magazine Sudha by Yogaraj Bhat.
Soundtrack
The songs for the film were composed by music director Mano MurthyMano Murthy
Mano Murthy is a leading musician and composer in the Kannada Film Industry. Although his compositions in his earlier films were also successful, he shot to fame with Mungaru Male, one of the biggest hits in Kannada industry. Before moving onto becoming a composer, he was an entrepreneur, having...
. The lyrics were penned by Jayanth Kaikini. "Anisutide Yako Indu", sung by Sonu Nigam
Sonu Nigam
Sonu Nigam is an Indian playback singer whose songs have been featured in numerous Hindi movies, as well as films in Assamese, Punjabi, Bengali, Marathi and Kannada language. He has also released numerous Indi-pop albums and acted in a few Hindi feature films...
, is arguably the most popular song from the movie. It is believed that the final stages of this song was composed and written by coordinating through SMS
SMS
SMS is a form of text messaging communication on phones and mobile phones. The terms SMS or sms may also refer to:- Computer hardware :...
text messages communicated between Mano Murthy and Jayanth Kaikini. Mano Murthy resides in California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
, USA, whereas Jayanth Kaikini resides in Bangalore
Bangalore
Bengaluru , formerly called Bengaluru is the capital of the Indian state of Karnataka. Bangalore is nicknamed the Garden City and was once called a pensioner's paradise. Located on the Deccan Plateau in the south-eastern part of Karnataka, Bangalore is India's third most populous city and...
. While the crew was busy shooting in Byakrolli, near Sakaleshapur, Kaikini was touring North Karnataka. The director, Yogaraj Bhat, requested improvisation of the lyrics, leading to the SMS text messages being sent back and forth, between the lyricist and the music director.
| SL.No | Song | Artist |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Onde Ondu Sari" | Kunal Ganjawala Kunal Ganjawala Kunal Ganjawala is popularly known as Bollywood playback singer. But he also did a very well contribution to Kanada film industry as well. Kunal began his career by singing jingles. He came to limelight with the song 'Bheege Honth Tere' form film Murder in 2004. It was his first biggest hit... , Priya Hemesh |
| 2 | "Mungaru Maleye" | Sonu Nigam Sonu Nigam Sonu Nigam is an Indian playback singer whose songs have been featured in numerous Hindi movies, as well as films in Assamese, Punjabi, Bengali, Marathi and Kannada language. He has also released numerous Indi-pop albums and acted in a few Hindi feature films... |
| 3 | "Kunidu Kunidu Baare" | Udit Narayan Udit Narayan -Career:King of melody, Udit Narayan Jha was born on 1 December, 1955 in a village called Bhardaha in the Saptari district , Nepal. His father was Hare Krishna Jha and his mother was Bhuwaneshwari Devi.Narayan studied at P.B... , Sunidhi Chauhan Sunidhi Chauhan Sunidhi Chauhan is an Indian playback singer, best known for her Hindi film songs in Bollywood. She has also recorded songs for Marathi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Bengali, Assamese and Gujarati films and is credited with over 2000 songs.... , Stephen |
| 4 | "Anisuthide Yako Indu" | Sonu Nigam Sonu Nigam Sonu Nigam is an Indian playback singer whose songs have been featured in numerous Hindi movies, as well as films in Assamese, Punjabi, Bengali, Marathi and Kannada language. He has also released numerous Indi-pop albums and acted in a few Hindi feature films... |
| 5 | "Suvvi Suvvali" | Hemanth Kumar |
| 6 | "Ivanu Geleyanalla" | Shreya Goshal (Tune similar to "Mungaru Maleye") |
| 7 | "Araluthiru Jeevada Geleya" | Shreya Goshal (Tune similar to "Anisuthide Yako Indu") |
- Lyrics: Kaviraj, Yograj BhatYograj BhatYograj Bhat is a prominent Kannada film director, producer, screenwriter and a lyricist. He is most predominantly known for the 2006 film Mungaru Male, which he co-wrote with Preetam Gubbi. He was also the director of the film and was one of the lyricists in the film...
, Jayanth Kaikini, Shiva - Music: Mano MurthyMano MurthyMano Murthy is a leading musician and composer in the Kannada Film Industry. Although his compositions in his earlier films were also successful, he shot to fame with Mungaru Male, one of the biggest hits in Kannada industry. Before moving onto becoming a composer, he was an entrepreneur, having...
Audio sales
The film's audio cassettes and CDs had an unprecedented demand and a huge presence in terms of radio airplay. Its audio had record sales. The songs were hugely popular even among non-Kannada-speaking audiences.Reception
Mungaru Male was received favourably by both the general audience and critics. The film and its soundtrack were both commercially successful.Box office
It helped in expansion of Kannada film market, which is first of its kind. Made in modest budget of just Rs.90 lakhs, the film went on to earn over Rs. 76 crores . The film rewrote box office records in the Kannada film industry. The impact was so big that Bhat's next movie, GaalipataGaalipata
Gaalipata is a Kannada-language film directed by Yograj Bhat of Mungaru Male fame. The film has a star cast of three heroes and three heroines. Ganesh is in the lead role along with Diganth and singer Rajesh Krishnan. The three heroines are Daisy Bopanna, Neetu and Bhavana Rao. Southern film...
, was overshadowed by Mungaru Male. Mungaru Male completed 100 days in all 37 centres in Karnataka. The film has also been released with 150 prints in Karnataka. The film ran to packed houses on weekdays in PVR Multiplex and became one of the few films in the world to have completed one year in a multiplex. Mungaaru Male was being screened at full houses, one year after its release, in more than 26 centres. It grossed over 75 crores, which was an all-time record for a Kannada film at that time.
The film was also released in Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh , is one of the 28 states of India, situated on the southeastern coast of India. It is India's fourth largest state by area and fifth largest by population. Its capital and largest city by population is Hyderabad.The total GDP of Andhra Pradesh is $100 billion and is ranked third...
, Mumbai
Mumbai
Mumbai , formerly known as Bombay in English, is the capital of the Indian state of Maharashtra. It is the most populous city in India, and the fourth most populous city in the world, with a total metropolitan area population of approximately 20.5 million...
, USA, Australia
Australia
Australia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...
and Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
. The success of the film and the enormous cash surplus generated by the movie caught attention of income tax authorities and it was reported that the IT Department raided the producers' offices.
Critical response
The film received lukewarm to average reviews. Rediff.com awarded it a three-star rating and praised its cinematography, technical values, and the acting of Ganesh and Anant Naag, but opined that the story was flawed. Nowrunning.com felt that the film lacked a credible story line and gave too much importance to music and song picturisation. Kannada portal Thatskannada.com praised the film for its content, narration and usage of rain as a metaphor for love. Indicine.com gave it four stars.Influence on actors' careers
Ganesh went on to become the "Golden Boy" of the Kannada film industry and acquired the nickname "Golden Star". He became a major draw and all his movies after Mungaru Male garnered success in 2006-07. Pooja Gandhi, who portrayed the female lead role in the film, was relatively unknown prior to Mungaru Male. After the success of the film, she received offers of roles in many films.. Diganth, who played a cameo in the film, got recognition from this film, although he had previously made appearances in Sandeep Malani's Miss California and SMS 6260.In other languages
The remake rights of Mungaru Male were acquired by Mr Suryaprakash Rao of SPR Entertainers India Private Limited for Rs. 1.5 croreCrore
A crore is a unit in the Indian number system equal to ten million , or 100 lakhs. It is widely used in India, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Pakistan....
s for both the Tamil-language and the Telugu-language versions. The Telugu-language version was released in 2008 as Vaana
Vaana (film)
Vaana is a 2008 Telugu film starring Vinay Rai and Meera Chopra in the lead roles, while Suman plays a supporting role. M.S. Raju produces and directs this film while debutant, Kamalakar composed music for the project. It is a remake of Kannada language film, Mungaru Male.-Plot:Abhiram is a...
, meaning rain
Rain
Rain is liquid precipitation, as opposed to non-liquid kinds of precipitation such as snow, hail and sleet. Rain requires the presence of a thick layer of the atmosphere to have temperatures above the melting point of water near and above the Earth's surface...
. it was remade in begali language as "Premer Kahini". Boney Kapoor is planning to remake the film in Hindi starring either Imran Khan or Ranbir Kapoor.
Awards
The film was awarded the Best Kannada Film award for the year 2006-07 by the Government of KarnatakaGovernment of Karnataka
The Government of Karnataka is a democratically elected body with the Governor as the constitutional head. The Governor who is appointed for a period of five years appoints the Chief Minister and his council of ministers...
(seven awards in total from the Government of Karnataka). Additionally, it also won 3 Filmfare awards
Filmfare Awards
The Filmfare Awards are presented annually by The Times Group to honour both artistic and technical excellence of professionals in the Hindi language film industry of India. The Filmfare ceremony is one of the oldest and most prominent film events given for Hindi films in India. The awards were...
for best music, awarded to Mano Murthy, and best direction & best film awarded to Yograj Bhat. However, it did not win a single national award from the Government of India
Government of India
The Government of India, officially known as the Union Government, and also known as the Central Government, was established by the Constitution of India, and is the governing authority of the union of 28 states and seven union territories, collectively called the Republic of India...
.