Naagarahaavu

Nagarahaavu
Film poster
Directed by	Puttanna Kanagal
Produced by	N. Veeraswamy
Written by	T. R. Subba Rao
Screenplay by	Puttanna Kanagal
Based on	Nagarahavu, Ondu Gandu Eradu Hennu and Sarpa Mathsara by T. R. Subba Rao
Starring	Vishnuvardhan Aarathi K. S. Ashwath Leelavathi Ambarish
Music by	Vijaya Bhaskar
Cinematography	Chittibabu
Edited by	P. Bhakthavathsalam
Production company	Sri Eshwari Productions
Release date	1973 (1973)
Running time	169 minutes
Country	India
Language	Kannada

Naagarahaavu (English: Cobra) is a 1973 Indian Kannada language film directed by Puttanna Kanagal, based on T. R. Subba Rao's three novels Nagarahavu, Ondu Gandu Eradu Hennu and Sarpa Mathsara, and starring Vishnuvardhan, K. S. Ashwath, Aarathi and Shubha in lead roles. The supporting cast features Leelavathi, Ambareesh, Shivaram, Dheerendra Gopal, Lokanath and Vajramuni. This is the first Kannada movie to complete 100 days in three centres.

The film was a huge success and paved way for the stardom of Vishnuvardhan and Ambarish who eventually morphed as leading actors in Kannada cinema. This was Vishnuvardhan's first movie as the lead. Over a period of time, the character roles of Leelavathi, Dheerendra Gopal, Loknath, M. N. Lakshmi Devi have come in for their share of applause.

The film primarily revolves around the protagonist's relationship with his teacher, Chamayya(K. S. Ashwath). Chamayya, who is childless treats Ramachari(Vishnuvardhan) as his son. He takes it upon himself to guide Ramachari on the right path despite Ramachari's legendary anger. He usually acts as the negotiator between his student and the people who have issues with Ramachari's behaviour. Ramachari is a young man whose anger is his weakness. He is difficult to reason with and has a great deal of pride. Chamayya is the only person who can convince him to do anything. His love interests are Alamelu( Aarathi) and Margaret (Shubha) who play pivotal parts in his life.