As fans commemorate the 75th birth anniversary of Vishnuvardhan, the beloved “Sahasa Simha” (Brave Lion) of Kannada cinema, it’s clear his iconic nickname only scratches the surface of his remarkable versatility. He was an actor capable of so much more, a fact his later films beautifully underscored.
Even in his final years, before his passing in 2009, Vishnuvardhan’s talent remained undiminished. However, many directors often confined him to predictable roles—the kind-hearted hero, the sacrificing savior—failing to fully tap into his immense potential.
Contrast this with veterans like Mammootty and Mohanlal in Malayalam, Rajinikanth in Tamil, or Amitabh Bachchan in Hindi, who courageously embraced experimental roles late in their careers. Vishnuvardhan’s dedicated fanbase, currently championing a memorial for him in Bengaluru, would have undoubtedly cherished seeing him explore truly novel characters.
A New Generation’s Vision
For today’s Kannada filmmakers, imagining Vishnuvardhan in fresh, challenging roles is both exciting and inspiring. Shashank Soghal, acclaimed for his engaging college drama Daredful Musthafa (2023), envisions him as a protagonist celebrating Chitradurga’s heritage, a concept that respectfully echoes Vishnuvardhan’s unforgettable 1972 classic, Naagarahaavu.
Soghal shares, “I would have loved to adapt TaRaSu’s novel Durgaastamana with Vishnu sir in the lead. His deep affection for Mysuru and Chitradurga was well-known, and he excelled in literary adaptations.” He adds, “Vishnu sir maintained a striking presence even in his late 50s, particularly evident in Nagathihalli Chandrashekar’s Maathaad Maathadu Mallige (2007). He would have been magnificent as a stylish yet complex antagonist.”
Vishnuvardhan possessed a rare ability to convey profound vulnerability, exemplified by his legendary performance in Bandhana (1984). This very film inspires filmmaker Jaishankar Aryar, director of the critically lauded Shivamma (2024), to imagine an age-defying romance starring the veteran. “I would have crafted a love story centered on two elderly individuals. Picture the depth and wisdom gained over 70 years, culminating in a new love. I believe Vishnuvardhan sir would have perfectly embodied the intricate internal conflicts and nuanced performance such a role demands,” Aryar explains.
Unleashed in Web Series?
Natesh Hegde, celebrated for internationally recognized films like Pedro and Vagachipani, notes that icons like Dr. Rajkumar and Vishnuvardhan transcended singular on-screen personas. “Films such as Bhootayyana Maga Ayyu (1974), Bandhana (1984), and Karna (1986) unequivocally demonstrate Vishnuvardhan’s range beyond that of a typical commercial star,” Hegde asserts. He laments the absence of the actor in the contemporary web series landscape. “He would have been phenomenal as a morally ambiguous cop in a police procedural, perhaps something akin to Paatal Lok (2020) or Khorra (2023),” he speculates.
In today’s interconnected world of pan-Indian cinema, major stars frequently collaborate across language barriers, significantly broadening their audience. “If Marudhanayagam had ever reached completion, the world would have universally acclaimed Vishnuvardhan sir’s unparalleled caliber,” Hegde remarks, referring to Kamal Haasan’s ambitious, albeit unfulfilled, project where Vishnuvardhan was slated for a significant role.
A Legacy Beyond Image
Director Dinesh Baboo, a frequent collaborator with Vishnuvardhan, fondly recalls the actor as “a star who never insisted on a fixed image.” “He effortlessly portrayed an ordinary father in Laali (1997), a retired army veteran in Nishabdha, and a devoted husband in the comedic drama Hendthigehelbedi (1989). These roles vividly showcase Vishnuvardhan’s incredible acting spectrum,” Baboo explains. “Today, as I film the biopic of Kempegowda, I truly miss him. He would have been absolutely perfect as Krishnadevaraya, radiating majesty in royal attire,” Baboo expresses, highlighting the actor’s powerful dialogue delivery and resonant baritone.
The Godfather of Sandalwood?
Industry veterans universally praise him as a magnificent actor who charmed audiences across generations. “I miss him profoundly,” states filmmaker Rajendra Singh Babu, a close friend and director of Vishnuvardhan’s classics like Bandhana and Muthina Haara (1990).
Babu speculates, “Vishnu in a Godfather-esque gangster drama would have been an exceptional endeavor. Much like Marlon Brando, he would have effortlessly commanded the screen, outshining even a star-studded ensemble.” Over a decade after his passing, Kannada cinema continues to ponder the rich tapestry of unfulfilled roles and dream projects that might have further elevated one of Sandalwood’s finest actors.