Kranthiveera Sangolli Rayanna and his legendary valour

Darshan's forthcoming Kranthiveera Sangolli Rayanna is hitting the screens on November 1. The historical film is ready to bring the legendary valour of the freedom fighter and the Kittur dynasty on-screen.

Sangolli Rayanna was born in Bailahongala taluk, Belgaum on August 15, 1798, in a Kuruba community. He was one of the trusted lieutenant of Kittur Rani Chennamma and bravely fought against the British Raj till he breathed his last.

A born patriot Rayanna fought valiantly against the colonial rulers and used the tactics of guerrilla warfare to kill his enemies. But he was captured by treachery and hanged to death on January 26.

It is interesting to note that his birth and death occurred on the dates, which coincidentally became the Independence Day (August 15) and the Republic Day (January 26) of India.

Darshan As Sangolli Rayanna

He led the rebellion against the landlords and the British Raj for heavily taxing and formed his own army. He attacked those landlords, who joined their hands with the English leaders, and served the poor with the money that he stole from the rich. Thus, people gave him honorific title 'Kranthiveera'.

Darshan As Sangolli Rayanna

The colonial rulers captured him when he was having bath in a Benachi stream in Dharwad. His uncle Laxmana helped the British to capture him. When the English army surrounded him, his arms were with his uncle, who gave the Rayanna's sword to the British instead of the freedom fighter.

Darshan As Sangolli Rayanna

Like a lion roaring with pride, before he was hung, Rayanna's last wish was to be born in this soil to serve the nation and fight against the British. He was executed to death by hanging him to a Banyan tree about 4 kms from Nandagad in Belgaum district on January 26.

Darshan In Sangolli Rayanna

He was buried later in Nandaghad. History says that one of his followers planted a Banyan sapling on his grave. A pillar was installed in his burial place a couple of years ago. A land has been allotted to build an army school in his name but there is no progress in the project.

Darshan And Jayaprada

Though movies on Chennama were made, Naganna's Kranthiveera Sangolli Rayanna is the first full-fledged film on the war hero. It is produced by Anand Appugol and reportedly made with the budget of Rs 30 crore.

Darshan In Sangolli Rayanna

Darshan plays the title character, and veteran actress Jayapradha will be seen in the role of Rani Kittoor Chennamma. Actress Nikita has played the female lead opposite Darshan in the film.