Krantiveera Sangolli Rayanna revisits Belgaum’s rich historical value

Mahatma Gandhi, Bhagat Singh and Subhash Chandra Bose, among others, were popular freedom fighters about whom we have studied in our history lessons. But little did students in Karnataka know about Sangolli Rayanna, a prominent freedom fighter from our state, who fought the British. Until, of course, the Darshan-starrer Krantiveera Sangolli Rayanna, which has in the past year created a lot of awareness about Rayanna, Kittoor Rani Chennamma and Belgaum in those days in general.The film had a stupendous run at the BO and won numerous awards, but its director Naganna had only one thing in mind while making it — to educate the people of Karnataka about our historical personalities. He said, “While we know about other historical personalities like Adolf Hitler and Napoleon, it’s sad that we don't know much about those from our state, like Rayanna or Rani Chennamma. That was the trigger to do the film.” The film not just educated the audiences about our freedom fighters, but also brought into focus the historical value of Belgaum. The Kunda Nagari served as a major military installation for the British due to its proximity to Goa, which was then a Portuguese territory. Leaders like Rani Chennamma and Rayanna, who was the army chief of the Kingdom of Kittur, were among the few who led an armed rebellion against the British to save the place. Krantiveera Sangolli Rayanna was among the few to be considered for an Oscar entry from India. "If we had received a global platform, people across the world would have gotten an opportunity to know about our leaders,” said Naganna. From replicating the sets to playing the characters true to all historical data available, the film has given Belgaum a new meaning. Actor Darshan, who played Rayanna in the film, said, “Making a historical film, especially one that involves war sequences, can be extremely challenging. I spent time researching for the character — to get Rayanna’s spoken language and mannerisms right.” The film’s producer, Anand Appugol, meanwhile, has further plans to make Rayanna world famous. “During the making of the film, it was suggested that we hire the costumes for the cast and supporting cast. But I figured that the amount I’d spend on the rental could be used to get new costumes done. Similarly, all the props used, including the warrior vests, weapons, etc., were procured. I do not want these to go to waste and intend to establish a Sangolli Rayanna museum in Belgaum. Everything that was used in the making of the film, including our research material, will be on display here,” says Anand, adding that the location for the museum has already been identified.