Sri S.L.Bhyrappa, the Kannada writer, arguably is the greatest novelist of our Country. Having written nearly 30 epic novels, all of which are translated to almost all Indian languages, Bhyrappaji is a living legend. His much acclaimed novel PARVA is recently translated into Russian and Chinese. But critics rate his novel GRUHABHANGA as his master piece.
Sri Girish Kasaravalli is a great Indian film director, having won 14 national awards including 4 best feature film awards from President of India. About two decades ago, when he came forward to produce a 75 episode TV serial based on Sri S.L.Bhyrappa's epic novel GRUHABHANGA, expectations were high from the audience. The result was one of the great novel-based TV serials produced ever in our Country!
Gruhabhanga is a well-known novel by Sri.S.L.Bhyrappa. The plot depicts rural India, as prevailing between 1920s and 1940s. The story has the heroic struggle of a woman against her idiotic and irresponsible husband, ferocious mother-in-law, superstitious neighbours and all pervading poverty. Added to these woes are the ill designs of wicked persons of the village, exploiting loan and land disputes, drawn to Courts even. The ill-effects of lack of education, job opportunities and infrastructure in the village also contribute to the evil in no small measure. Natural factors like famine and plague epidemic also haunt the 'family resulting in disaster,' best described by the title of the novel GRUHABHANGA! In spite of all these negative factors, there is the presence of a couple of noble characters in the village, who try to soothen the ill-effects with the milk of human kindness. This novel is considered an Indian classic and hence National Book Trust, India has translated this into all fourteen major languages of India.
The 75 episode serial, available even now on YouTube is a master-piece. The drama is a great example for wonderful direction and great performances, exactly in tune with the original novel. Locations and photography depicts the Indian rural life to perfection.
I have read the Bengali novel 'Pather Panchali's' Kannada version. There is a striking resemblance between the two main female characters, Nanjamma of Gruhabhanga and SarvaJaya of Pather Pancheli! Overall my rating is 'Gruhabhanga is by far a better depiction of Indian rural life.'
I completed viewing the entire serial for second time, yesterday. After having read the original novel also two times, I can vouch that viewing the serial for second time gave me a great satisfaction. I am sure that you people (whether you know Kannada or not) too will experience the same pleasure and moments of satisfaction on completely viewing the serial. Please view before the serial is removed from the YouTube.
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I have read the novel some 30-40 years ago. I have not seen the serial. Your blog post encourages to view it.
ReplyDeleteI discovered Gruhabhanga too late and now there are only episodes 1-54 on youtube. Would you know if the rest are available anywhere. I will try to buy the DVD, but not sure of quality.
ReplyDeletecould you please let me know the exact year of the serial's release?
ReplyDeleteThis is one of the best and the greatest kannada serial ever made. The storyline and the emotions in it are so deep that you just can't stop watching. It's so realistic, natural and very meaningful series. Feels nostalgic. This really needs to be re-telecasted in the TV channel. We are not able to get all the episodes online. There's lots and lots of people out there who wants to watch this serial.
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