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» » Ranganayaki (1981)

Short summary

Ranganayaki (Arati) is a popular artiste in a drama troupe owned by her father and brother. When a rich young man (Ashok) falls in love with her and wishes to marry her, she reluctantly bids adieu to her profession. A few years later, when Ranganayaki, by a twist of circumstances, dons the role of the heroine in a play for a day, her husband leaves her, taking with him their young son. Ranganayaki returns to the drama troupe. The audience for theater having dwindled, she accepts an offer to act in a movie, and changes her name to Mala. Twenty years later, a good looking young man (Ramakrishna) befriends Mala, who is an established movie heroine and becomes besotted by her. Mala who is now in her forties, feels maternal affection for the young man. As their relationship evolves, the movie industry becomes abuzz with rumours of an affair. Mala has a chance meeting with her estranged husband. While she has remained unmarried despite her stardom, he has remarried and moved on. Mala wishes...

Arathi fell in love with her costar Ashok during the filming of Ranganayaki and separated from director Puttanna Kangal, with whom she had been in a 10-year relationship.

User reviews


  • comment
    • Author: Gamba
    One of my favorite movies. A Puttanna Kanagal masterpiece. Excellent acting by all Aarathi, Ambarish, Rajanand and Ashok. Its a pity the movie rating is so low.
  • comment
    • Author: MrDog
    This one is one of Putanna kangal classic. The director tries to depict the life of a stage actress turned movie star.Ranganayaki literally means Stage Actress in Kannada.

    Ranganayaki is separated from her husband for 15 years.She happens to meet a young fan of her's who has developed a liking for her. Initially she tries to get away from him,but latter she starts to like him.Latter she will find out a truth about this young man from her husband. But the boy never gets a chance to see her alive.

    Earlier part of this movie also gives you a rare insight to life of Stage artists.Especially female stage artists did not had a good status in the society those days.

    Emotionally touching, with outstanding performances from Aarathi, Ramakrishna and Amberish.A must see movie.I rate it 8 of 10.
  • Cast overview:
    Arathi Arathi - Actress
    Ashok Ashok
    Ambarish Ambarish
    Raajanand Raajanand
    Ramakrishna Ramakrishna - Son
    Sadashiv Brahmavar Sadashiv Brahmavar
    Kunigal Ramanath Kunigal Ramanath
    Ashok Ashok - Husband of Actress
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