Veerappan (1991 film)

Veerappan is a 1991 Indian Kannada-language biographical docudrama film written and directed by Ravindranath. The film is based on the real-life Indian bandit Veerappan and the events of his early life till the 1990s.The film stars Devaraj as Veerappan and Lokesh as his Master.

Plot Summary

Topical film referring, in part, to notorious real life sandalwood smuggler Veerappan, operating on the Karnataka-Tamil Nadu border, who hit the news following a series of violent encounters with the police in the early 90s.Like crime journalism dramatising the confrontations between the good and bad while retaining a veneer of support for the legal system, the film is formally dedicated to the police who lost their lives in their efforts to capture Veerappan.

However, it begins with a scene which Veerappan (Devaraj) discusses and gives his approval to the production.A priest then explains Veerappan's life as being a consequence of his impoverished childhood.This leads to the next character Nayakan (Lokesh), formerly Veerappan's employer, but now his enemy, who points to the latter's Robin Hood-type inclinations.Veerappan's revenge for the [...] of his sister and his encounters with the police then follow.The Film ends with a pair of brave police officers setting out to get him, but he eludes them.

Awards

Karnataka State Film Awards 1991-91

• First Best Film
• Best Actor - Devaraj