November to Remember: When Darshan took up Krantiveera Sangolli Rayanna as a do or die project

Challenging Star Darshan’s first-ever tryst with a period film was the historical Krantiveera Sangolli Rayanna, in which he played the title role, in 2012. Back then, the Naganna directorial was considered one of the most expensive Kannada films to have been made, backed by Belagavi-based businessman Anand Appugol, whose only intention was to popularize Rayanna’s contribution to the freedom struggle.

Upon its release, the film won several awards, including Filmfare Best Actor for Darshan, but the actor has been candid about the fact that until he was signed up for the project, he had very minimal knowledge about the revolutionary Sangolli Rayanna. “I was given a bound script and a few books about Rayanna. As I began reading, page-after-page, while I was intrigued, it evoked a sense of respect for the man, but also fear, as to whether I would be able to do justice to the role, given the gravity of the person and subject. I had actually kept the script aside and considered not attempting the role,” the actor was quoted as saying.

It took Darshan several days to convince himself that he could pull off the role, and once he did, “it was a do or die situation. I had to give it my all and hope that it works out,” he said. In the days that followed, before the film went on floors, the Challenging Star began prepping for the role, drawing from his learnings from the Ninasam theatre troupe, to get into the skin of the character. He worked extensively on the body language, mannerisms and the way he spoke. And then came the first photo shoot, during which they tried multiple wigs and moustaches to get the look just right.

The film was a passion project for Anand Appugol, something that Darshan has also often highlighted. “The quality that you see onscreen, is a reflection of Appugol’s passion to see this story being made into film,” said Darshan.

Who was Sangolli Rayanna

Sangolli Rayanna was a warrior in the princely state of Kittur in Karnataka. He participated in the 1824 rebellion and was arrested by the British, who released him later. He mobilised local people and started a guerilla type war against the British and burnt government offices, waylaid British troops and plundered treasuries. The British troops could not defeat him in open battle. Hence, by treachery, he was caught and executed by hanging from a Banyan tree in Belagavi.