Edakallu Guddada Mele

Edakallu Guddada Mele is a 1973 Indian Kannada-language film directed by Puttanna Kanagal starring Jayanthi, Aarathi, Ranga, Chandrashekar, and Shivaram.

Plot

The film is based on the novel of same name by Bharathi Suta which is an adaptation of the English novel Lady Chatterley's Lover by D. H. Lawrence. deals with the theme of an extramarital affair of a woman whose husband is impotent.

Cast

Jayanthi as Madhavi, the captain's wife
Aarathi as Devaki, Madhavi's younger sister
Ranga as Captain Kumar, an ex-soldier
Chandrashekar as Nanjunda, captain's neighbor.
Shivaram as Nanjunda's uncle

Production

The song "Yaavoorava Iva" was shot in Kodagu.

Release

The film received 'A' certificate by the CBFC. The DVD was released with U certificate with some cuts required for recertification. However, a part of the deleted scenes created a furore when they resurfaced online in 2021. The movie was dubbed in Hindi as Prem Aur Vaasna.

Soundtrack

M. Ranga Rao composed the music.

Reception

The movie was a big hit. Film analysts though were skeptical of Kanagal's handling of the theme. According to film historian K Puttaswamy, “It was extraordinary in its making but quite conservative in approach. It looks at losing one’s chastity as a sin and death as the solution. It is also a turning point in Kanagal’s career since from then he was quite conservative in his handling of women’s issues".