Hubbry Logo
Devatha ManushyaDevatha ManushyaMain
Open search
Devatha Manushya
Community hub
Devatha Manushya
logo
7 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Devatha Manushya
Devatha Manushya
Devatha Manushya
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

Devatha Manushya
Directed bySingeetham Srinivasa Rao
Screenplay bySingeetham Srinivasa Rao
Chi. Udaya Shankar
Story bySingeetham Srinivasa Rao
Produced byParvatamma Rajkumar
StarringRajkumar
Geetha
Sudharani
CinematographyV. K. Kannan
Edited byP. G. Mohan
Music byUpendra Kumar
Production
company
Poornima Enterprises
Release date
  • 1988 (1988)
Running time
137 minutes
CountryIndia
LanguageKannada

Devatha Manushya (pronunciationⓘ transl. Divine Person) is a 1988 Indian Kannada-language film written and directed by Singeetham Srinivasa Rao. The film stars Rajkumar, Geetha, K. S. Ashwath and Sudharani.[1] The movie is famous for its evergreen songs, which were composed by Upendra Kumar.

This was Rajkumar's 200th movie - which initially should have been the historical Amoghavarsha Nrupathunga with the same director but subsequently dropped.[2] The core plot of the movie is based on the 1861 English novel Silas Marner by George Eliot.

Plot

[edit]

Krishna Murthy is a hard working driver who believes in living a simple life. His boss, a business tycoon, maintains a low profile about his business and does not reveal it to anybody. A high-profile robbery for a golden idol of Goddess has taken place and Krishna Murthy is blamed for it. Whether he will be able to break away from this blame and bring forward the criminal forms the rest of the story.

Cast

[edit]

Soundtrack

[edit]
Devatha Manushya
Soundtrack album by
Upendra Kumar
Released1988
GenreFeature film soundtrack
Length16:47
LabelLahari Music
DirectorUpendra Kumar

Upendra Kumar composed the background score for the film and the soundtracks. Lyrics for the soundtracks were written by Chi. Udaya Shankar. The album consists of five soundtracks.[3]

Tracklist
No.TitleSinger(s)Length
1."Hrudayadali Idenidhu"Dr. Rajkumar, Manjula Gururaj4:56
2."Ninantha Appa Illa"Dr. Rajkumar, B. R. Chaya4:50
3."Haalalladaru (Bit)"B. R. Chaya0:52
4."Ee Sogasaada Sanje"Dr. Rajkumar, Vani Jairam4:02
5."Ide Jeevana"S. P. Balasubrahmanyam2:07
Total length:16:47

Awards

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Devatha Manushya

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Devatha Manushya is a Indian Kannada-language action crime drama film directed by Singeetham Srinivasa Rao. The story centers on Krishna Murthy, portrayed by , a dedicated and simple-living driver who becomes the victim of a in a high-profile involving a of a , leading to his wrongful imprisonment. Produced by under the Poornima Enterprises banner, the film features a supporting cast including Geetha and , with music composed by Upendra Kumar. Released on 23 June 1988, it runs for 137 minutes and marks a significant milestone as 's 200th film in a lead role. The narrative delves into themes of , vengeance, and eventual redemption as Krishna navigates the consequences of by his secretive business tycoon employer. Written by Singeetham Srinivasa Rao and Chi. Udaya Shankar, the screenplay blends elements of suspense and moral introspection typical of Rajkumar's socially conscious roles. Upon release, Devatha Manushya was well-received for its engaging plot and Rajkumar's powerful performance, earning him the State Film Award for . The film holds a strong reputation in , evidenced by its 8.8/10 rating on from 1,092 user votes (as of November 2025), underscoring its enduring popularity among audiences.

Production

Development and adaptation

Devatha Manushya is an adaptation of George Eliot's 1861 novel , reimagined in a cultural context to explore themes of , personal redemption, and the simplicity of rural life. The story's core—a wrongly convicted of , exiled to isolation, and ultimately finding solace through human bonds—was localized to reflect Karnataka's village dynamics and social values, emphasizing and moral restoration over the original's English setting. The project was announced in 1988 as Dr. Rajkumar's landmark 200th film, marking a significant milestone in his career. Singeetham Srinivasa Rao handled the initial scripting, crafting the story and to suit the adaptation's narrative needs. Production fell under Poornima Enterprises, led by producer Smt. Parvatamma Rajkumar, the wife of , who frequently backed his projects during this era. Chi. Udaya Shankar contributed the dialogues, infusing the script with authentic idiom to enhance the film's emotional and cultural resonance.

Casting

Dr. Rajkumar was cast in the lead role of Krishna Murthy, a hardworking and humble driver falsely accused of theft, marking a significant as his 200th in a leading role. His established status as a versatile in made him the ideal choice for the , embodying themes of simplicity and resilience. Geetha was selected for the female lead role of Jaya, bringing emotional depth to the family-oriented dynamics of the story. Sudharani appeared in a supporting role as Seetha, the protagonist's daughter, leveraging her emerging talent in youthful, familial characters following her debut. K. S. Ashwath was chosen for a key elder role, providing authoritative presence in the narrative's interpersonal relationships. The supporting cast included actors such as as Rangappa and Shivaram, selected to support the central conflict without overshadowing the leads.

Filming

for Devatha Manushya took place entirely in 1988, aligning with the film's release later that year on June 23. The production, under the banner of Poornima Enterprises, utilized locations across rural to authentically depict the story's village-centric narrative. Cinematographer V. K. Kannan captured the visuals, employing techniques suited to the 1980s style, while editor P. G. Mohan handled the assembly. Art direction was overseen by Nazeer Khan, ensuring sets and aesthetics aligned with the rural themes. No significant production challenges, such as delays or weather disruptions, were documented for the shoot. During , the final runtime was established at 137 minutes.

Narrative and characters

Plot

The story centers on Krishna Murthy, a hardworking and devoted driver who leads a simple life of and while serving his employer, a reclusive tycoon. Krishna's routine involves transporting his boss and maintaining trust in their professional relationship, highlighting his moral steadfastness amid family responsibilities. The narrative escalates when a valuable of a is stolen from the tycoon's residence, and Krishna Murthy is falsely accused of the theft due to and his close access to the premises. Despite his protests of innocence, he faces a swift , resulting in a lengthy that shatters his family dynamics and forces him to confront profound moral dilemmas about and . In prison, Krishna endures isolation and hardship, reflecting on his unwavering faith while grappling with the loss of his reputation and livelihood. As the plot builds toward redemption, a young child enters Krishna's life, offering emotional solace and reigniting his sense of purpose, which parallels themes of and . This redemptive arc culminates in Krishna's determined quest to uncover the true culprit behind the robbery, weaving together elements of , familial bonds, and the pursuit of rightful without resolving the central mystery here.

Cast

The principal cast of Devatha Manushya features prominent actors in roles that drive the film's exploration of loyalty, family, and moral dilemmas. portrays Krishna Murthy, a devoted whose unwavering integrity forms the core of the narrative's emotional depth. Geetha plays Jaya, his supportive wife who provides emotional grounding and navigates familial challenges alongside him. Sudharani appears as Seetha, a key family member contributing to the household dynamics and interpersonal relationships. embodies , Jaya's father and Krishna Murthy's employer, representing a figure of authority and guidance whose interactions highlight themes of trust and responsibility. Supporting roles enrich the story's social context, including as Rangappa, a character involved in community interactions that test loyalties. Kanchana portrays Jaya's mother, adding layers to the structure and processes. Other notable performers include Shivaram, Sundar Krishna , and Rajanand in roles depicting villagers and officials who facilitate the unfolding events without overshadowing the leads. Child actors such as Baby and Master Kaushik appear in brief family-oriented parts, emphasizing generational ties. The cast's dynamics underscore the protagonist's loyalty to his employer, as seen in Krishna Murthy's protective stance toward , while Jaya and Seetha's roles foster a sense of domestic harmony amid external pressures. These interactions, portrayed with nuanced restraint, highlight the film's focus on human bonds rather than conflict escalation. No guest appearances or cameos are credited in the production.
ActorRoleContribution to Story
Dr. RajkumarKrishna MurthyProtagonist; loyal driver embodying moral steadfastness.
GeethaJayaSupportive wife; anchors emotional core.
SudharaniSeetha member; contributes to relational tensions and resolutions.
K. S. AshwathEmployer/mentor; symbolizes authority and ethical guidance.
T. N. BalakrishnaRangappaSupporting ally; engages in community and loyalty-driven exchanges.
KanchanaJaya's Maternal figure; influences decisions and support systems.
ShivaramUnspecified villagerDepicts local social elements and interpersonal aid.
Sundar Krishna Official/villagerFacilitates administrative or communal interactions.

Music

Soundtrack

The soundtrack of Devatha Manushya was composed by Upendra Kumar, with all lyrics penned by Chi. Udaya Shankar. It features five main songs, with some releases including an additional short bit version, and has a total runtime of approximately 21 minutes. The album was released by in 1988, coinciding with the film's theatrical debut.
No.TitleSingersDuration
1Hrudayadali Idenidhu, 4:56
2Ninnantha Appa Illa, B. R. Chaya4:50
3Haalalladaru Haaku, B. R. Chaya4:47
4Ee Sogasaada Sanje, 3:14
5Ide Jeevana3:20
The recording sessions incorporated traditional folk instrumentation alongside orchestral elements, as directed by Upendra Kumar in collaboration with engineer .

Background score

The background score for Devatha Manushya was composed by Upendra Kumar, who handled both the film's soundtracks and instrumental underscoring. The score drew from 1980s Kannada cinema conventions, integrating traditional Indian instruments like the flute and veena blended with orchestral elements. In post-production, the scoring was coordinated with editing by P. G. Mohan.

Release and reception

Release

Devatha Manushya was theatrically released on 23 June 1988 in theaters across Karnataka, India. The distribution was handled by Poornima Enterprises, the production banner associated with the film's lead actor Dr. Rajkumar. This release marked a significant milestone as it was Dr. Rajkumar's 200th film in his career. The film premiered in the standard 35mm format, certified 'U' by the with a runtime equivalent to 3,913.94 meters across 15 reels in color. Following the wrap-up of , the production focused on preparing prints for widespread exhibition in regional theaters, emphasizing the film's of its source material and the star power of its cast.

Critical reception

Upon its release, Devatha Manushya was celebrated as Dr. Rajkumar's 200th film, receiving positive attention in media for his portrayal of a wronged and Singeetham Srinivasa Rao's direction that blended suspense with moral undertones. In retrospective analyses, the film is hailed as a classic, particularly for its poignant exploration of social injustice through the protagonist's and subsequent redemption. Modern commentators praise how it intertwines themes of human divinity—evident in the title's literal meaning, "Divine Person"—with everyday struggles against . User-driven platforms reflect strong ongoing appreciation, with assigning an average rating of 8.7 out of 10 based on 92 votes, where viewers frequently highlight the film's enduring appeal in addressing ethical dilemmas and familial bonds. Comparisons to other Rajkumar works, like Bangarada Manushya, underscore its place in his oeuvre of socially conscious dramas that critique inequality without overt preachiness.

Box office

Devatha Manushya achieved significant commercial success upon its , particularly within the Kannada-speaking regions of , where Dr. Rajkumar's films consistently dominated the market. As the actor's th film, it generated immense anticipation and was launched with elaborate celebrations, including a involving 200 stars, which boosted its initial draw. The film's strong performance was further supported by its wide theatrical across the state, allowing it to maintain a prolonged run in major centers. While exact gross earnings from are not documented, it solidified its status as a hit.

Legacy

Awards and nominations

Devatha Manushya received acclaim at the for the year 1988-89, where was honored with the award for his portrayal of Krishna Murthy. No nominations or wins were recorded for the film at the in the categories for the 36th ceremony held in 1989. The film was not submitted or selected for any categories at the National Film Awards for 1988.

Cultural impact

Devatha Manushya marked a significant milestone in Dr. Rajkumar's illustrious career as his 200th film, symbolizing the pinnacle of his contributions to and reinforcing his image as a divine, almost god-like figure in Kannada culture. Released in , the film celebrated this achievement with grand festivities, underscoring Rajkumar's role as a unifying who championed Kannada identity across Karnataka's diverse regions. The film's themes of , particularly the protagonist's battle against in a rural Indian setting, have resonated with audiences, highlighting and social values central to Rajkumar's portrayals. This narrative of an honest individual proving innocence amid societal mirrors broader discussions on equity in rural contexts, contributing to the film's enduring relevance in exploring ethical dilemmas. In the 2020s, Devatha Manushya has maintained a strong presence through digital platforms, available for streaming on since 2020 and on , ensuring accessibility to new generations. Its cult status among Rajkumar's devoted fanbase is evident in ongoing engagements, such as the full movie audio story release by Lahari on in May 2024, alongside frequent tributes that celebrate its timeless appeal.

References

  1. https://chiloka.com/movie/devatha-manushya-1988
  2. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0264528/
  3. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0004660/trivia/
  4. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0264528/plotsummary/
  5. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0004660/awards/
  6. https://es.listvote.com/lists/film/movies/devatha-manushya-13159630/actors
  7. https://www.karnataka.com/personalities/rajkumar-kannada-actor/
  8. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0264528/fullcredits/
  9. https://kannadamoviesinfo.wordpress.com/2013/04/14/devatha-manushya-1988/
  10. https://www.cinemaazi.com/people/rajkumar-kannada-actor
  11. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/sudharani-shares-a-priceless-memory-on-dr-rajkumars-birth-anniversary/articleshow/75344054.cms
  12. https://kannadamoviesinfo.wordpress.com/2013/04/14/devatha-manushya-1988
  13. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/six-kannada-films-that-showcase-the-beauty-of-a-father-child-relationship/photostory/83710744.cms
  14. https://alchetron.com/Devatha-Manushya
  15. https://www.tvguide.com/movies/devatha-manushya/cast/2000129554/
  16. https://www.filmibeat.com/kannada/movies/devatha-manushya/cast-crew.html
  17. https://music.apple.com/us/album/devatha-manushya-original-motion-picture-soundtrack-ep/1844493261
  18. https://open.spotify.com/album/0XSDhp93NDGymYRULjh58Y
  19. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VPQrq-uymB8
  20. https://kannadafilmlyrics.com/songs/Devatha--Manushya_1988/Ide--Jeevana
  21. https://www.filmibeat.com/kannada/movies/devatha-manushya.html
  22. https://www.discogs.com/release/5129282-Upendrakumar-His-Orchestra-Kannada-Film-Tunes
  23. https://www.daijiworld.com/news/newsDisplay.aspx?newsID=155182
  24. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0264528/awards/
  25. https://www.imdb.com/event/ev0001531/1989/1/
  26. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jtLgvPGUPUA
  27. https://www.sunnxt.com/kannada-movie-devatha-manushya-1988/detail/17273
  28. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kNTDXcm5VL4
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.