Ondhu Muthina Kathe – First Indian Film with Underwater Photography
This Images / footage are not from any Discovery / NAT Geo Channel or even from any English /Hollywood Movies. This is from Kannada Film of Dr Rajkumar ‘s“Ondhu Muthina Kathe” Directed by Shankarnag released in the year 1987.
As per reliable sources and any undisputed claims available on Indian Film History & public domain this is the First Indian Film to shoot underwater sequences with the special equipment & gadgets meant for underwater photography in those times.
Perhaps in those days for Indian film audience may be seen underwater sequences in English films like Steven Speilbergs “Jaws” or any James Bond films etc but this was the first time in Indian film that too from Kannada film and underwater sequences was not limited timings right from Title cards to Dr Rajkumar Introductory scene many footage also involving its lead actress Archana was there.
Another highlight was earlier on Big screen witnessed any adventure / action scenes involving wild animals like Lion| Tiger|Cheetah |Elephant| Bear or Python but since this film depicts on marine life a action sequence of Dr Raj with octopus was shown which if sees today also gets Goosebumps.
The Principal Photography was done by Ace Cinematographer Late BC Gowrishankar & the Underwater Sequences in the film was handled / supervised by Dop / Agency from Maldives.
And if right the underwater sequences in the film was primarily shot in Maldives & specially made swimming pool in those days to match & show with exact marine life since it was not days of CGI / Green / Blue mat like today’s times.
Exterior shots was done in Coastal Karnataka places like St Marys Island |Ankola surroundings and the climax chase & action scene was shot in Yana near sirsi which decade later on with Shivrajkumar’s “Namoora Mandara Hoove” film released in year 1996 became overnight major hot tourist spot.
Today across the globe with Electronic & social media the voice to protect indigenous peoples /community is in big way but this film way back in mid 80’s also conveys the same voice.
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Ajay KR
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