Ranadheera Kanteerava

Ranadheera Kanteerava (Kannada: ರಣಧೀರ ಕಂಠೀರವ) is a 1960 Kannada historical drama biographical film directed by the editor-turned-director N. C. Rajan and written by G. V. Iyer. It is one of the most popular films of acclaimed Kannada actor Rajkumar, who plays the role of an emperor Kanthirava Narasaraja I of the Wodeyar dynasty, Mysore who was fondly named as Ranadheera Kanteerava. The film depicts the life of Kanteerava, who is known for his immense physical strength through wrestling. The film also stars Udaykumar, Balakrishna, Leelavathi, Narasimharaju and Sandhya in the prominent roles.

The film was released at a time during the severe crisis in the Kannada film industry due to the financial constraints. This film was produced through a co-operative forum called "Kannada Chalanachitra Kalavidara Sangha" formed by actors Rajkumar, Balakrishna, Narasimharaju and acclaimed writer G. V. Iyer. Thus this was the first venture where Rajkumar turned producer for the film. The film. post release suffered an initial hitch as no distributor came forward to screen the film. Later it was released in a single "Bharath" theater and found huge collections drawing. This film screened at IFFI 1992.

Narasaraja Wodeyar I (1638 - 1659) popularly known as Ranadheera Kanteerava was an emperor in the royal Mysore dynasty. He was a man of immense physical strength and was known as an intense wrestler in the Kingdom. He was an exponent in a form of wrestling called "Vajra Mushti". He was also a musician with a strong liking towards arts and literature. He used the Srirangapatna town as his capital. Soon after his death in 1659, all his 10 wives committed Sati and ended their lives.