{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2019}} {{Use Indian English|date=November 2015}} {{Infobox film | name = Mungaru Male | image = MM-02.jpg | caption = Film Poster | director = Yograj Bhat | producer = E. Krishna | writer = {{plainlist| *Yogaraj Bhat *Preetam Gubbi }} | starring = {{plainlist| *Ganesh *Pooja Gandhi }} | music = Mano Murthy | cinematography = S. Krishna | editing = Deepu S. Kumar | studio = E. K. Entertainers | distributor = Jayanna <br>Bhogendra | released = {{Film date|df=y|2006|12|29}} | runtime = 132 minutes | country = India | language = Kannada | budget = ₹70 Lakhs <ref name="Times">{{cite web |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/did-you-know/did-you-know-mungaru-male-was-the-first-film-to-cross-rs-50-crore-at-the-box-office-as-well-as-run-for-a-year-in-a-multiplex/articleshow/75402151.cms |title=Did you know? 'Mungaru Male' was the first film to cross Rs 50 crore at the box office as well as run for a year in a multiplex |publisher=Timesofindia.com |date=2020-04-27 |access-date=2021-11-29 |archive-date=24 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240424062811/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/did-you-know/did-you-know-mungaru-male-was-the-first-film-to-cross-rs-50-crore-at-the-box-office-as-well-as-run-for-a-year-in-a-multiplex/articleshow/75402151.cms |url-status=live }}</ref> | gross = {{INR}}70{{ndash}}75 crore {{efn|Multiple references: <ref name="Times"/><ref name="The Times of India Ganesh">{{cite web | title=Mungaru Male gave me everything: Ganesh | work=The Times of India | date=29 December 2018 | url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/mungaru-male-gave-me-everything-ganesh/articleshow/67287960.cms }}</ref><ref name="TOI Mungaru 50 crore">{{cite news |title=Ganesh all set for Mungaru Male 2 |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/Ganesh-all-set-for-Mungaru-Male-2/articleshow/46698706.cms |website=The Times of India |access-date=26 February 2017 |archive-date=6 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180106220631/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/Ganesh-all-set-for-Mungaru-Male-2/articleshow/46698706.cms |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="DNA Ganesh Mungaru 70 crore">{{cite news |url=http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-ganesh-bal-the-outsider-on-the-inside-1678970 |title=Ganesh Bal: The outsider on the inside |newspaper=Daily News & Analysis |access-date=11 June 2016 |archive-date=15 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180715124716/http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-ganesh-bal-the-outsider-on-the-inside-1678970 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="TheHindu Mungaru 50 crores">{{cite news |title=Stage set for Mungaru Male sequel |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/bangalore/stage-set-for-mungaru-male-sequel/article6630772.ece |work=The Hindu |date=24 November 2014 |access-date=26 February 2017 |archive-date=4 February 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160204025227/http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/bangalore/stage-set-for-mungaru-male-sequel/article6630772.ece |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Golden"/><ref>{{cite web | title=The Makers Of Kannada Blockbuster Mungaru Male Reunite After 18 Years|work=Times Now|date=9 Jun 2024| url=https://www.timesnownews.com/entertainment-news/kannada/the-makers-of-kannada-blockbuster-mungaru-male-reunite-after-18-years-exclusive-article-110837355}}</ref>}}{{refn|group=note|Industry sources indicated an approximate gross of {{INR}}50 crore for ''Mungaru Male'',<ref name="TheHindu Mungaru 50 crore">{{cite news|title=Stage set for Mungaru Male sequel|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/bangalore/stage-set-for-mungaru-male-sequel/article6630772.ece|work=The Hindu|date=24 November 2014|access-date=26 February 2017|archive-date=4 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160204025227/http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/bangalore/stage-set-for-mungaru-male-sequel/article6630772.ece|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="TOI Mungaru 50 crore" /> whereas the higher {{INR}}75 crore figure was attributed to the critic Prahlad Rao <ref name="DNA Ganesh Mungaru 70 crore" /> Financial claims made by primary sources (directors, producers, distributors, actors) should be treated with circumspection, as primary sources often have conflicts of interest and incentives to inflate box office figures.<ref name="BOI Box office column discontinued">{{cite news |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Box-Office-column-discontinued/articleshow/26211585.cms |title=Box Office column discontinued |newspaper=The Times of India |access-date=24 April 2017 |last1=Gupta |first1=Priya |archive-date=2 March 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180302110417/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Box-Office-column-discontinued/articleshow/26211585.cms |url-status=live }}</ref>}} }}
'''''Mungaru Male''''' ({{audio|Kn-ಮುಂಗಾರು ಮಳೆ.ogg|pronunciation}} {{translation|Pre-monsoon rain}}) is a 2006 Indian Kannada-language romantic drama film co-written and directed by Yogaraj Bhat, and produced by E. Krishnappa. It stars Ganesh, Pooja Gandhi and Anant Nag. The film is believed to have shaped and strengthened the careers of Ganesh, Pooja Gandhi, Yograj Bhat, lyricist Jayant Kaikini, choreographers A. Harsha and Imran Sardhariya and composer Mano Murthy, and made Bollywood playback singers Sonu Nigam, Kunal Ganjawala and Udit Narayan popular in Karnataka.<ref name="Golden">{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/golden-star-ganesh-on-his-career/article8504865.ece |title=Man with the golden touch |work=www.thehindu.com |date=21 April 2016 |access-date=25 January 2018 |archive-date=5 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180105123352/http://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/golden-star-ganesh-on-his-career/article8504865.ece |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/150701/entertainment-sandalwood/article/raining-troubles-male-girl |title=Frequent twist and turns in Pooja's real life is grabbing more attention these days |work=Deccan Chronicle |date=July 2015 |access-date=25 January 2018 |archive-date=25 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180125194542/https://www.deccanchronicle.com/150701/entertainment-sandalwood/article/raining-troubles-male-girl |url-status=live }}</ref>
It was the first film in India (for any language) to be screened continuously for over one year in a multiplex,<ref name="record2">{{cite web |url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/kannada/article/35125.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071207093502/http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/kannada/article/35125.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=7 December 2007 |title='Mungaru Male' National record |website=IndiaGlitz |access-date=8 December 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/yogaraj-proves-his-brand-value-news-kannada-ml1qX2hafbjsi.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161126001714/http://www.sify.com/movies/yogaraj-proves-his-brand-value-news-kannada-ml1qX2hafbjsi.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=2016-11-26 |title=Yogaraj proves his brand value |work=www.sify.com}}</ref> and holds the record for the longest-running film at a multiplex in addition to having one of the highest recorded box-office collections in Kannada cinema.<ref name="record2"/><ref>{{cite news |url=http://m.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/mungaru-male-girls-second-innings-in-politics/article6852974.ece |title='Mungaru Male' girl's second innings in politics |newspaper=thehindu.com |access-date=8 November 2017 |archive-date=2 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230502134553/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/mungaru-male-girls-second-innings-in-politics/article6852974.ece |url-status=live }}</ref> According to the ''Bangalore Mirror'', it was the first Kannada film to cross the ₹50 crore box office collection mark. The film collected an estimated {{INR}}75 crore.<ref name="The Times of India">{{cite web | title=Mungaru Male gave me everything: Ganesh | work=The Times of India | date=29 December 2018 | url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/mungaru-male-gave-me-everything-ganesh/articleshow/67287960.cms }}</ref> The Income Tax department alleged that the movie had collected {{INRConvert|67.5|c}} and demanded tax on that amount.<ref name="bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com">{{cite web|date=29 December 2018|title=Records stand even after 12 years|url=https://bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/south-masala/records-stand-even-after-12-years/articleshow/67292536.cms|access-date=2020-07-30|website=Bangalore Mirror|language=en|archive-date=29 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181229073444/https://bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/south-masala/records-stand-even-after-12-years/articleshow/67292536.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> It ran for a record 460 days at the PVR Multiplex.<ref name="bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com"/> It also holds a national record in Indian Cinema for running more than one year in PVR.<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.indiaglitz.com/mungaru-male-national-record-kannada-news-35106| title = 'Payana' love journey - Kannada News - IndiaGlitz.com| date = 5 December 2007| access-date = 16 December 2020| archive-date = 11 September 2021| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210911121909/https://www.indiaglitz.com/mungaru-male-national-record-kannada-news-35106| url-status = live}}</ref><ref name="Times"/>
It was remade in Telugu as ''Vaana'',<ref name="Telugu">{{cite web |url=http://www.idleburra.com/2007/04/mungaru-male-in-telugu.html |title=Mungaru Male in Telugu |date=April 2007 |website=Idleburra.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090621054835/http://www.idleburra.com/2007/04/mungaru-male-in-telugu.html |archive-date=21 June 2009 |url-status=dead |access-date=24 April 2017}}</ref> in Bengali as ''Premer Kahini'' (both in 2008),<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.screenindia.com/news/Premer-Kahini/303194/ |title=Premer Kahini - ScreenIndia.Com |publisher=Screen |access-date=4 November 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081112074201/http://www.screenindia.com/news/Premer-Kahini/303194/ |archive-date=12 November 2008 |url-status=dead }}</ref> in Odia as ''Romeo - The Lover Boy'' in 2009<ref name="vijaykarnataka.com">{{cite web |url=https://vijaykarnataka.com/entertainment/news/these-are-the-top-five-kannada-movies-remakes-in-many-languages/articleshow/74894620.cms |title=Kannada movies remake: ಅತೀ ಹೆಚ್ಚು ಭಾಷೆಗೆ 'ರಿಮೇಕ್' ಆದ ಕನ್ನಡ ಸಿನಿಮಾಗಳ ಮಾಹಿತಿ ಇಲ್ಲಿದೆ! - Vijaya Karnataka |language=ja |website=Vijaykarnataka.com |date=March 30, 2020 |access-date=2021-11-29 |archive-date=3 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200603142719/https://vijaykarnataka.com/entertainment/news/these-are-the-top-five-kannada-movies-remakes-in-many-languages/amp_articleshow/74894620.cms |url-status=live }}</ref> and in Marathi as ''Premay Namaha'' in 2017. A spiritual sequel to the film, titled ''Mungaru Male 2'', was released in 2016.<ref name="sequel"/>
== Plot == Preetham is on a visit to Eva Mall in Bengaluru where amidst heavy winds, he spots a pretty girl Nandini. While staring at her, he inadvertently falls into a manhole. Nandini rescues him, but in the process she loses her heart-shaped watch which she had just bought.
While accompanying his mother to Madikeri in Coorg, Preetham confronts a man named Jaanu. Jaanu, who has been following Nandini, hits Preetham, thinking that he is in love with her. Preetham, unaware that Jaanu has vowed not to allow anyone near Nandini, fights Jaanu and his gang in revenge.
In Madikeri, Preetham unexpectedly meets Nandini. He identifies himself and expresses his love for her and offers to put her lost watch on her. Nandini, who is already engaged, rejects his request. Nonetheless, Preetham vows to marry Nandini if she meets him again. In the meantime, Preetham discovers that his nearly-deaf host in Madikeri, Col. Subbaiah, is Nandini's father and that her wedding is only a week away. Dejected, Preetham throws Nandini's watch away. But Nandini calls him and taunts him to return. Delighted, Preetham goes in search of her watch and spots a rabbit, which he names Devadas and brings it along with the watch.
Preetham takes Nandini to the railway station to receive her friends who are due to arrive from Mumbai for the wedding. The train is delayed by five hours, so Nandini and Preetham decide to visit a nearby hill-temple. While returning from the temple, Preetham and Nandini are caught in the rain. An old couple offers to give them shelter inside their hut. Preetham, still not sure about expressing his love to Nandini, grabs a couple of toddy bottles, goes out in the rain and starts drinking. However, when Nandini walks towards him, offering an umbrella, he drunkenly tells Nandini that he should stay away from Nandini to remain a decent boy, rather than to propose or elope with her. Nandini is now in love with Preetham and is in a dilemma as her wedding is in a few days. She asks him to take her to the top of a waterfall where she expresses her love for him while standing at the edge.
Preetam, intent on marrying Nandini, takes Col. Subbaiah for a morning jog to discuss the matter. But Col. Subbaiah, a heart patient, tells Preetham that he is expected to die anytime and his only desire is to get Nandini married to Gautam, an army officer who saved his life during a war. He also could feel Nandini's mother's worry when she realises that Nandini could be in love with someone else because the wedding is the next day and all invitations have already been sent out. Her mother also feels that it would be very unfair to a good person like Gautham. Hence, Preetham decides to obey Nandini's parents' wishes and let Gautham marry Nandini. The night before the wedding, an extremely depressed Preetham goes to a roadside bar to drink alcohol and sees Gautam arriving for his wedding ceremony. Gautam asks the bar owner for an alternate route to Col. Subbaiah's home, as heavy rains have caused a tree to fall and block the road. Jaanu arrives and tries to kill Gautam, Preetham saves him and convinces Jaanu that Gautam is the best person to marry Nandini.
The next day, Preetham brings Gautam to the wedding after Gautam's car breaks down. They reach just in time for the ceremony, but Preetham declines to attend. Gautam asks for the heart-shaped watch as a memento but Preetham leaves, unwilling to part with it. They search for Preetham, but cannot find him. Only Preetham's mother knows the truth of his love for Nandini, and she tries to hide her fear.
Resignedly, Preetham watches the arch proclaiming "Gautham weds Nandini" and the marriage taking place in Kodava style. As he leaves, he spots Devadas and takes the rabbit with him. Driving towards Bangalore, Preetham confides in Devadas as to how much he loved Nandini and how he wished he had a life with her. He then realises that Devadas has died. The film ends with Preetham burying Devadas.
==Cast== {{Cast listing| * Ganesh as Preetam * Pooja Gandhi as Nandini, Preetam's love interest * Ananth Nag as Colonel Subbaiah, Nandini's father * Padmaja Rao as "Bubbly" Babita, Nandini's mother * Jai Jagadish as Preetam's father * Sudha Belawadi as Kamala, Preetam's mother * Diganth as Gautam, Nandini's fiancé * Neenasam Ashwath as Jolly * Sanchita Shetty as Nandini's friend<ref name="ie">{{cite web |url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/kannada/The-story-makes-a-star-Sanchita-Shetty/2013/04/23/article1556984.ece |title=The story makes a star: Sanchita Shetty |access-date=25 November 2016 |archive-date=4 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304081000/http://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/kannada/The-story-makes-a-star-Sanchita-Shetty/2013/04/23/article1556984.ece |url-status=dead }}</ref> }}
==Production== ===Development=== Director Yograj Bhat, who had earlier dabbled in advertising and corporate films, began working on the script of ''Mungaru Male''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ourkarnataka.com/kannada/movie/iview_yogaraj.htm |title=WebHost4Life - Web Hosting, Unix Hosting, E-Mail, Web Design |access-date=7 November 2016 |archive-date=12 January 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080112161928/http://www.ourkarnataka.com/kannada/movie/iview_yogaraj.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> He read the script to Puneeth Rajkumar and Ramya who rejected it.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.viggy.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=3465&whichpage=2 |title=viggy.com Kannada Film Discussion Board – exclusive platform for Kannada cinema – Mungaru Male Earned 7.5 crores<!-- Bot generated title --> |access-date=24 April 2017 |archive-date=11 May 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080511114659/http://www.viggy.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=3465&whichpage=2 |url-status=live |work=Viggy.com}}</ref> Ganesh introduced Yograj Bhat to producer E. Krishnappa, who agreed to finance the film. Bhat cast a relatively unknown actress, Pooja Gandhi, for the lead female role in the film.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://daijiworld.com/news/newsDisplay?newsID=38882|title=Pooja Gandhi of 'Mungaru Male' Celebrates her Birthday|work=Daijiworld Media|date=8 October 2007}}</ref>
===Filming=== Approximately 80% of the scenes were filmed in the rain.<ref name="Times"/><ref name="Indicine">{{Cite web |url=http://www.indicine.com/movies/kannada/mungaru-male-movie-review/ |title=Indicine.com – ''Mungaru Male'' movie review |access-date=25 June 2007 |archive-date=27 September 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927003534/http://www.indicine.com/movies/kannada/mungaru-male-movie-review/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Shooting locations included major part in<ref name="Indicine" /> Sakaleshpura, Madikeri,<ref name="Indicine" /> Jog Falls Sagara,<ref name="Indicine" /> and Gadag. Krishna, the cameraman, was a part-time photographer prior to the film. The song "Kunidu Kunidu" and the climax was shot at Jog Falls.<ref name=dh>{{cite web|title=Movie link enhances Jog's deadly spell|work=Deccan Herald|access-date=20 October 2023|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/india/karnataka/movie-link-enhances-jogs-deadly-2557234|date=16 August 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/ganesh-and-yogaraj-bhat-relive-mungaru-male-memories/articleshow/59561572.cms|title=Ganesh and Yograj Bhat relive Mungaru Male memories|work=The Times of India |access-date=20 October 2023|date=13 July 2017}}</ref>
== Soundtrack == {{See also|Anisutide}} {{Infobox album | name = Mungaru Male | type = soundtrack | artist = Mano Murthy | cover = | alt = | released = {{Start date|2006|11|6|df=yes}} | recorded = 2006 | venue = | studio = | genre = Feature film soundtrack | length = {{Duration|m=31|s=30}} | label = Anand Audio | producer = Mano Murthy, Sunny | prev_title = Amrithadhare | prev_year = 2005 | next_title = Cheluvina Chittara | next_year = 2007 }} [[File:SonuNigam02.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Anisutide song sung by Sonu Nigam]] Mano Murthy scored the film's background music and its soundtrack, lyrics for which was penned by Jayant Kaikini, Yogaraj Bhat, Kaviraj and Hrudaya Shiva. The soundtrack album consists of seven tracks.<ref>{{cite web|title=Mungaru Male (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)|url=https://music.apple.com/in/album/mungaru-male-original-motion-picture-soundtrack/1031210804|access-date=8 October 2015|website=iTunes|date=29 November 2006|archive-date=11 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151011163346/https://itunes.apple.com/in/album/mungaru-male-original-motion/id1031210804|url-status=live}}</ref> Anand Audio bought the distribution rights for {{INR}}500,000.<ref>{{cite news|date=1 June 2007|title='Mungaru Male' reigns over Kannada music market|work=Sify|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/boxoffice.php?id=14463092&cid=14176012|access-date=10 October 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151010052455/http://www.sify.com/movies/boxoffice.php?id=14463092&cid=14176012|archive-date=10 October 2015}}</ref> It was released on 6 November 2006 in Bangalore.<ref>{{cite news|date=7 November 2006|title='Mungaru Male' Audio Launch|website=IndiaGlitz.com|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/mungaru-male-audio-launch-kannada-event-10849.html|access-date=8 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151008183655/http://www.indiaglitz.com/mungaru-male-audio-launch-kannada-event-10849.html|archive-date=8 October 2015}}</ref>
Upon the album's release, it topped the charts with the song "Anisuthide" receiving significant radio and TV air time.<ref name="hindu">{{cite news|date=17 May 2014|title='Mungaru Male' still tops the charts|newspaper=The Hindu|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-karnataka/mungaru-male-still-tops-the-charts/article1843484.ece|access-date=6 November 2014|archive-date=2 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230502134606/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-karnataka/%60Mungaru-Male-still-tops-the-charts/article14764714.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> It was reported that by mid-May 2007, over 200,000 copies were sold in compact discs alone.<ref>{{cite news|date=18 May 2007|title='Mungaru Male' album a mega hit|work=Hindustan Times|url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P3-1273374021.html|access-date=10 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151010052639/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P3-1273374021.html|archive-date=10 October 2015}}</ref> ''Hindustan Times'' reported, "The film has just completed seven weeks, but audio sales have broken all earlier records. Composer Mano Murthy has once again created musical magic with songs like 'Anisuthidhe' and 'Onde Ondu Saari'."<ref>{{cite news|date=24 February 2007|title='Mungaru Male' can be Kannada audio of 2007|work=Hindustan Times|url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P3-1222226721.html|access-date=10 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151010053617/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P3-1222226721.html|archive-date=10 October 2015}}</ref>
{{track listing | headline = Track list | extra_column = Singer(s) | total_length = 31:30 | title1 = Onde Ondu Saari (produced by Sunny) | lyrics1 = Kaviraj | extra1 = Kunal Ganjawala, Priya Himesh | length1 = 4:32 | title2 = Mungaru Maleye | lyrics2 = Yogaraj Bhat | extra2 = Sonu Nigam | length2 = 4:49 | title3 = Kunidu Kunidu Baare | lyrics3 = Jayant Kaikini | extra3 = Udit Narayan, Sunidhi Chauhan, Stephen | length3 = 4:30 | title4 = Anisuthide | lyrics4 = Jayant Kaikini | extra4 = Sonu Nigam | length4 = 4:36 | title5 = Suvvi Suvvali | lyrics5 = Hrudaya Shiva | extra5 = Hemanth | length5 = 4:38 | title6 = Ivanu Geleyanalla | lyrics6 = Hrudaya Shiva | extra6 = Shreya Ghoshal | length6 = 3:47 | title7 = Araluthiru Jeevada Geleya | lyrics7 = Jayant Kaikini | extra7 = Shreya Ghoshal | length7 = 4:38 }}
The success of the film's soundtrack, especially the track "Anisutide", further propelled Nigam's playback singing career in Kannada cinema.<ref name = hindu/> With the song, lyricist and writer Jayant Kaikini's reputation as a writer of romantic songs further elevated, and is considered one of his best.<ref>{{cite web|date=14 June 2008|title=He spells victory|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/he-spells-victory/article1418592.ece|access-date=4 October 2015|website=The Hindu}}</ref>
==Critical response== Rediff.com's critic awarded it a three-star rating and praised its cinematography, technical values, and the acting of Ganesh and Anant Nag.<ref>{{cite web|date=2 January 2007|title=Mungaru Male is interesting|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2007/jan/02mungaru.htm|access-date=6 November 2014|website=rediff.com|archive-date=7 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171207135904/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2007/jan/02mungaru.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>
Indicine.com's critic rated the film 4 out of 5, describing Ganesh as the "life and soul of the movie". Other praise was directed at Gandhi, "Sanjana makes a confident debut. Veteran actor Anant Nag with his brilliant comic timing provides able support".<ref>{{cite web|title=Mungaru Male – Movie Review|url=http://www.indicine.com/movies/kannada/mungaru-male-movie-review/|work=www.indicine.com|access-date=25 June 2007|archive-date=27 September 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927003534/http://www.indicine.com/movies/kannada/mungaru-male-movie-review/|url-status=live}}</ref> S. Shiva Kumar of ''The Hindu'' wrote, "Anant Nag never ceases to amaze. Playing a deaf, trigger-happy ex-serviceman, his dialogue delivery and sense of timing are spot on. TV anchor turned actor Ganesh has a casual style, which audiences seem to be lapping up."<ref>{{cite web |last1=Kumar |first1=S. Shiva |title=All's well that ends well |url=http://www.hindu.com/fr/2007/01/05/stories/2007010502020400.htm |website=The Hindu |access-date=26 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070706121401/http://www.hindu.com/fr/2007/01/05/stories/2007010502020400.htm |archive-date=6 July 2007 |date=5 January 2007}}</ref>
==Box office== {{see also|List of highest-grossing Indian films}} Made with a production budget of {{INRConvert|70|L}},<ref name="Times"/> the film collected {{INR}}50 crore (500 million) in 300 days.<ref>{{cite web|title='MUNGARU MALE' NATIONAL RECORD AND COLLECTED 5 CRORE IN 300 DAYS|date=6 December 2007|url=https://www.indiaglitz.com/mungaru-male-national-record-kannada-news-35125.html|publisher=m.indiaglitz.com|access-date=20 March 2023|archive-date=19 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220819055409/https://www.indiaglitz.com/mungaru-male-national-record-kannada-news-35125.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Man with the golden touch|newspaper=The Hindu|date=21 April 2016|url=http://m.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/golden-star-ganesh-on-his-career/article8504865.ece|publisher=m.thehindu.com|last1=Khajane|first1=Muralidhara|access-date=11 August 2016|archive-date=2 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230502134629/https://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/golden-star-ganesh-on-his-career/article8504865.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> Then film went on to gross {{INR}}50<ref name="TheHindu Mungaru 50 crore">{{cite news|title=Stage set for Mungaru Male sequel|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/bangalore/stage-set-for-mungaru-male-sequel/article6630772.ece|work=The Hindu|date=24 November 2014|access-date=26 February 2017|archive-date=4 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160204025227/http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/bangalore/stage-set-for-mungaru-male-sequel/article6630772.ece|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="TOI Mungaru 50 crore" />–75 crore<ref name="DNA Ganesh Mungaru 70 crore" /> ({{INR}}500–750 million) by the end of its theatrical run.<ref name="newindianexpress">{{cite web |url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/kannada/I-broke-down-in-front-of-Ganesh/2016/09/03/article3609524.ece |title='Mungaru Male' the first film to Celebrate 865-days in Karnataka |publisher=newindianexpress |access-date=12 October 2016 |archive-date=16 September 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160916150334/http://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/kannada/I-broke-down-in-front-of-Ganesh/2016/09/03/article3609524.ece |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Ganesh|newspaper=www.dnaindia.com|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-ganesh-bal-the-outsider-on-the-inside-1678970|access-date=11 June 2016|archive-date=15 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180715124716/http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-ganesh-bal-the-outsider-on-the-inside-1678970|url-status=live}}</ref> The film has also been released with 150 prints in Karnataka.<ref>{{cite web|title=Mungaru Male - A mega blockbuster| website=Sify |url=http://sify.com/movies/kannada/fullstory.php?id=14421312|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070407002509/http://sify.com/movies/kannada/fullstory.php?id=14421312|url-status=dead|archive-date=7 April 2007|access-date=7 November 2016}}</ref> This was the first Indian film ever which ran for over a year in a multiplex: PVR cinemas Bangalore.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20070630133855/http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/fr/2007/01/19/stories/2007011901850100.htm When it rains, it pours - The Hindu]</ref> ''Mungaaru Male'' was being screened at full theatres, one year after its release.<ref name="renamed_from_7_on_20120719143223">[http://www.ibnlive.com/news/karnatakas-heartthrob-ganesh-secretly-marries/58780-8.html "Karnataka's heartthrob Ganesh secretly marries".] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080214143851/http://www.ibnlive.com/news/karnatakas-heartthrob-ganesh-secretly-marries/58780-8.html |date=14 February 2008 }} IBN Movies. 12 February 2008. "...''Mungaaru Male'', which broke all records, totally grossed Rs 75 crores. and even completed 50 days at Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu"</ref> According to reports it was the first Kannada film to touch ₹50 crore club in history of Kannada film industry.<ref name="Times"/><ref>{{cite web|title=Mungaru Male Actor - Ganesh Shashank|url=http://bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/south-masala/mungaru-male-actor-ganesh-shashank/articleshow/46691963.cms|website=Bangalore Mirror|access-date=29 June 2017|archive-date=6 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171206160501/http://bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/south-masala/mungaru-male-actor-ganesh-shashank/articleshow/46691963.cms|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com"/>
=== Overseas === ''Mungaru Male'' was released to 10 countries including the United States, Australia, Singapore, New Zealand, UK, Hong Kong and Dubai. It was the highest-grossing Kannada film overseas.{{citation needed|date=May 2025}} It had made {{INRConvert|36|L|year=2006}} in the US alone.<ref>{{cite web|title=FIRST HIT|url=https://bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/south-masala/First-hit/articleshow/21951348.cms|publisher=bangaloremirror.com|access-date=21 February 2023|archive-date=28 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220628121744/https://bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/south-masala/First-hit/articleshow/21951348.cms|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=This success is very special to me|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/kannada/interview.php?id=14449310&cid=2404|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160407061424/http://www.sify.com/movies/kannada/interview.php?id=14449310&cid=2404|url-status=dead|archive-date=2016-04-07|website=Sify}}</ref>
===Home media=== The satellite rights were acquired by television channel Star Suvarna for {{INR}}36 million.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Prasad S.|first1=Shyam|title=My leading men talk like me: Yogaraj Bhat|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/My-leading-men-talk-like-me-Yogaraj-Bhat/articleshow/46499204.cms|access-date=10 October 2015|website=The Times of India|archive-date=27 August 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150827183235/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/My-leading-men-talk-like-me-Yogaraj-Bhat/articleshow/46499204.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> The DVD of the film with 5.1 surround sound was distributed by Anand Video.<ref>{{cite web|title=Mungaru Male – 2006 DVD|url=http://www.kannadastore.com/mungaru-male-2006-dvd-p-2258.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151010125224/http://www.kannadastore.com/mungaru-male-2006-dvd-p-2258.html|archive-date=10 October 2015|access-date=10 October 2015|website=Kannada Store}}</ref>
==Awards and nominations== The film was awarded the Best Kannada Film award for the year 2006–07 by the Government of Karnataka (seven awards in total from the Government of Karnataka). It won three Filmfare awards: best music, best direction and best film. However, it did not win a single national award from the Indian government.<ref name="State award">{{cite web |title=State awards |url=http://www.deccanherald.com/Content/Jul202007/state2007072014050.asp?section=updatenews |access-date=22 July 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070929131626/http://www.deccanherald.com/Content/Jul202007/state2007072014050.asp?section=updatenews |archive-date=29 September 2007}}</ref>
{| class="infobox" style="width:22.7em; text-align:left; font-size:85%; vertical-align:middle; background:#eef;" |- | colspan="3" | {| class="collapsible collapsed" style="width:100%;" ! colspan="3" style="background:#d9e8ff; text-align:center;"| Awards and nominations |- style="background:#d9e8ff; text-align:center;" ! style="vertical-align: middle;" | Award | style="background:#cec; font-size:8pt; width:60px;"| Wins | style="background:#ecc; font-size:8pt; width:60px;"| Nominations |- | style="text-align:center;"| ;Filmfare Awards South |{{won|1}} |{{nom|6}} |- | style="text-align:center;"| ;Karnataka State Film Awards |{{won|7}} |{{nom|7}} |} |- style="background:#d9e8ff;" | colspan="3" style="text-align:center;" |'''Totals''' |- | {{won|Awards won}} | colspan="2" width=50 {{won|8}} |- | {{nom|Nominations}} | colspan="2" width=50 {{nom|13}} |}
{| class="wikitable" |- ! Ceremony ! Category ! Nominee ! Result !{{tooltip|Ref.|Reference(s)}} |- ! rowspan="7" scope="row" |Karnataka State Award | Best Film |''Mungaru Male'' | {{Won}} | rowspan="7" |<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.deccanherald.com/Content/Jul202007/state2007072014050.asp?section=updatenews |title=Deccan Herald - State cine awards: Mungaru Male sweeps six awards |date=29 September 2007 |access-date=7 November 2016 |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070929131626/http://www.deccanherald.com/Content/Jul202007/state2007072014050.asp?section=updatenews |archive-date=29 September 2007 }}</ref><br /><ref>[http://www.altfg.com/blog/awards/kamataka-state-film-awards-2006-2007/ Karnataka State Film Awards – 2006-2007<!-- Bot generated title -->] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110831085929/http://www.altfg.com/blog/awards/kamataka-state-film-awards-2006-2007/ |date=2011-08-31 }}</ref> |- | Best Director |Yogaraj Bhat | {{Won}} |- | Best Dialogue Writer | Yogaraj Bhat | {{Won}} |- | Best Cinematographer |S. Krishna | {{Won}} |- | Best Music Director |Mano Murthy | {{Won}} |- | Best Sound Recording | Tukaram | {{Won}} |- | Best Lyricist |Jayanth Kaikini | {{Won}} |- ! rowspan="6" scope="row" |54th Filmfare Awards South | Best Director | Yogaraj Bhat | {{nom}} | rowspan="6" | <ref>{{cite web|url=https://m.ragalahari.com/localevents/11137/filmfare-54th-south-indian-awards.aspx|title=Filmfare 54th South Indian Awards|access-date=17 December 2020|archive-date=2 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230502134556/https://www.ragalahari.com/localevents/11137/filmfare-54th-south-indian-awards.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref> |- | Best film | Mungaru Male | {{Won}} |- | Best Playback Singer – Male |Sonu Nigam | {{nom}} |- | Best Actor |Ganesh | {{nom}} |- | Best Debut Actress |Pooja Gandhi | {{nom}} |- | Best Playback Singer – Female |Shreya Ghoshal | {{nom}} |} {{notelist}}
==Legacy== The success of ''Mungaru Male'' turned Ganesh and Pooja Gandhi into most sought-after actors in Kannada cinema.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.newskarnataka.com/sandalwood/can-mungaaru-male-2-recreate-the-magic-of-prequel |title=Mungarumale 2 recreate the magic of prequel |work=newskarnataka |date=10 September 2016 |access-date=11 November 2017 |archive-date=11 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171111152215/https://www.newskarnataka.com/sandalwood/can-mungaaru-male-2-recreate-the-magic-of-prequel |url-status=live }}</ref> Ganesh had back-to-back commercial successes in ''Cheluvina Chittara'' (2007), ''Hudugaata'' (2007) and ''Krishna'' (2007). Ganesh and Bhat delivered two consecutive films that emerged as commercial successes, the other being ''Gaalipata'' (2008).<ref>{{cite news |last1=Lokesh |first1=Vinay |title=Ganesh in Yogaraj Bhat direction? |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/Ganesh-in-Yogaraj-Bhat-direction/articleshow/22654049.cms |access-date=1 October 2015 |work=The Times of India |date=17 September 2013 |archive-date=1 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171001155916/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/Ganesh-in-Yogaraj-Bhat-direction/articleshow/22654049.cms |url-status=live }}</ref> The film also proved to be a launchpad for the career of actress Pooja Gandhi.<ref name="sify.com">{{cite web|title=Neha Shetty is Mungaru Male 2 Heroine|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/neha-shetty-is-mungaru-male-2-heroine-imagegallery-kannada-phnkgxdgffajf.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150714195739/http://www.sify.com/movies/Neha-Shetty-is-Mungaru-Male-2-heroine-imagegallery-Kannada-phnkgxdgffajf.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=14 July 2015|website=Sify}}</ref> Gandhi also delivered back-to-back commercially superhit films such as ''Milana'' (2007), ''Krishna'' (2007), ''Taj Mahal'' (2008) and ''Budhivanta'' (2008).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.firstpost.com/cricket-live-score/update-australia-v-new-zealand-t20/inning-1-summary/2547/180468.html |title=Kannada superstar Pooja Gandhi joins JD(S) |work=firstpost |date=12 January 2012 |access-date=5 December 2017 |archive-date=6 December 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171206080021/http://www.firstpost.com/cricket-live-score/update-australia-v-new-zealand-t20/inning-1-summary/2547/180468.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://m.indiatoday.in/story/sriramulu-yeddyurappa-pooja-gandhi-bsr-congress/1/252420.html |title=Sriramulu steals star power from Yeddyurappa as Pooja Gandhi joins BSR Congress |work=indiatoday |date=3 March 2013 |access-date=5 December 2017 |archive-date=19 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171019221515/http://m.indiatoday.in/story/sriramulu-yeddyurappa-pooja-gandhi-bsr-congress/1/252420.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Jog Falls attained popularity and became a tourist spot after the film's release.<ref name=dh />
Producer E Krishnappa and distributor Jayanna were raided by the Income Tax department multiple times, who claimed that the film had collected ₹67.5 crore and demanded tax for that amount. After Mungaru Male, two of Ganesh's next films also became super hits.<ref name="bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com" />
===Book=== Bhat wrote about the making of ''Mungaru Male'' in the book ''Haage Summane'', which was released on day of the silver jubilee celebration for the movie.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/kannada/gallery/Events/12731.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070716203720/http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/kannada/gallery/Events/12731.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=16 July 2007 |title=Events – 'Mungaru Male' Grand Silver Jubilee |website=IndiaGlitz |date=11 July 2007 |access-date=7 August 2012}}</ref>
==Remakes== The movie was remade in Telugu in 2008 as ''Vaana'',<ref name="Telugu" /> in Bengali in 2008 as ''Premer Kahini'' (with a different climax), in Odia in 2009 as ''Romeo - The Lover Boy''<ref name="vijaykarnataka.com"/> and in Marathi in 2017 as ''Premay Namaha''.<ref>{{cite web|last=Matkari|first=Ganesh|date=3 March 2017|title=Film: Premay Namaha|url=https://punemirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/marathi-reviews/film-premay-namaha/articleshow/57436053.cms|access-date=2020-07-30|website=Pune Mirror|language=en|archive-date=28 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180728191428/https://punemirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/marathi-reviews/film-premay-namaha/articleshow/57436053.cms|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/from-school-master-to-u-turn-a-look-at-kannada-films-remade-in-other-indian-languages/articleshow/75161463.cms | title=From 'School Master' to 'U Turn': A look at Kannada films remade in other Indian languages | newspaper=The Times of India | access-date=17 November 2022 | archive-date=1 December 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211201070045/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/from-school-master-to-u-turn-a-look-at-kannada-films-remade-in-other-indian-languages/articleshow/75161463.cms | url-status=live }}</ref>
==Sequel== It was announced in July 2014 that Shashank would be directing the sequel of the film, titled ''Mungaru Male 2''. Ganesh reprised his role in the film, produced by J. Gangadhar under the banner of E. K. Pictures.<ref name="sequel">{{cite news |url=https://www.filmibeat.com/kannada/news/2014/munagru-male-2-to-be-directed-by-shashank-155116.html |title=Mungaru Male 2 To Be Directed By Shashank |date=25 July 2014 |publisher=Oneindia |access-date=26 July 2014 |archive-date=26 July 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140726194327/http://entertainment.oneindia.in/kannada/news/2014/munagru-male-2-to-be-directed-by-shashank-155116.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The sequel was released in 2016.
== Notes == {{reflist|group=note}}
==References== {{Reflist|30em}}
==External links== * {{IMDb title|0986329}}
{{Yogaraj Bhat}} {{Preetham Gubbi}} {{Filmfare Award for Best Film – Kannada}}
Category:2006 films Category:Kannada films remade in other languages Category:Films scored by Mano Murthy Category:2006 romantic drama films Category:2000s romantic musical films Category:Films directed by Yogaraj Bhat Category:Indian romantic drama films Category:Indian romantic musical films Category:2006 Kannada-language films Category:2006 musical films