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Habba
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Habba
DVD cover
Directed byD. Rajendra Babu
Written byB. A. Madhu (Dialogues)
Screenplay byD. Rajendra Babu
Story byJ. K. Bharavi
Produced byNara Bharathi Devi
Starring
CinematographyP. K. H. Das
Edited byT. Shashikumar
Music byHamsalekha
Production
company
Chinni Chitra
Distributed byRamu Films
Release date
  • 16 April 1999 (1999-04-16)
Running time
2 hours 22 minutes
CountryIndia
LanguageKannada

Habba (transl. Festival) is a 1999 Indian Kannada-language drama film written and directed by D. Rajendra Babu. The film has an ensemble cast including Vishnuvardhan, Ambareesh, Devaraj, Jayapradha, Urvashi, Shashikumar, Ramkumar, Vijayalakshmi, Kasthuri and Charulatha.[1] The movie was produced by Bharathi Devi for Chinni Chitra productions. The movie became a blockbuster and ran for more than 25 weeks. The film was remade in Telugu in 2002 as Chandravamsam starring Krishna.[2] The movie was loosely based on the Pandavas's exile episode in the Virata Parva of Mahabharata.

Cast

[edit]

Production

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The film was launched on 5 January 1999 at Neeladri Amusement Park.[3] The film finished shooting as of March 1999.[4]

Soundtrack

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The music of the film was composed and lyrics were written by Hamsalekha.[5] Popular playback singer Nanditha made her entry into film songs with this soundtrack.[6] The song "Habba Habba" is a slightly modified version of the song "Yele Hombisile" which Hamsalekha had composed for the film Halunda Thavaru. All the songs in the film become chartbusters.

Habba
Soundtrack album by
Hamsalekha
ReleasedFebruary 1999 (1999-02)
GenreFeature film soundtrack
LabelAnand Audio
No.TitleLyricsSinger(s)Length
1."Channappa Channegowda"HamsalekhaRajesh Krishnan, K. S. Chithra, Ramesh Chandra, Vishnu05:32
2."Aarathi Yettire"HamsalekhaNanditha03:00
3."Dheem Takita"HamsalekhaS. P. Balasubrahmanyam, K. S. Chithra04:58
4."Habba Habba"HamsalekhaRajesh Krishnan, Ramesh Chandra, Nanditha04:57
5."Jenina Goodu"HamsalekhaRajesh Krishnan, K. S. Chithra05:25
6."Koti Koti Devaru"HamsalekhaNanditha01:52
7."Mama Mama Masti"HamsalekhaS. P. Balasubrahmanyam05:04
8."Mai Tholiyo Shastra"HamsalekhaNanditha01:26
9."Yaale Yaale"HamsalekhaRajesh Krishnan, K. S. Chithra05:15

Reception

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The New Indian Express called the film "a beautiful mansion without proper foundation".[7] Deccan Herald wrote "this film stands out for its effort to infuse new life into the narration and proceedings."[8]

Awards

[edit]
Karnataka State Film Awards 1999-00

References

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

Habba

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
is an American attorney serving as the Acting United States Attorney for the District of , a role she assumed in March 2025 following her appointment by President after his reelection. Born in 1984 in , to Chaldean Catholic parents who immigrated from in the early 1980s to escape persecution under Saddam Hussein's regime, Habba is a first-generation American of Iraqi descent. She earned her from in 2010, after initially working in the fashion industry at . Habba began her legal career as a clerk for Judge Eugene Codey Jr. in the , later entering private practice focusing on tax litigation, real estate, and commercial disputes. In 2018, she co-founded the law firm Habba Madaio & Associates in , where she handled complex cases for high-profile clients. Her association with began in 2021 when she joined his personal legal team after meeting him at his Bedminster golf club, quickly becoming a lead counsel in several of his civil and criminal matters. Notable representations include defending Trump in the New York civil fraud case, which initially resulted in a $454 million judgment that was overturned on appeal in August 2025; the defamation trials, which led to an $83.3 million verdict; and efforts to dismiss a $100 million against . Following Trump's 2024 presidential victory, was appointed as a senior advisor to the president and in the Executive Office of the President in late 2024. Her for the permanent U.S. Attorney position in July 2025 has faced legal challenges, with a court ruling in August 2025 that her interim service exceeded the 210-day limit under the Federal Vacancies Reform Act, prompting an ongoing before the Third of Appeals as of November 2025. In her current capacity, oversees approximately 155 federal prosecutors and 130 support staff across offices in Newark, Camden, and Trenton, managing all federal criminal prosecutions and civil matters involving the U.S. government in . On November 13, 2025, an individual attempted to confront her at her office, destroying property; the suspect was arrested two days later. A mother of three, has been recognized for her aggressive style but has also faced professional sanctions, including a 2023 for filing frivolous motions in a Trump-related case.

Development

Script and inspiration

The screenplay for Habba was written by director , with the story by J. K. Bharavi and dialogues by B. A. , crafting a centered on a festival-themed family drama exploring themes of and reunion. The project was announced in early 1999, positioning it as a contemporary film that highlights familial bonds amid celebration. Babu's screenplay earned the Karnataka State Film Award for Best in the 1999-00 cycle, recognizing its effective integration of emotional depth and dramatic tension. The story draws loose inspiration from the episode in the , adapting motifs of and to underscore a "dark family secret" that drives the conflict. Babu's vision was to merge these mythological elements with modern family dynamics, emphasizing brotherly solidarity and the revelation of hidden pasts to foster resolution during a festive setting. This approach allowed the film to resonate with audiences through universal themes of secrecy and reconciliation, while grounding the tale in cultural traditions.

Pre-production

Habba was produced under the banner of Chinni Chithra Productions, with Naara Bharathi Devi serving as the primary producer responsible for overseeing the project's initial planning and resource allocation. The film was presented by Jayashree Devi, who played a key role in facilitating the production's launch. The pre-production phase involved assembling a dedicated team, including production controllers and Mohankumar, along with production manager ABCD Shanthakumar, to manage budgeting, scheduling, and logistical preparations ahead of . This setup ensured a structured approach to developing the family drama, aligning with the vision set by director .

Cast and characters

Principal cast

The 1999 Kannada film Habba features an ensemble principal cast centered on the portrayal of five brothers and their family members, whose relationships form the core of the story's comedic and dramatic elements. Directed by , the film highlights veteran actors from the and broader Indian cinema industry, emphasizing familial bonds and romantic entanglements. Vishnuvardhan leads the cast as , the eldest of the five brothers, bringing his signature charisma to the role of the family patriarch figure. Jaya Prada plays Vishnu's wife, providing emotional depth to the central couple's dynamic. portrays Ambi, one of Vishnu's brothers, known for his and supporting the film's humorous undertones. appears as Devu, the middle brother among the five siblings, contributing to the ensemble's portrayal of brotherly camaraderie. rounds out the key female leads as Ambi's wife, enhancing the narrative's focus on family secrets and resolutions. portrays Ram, the youngest brother whose romance with Seetha drives the central plot.
Actor/ActressRole
VishnuvardhanVishnu (eldest brother)
Vishnu's wife
Ambi (brother)
Devu (middle brother)
Ambi's wife (sister-in-law role)
Ram (youngest brother)

Supporting cast

The supporting cast of Habba (1999) comprises a diverse ensemble of film who depict the members, siblings, and ancillary characters that drive the comedic family dynamics and plot resolution. These roles emphasize themes of familial loyalty and reconciliation, with delivering performances that complement the principal leads' central romance and conflicts. Key supporting performers include Shashikumar as Shashi, another brother whose personal life intersects with the main storyline, while his wife Savithri is played by , adding layers to the household interactions. Kasturi Shankar contributes in a pivotal female role as , Devu's wife, enhancing the emotional and humorous undertones of the narrative. Leelavathi appears as the wise grandmother, serving as a moral anchor for the family.
ActorRoleDescription
ShashikumarShashiOne of the brothers, husband to Savithri.
SavithriWife of Shashi, part of the family ensemble.
Kasturi ShankarWife of Devu, key female supporting character in family dynamics.
LeelavathiGrandmotherMatriarchal figure guiding the siblings.
Second brother of SeethaAids in resolving the family secret.
This collective portrayal underscores the film's focus on joint family traditions in .

Filming and music

Principal photography

Cinematography was handled by P. K. H. Das.

Soundtrack

The soundtrack for Habba was composed by , who also wrote the lyrics for all tracks, marking a collaboration that highlighted his signature style in . Released in 1999, the album includes 10 songs with a total runtime of 43 minutes and 35 seconds. Several tracks feature duets by prominent singers and , including "Onde Usirante", a melodic opener; "Jenina Goodu Naavella", a romantic number; and "Yaale Yaale", known for its emotional depth. The titular track "Habba Habba" stands out with vocals from , Ramesh Chandra, and Nanditha, the latter marking her debut as a in films under Hamsalekha's direction. Additional songs such as "Channappa Channegowda" incorporate folk-inspired rhythms, while " Yettire" showcases solo performances, contributing to the album's blend of celebratory and introspective tones that align with the film's themes.

Release and reception

Theatrical release

Habba was theatrically released on 15 April 1999 across theaters in , with distribution handled by Chinni Chitra Productions. The film's launch featured a low-key aligned with the season to enhance thematic resonance around family unity and celebrations, beginning with screenings in Bengaluru's Narthaki Theatre and extending to rural circuits. It earned a U certification from the on 9 April 1999, with the final cut running for 142 minutes. Promotion capitalized on the soundtrack's strong performance via audio cassettes released by Anand Audio, alongside the enduring appeal of the Vishnuvardhan-Ambarish pairing to drive pre-release buzz.

Critical and commercial response

Habba received positive critical acclaim upon its release, particularly for its family-oriented narrative and ensemble performances. In a review published in The Hindu, critic Jyothi Raghuram described the film as a "landmark" in Kannada cinema, highlighting its wholesome entertainment value, smooth screenplay, and ability to smoothly blend humor, pain, tears, suspense, and subterfuge. The review praised director D. Rajendra Babu's direction for giving equal prominence to the star cast, with Vishnuvardhan noted for his subtle portrayal of emotions, while actors like Ambarish, Devaraj, Shashikumar, and Ramkumar delivered creditable supporting roles. The music by Hamsalekha and cinematography by P. K. S. Das were also commended for enhancing the film's festive appeal. Commercially, Habba emerged as a major success, becoming one of the highest-grossing films of 1999. It achieved blockbuster status, running for over 25 weeks in theaters and drawing large audiences with its multi-starrer appeal and feel-good storyline. The film's strong performance underscored the popularity of family dramas during that era in .

Legacy

Awards

Habba received recognition at the for the year 1999–2000, where director was awarded the Best Screenplay honor. The film did not secure any National Film Awards. While Habba garnered attention for its commercial and cultural contributions within the Kannada film industry, no additional wins or confirmed nominations from major events like the were recorded.

Remakes and influence

Habba was remade in Telugu as Chandravamsam in 2002, directed by V. Umakant in his Telugu debut and produced by Raghuramayya Creations. The film retained the core narrative of family unity and fraternal bonds from the original, featuring an led by Krishna as the patriarch, alongside Suman, Naresh, Sivaji, Rohit, Jayaprada, Radhika Varma, and Rupa in key roles. While Chandravamsam received mixed reviews for its sentiment-heavy scenes appealing to family audiences, it aimed to capitalize on the original's success but did not achieve the same blockbuster status. The film was also dubbed in as Kalyug Ka Pandav in 1999. The original Habba featured a multi-starrer format in , assembling prominent actors like Vishnuvardhan, , , Shashikumar, and , which contributed to ensemble-driven family dramas emphasizing emotional depth and cultural values. This approach highlighted themes of sibling loyalty and familial reconciliation, drawing loosely from mythological motifs like the ' exile, and contributed to the film's enduring appeal in South Indian regional cinema. Its commercial triumph, as a major hit of 1999 that ran for more than 25 weeks, underscored the viability of high-profile collaborations, influencing subsequent productions that balanced star power with narrative focus on joint family dynamics.

References

  1. https://www.vanityfair.com/news/story/alina-habba-isnt-going-anywhere
  2. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-68014329
  3. https://abcnews.go.com/US/appeals-court-throws-trumps-454-million-civil-fraud/story?id=124848691
  4. https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/5/3346
  5. https://www.northjersey.com/story/news/essex/2025/11/18/nj-man-felony-charges-alina-habba-office-incident/87342698007/
  6. https://www.justice.gov/usao-nj/meet-us-attorney
  7. https://www.newsweek.com/suspect-arrested-after-attack-on-alina-habbas-office-pam-bondi-says-11053241
  8. https://kannadamoviesinfo.wordpress.com/2013/09/08/habba-1999/
  9. https://kannadamoviesinfo.wordpress.com/karnataka-state-film-awards-1999-00/
  10. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4975852/fullcredits/
  11. https://www.filmibeat.com/kannada/movies/habba.html
  12. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/habba
  13. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4975852/
  14. https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/988210
  15. https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/988210/cast
  16. https://open.spotify.com/album/7x8WT6dDymWkQjY99qVCEM
  17. https://www.jiosaavn.com/album/habba-original-motion-picture-soundtrack/eLuhWx8AqE8_
  18. https://music.apple.com/us/album/habba-original-motion-picture-soundtrack/1812864775
  19. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/music/singer-nanditha-turns-composer/articleshow/58219463.cms
  20. https://open.spotify.com/track/6FQk0v1zzqaVTnt9pbwzFY
  21. https://gaana.com/album/habba-kannada
  22. https://chiloka.com/movie/habba-1999
  23. https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/bengaluru/2012/Sep/11/production-may-be-ideal-for-diversification-404946.html
  24. http://www.cscsarchive.org/MediaArchive/art.nsf/(docid)/290249376B5828EF65256940004BD758?OpenDocument
  25. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/5-memorable-multistarrer-films-in-kannada-cinema/photostory/98365477.cms
  26. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/kannada-filmmaker-rajendra-babu-dead/article5309411.ece
  27. https://www.idlebrain.com/movie/archive/mr-chandravansam.html
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