Molige Marayya, a 12th-century king who renounced his throne to become a saint under the influence of Sri Basaveshwara, is being celebrated once again—this time through a full-length Kannada feature film.
His life stands as a classic example of the saying “Arasanadavanu Aalagaballa”, countering the more commonly used version “Alagaballavanu Arasanagaballa”. As an epoch-making Sharana, Molige Marayya’s journey is unique. Once a ruler in Kashmir, he gave up his aristocratic life after being inspired by Sri Basaveshwara’s revolutionary ideals. Along with his wife Mahadevi, he arrived at Anubhava Mantapa and lived by the principle of Kayakave Kailasa—work is worship.
Molige Marayya earned his living as a woodcutter, embodying the transformative influence of Anna Basavanna. His character became popular in a few episodes of the television serial Anna Basavanna, directed by Sri J.K. Srinivasamurthy for ETV Kannada. These episodes were well received by audiences. Building on this popularity, a complete feature film has now been made by Madhusudhan Havaldar, who has handled the direction, concept, music, and overall execution.
The lyrical video release ceremony for the film’s songs was held on the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya and Basava Jayanti. Sri Shivanubhava Charamurthy Shivarudra Mahaswamy of Belimath Bhaktipradhan released the songs to the public. Retired IAS officer C. Somashekar was also present at the event.
Several lyrical songs were screened at the ceremony, including: “Shankara Darushana Nee Nidayya”, “Shiva Shiva Shivana Nenedare Bayavilla”, “Kalabeda Kolabeda”, “Shiva Nama Sthuthisalu Ihapara Sukhavella”, “Ivanarava Ivanaarava”, “Shankara Shashidhara Gowri Manohara”, and “Hotthare Eddu”. Of the six songs, three are sung by Prasanna Kumar and the other three by Madhusudhan Havaldar himself.
Havaldar recalled how Srigavi Siddeshwara Swamy of Koppala encouraged him to make films based on the lives of the Vachanakaras, considering his earlier success with Dasa Parampare films like Jagannathadasaru, Sri Prasanna Venkatadasaru, and Vijayadasaru. His introduction to the stage play Molige Marayya came during last year’s Basava Jayanti, which sparked the idea to develop it into a film. For Basava Jayanti 2025, he is ready with a selection of Vachanas by Molige Marayya, integrated into a full-length cinematic narrative.
For the lead role of Molige Marayya, Havaldar has chosen Gangavathi’s Vishnuthirtha Joshi, who previously portrayed Sri Venkateshwara in three films. The casting for other important characters, including Sri Basaveshwara, Mahadevi (Marayya’s wife), and Akkamahadevi, is currently in progress. The film is planned to be shot in two schedules.
“Gangavathi’s Vishnuthirtha Joshi, who acted in my previous films, is appearing in the role of Molige Marayya. The selection of the remaining characters is underway. Along with producing and directing, I am also doing the music direction,” said Madhusudhan Havaldar. The screenplay and dialogues are penned by J.M. Prahlad, while VFX work is being managed by Dayanand.
“I had played the role of Venkataraman in Madhusudan Havaldar’s previous three films. In this film, he has given me the role of Molige Marayya,” said actor Vishnuthirtha Joshi.
Writer J.M. Prahlad, VFX artist Dayanand, and the Sound of Music Guru were present at the media meet held for the film Molige Marayya.
