75 years of Vishnuvardhan: Dream roles and unfulfilled projects of the Kannada actor Premium

Remembering versatile Kannada actor Vishnuvardhan on his 75th birth anniversary, young filmmakers talk about his untapped potential in the industry

Vishnuvardhan was known for portraying believable vulnerability. A case in point is his iconic Bandhana (1984).It is a film that makes filmmaker Jaishankar Aryar think of an age-defying love story starring Vishnuvardhan. “I would have written a love story with two old people. Imagine living 70 years, carrying different kinds of experiences and learnings, and then falling in love. I feel Vishnuvardhan sir could have brought out the internal conflicts and the nuanced performance required for such a character,” said Jaishankar, who made the critically acclaimed and festival hit Shivamma(2024).

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Natesh Hegde, director behind internationally-acclaimed films such as Pedroand Vagachipani, said Dr Rajkumar and Vishnuvardhan are beyond a particular on-screen image. “Bhootayyana Maga Ayyu (1974), Bandhana (1984), and Karna (1986) are films that prove that Vishnuvardhan was more than your usual commercial star,” said Natesh, adding that he misses seeing the actor in the web-series space. “Vishnu sir as a cop with grey shades in police-procedurals, something on the lines of Paatal Lok (2020)and Khorra (2023), might have been interesting,” he said.

In the era of pan-Indian films, big stars of all languages are collaborating with each other, increasing their visibility beyond their respective home industries. “Had Marudhanayagamseen the light of day, the world would have celebrated Vishnuvardhan sir’s calibre,” he said about the shelved ambitious project of Kamal Haasan in which the Kannada star was cast in a prominent role.

The actor’s comical side isn’t spoken as much as it should be, felt filmmakers. “I remember enjoying his Mojugara Sogasugara (1995)as a child,” recalled Shashank. “His combination with Dwarakish was a huge hit. A comedy spy thriller with both of them is a great opportunity missed,” he added.

Director Dinesh Baboo, a regular collaborator with Vishnuvardhan, said the actor was a “star who never insisted on having a specific image.” “He played an ordinary father in Laali (1997), a retired army man in Nishabdha, anda loyal husband in the comedy drama Hendthige Helthini (1989). These films show the acting range of Vishnuvardhan. Today, I am filming the biopic of Kempegowda, and I miss him dearly. He was tailormade to play Krishnadevaraya. He would have looked majestic in a royal outfit,” said Dinesh Baboo about exploring a strong historical role with Vishnuvardhan, who was gifted with a strong dialogue delivery and a solid baritone.

Senior members in the industry call him a great actor who could entertain people of all generations. “I miss him a lot,” said friend and filmmaker Rajendra Singh Babu, who helmed classics such as Bandhana and Muthina Haara (1990)with the actor.