Neela (film)

Neela is a 2001 Indian Kannada-language drama film directed by T. S. Nagabharana and written by Kotiganahalli Ramaiah. Featuring Gayatri Jayaraman in the lead protagonist role, it also stars Ananth Nag, Sarath Babu, Mayoori, Shivadhwaj, Jayanthi and Naveen Mayur in key roles.

The story is about a nomadic folk singer, Neela, who belongs to the "Neelagararu" tribe. She develops throat cancer and suddenly loses her voice. The story highlights her struggle to survive in her conservative society.

Neela was screened at the Indian Panorama international festival and won many accolades for the content. The film won the third best film at the Karnataka State Film Awards, and Gayatri Jayaraman won Best Actress at the Cinema Express Awards.

Cast

 * Gayatri Jayaraman as Neela
 * Shivadhwaj as Sanjeeva
 * Ananth Nag as Shivajja
 * Sarath Babu as Palegar Jagadevaraya
 * Jayanthi as Jagadevaraya's mother
 * Rangayana Raghu as Siddayya, Neela's father
 * Naveen Mayur as Karthik
 * Enagi Nataraj as History professor
 * Mayoori as Chandri, Jagadevaraya's daughter
 * Picchalli Srinivas as mute person
 * Apoorva Bargur as Geethanjali

Soundtrack
The music was composed by the renowned composer Vijaya Bhaskar, his last work before his death. The soundtrack consisted of 12 tracks most of which were sung by acclaimed playback singer Vani Jairam.

Reception
A critic from indiainfo wrote that "Overall if you have lots of time to spare and want to catch a movie, Neela might just be it!"