Cast
View AllDwarakish
as Krishna alias Kulla
Jayachitra
as Chitra alias Kulli
Leelavathi
as Krishna's Mother
T. N. Balakrishna
as Venkateshaiah
Prabhakar
as Jeeva
Sundar Krishna Urs
as Parashuraj
Sudharani
as Young Chitra
Uma Shivakumar
as Sundari
Thoogudeepa Srinivas
as Gym Trainer
Chethan Ramarao
as
Halam
as
Lakshman
as
Crew
Director
- H. R. Bhargava
Producer
- Dwarakish
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Kulla Kulli examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director H. R. Bhargava brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1980, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Kulla Kulli took approximately 25 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 142 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 169 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 6 months to complete.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 7 weeks before filming began.
- The costume department created over 242 unique costume pieces for the production.
Historical Context
- In 1980, when this film was released:
- Economic policies were shifting toward deregulation in many Western countries.
- MTV launched, changing how music was marketed and consumed.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Kulla Kulli shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Kasturi Nivasa, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Kulla Kulli offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Monsoon Wedding and My Summer in Provence explore similar territory, Kulla Kulli stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: March 28, 1980
- Runtime: 2h 22m
