# Sri Manjunatha (film)

Sri Manjunatha is a 2001 Indian Kannada-language hagiographical film directed by K. Raghavendra Rao. The film stars Chiranjeevi, Arjun Sarja, Ambareesh, Meena, Soundarya and Sumalatha. The film is based on the life of the Shiva devotee, Bhakta Manjunatha of the Kotilingeshwara Temple.
The film was partially reshot in Telugu under the same title with Chiranjeevi's scenes reshot and Brahmanandam and Tanikella Bharani replacing Dwarakish and Mimicry Dayanand, respectively whilst all other scenes were dubbed from the Kannada original.
The film was released on 22 June 2001 worldwide. Upon release, the film received positive reviews and became a hit at the box office. The film was screened in the International Film Festival of India.

## Background

Manjunatha is an aspect of Shiva. Manju means 'snow' and Natha means 'lord.' Since Lord Shiva resides on Mount Kailash, and hence the ruler of the Himalaya Mountains, as he is the lord of that loka (dimension), he is called Manjunatha. Manjunatha is one of the most common names in Karnataka state for males and Manjula for females. Both are commonly called by the nickname name "Manju." This is mostly because of the Sri Dharmasthala Manjunatha Swami Temple located in Dharmasthala, Karnataka.

## Plot

Manjunatha is an atheist, but a good person helping others in need and fighting evil. Even though Manjunatha hates his namesake Lord Siva, the latter loves his would be devotee. Being an atheist, Manjunatha always scolds Lord Shiva which is watched by Shiva's vehicle Nandi and his attendant Bhrungi. Manjunatha meets Katyayini who is about to become a devadasi (Servant of the Lord) and marries her. Soon they beget a son, Siddhartha ("Siddhu"), who like his mother is a staunch devotee of Lord Shiva.
After marriage Manjunatha realizes the existence of Lord Shiva and slowly transforms himself into a great devotee of Lord Shiva. With his devotion, he lights the lamps of the Manjunatha Temple in Dharmasthala without using a matchstick and wins the hearts of everybody including the local King, Ambikeswara Maharaju who invites him to his court where he felicitates Manjunatha much to Manjunatha's dislike. Here, the king realises that Manjunatha is going to die.
In the meantime Manjunatha starts a Koti Lingam Puja with over 1,000 lingams worshipped and both Manjunatha and the king singing the Lingashtakam and performing the puja. Manjunatha is also troubled by his enemies and is aided by Lord Shiva who comes in various disguises to save his devotee and help him and his wife attain salvation.

## Cast

* Chiranjeevi as Shiva (Sri Manjunatha)
* Meena as Goddess Parvati
* Arjun Sarja as Manjunatha
* Ambareesh as Ambikeshwara Maharaja
* Soundarya as Katyayani
* Sumalatha as Sumalata Devi
* Brahmanandam as Nandi
* Tanikella Bharani as Bhrungi
* Yamuna as Ganga
* Anand as Manjunatha's friend
* Aanand Vardhan as Siddhartha
* Sudha Rani
* Abhijit
* Sadashiva Brahmavar as Manju's grandfather
* Kumar Govind
* Vinod Raj

## Soundtrack
### Kannada Version

All music is composed by Hamsalekha

### Telugu Version

All music is composed by Hamsalekha

## Reception

A critic from Chitraloka wrote that "In the annals of Kannada film history this film is undoubtedly a masterpiece". A critic from Online Bangalore wrote that "This film is undoubtedly a masterpiece. It has a wonderful star cast, director, music, singers, [and] cinematography".
Regarding the partially reshot Telugu version, Jeevi of Idlebrain.com wrote that "He takes us through a journey till the heart-touching climax by making the best use of the histrionics of Chiranjeevi, Arjun and other actors". A critic from Full Hyderabad wrote that "'Sri Manjunatha' is an example of doing justice to a particular genre with complete honesty. It will reap the dividends due to this trait".

## Accolades

| Award | Date of ceremony | Category | Nominee(s) | Result | Ref. |
| 2001–02 Karnataka State Film Awards | 21 January 2003 | Best Art Direction | Arun Sagar | Won | |
| 2001–02 Karnataka State Film Awards | 21 January 2003 | Best Lyricist | Hamsalekha | Won | |