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{{Use Indian English|date=March 2015}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2020}}
{{Infobox film
| location = India
| name           = Aa Dinagalu
| image          = Aa-Dinagalu.jpg
| image_size     =
| caption        = Promotional poster
| director       = [[K. M. Chaitanya]]
| producer       = [[Syed Aman Bachchan]]<br/>M. S. Ravindra
| writer         = [[Agni Shridhar]]
| based_on       = {{Based on|''Daadaagiriya Dinagalu''|[[Agni Shridhar]]}}
| screenplay     = [[Girish Karnad]]
| starring       = {{plainlist|
*[[Chethan Kumar]]
*[[Sharath Lohitashwa]]
*[[Ashish Vidyarthi]]
*[[Atul Kulkarni (actor born 1965)|Atul Kulkarni]]
*[[Veda Sastry]]
*[[Girish Karnad]]
}}
| music          = [[Ilayaraja]]
| cinematography = [[H. C. Venugopal]]
| editing        = Nagendra Urs
| studio         = Megha Movies
| distributor    =
| released       = {{Film date|2007|10|19|df=y}}
| runtime        = 137 minutes
| country        = India
| language       = Kannada
| budget         =
| gross          = 
}}

'''''Aa Dinagalu''''' ({{lang-en|italic=yes|Those Days}}) is a 2007 Indian [[Kannada language]] [[Crime film|crime]] [[drama film]] based on the non-fiction novel ''Daadaagiriya Dinagalu'' by [[Agni Shridhar]], and directed by [[K. M. Chaitanya]]. It stars [[Chethan Kumar]] in the lead role. The supporting cast features [[Sharath Lohitashwa]], [[Ashish Vidhyarthi]], [[Atul Kulkarni]] and [[Veda Sastry]]. The plot revolves around [[mafia]] in [[Bangalore]] during the 1980s when gangsters [[Kotwal Ramachandra]] and [[M. P. Jayaraj]] dominated the Bangalore underworld. The film's soundtrack and background music was scored by [[Ilayaraja]].

Upon theatrical release on 19 October 2007, the film received positive reviews from critics who acclaimed the screenplay and the acting performance of [[Sharath Lohitashwa]] who portrayed the role of Kotwal Ramachandra. The film won three awards each at the 2007–08 [[Karnataka State Film Awards]] and 55th [[Filmfare Awards South]]; the awards at the latter ceremony being [[Filmfare Award for Best Film – Kannada|Best Film]], [[Filmfare Award for Best Director – Kannada|Best Director]] (K. M. Chaitanya) and [[Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor – Kannada|Best Supporting Actor]] (Sharath Lohitashwa).

==Plot==
''Aa Dinagalu'' is a story about the [[Bangalore]] underworld of the 1980s. In the film, [[Agni Shridhar]] narrates the preview as story of [[Kotwal Ramachandra]] era (1975) coincidentally with declaration of emergency by [[Indira Gandhi]], which led to grooming of [[M. P. Jayaraj]] as the uncrowned don of [[Bangalore]] mostly working with Knives, Sickles, Machetes for terrorising people. Eventually he seems to have got jailed for contempt of court for 10 years. When he returns in 1985, after the death of Indira Gandhi he finds [[Kotwal Ramachandra]] to have taken his spot. In this backdrop how a love story finds its place has been shown in the movie.

Chetan (Chetan) and Mallika (Archana) are in deep love. Chetan is a [[business magnate]], a Konkani Brahmin with a vast empire of his father while Mallika is a dance teacher hailing from Vokkaliga community. The love affair of these two is not tolerated by Chetan's father. He hires the underworld don Kotwal Ramachandra (Sharat Lohitashva) to handle the case. This is what irks Chetan and he is perturbed mentally. For coming as a hardship Chetan wants to take revenge on Kotwal. That is not an easy task. Chetan goes to the opponent gang of Kotwal - Jayaraj to seek support in his mission. But just before this the incident that takes place at Kanishka Hotel brings in bad name for Chetan. He is suspected by the police. After release Chetan further strengthen his plan with Sridhar and Bachchan. They all seek Siraj the trusted friend of Kotwal friend to near to Kotwal. Believing that Kotwal will be safe Siraj sends this trio Chetan, Sridhar, Bachchan to Tumkur. This is where Kotwal is killed when his right hand Shetty also ditch him.

==Cast==
{{cast listing|
* [[Chethan Kumar]] as Varadharaja Nayak
* [[Veda Sastry]] (credited as Archana) as Mallika
* [[Sharath Lohitashwa]] as [[Kotwal Ramachandra]]
* [[Ashish Vidhyarthi]] as [[M. P. Jayaraj]]
* [[Atul Kulkarni]] as [[Agni Shridhar]]
* [[Achyuth Kumar]] as [[Oil Kumar]]
* Dinesh Mangalore as Seetharam Shetty
* [[Girish Karnad]] as Girish Nayak, Chethan's father
* [[Vinaya Prasad]] as Chethan's mother
* Natak Amaan as Muneer
* Aryan Deepak as Bachchan
* Satya as Sardar
* Asif Farooqi as Siraj
* Dharma as [[Sub-inspector]] Shivaraj
* Kishan Shetty as Daniel
* Nagendra Urs as Balarama
* Akbar as Rajendra
* Prabhakar as Samson
* [[Samyukta Hornad]] as Divya Naik
* [[Shwetha Srivatsav]] as Kothwal's wife
}}

==Story==
The Story is based upon book ''Dadagiriya Dinagalu'' (The days of DadaGiri or Rowdyism) by Agni Sridhar, who was once a criminal identified himself with [[Bangalore]] underworld in 1980s.

==Soundtrack==
{{Infobox album
| location = India
| name       = Aa Dinagalu
| type       = Soundtrack
| artist     = [[Ilayaraja]]
| cover      =
| border     = yes
| alt        =
| caption    = Soundtrack cover
| released   =
| recorded   =
| venue      =
| studio     =
| genre      = [[Film soundtrack|Feature film soundtrack]]
| length     =
| label      = [[Anand Audio]]
| producer   =
| prev_title =
| prev_year  =
| next_title =
| next_year  =
}}

[[Ilayaraja]] composed the film's background score and music for its soundtrack. The album consists of three tracks.<ref>{{cite web |title=  Aa Dinagalu (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) |url= https://itunes.apple.com/in/album/aa-dinagalu-original-motion/id518120271 |publisher= iTunes |accessdate= 4 March 2015}}</ref> Lyrics for them were penned by [[K. Kalyan]] and [[D. Sumana Kittur]].

{{tracklist
| headline = Track listing
| extra_column = Singer(s)
| total_length = 
| title1 = Sihi Gaali
| lyrics1 = [[K. Kalyan]]
| extra1 = [[Ilaiyaraaja]], [[Nanditha]]
| length1 = 
| title2 = Aa Dinagalu
| lyrics2 = [[D. Sumana Kittur]]
| extra2 = [[Vijay Yesudas]]
| length2 = 
| title3 = Aa Dinagalu
| lyrics3 = [[D. Sumana Kittur]]
| extra3 = Vijay Yesudas, [[Nanditha (singer)|Nanditha]]
| length3 = 
}}

== Critical reception ==
[[File:Aa dinagalu theatre1.JPG|thumb|right|Lido Theatre, [[Mysore]] on the day of release]]
Upon theatrical release, ''Aa Dinagalu'' received generally positive reviews from critics. R. G. Vijayasarathy of ''[[Rediff.com|Rediff]]'' reviewed the film rating it 3.5/5 and wrote, "Chaitanya has used a straightforward, simple narration resulting in a profound impact. The background score by Ilayaraja is one of the best heard in the recent times in Kannada films.  Cameraman [[H. C. Venugopal]] has done a terrific job behind the camera. Sharath Lohithashwa is wonderful as Kothwal Ramachandra, while Atul Kulkarni, Ashish Vidyarthi, Girish Karnad, and the new face Chethan have all given wonderful performances in their respective roles" and concluded writing "Commendable direction, excellent star cast, high class technical crew and a fantastic script..."<ref>{{cite web |author= Vijayasarathy R. G. | title= Aa Dinagalu is worth a watch |url= http://www.rediff.com/movies/2007/oct/22aad.htm |publisher= Rediff |date= 22 October 2007|accessdate= 4 March 2015}}</ref> ''[[The Times of India]]'' in its review rated the film 3/5 and called the film a "brilliant portrayal of underworld don Kotwal Ramachandra." The reviewer concluded writing, "Sharath Lohithshwa, Ashish Vidyarthi and Atul Kulkarni are brilliant. While Girish Karnad gives a consummate performance, Archana shines and Dharma excels. H C Venu's camerawork is excellent. Ilayaraja's music is pleasing."<ref>{{cite news |title= Aa Dinagalu review |url= http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movie-reviews/Aa-Dinagalu/movie-review/2475677.cms |newspaper= The Times of India |accessdate= 4 March 2015}}</ref> The reviewer for ''[[Deccan Herald]]'' felt the film was "a damp squib". He felt, "the subject [was dealt] in a straight, staccato fashion that renders Aa Dinagalu more like docu-feature than a film that sparkles with auteur’s classic feel of the medium."<ref>{{cite news|title=This Dinagalu is a damp squib |url=http://archive.deccanherald.com/Content/Oct222007/scroll2007102231769.asp |newspaper=Deccan Herald |date=22 October 2007 |accessdate=4 March 2015 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402090612/http://archive.deccanherald.com/Content/Oct222007/scroll2007102231769.asp |archivedate=2 April 2015 }}</ref>

==Awards==
{| class="wikitable" style="width:99%;"  <!-- to use sortable requires eliminating all use of rowspan -->
|-
! width="25%" scope="col" | Award / Film Festival
! width="25%" scope="col" | Category
! width="25%" scope="col" | Recipient
! width="10%" scope="col" | Result
! width="3%" scope="col" | {{Tooltip|Ref.|Reference(s)}}
|-
| rowspan="3" | <center>[[Karnataka State Film Awards]]</center>
| <center>[[Karnataka State Film Award for Best Cinematographer|Best Cinematographer]]</center>
| <center>[[H. C. Venugopal]]</center>
| rowspan="3" {{won}}
| align="center" rowspan="3" |
|-
| <center>[[Karnataka State Film Award for Best Dialogue|Best Dialogue]]</center>
| <center>[[Agni Shridhar]]</center>
|-
| <center>[[Karnataka State Film Award for Best Dubbing Artist (Male)|Best Dubbing Artist (Male)]]</center>
| <center>Sudarshan</center>
|-
| rowspan="3" | <center>[[Filmfare Awards South]]</center>
| <center>[[Filmfare Award for Best Film – Kannada|Best Film – Kannada]]</center>
| <center>Syed Aman Bachchan, M. S. Ravindra</center>
| rowspan="3" {{won}}
| align="center" rowspan="3" | <ref>{{cite web|url= http://awardsandwinners.com/category/filmfare-awards-south/2008/ |title= 2008 Filmfare Awards South |accessdate= 4 March 2015}}</ref>
|-
| <center>[[Filmfare Award for Best Director – Kannada|Best Director – Kannada]]</center>
| <center>[[K. M. Chaitanya]]</center>
|-
| <center>[[Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor – Kannada|Best Supporting Actor – Kannada]]</center>
| <center>[[Sharath Lohitashwa]]</center> 
|-
| rowspan="2" | <center>Kanfida Film Awards</center>
| <center>Best Debutant Director</center>
| <center>K. M. Chaitanya</center>
| rowspan="2" {{won}}
| align="center" rowspan="2" | <ref>{{cite news|url= http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-karnataka/kanfida-film-awards-for-2007-announced/article1340958.ece |title= Kanfida film awards for 2007 announced |newspaper= The Hindu |date= 19 September 2008 |accessdate= 4 March 2015}}</ref>
|-
| <center>Best Dialogues</center>
| <center>Agni Shridhar</center>
|-
| rowspan="3" | <center>[[Udaya Film Awards]]</center>
| <center>Best Actor</center>
| <center>[[Chetan Kumar]]</center>
| rowspan="3" {{won}}
| align="center" rowspan="3" | <ref name="fm1"/>
|-
| <center>Best Supporting Actor</center>
| <center>Sharath Lohitashwa</center>
|-
| <center>Best Dialogues</center>
| <center>Agni Shridhar</center>
|-
| rowspan="1" | <center>Kasturi Film Awards</center>
| <center>Best Supporting Actor</center>
| <center>Sharath Lohitashwa</center>
| rowspan="1" {{won}}
| align="center" rowspan="1" | <ref name="fm1"/>
|-
| rowspan="1" | <center>[[Suvarna Film Awards]]</center>
| <center>Best Story</center>
| <center>Agni Shridhar</center>
| rowspan="1" {{won}}
| align="center" rowspan="1" | 
|-
| rowspan="1" | <center>Mysore Minerals Film Awards</center>
| <center>Best Supporting actor</center>
| <center>Sharath Lohitashwa</center>
| rowspan="1" {{won}}
| align="center" rowspan="1" | <ref name="fm1"/>
|-
| rowspan="1" | <center>South Indian Cinematographers' Association (SICA) Awards</center>
| <center>Best Debutant Director</center>
| <center>K. M. Chaitanya</center>
| rowspan="1" {{won}}
| align="center" rowspan="1" | <ref name="rf1">{{cite web|url=http://www.rollingframes.in/presskit/Keynote%20speakers%20Profile.pdf |title=Rolling Frames Short Film Summit 2014 |website=rollingframes.in |accessdate=4 March 2015 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402135021/http://www.rollingframes.in/presskit/Keynote%20speakers%20Profile.pdf |archivedate=2 April 2015 }}</ref>
|-
| rowspan="2" | <center>Chennai Film Fans Association Awards</center>
| <center>Best Debutant Director</center>
| <center>K. M. Chaitanya</center>
| rowspan="2" {{won}}
| align="center" rowspan="2" | <ref name="fm1">{{cite web |title= Sharath Lohitashwa achieves a rare feat |url= https://24x7filmnews.wordpress.com/2008/10/08/sharath-lohitashwa-achieves-a-rare-feat-4/ |website=filmnews.wordpress.com |date= 8 October 2008 |accessdate= 4 March 2015}}</ref><ref name="rf1"/>
|-
| <center>Best Actor</center>
| <center>Sharath Lohitashwa</center>
|}

==DVD==
The DVD of the movie has been released on Anand Audio. This is the first time a Kannada movie with 5.1 surround sound is releasing on a DVD.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gandhadagudi.com/node/165|title=Aa Dinagalu DVD|work=Gandhadagudi|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081120072708/http://www.gandhadagudi.com/node/165 |date=20 November 2008 |archive-date=20 November 2008}}</ref>

==Box-Office==
The film has been completed 100-days in Bangalore region.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bangalore365.com/actors/gaja-is-biggest-draw-at-kannada-box-office/|title=Gaja is biggest draw at Kannada box office|date=24 January 2008|publisher=bangalore365.com|access-date=19 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307122941/http://www.bangalore365.com/actors/gaja-is-biggest-draw-at-kannada-box-office/|archive-date=7 March 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>

== See also ==
* [[List of crime films]]
* [[India Mafia]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
* {{IMDb title|3169652|Aa Dinagalu}}

{{K. M. Chaitanya}}
{{Girish Karnad}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Aa Dinagalu}}
[[Category:Kannada-language films]]
[[Category:2007 films]]
[[Category:Indian films]]
[[Category:Films about organised crime in India]]
[[Category:Films set in Bangalore]]
[[Category:Films scored by Ilaiyaraaja]]
[[Category:Films shot in Bangalore]]
[[Category:Indian gangster films]]
[[Category:Films based on Indian novels]]
[[Category:Indian crime drama films]]
[[Category:Films set in the 1980s]]
[[Category:Films based on non-fiction books]]
[[Category:2007 directorial debut films]]
[[Category:Films directed by K. M. Chaitanya]]
[[Category:2000s Kannada-language films]]